Brooklyn Bridge in NYC, did you know that, was made stronger and safer by the passing of a parade of 21 elephants and 17 camels? Back in the day when it was first launched in 1883, it was the longest suspension span in the entire world, reaching from Manhattan to Brooklyn for a distance of 1.1 miles. Talking about the modern-day, it is claimed that this is one of the most photographed parts of the New York City skyline and can be considered the city’s visual character, as it is featured in the movies like Gangs of New York and TV series like Gossip Girl.
Whether you are thinking of visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park NYC or are curious about how long walking Brooklyn Bridge NYC is (the walk usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes if you are going at a slow pace), this guide is the answer to all your questions. We will tell you everything from the best place to start the journey which could be either Brooklyn or Manhattan and the most Instagram-worthy photo spots you can catch along this historic passage.
Coming with us, you can explore this engineering marvel that has been connecting New Yorkers for over 140 years, and understand why no city tour is complete without the first-hand experience of this architectural wonder.
The Story Behind the Brooklyn Bridge
When And Why It Was Built
The Brooklyn Bridge in New York is one of the spectacular engineering feats of the 19th century that still works today. The concept of the bridge was dropped first in the 19th century. In 1867, the New York legislators gave their formal consent to the project. John Augustus Roebling was the man who looked farthest and saw the way this prodigy was to be made. He was the most famous guy at that time with open-style bridge designs, the one across the Dinosaur Gorge and the one over the Ohio River, were the friends he’d already made.
The proposal of the bridge was the first steel suspension bridge in the world with the farthest span in the history of the world which was at 1,600 feet in between the towers. In 1869 work started but with the very first day, there was a fatal mishap. While doing the last compass readings across the East River, a boat hit Roebling’s foot. He got a fatal infection and died three weeks later.
His son Washington Roebling, 32 years of age, was left in charge of engineering. Due to exposure to helium in compressed air, the son too, became sick with what is known now as decompression sickness, while he was in the caissons that are under the river. Later on, when he recovered but remained paralyzed and unable to visit the site, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, became the eyes and hands of the company at the site.
Although there were various difficulties such as the loss of lives, the fire incident, and scandals concerning the use of substandard materials, the bridge was finished after 14 years of labor with the money spent on the works amounting to $15.5 million (equivalent to $506 million today).
Famous Events And fun facts
The Brooklyn Bridge inauguration on May 24, 1883, was attended by a very grand celebration feature President Chester A. Arthur came along with the mayors of New York and Brooklyn to grace the event with their presence. The honor of being the very first person to cross the bridge was bestowed upon Emily Warren Roebling.
It was the unforgettable moment, so about 150,300 people and 1,800 vehicles tried the crossing. However, there were still those who doubted the safety of the bridge. Moreover, a tragic stampede happened only a few days after the opening in which people died as a result of the panic that spread among the crowd and 12 people were killed.
In order to prove the bridge was safe, P.T. Barnum carried out a well-known publicity stunt in 1884 in which he walked 21 elephants and 17 camels over the bridge.
Some fun facts about the Brooklyn Bridge NYC are:
- Farm animals were once allowed to cross for 5 cents per cow and 2 cents per sheep or hog
- At least 27 people died during its construction
- The bridge towers rise 276.5 feet above the water
Why It’s A Nyc Icon Today
The Brooklyn Bridge has, in a way, become a symbolic tower of NYC’s endurance and creative power. As a result, it has influenced that large number of artists and poets like Walt Whitman, Hart Crane, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Joseph Stella, in a significant manner, both directly and indirectly.
In 1964, the bridge which plays a vital role in the city’s road network was recognized as a National Historic Landmark and, in 1972, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It is estimated that the bridge is transporting almost 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists every day..
What the bridge is to the transportation network, it also stands as the cultural core of the society and a reminder of the creative power of America – an absolute icon of New York City.
How to Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Taking a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is definitely one of the most gorgeous city views you can get in the whole of the United States. However, if you haven’t been there before, just a little bit of preparation and you’ll have a lot more fun.
Where to start: Brooklyn or Manhattan side?
The Brooklyn Bridge exploits can be started from either borough. Both facilitate different encounters. In Manhattan, the access is just opposite to City Hall Park on Center Street. This point of origin is very handy to be reached through various subway lines: 4/5/6 (Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall), J/Z (Chambers Street), or N/R/W (City Hall).
On the other hand, the chief pedestrian entrance on Brooklyn is at the conjunction of Tillary Street and Adams Street. Besides, to get a more straight route, you can take the stairs up to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway which is between Washington Street and Prospect Street.
There are so many visitors who argue which way would be the better. If you start from Brooklyn, you will have impressive views of the Manhattan skyline as you get closer, on the other hand, if you start in Manhattan, you will have the feeling of “decompression” as you are leaving the city. So, in fact, both the directions have stunning views from the central pylons of the bridge.
