Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Did you know it was a father and sone team that lead the bridge build, then it was taken over by the son’s wife. f

Things to know before you go

Brooklyn, known as New York City's trendiest borough, boasts a rich history of immigrants, vibrant dining options, and diverse neighborhoods. With such diversity and creativity, it's no surprise that Brooklyn has produced a plethora of talented artists and performers who have taken the world by storm. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for some fun, there are endless activities to enjoy in this vibrant borough.

Before you go, key points to remember:

1 The Brooklyn Bridge gets busy during peak holiday and summer period. Go early or go late.

2 Stick to the Right Hand Side when walking across. Don’t swim against the tide.

3 Go from Manhattan to Brooklyn. It’s better. Why? It just is. Trust me.

4 If you are walking out of the subway station, turn right and walk across the road into the center section. So many people go straight ahead into a park.

About the bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a remarkable structure that is synonymous with New York and featured in countless photographs. As a stunning work of engineering, it serves as an iconic symbol of New York City.

In recent months it has been cleared of vendors hawking tourist merchandise and ‘sights.’ Which included pet snakes, birds and endless selfie vendors blaring Alicia Keys ‘New York’ song. I counted eight out of nine vendors playing it.

This hybrid bridge seamlessly blends both cable-stayed and suspension bridge elements with Gothic arches and towers, creating a truly iconic structure that has stood the test of time.

Not only was it the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world, but it also played a crucial role in linking the independent cities of Brooklyn and New York City, which later merged into one city.

The construction of this magnificent bridge, which took 14 years to complete, was funded by bonds and cost US$15.5 million in 1883 dollars – equivalent to US$471 million in 2022. It wasn't until 1956 that the bonds were fully paid off.

3 gossip worthy facts 

1 Upon its opening, the Brooklyn Bridge claimed the title of the world's longest suspension bridge, boasting a main span of 1,595.5 feet (486.3 m) and a deck that rose 127 ft (38.7 m) above mean high water. To accommodate shipping in the East River, long approach viaducts were added on each side of the bridge to lift it from low ground. The Brooklyn Bridge measures 6,016 feet (1,834 m) in total length, including its approaches. 

2 Although it was originally known as the New York and Brooklyn Bridge or the East River Bridge, it received its current name in 1915.

3 As at 2018, over 30,000 pedestrians, 3,000 cyclists, and an average of 116,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Stop. Photo time. The author looking cool on a Sunday. Watch people make every pose imaginable here.

Where to go

Once you walk down the hill after you have exited off the Brooklyn Bridge, keep going into Washington Street. It’s an iconic social media place. Follow the crowd. You will witness almost every pose imaginable. People often mistake the bridge in view, as the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s not. It’s the poor cousin, the Manhattan Bridge. I walked it once. My advice, don’t. It’s scary quiet, vibrates a lot from the trains and is a great place to get robbed. And I’m 6’1.

If you fancy some flea market action, Brooklyn Flea under the Manhattan Bridge is a good start. Only open on weekends.

Head towards the East River and Jane’s Carousel is a favorite. A restored 1922 carousel, at $2 a ride it’s a bargain.

Walk around the foreshore onto the southern side of the bridge. If you’re hungry, grab a lobster roll at Luke's Lobster Brooklyn Bridge Park . It’s a chain but an experience. There are some great places down near the ferry, where you can have an ice cream, an alcoholic beverage at High Tide or throw rocks in the water. It’s your call. This location is where George Washington and his troops retreated from Brooklyn on August 29, 1776, during the Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn. During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops were forced to retreat from the British forces at the Battle of Brooklyn, (also known as the Battle of Long Island). The retreat occurred after British troops outmaneuvered the Americans, who were heavily outnumbered. Washington's retreat across the East River saved the Continental Army from possible capture, allowing them to fight another day in the struggle for American independence.

You explore

You can discover the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn and DUMBO right here on our free walking tour. Why free? We’re the little guys starting out in New York.

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Happy travels.