Visit the Brooklyn Bridge: full guide

A planned trip to New York? So discover our 6 ideas to visit the Brooklyn Bridge in a fun and original way!

Located in the heart of New York, the Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic Big Apple Bridge. Crossing the East River to connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, it is also one of the oldest suspended bridges in the United States. With its 1,825 meters long and 84 meters high, it is a colossus that does not pass unnoticed in the New York landscape.

But above all, it offers incredible views of this World City. Through the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of all this urban landscape in New York. Would you like to visit the Brooklyn Bridge? So we give you in this article some ideas to do it!

The Brooklyn Bridge in a few words

Before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, you had to borrow the ferry to get Manhattan from Brooklyn, or vice versa. The two cities were distinct and Brooklyn joined the city of New York in 1898. The construction of a bridge was therefore necessary, and it is John August Roebling who is responsible for designing it.

The architect unfortunately died at the beginning of the work started in 1869. After his death, his son Washington Roebling led the project, assisted by his wife Emily Warren Roebling. A victim of a serious accident, he had to follow the construction of the bridge from his apartment using a telescope. His wife Emily took care of the work and gave orders to the workers. The Pont du Pont was finally open to traffic on 24 May 1883. Six days after it was opened, we always doubted its strength. The inhabitants were so afraid that it would collapse! The domptor P.T. Barnum has therefore demonstrated safety by scrolling his 21 elephants on it a year later.

Today, 120,000 cars, 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 cyclists take the Brooklyn Bridge every day. In addition, traffic is done on two levels.

1. Walking tours on the Brooklyn Bridge

To visit the Brooklyn Bridge, you can obviously choose a walk on this colossal work. As mentioned above, traffic is carried out on two levels:

• One is dedicated to motor vehicles
• The other for pedestrians and cyclists

Walking will allow you to discover the bridge gently and take your time. You can stop and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, East River and Hudson Bay!

Symbolically, the Brooklyn Bridge had to link the City Hall of New York and the Brooklyn Bridge. However, the latter having joined the first, his city hotel today took the name of Brooklyn Borough Hall . The entrance to the Manhattan side is located at the Centre Street level. The walk starts in front of the exit metro Brooklyn Bridge – City Hall. Panels will clearly indicate the way to follow from this place. The crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge lasts on average one 40 minutes . Obviously this time does not take into account the multiple stops to marvel at the view of the bridge.

Note that the entry to the Brooklyn side is located at the crossroads of bStreet and Adams Street . The walk begins in the middle of the intersection. You can’t miss the entrance!

Guided walk tours of the Brooklyn Bridge

It is obviously possible to book a guided walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. These visits usually last two hours and will allow you to discover this monument of New York accompanied by a expert and passionate guide. The latter will tell you the story of the bridge, of the city, while giving you some beautiful anecdotes. It will also show you the best views and most beautiful buildings to observe from the bridge.

At what price?

For this type of guided tour, count on average 30€ per person.

2. Bike tours to visit the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge can obviously be visited by bike. You can discover the bridge by yourself and attarder at your favourite points of view. Some travellers will also be able to escape the Brooklyn assault. This city in the city is a high place of art and history of the popular New York culture. Don't miss discovering it after your visit to the Brooklyn Bridge!

Modalities

You have the choice to rent a bike in town or book a guided tour directly. Duration two hours on average , like walking tours, this type of tower will allow you to learn more about the building, about the history of the city and its other monuments. You will also discover beautiful views, commented by your passionate guide.

Note that the walk on the bridge is reserved for pedestrians and bicycles. A bike path is located in the centre of the bridge. Ensure that you are pedestrians or cyclists. If you're on foot, avoid walking on it. This especially arouses New York cyclists!

At what price?

This type of guided tour usually costs 30 to 40€ per person. Some tours even offer you to rent a bike at competitive prices after your first visit.

3. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge by car

To visit the Brooklyn Bridge, you can obviously take a rental car and borrow the bridge as the thousands of New Yorkers do every day. The crossing only lasts a few minutes . Unfortunately, you will not have time to enjoy the unique views that the bridge gives.

However, it is a good way to immerse yourself in the New York atmosphere, to discover a new aspect. This crossing will only be able to mention some films or television series that you could have seen.

At what price?

Note that there is no No tolls at either end of the Brooklyn Bridge.

4. Brooklyn Bridge bus tours

If you don’t have a vehicle to cross and visit the Brooklyn Bridge, you can always opt for a guided tour by bus. By bus, you enjoy the beautiful views and can always take the bridge back on foot. During the tour, you can visit the Brooklyn Bridge, but also the Empire State Building or Times Square .

Modalities

For example, travellers can take a ticket for a multi-stop bus. With this type of bus, your ticket valid for 24 hours or more will allow you to discover several monuments and must-see sites in New York at your convenience.

Note that buses are generally equipped audioguides . You can enjoy comments and anecdotes on the Brooklyn Bridge when you cross it.

At what price?

For this type of activity, count 40 to 50€ per person on average for a 24-hour ticket.

5. Cruises to visit the Brooklyn Bridge

After crossing the Bridge on foot, by bike, by car or by bus, why not discover it from the water? A cruise is obviously a great way to visit the Brooklyn Bridge. You will admire it from a new angle, pass below and observe it from all the seams. This activity is not to be missed if you come to New York! Especially since there are very many cruises today, for all tastes and all in-life.

We recommend you choose the cruises on the Manhattan Tower, then you will discover the three rivers of New York. You will also have the opportunity to admire several must-see sites, such as The Statue of Liberty that you can photograph from every angle. You will also pass under seven New York bridges, including the emblematic Brooklyn Bridge!

Finally, you can opt for more romantic or spectacular cruises. We recommend the river promenades at the fall of the day. At dusk, New York and its Brooklyn Bridge dyed warm and sublime colors. This is the perfect time to take unforgettable photos and enjoy extraordinary views. The lovers can also choose a cruise including a romantic dinner.

Modalities

• Single cruise: 1:30 to 2:00.
• Thematic cruise: up to 3:30 usually.

At what price?

• Single cruise: 30 to 40€ per person.
• Thematic cruise: 50 to 100€ per person.

6. Admire the Brooklyn Bridge from the shore

You visited the Brooklyn Bridge, but don't you stop admiring it? To enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and take some great shots, we recommend you come to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, especially near Pier 1. This park is located on the Brooklyn side. So you can go there after crossing the bridge. Then you’ll have to walk around the park and admire the bridge.

You can also choose one housing facing the building . You can admire it throughout your stay in New York:

• The 1 Brooklyn Bridge is thus famous for its superb views on the famous bridge. This chic hotel is the ideal place for couples travelling to Big Apple. In addition to its views, it offers exceptional services, luxurious and comfortable rooms, a spa and a wellness centre. One night in this dream establishment will cost you on average 400€ for two people.