How long to walk Brooklyn Bridge NYC
The bridge reaches out for around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) and of course, the duration of your trek will be determined by the speed of your steps as well as whether or not you take pictures. The bridge can be safe in under 30 minutes if you walk briskly, but the view alone will probably convince you to spend almost 1 hour crossing it. In case you are taking a leisurely walk and stopping for a photo session, then 45 to 60 minutes will be just enough.
Moreover, please be aware that the pedestrian path may be heavily packed with people on weekends and holidays, and thus you will have to walk at a slower pace. The wood plank path is 18 ft. above the highway roads and so you will be assured of being below the traffic.
Best times to visit for photos and fewer crowds
If you want to have an ideal Brooklyn Bridge NYC experience with less crowd, then early morning is definitely your best choice-especially if you can get there before 9:00 AM on weekends. At sunrise, the bridge will be essentially yours, except for a few joggers and people on their way to work, and it is also a great time for your photos because of the fantastic light.
Though sunset can give you Manhattan skyline views that are literally out of this world, it is also the time when the bridge is most crowded with people. Therefore, in case you are absolutely determined to take pictures at sunset, then you should also be prepared to have a lot of people around.
In no case should you be there between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM if it is summer or a holiday, as this is the time when the place is most crowded with tourists. If you want to take a nice and quiet evening walk, then you should go after 8:00 PM when the bridge is almost empty.
Generally, weekdays are better in terms of crowd and breathing space than weekends; however, during rush hours, there will be more people due to the commuter traffic.
What to See and Do on the Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge NYC pedestrian walkway offers a feast for the senses beyond simply getting from one borough to another.
Skyline Views And Photo Spots
One can see panoramic of the city in all directions from the wooden pathway which is planked. If your eyes wander towards Manhattan you will see the typical skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center that are being framed by the bridge Gothic arches. Early morning is the best time to take a photo because the gentle dawn light is illuminating the cityscape and there are a few people so your view will not be blocked. After the walk, you can go to Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park NYC to have that typical photo with the bridge and Manhattan skyline together. Max Family Garden and John Street Park are two equally beautiful and quiet places that you can choose to go.
Street Performers And Vendors
Entertainers keep the vibe lively on the bridge with their music and shows all the day through. The problem with vendors, however, remains a point of contention. In January 2024, the authorities banned vendors because of safety issues caused by the narrow walkway. Shortly after that, a large number of them went back to their work, selling items from NYC-themed trinkets to sliced mangoes. Some vendors have relocated to Washington Street in DUMBO.
Hidden Details In The Bridge’s design
Take a second look at the architecture features that are typically overlooked by people who are visiting just for a short time. It was actually John Roebling who with great foresight planned the wide promenade itself to be “of incalculable value” in a congested commercial city. There is quite a surprise hidden inside the base – nuclear shelters and old wine cellars.
Explore the Areas Around the Bridge
Beyond the iconic span itself, the areas surrounding Brooklyn Bridge NYC offer countless experiences worth exploring.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Nyc Highlights
With a length of 1.3 miles of the East River, this 85-acre park of the waterfront is very much loaded with its many piers and areas for the visitors to be able to get pleasure out of it. They come across Jane’s Carousel, a lavishly revived 1920s merry-go-round, right next to the scenic esplanades that provide incredible views of Manhattan from the river. Pier 2 is the place where the basketball courts, roller skating, and volleyball are there for the fun and games only. Meanwhile, Pier 3 is equipped with a large green area and a maze to be explored along with some interactive features.
Top Things To Do Near Brooklyn Bridge
One of the closest locations where one can snap a photo for the gram is DUMBO at the intersection of Washington and Water Streets. It is here that a person can capture a view of the Empire State Building being literally hugged by the two giant arches of the Manhattan Bridge. In addition to that, Empire Stores have a rooftop that is open to anyone who wishes to have a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline. Many people take pleasure in walking along Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which is an elevated path that offers a breathtaking view of Lower Manhattan without any obstructions.
Where to eat in DUMBO and Manhattan side
DUMBO’s dining scene flourishes with notable options:
- The River Café: A romantic waterfront restaurant under the bridge serving imaginative American cuisine
- Time Out Market: A food hall with 21 carefully selected dining options all available under one roof
In addition, Vinegar Hill House serves seasonal American fare in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Conclusion
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the greatest landmarks in New York City which have a history that withstood the test of time, it is still a bridge that marked down the past but interconnected with the present, Manhattan lives with Brooklyn the vibe. So, if you take a walk, ride, or look at a distance of it enjoying its architectural style. The bridge visit should certainly be an unforgettable experience for you with its fantastic skyline views, with its cool history, and with its lively city life.
When organizing your 2025 visit, you should remember that it is better to go early or late in the day for the best views, you can also visit the places near the bridge such as DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park and then, you can still have enough time to absorb the atmosphere that has been a source of inspiration for New Yorkers and travelers, past and present. The Brooklyn Bridge is not just a way to get to the other side of the East River, it’s a trip through downtown New York City.