New York City: Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Getting there…
The easiest way to start your walk is to take the subway to the City Hall-Brooklyn Bridge stop (J, Z, 4, 5, 6). You’ll come out right at the base of city hall & there are well marked signs to help you find the path which leads to the bridge.

Getting across…
The pedestrian path across the bridge is going to be busy unless you go at a very off time – think January in a snowstorm. In addition to being a tourist attraction, it’s also a daily commute for pedestrians & cyclists. It’s important that you stay to the right in the pedestrian lane while you’re walking. New York cyclists, like all New Yorkers, have very limited patience for people walking in the bike lane (& as an extremely armature cyclist myself, I totally understand why).

You’ll want to stop a lot to take photos, just make sure you step as far right as possible when you do. When you get to the two areas around the support pillars of the bridge, there is ample room to stop & take photos. There are great views from the bridge of Midtown (including the Empire State Building), Lower Manhattan (including the Freedom Tower & the very impressive New York by Gehry building), Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan Bridge, & the entire harbor area.

Once you’re across…
When you come off the bridge, the take first exit to your left just after the Welcome to Brooklyn sign (the pedestrian lane will continue on straight). Follow the signs for Old Fulton Street & head down toward the waterfront. If you’re hungry, now’s the perfect opportunity to grab a pizza from the world famous Grimaldi’s (the line will be long but it’s so, so worth it).

Walk down to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers stunning views of Manhattan. This beautiful green space has restrooms, a play area, & even a carousel (which will be on the right side of the bridge if you’re facing the city).

If you have the time, explore Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood, an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, galleries & residences.

Getting back…
There are several ways to get back to Manhattan once you’re done exploring:
– walk back (it’s much faster going back, since you’ve already stopped to ohh, ahh & take all your photos)

– take the subway from the High Street Station (A, C) which is between Old Fulton Street & the bridge

– take the water taxi located in Brooklyn Bridge Park (seasonally)

If you go…
Know that a one-way, slow amble across the bridge will take about 30 minutes.

Remember that the bridge is totally open to the elements – there’s nothing to shelter you from the rain, sun, snow or heat. On a hot summer day, it’s one of the coolest locations in the city because of the great breeze coming off the water. On a cold winter day, it’s one of the coldest locations.

Remember to stay to the right!

There are no restrooms, food or beverage vendors or places to sit down on the bridge.