Iconic bridge with cable stays framing Manhattan skyline. Walk from Brooklyn side toward Manhattan for best composition.
The Brooklyn Bridge connects lower Manhattan to the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn across the East River, spanning 1,595 feet with two Gothic granite towers rising 276 feet above the water — the most distinctive architectural element of the New York City skyline since the bridge's completion in 1883. The bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at its opening and remains one of the finest examples of 19th-century engineering in the United States. Its wooden pedestrian and cyclist walkway runs down the center of the bridge elevated above the vehicle lanes, providing a continuous elevated viewpoint as walkers cross between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The walkway is one-way for cyclists (Brooklyn to Manhattan) but open in both directions for pedestrians. The view from the walkway itself — looking through the bridge's wire harp cables toward the Manhattan skyline — is among the most iconic in photography, with the stone towers framing the modern towers of the Financial District behind. For photographers seeking the full span-and-skyline composition, the best fixed vantage points are: the waterfront in DUMBO at the foot of Washington Street, where the bridge's full span appears framed between two brick warehouse buildings; the Jane's Carousel park in Brooklyn Bridge Park for a skyline view with the bridge to the left; and the Manhattan skyline view looking back from the Brooklyn waterfront. The Manhattan Bridge walkway, open to pedestrians, provides an iconic perspective looking at the Brooklyn Bridge with Manhattan behind it. The bridge walk from one end to the other takes 20 to 30 minutes at a leisurely pace and deposits walkers in either the Manhattan Civic Center area or DUMBO in Brooklyn, both with transit connections.
Location
40.7061, -73.9969 View on map
Highlights
- Walk the elevated pedestrian walkway through the Gothic stone towers for cable-framed skyline views
- Photograph the full bridge span from the Washington Street DUMBO viewpoint between brick buildings
- See the Manhattan skyline with the bridge in frame from Brooklyn Bridge Park's waterfront promenade
- View the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan Bridge walkway for the classic bridge-within-bridge composition
Tips for visiting
- The DUMBO Washington Street view is best at sunrise — walk from the Jay Street–MetroTech subway to reach it in 10 minutes
- Cross from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the walkway — this direction faces Manhattan and provides the best forward views
- Blue hour after sunset gives lit tower windows and bridge lights in a single composition from the Brooklyn waterfront
- Watch for cyclists on the bridge walkway — they share the path and move considerably faster than pedestrians
- Combine the bridge walk with a visit to DUMBO's Brooklyn Bridge Park for additional waterfront vantage points
When to visit
Sunrise — particularly from the DUMBO waterfront and Washington Street viewpoints — provides golden light on the bridge towers with the Manhattan skyline beginning to catch the sun. Blue hour after sunset illuminates building windows and bridge lights. The bridge walkway is most crowded in summer afternoons; early morning weekdays see the lightest foot traffic.
Accessibility
The Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway is accessible from both the Brooklyn and Manhattan ends via ramp access; no elevator is required. The walkway surface is wooden planks and is generally flat. The pathway at pedestrian level is accessible by wheelchair. Access points at both ends have accessible street crossings to subway stations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?
The 1.1-mile pedestrian walkway crossing takes 20 to 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. The descent on the Brooklyn side leads directly to DUMBO; the Manhattan side deposits walkers near City Hall Park in the Civic Center area.
Is the Brooklyn Bridge walkway free?
Yes. The pedestrian walkway is free and open 24 hours. Cyclists also use the walkway at no charge. There is no vehicle pedestrian access fee on the bridge.
Where is the best place to photograph the Brooklyn Bridge from outside the bridge?
The Washington Street vantage point in DUMBO — where the bridge appears framed between two historic brick warehouses — is the most iconic external composition. It is best captured from a low angle at street level. The Manhattan Bridge walkway provides a second perspective looking at the Brooklyn Bridge from the east.
Is the Brooklyn Bridge walkway safe for children?
Yes. The walkway has railings throughout. The main hazard is sharing the path with cyclists; stay in the pedestrian lane on the right side and keep children close when cyclists pass. The walkway surface is wooden and well-maintained.