How to Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Pedestrians cross Manhattan's Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City's most recognizable sights. Built in 1883, the bridge connects Manhattan with the borough of Brooklyn. The one-mile walking path, which is heavily traversed by bicyclists as well as pedestrians, is a popular activity among locals and tourists. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge will take approximately one hour to complete, but it's worth every step.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with an Internet Connection
• A love of walking
• The desire to see Manhattan from a different vantage point

Instructions

1. 

   Start your journey at Park Row (across from City Hall). If you're coming from midtown or other points north of lower Manhattan, take the No. 4 subway train and get off at the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. The pathway leading to the bridge is directly across from the subway stop.

2. Begin your journey across the bridge, taking note of the vendors conveniently selling water along the way, which is a God-send if you've forgotten to bring liquids and it's warm outside. Once you have made it halfway across the bridge, you'll have the opportunity to stop at one of the arches and read up on the bridge's history, including information on the immigrants who shed blood, sweat and tears to build this famous landmark.

3. 

   While you're there, go ahead and take pictures of the amazing New York City skyline. You can see many famous buildings from there, including the Empire State Building, which is about two miles away, the art deco Chrysler Building, South Street Seaport to the south, and Governor's Island and the Statue of Liberty can also be seen.

4. 

   Before you enter Brooklyn, take note of the plaques on the bridge that provide the history of the borough. During the 19th century, Brooklyn was a sizable city in its own right, but in 1898 it consolidated with Manhattan and the Bronx, and the rural areas of Queens and Staten Island to become what is now modern-day New York City.

5. If you don't feel like walking back across the bridge just yet, why not explore the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a gentrified neighborhood that was home to the manufacturing industry, but is now occupied by artists and other creative types.

6. 

   Get off the bridge taking the stairwell located on Prospect Street between Cadman Plaza East and West that leads to DUMBO. There are quite a few restaurants in this neighborhood. Low-budget travelers will love Grimaldi's Pizzeria (hopefully they won't mind the long lines, especially in the summer). The River Cafe is costlier, but other places worth a try include the Almondine Bakery and Jacques Torres chocolate shop. Bubby's Brooklyn is a good place if you're looking for traditional American fare.

7. Take a rest at the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park, nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, and watch the New York City water taxis go by.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Bring water

• Don't forget a camera.

Resources

• ww.jacquestorres.com
• www.almondinebakery.com
• www.rivercafe.com
• www.grimaldis.com
• www.nywatertaxi.com