Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York experience to remember. Make the most of your ride on the iconic stretch.
Helpful tips
1. Prepare for a walk and wear sensible shoes. It’s just over a mile across the bridge (and twice as long if you choose to walk both ways), and with crowds almost always busy, don’t count on being able to take a break at one of the coveted bridges. Upper banks. Leave your heels behind, you’ll have plenty of places to wear in the city of Manhattan, and opt for comfortable footwear.
2. Stay in your lane. The elevated walkway is shared between cyclists and pedestrians, with only a white line painted to separate the two designated lanes. Consider each other. Many cyclists use this path for both commuting and pleasure trips, and speaking from experience, it is unfairly frustrating for them when pedestrians roam their designated route so frequently. More importantly, it is potentially quite dangerous!
3. Factor in a long time. While it is possible to cross the bridge via a 25 to 30 minute walk if you push it quickly, the journey can take over an hour if you stop to take photos, chat, and enjoy the views.
4. Consider starting on the Brooklyn side. While access to the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute breeze from the Manhattan side, many prefer to take the subway to Brooklyn and cross the bridge heading to Manhattan. In this way, you will have the spectacular Manhattan skyline in front of your focus throughout the hike.
5. Prepare for the elements. When it is very cold, rainy or windy, you will surely feel it even more on the bridge, with no cover and gusts of wind coming out of the river and the port below. You will enjoy the hike much more when the weather is cooperating. On the opposite side of the coin, on a hot day, be aware that there is no real shade, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and enough water to stay hydrated.
6. Plan your eating, drinking, and bathroom breaks ahead of time. When it comes to water, keep in mind that there are no food or beverage vendors or restrooms located at the top of the Brooklyn Bridge; be sure to plan your supplies and restroom stops accordingly.
7. Sunrise, sunset. Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is beautiful day or night, but a sunset walk is exceptional for the atmospheric lighting and the opportunity to observe the scene both by day and under the twinkling lights at night. However, early risers get the view largely for themselves – wake up for a sunrise hike for beautiful colors and a lot less congestion.
8. Don’t miss the attractions on both sides of the bridge. Right across from the Manhattan side entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge is the beautiful little City Hall Park, steeped in history and surrounded by notable landmark buildings such as the Woolworth Building, be sure to take some time to visit. Don’t miss out on the attractions on the Brooklyn Bridge side, including the small neighborhoods of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, and the fantastic, newly developed Brooklyn Bridge Park.
9. Read up on the history of the bridge and the surrounding sights (or consider a guided tour). You will get a lot more out of your hike if you know what you are seeing. Check out A Guide to Manhattan Bridges: Brooklyn Bridge to learn more about the history of the bridge and its impressive statistics. Also be sure to look at the historic plaques and bronze panoramas installed along the bridge route to help illuminate your surroundings along the way. Alternatively, consider taking a tour with an expert guide (like this one, from my walking tour company, BQE Tours) to learn about the fascinating facts and stories of the bridge that you might otherwise miss.
