Brooklyn Bridge Visitors Guide

Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Spanning nearly 1600 feet across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge until 1903.

The Brooklyn Bridge connects lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can access the pedestrian walkway from Brooklyn at Tillary/Adams Streets or a staircase on Prospect St between Cadman Plaza East and West. You can access the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side near City Hall Park at Park Row and Centre Street.

To walk across the bridge from Manhattan, take the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, N/R to City Hall or the 2/3 to Park Place. To walk across the bridge from Brooklyn, take the A/C to High Street or the 2/3 to Clark Street.

The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours. There is no charge for walking across and no toll if driving.

I won't try to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge-but I will try to sell you on the idea of taking a walk across it.

This enduring, historic monument is the southernmost of New York's East River bridge crossings. With its Neo-Gothic towers, you can't miss it -- and neither have many artists over the years who have been inspired by its majesty, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Georgia O'Keefe and Walt Whitman.

Carefully cross the traffic pattern at either end of the bridge and make it to the pedestrian walkway, which is a boardwalk like no other. The planks that pattern the path lead you over the river and a memorable journey. Bring your camera because the views are stunning.

Brooklyn Bridge Fact
Construction of the bridge began in 1870 and took over 13 years to build, and was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Looking for more free things to see and do in NYC? Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge is at the top of Mark's list, but he's got nine other great things you can do that won't cost a thing!