Brooklyn Bridge

State: New York. Type: suspension bridge spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Built 1870-1883; opened May 24, 1883. Designed by John Augustus Roebling, completed under chief engineer Washington Roebling with major contributions from Emily Warren Roebling. Total length 6,016 feet; main span 1,595.5 feet. Was the longest suspension bridge in the world at opening. Carries roughly 28,845 pedestrians daily as of 2024.

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City's most iconic structures, a 19th-century suspension bridge linking Manhattan's Civic Center area to Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights across the East River. Designed by John Augustus Roebling and built between 1870 and 1883, the bridge was a landmark feat of engineering for its era, opening as the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span roughly 20 percent longer than any built previously. Roebling died before construction began, and his son Washington Roebling took over as chief engineer; when Washington was incapacitated during construction, his wife Emily Warren Roebling played a crucial role in overseeing the project's completion. The bridge's construction was both costly, at $15.5 million in 1883 dollars, and dangerous, with about 27 workers killed during the project. Today it remains a major crossing for cars, cyclists and pedestrians, with an elevated promenade offering sweeping views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines and the harbor, and it is one of the most photographed and visited landmarks in the city.

The bridge spans the East River, connecting the Civic Center area of lower Manhattan with the Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Its Manhattan approach is near City Hall Park, and its Brooklyn approach lands near Cadman Plaza and the Dumbo waterfront.

New York City has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers (highs commonly in the low-to-mid 80s Fahrenheit) and cold winters (highs often in the 30s-40s Fahrenheit, with occasional snow). Because the bridge crossing is entirely outdoors and elevated over open water, wind can make the walk feel notably colder or more exposed than at street level, especially in winter.

Early morning or weekday visits tend to have far fewer pedestrians than weekend afternoons, when the promenade gets very crowded. Sunrise and sunset are popular times for photography given the skyline views in both directions. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking temperatures, while summer is busiest with tourists.

Construction on the Brooklyn Bridge ran from 1870 to 1883, under a design by engineer John Augustus Roebling, who died from an injury before construction began. His son, Washington Roebling, took over as chief engineer, and after Washington was incapacitated by decompression sickness during construction, his wife, Emily Warren Roebling, took on major responsibilities overseeing the project's day-to-day progress until its completion. The bridge opened to the public on May 24, 1883, as the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, with a main span about 20 percent longer than any previously built. Construction was costly, at $15.5 million in 1883 dollars, and dangerous, with approximately 27 workers dying during the project. Since opening, the bridge has become one of the most recognizable symbols of New York City.

Walking across the elevated pedestrian promenade, which runs between the roadway lanes, is the main visitor activity, offering views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Cyclists can use a protected bicycle path across the bridge. Many visitors pair the crossing with a stop in Dumbo on the Brooklyn side, known for its waterfront views and photogenic streets, or Brooklyn Bridge Park just beneath the bridge.

The bridge's Gothic-style stone towers and cabling are landmarks in their own right and a major photo subject. Brooklyn Bridge Park, running along the Brooklyn waterfront beneath the bridge, offers additional views and green space. Dumbo, on the Brooklyn side, and City Hall Park, on the Manhattan side, are natural bookends to a bridge walk.

On the Manhattan side, the bridge entrance is near City Hall, close to several subway lines serving the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall and Chambers Street stations. On the Brooklyn side, the entrance lands near Cadman Plaza, close to the High Street and Borough Hall subway stations. Many visitors walk one direction and take the subway back, given stations sit at both ends.

Per New York City's Department of Transportation, the pedestrian promenade is open at all times, though portions of the walkway may be narrowed periodically due to ongoing rehabilitation work; there is no fixed daily closing time.

There is no fee to walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge; it is a free public crossing, per the NYC Department of Transportation.

Walking the full span one-way typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes at a relaxed pace, longer if stopping frequently for photos; many visitors budget an hour or two to include time in Dumbo or Brooklyn Bridge Park on the far side.

Lower Manhattan's Financial District and Brooklyn's Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods each have a growing number of hotels within easy walking distance of the bridge's two ends. Staying on either side puts the crossing within a short walk, while Dumbo in particular has become known for boutique waterfront hotel options.

Dumbo, on the Brooklyn side, has a well-developed dining and cafe scene along its waterfront and cobblestone streets. Lower Manhattan, near the Manhattan approach, offers a broader mix of Financial District restaurants and quick-service options. Brooklyn Bridge Park also has seasonal food vendors near the waterfront.

Dumbo's waterfront, including Brooklyn Bridge Park and its popular photo spots looking back at the Manhattan Bridge and skyline, sits just beneath the Brooklyn end. City Hall Park and the Manhattan Municipal Building anchor the Manhattan side. The South Street Seaport is a short walk from the Manhattan approach.

Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall and Chambers Street subway stations serve the Manhattan side, while High Street and Borough Hall stations serve the Brooklyn side, making it easy to walk one way and take transit back. No dedicated airport connection reaches the bridge directly; visitors typically arrive via subway, taxi, or rideshare.

Stay in the pedestrian lane, which is separated from the cyclist path, since collisions between walkers and cyclists are a real hazard on the crowded promenade. Watch footing on the wooden-plank sections, which can be slippery when wet. For any emergency, dial 911.

Comfortable walking shoes are important given the length of the crossing and its wooden-plank sections. A light jacket or windbreaker helps with wind exposure on the elevated promenade, especially over water. A camera or phone for skyline photos is a must for most visitors.

Walking early in the morning or on a weekday avoids the heaviest pedestrian crowds that build up on weekend afternoons. Staying in the marked pedestrian lane, rather than the adjacent bike path, helps avoid conflicts with cyclists. Combining the walk with a stop in Dumbo for food or photos rounds out a typical visit.

Dial 911 for any emergency. For questions about ongoing bridge rehabilitation work, NYC DOT lists a community liaison contact, Anita Navalurkar, at 347-647-0876 or brooklynbridgeoutreach@gmail.com, per the department's official project page.

NYC Department of Transportation - Brooklyn Bridge - https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.