Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Brooklyn Bridge

Spanning the East River since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is both commuter necessity and New York City icon, with unbeatable views of Manhattan.

1 min read•Dec 16, 2019•By Madigan Talmage-Bowers

Make the most of your trip to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Hi, I'm Madigan!

Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.

1. Enjoy an NYC Freebie

The bridge is open around the clock and is kind to your wallet, too—unlike most things in New York, the scenic pedestrian walkway is completely free.

2. Walk from Brooklyn

If you're planning to walk the length of the bridge, consider taking the subway to Brooklyn and walking back towards Manhattan so you'll get fantastic skyline views the whole way.

3. Map your route

No matter which direction you travel, plan ahead how you will reach the pedestrian ramp and where to catch public transit back to your starting point once on the other side.

4. Get on safely

If you are accessing the bridge from Brooklyn, the pedestrian walkway on-ramp is in between two busy streets, so use caution when getting on. From Manhattan, access is right across from the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall subway station.

5. Cross at twilight

Time your walk around sundown to catch one of New York City's best sunsets and watch Manhattan start to twinkle with lights. You’ll have fewer crowds to contend with, too. Just be sure to bundle up during fall and winter.