Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge – what to see and how to visit the Brooklyn Bridge?

It’s time for another iconic New York City landmark – the Brooklyn Bridge! However, it is not worth limiting yourself to just looking at it from afar or from vantage points. You can drive or simply walk across the bridge, which we recommend, because on the other side of the bridge, from Brooklyn, more views of Manhattan await, including the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge. Where to go and what to see in Brooklyn? We invite you to read more!

The Brooklin Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, and it is not the only bridge connecting the two boroughs – there are two others located to the east of it: Manhattan Bridge, although we find it much easier and more convenient to use the name Manhattan Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge (Williamsburg Bridge). Of these bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge is the most popular with visitors, even though each bridge can be both walked and driven over.

However, it is the title bridge that inspires the most admiration, is the most impressive and, in our opinion, has the best prepared footbridge. Being in New York, we simply couldn’t miss this unique walk, although our main destination was the Dumbo district, but we write about that later in this post.

We visited New York in August and it was quite a hot August – high temperatures every day, zero rain and it was during the transition to Brooklyn that we were first caught in the rain. Quite unfortunate, because in any other place in New York we would have found some kind of shelter, and here we were left to speed up our step to get off the bridge as quickly as possible ;)

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, overlooking skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the waterfront vibe of Brooklyn, allows you to see New York from a different perspective – a quieter, more industrial one. Here the city slows down, we gain distance. Brooklyn, on the other hand, is surprising in its own right. You’ve probably heard and read about how dangerous it is in New York’s famous Brooklyn, but the neighborhood is also a mix of modern pubs, artsy spaces and quaint streets that create a unique atmosphere, as if this slice of the city is still living in the rhythm of the old days. It’s a place where culture, history and art come together to create a space full of contrasts that’s really worth exploring on your own, and today we’re going to describe for you Brooklyn’s top attractions.

Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge – basic information and history

To begin with, some basic information you should know about. As already mentioned, the famous Brooklyn Bridge connects the two boroughs of New York City: Manhattan and Brooklyn. Opened in 1883, it is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S., and its popularity can be explained not only by its engineering solutions and architecture, but by the fact that from here you will see Lower Manhattan with One World Trade Center at its head, Brooklyn, the Manhattan Bridge and the East River.

In 1964, the bridge was granted National Historic Landmark status, or National Historic Monument.

The bridge has a span of 486.3 meters (1,595.5 feet), making it the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion. The total length of the bridge, including the approaches, is about 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles). The bridge’s distinctive towers, made of granite, limestone and cement, are 84.8 meters above the water level. It is these Gothic, massive arches that set it apart from other bridges not only in NYC, but throughout the United States, and it is often compared to cathedrals and monumental European buildings.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is not only a historical landmark, but also a symbol of New York’s unity and development. It once connected the separate city of Brooklyn to Manhattan, which was of great importance for economic and social development. Brooklyn was still a separate city in the 19th century, and only after the bridge was completed did it begin a process of rapid growth that contributed to its incorporation into the New York metropolitan area in 1898.

Brooklyn is much more than a backdrop for the Brooklyn Bridge – it’s one of New York City’s oldest and most interesting neighborhoods that for decades has attracted artists, entrepreneurs and immigrants from around the world. Today, Brooklyn is a mix of tradition and modernity, where you’ll find elegant historic buildings as well as modern apartments, hipster pubs and art spaces. The district is famous for its unique places such as Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg and Dumbo, which attract with their unique atmosphere and numerous galleries, restaurants and green parks.

Anyway, let’s add that the Brooklyn Bridge is named after Brooklyn, not the other way around :)

Interesting facts about the bridge:

• Underground war shelters – In 2006, during a routine inspection, a secret Cold War-era nuclear shelter was discovered under the bridge. The shelter contained supplies of water, medicine, dry rations and blankets that could serve in the event of a possible nuclear attack.
• “Stability” trial involving elephants and camels – A week after the bridge opened in 1883, panic broke out when some people thought the bridge would collapse. To prove the stability of the structure, P.T. Barnum, founder of the famous circus, led 21 elephants and 17 camels across the bridge. The passage of the animals convinced residents of the bridge’s soundness and allayed fears.

• Family project – The bridge’s designer, John A. Roebling, died before completion due to an infection he acquired after injuring his foot while working on the bridge. His son, Washington Roebling, took over the project, but he himself suffered severely from decompression sickness and eventually managed construction from his apartment, observing the work through a telescope. His wife Emily was his liaison with the on-site team and studied engineering herself to complete the project with her husband.
• I have a bridge to sell you – unknown in Poland, but this phrase meaning “I have a bridge to sell you” indicates that our interlocutor is very naive. The Brooklyn Bridge has become a symbol of credibility and has been repeatedly “sold” by scammers to tourists who believed they could become its owners, and that’s where this American slogan came from.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

To walk, run, or bike is the dream of many visitors to New York. Seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and walking across it is an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover New York from a whole new perspective. During the walk o you can admire the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty and the East River.

The pedestrian path, located above the vehicular section, provides a safe space and views that are especially magical during sunset or in the evening, when the city is illuminated by millions of lights. We recommend going to the famous bridge also at sunrise, when there are far fewer strollers. There are benches set up from time to time along the path where you can sit and rest, and especially closer to the entrance you will encounter small stands full of souvenirs.

The bridge is about 1,800 meters long and should take about 30 minutes to cross. It should ;) It took us about an hour, as we walked at a slower pace with the kids and, of course, stopped every now and then for views and photos. When planning your passage, remember that from Brooklyn you still have to return somehow ;) You can walk back over one of the bridges, take a cab, a subway or take the ferry.

Brooklyn district – what is worth seeing?

Once you make it to Brooklyn, it’s worth staying here for a while. You don’t have to go far, and even if you only have 2-3 hours you will manage to see some interesting places and major attractions.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a public park located along the banks of the East River, offering views of the Manhattan skyline. The park was built on former port wharves and is an example of the successful transformation of an industrial landscape into a green and recreational space. With modern solutions and spaces tailored to the needs of residents and tourists, it has grown in popularity.

It’s hard to pick a single highlight here, so we recommend just walking the avenues, standing on the waterfront, from where you’ll see Lower Manhattan with One World Trade Center at its head and the Statue of Liberty, or taking an extended break to relax. It is worth not limiting yourself only to the western part of the park – being between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, you can not only admire Manhattan and both bridges, but also take a ride on the Jane’s Carousel which is a restored historical landmark from 1922 and is now an attraction for both children and adults. If you have more time then head to Squibb Park Bridge. It is a bridge, a footbridge in the treetops.

Playgrounds await the youngest, of course, and sports enthusiasts will find basketball, volleyball and soccer fields, as well as recreational areas.

Dumbo district and one of the most beautiful views in New York City

Next, we recommend taking a walk on DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). It is one of the trendiest and most artistic places in Brooklyn. This district, formerly dominated by industry, has transformed into a vibrant area full of art galleries, lofts, boutiques, restaurants and atmospheric cafes. Walking along the cobblestone streets, among the brick former factories, one can even forget that one is in New York. These streets offer breathtaking views of Manhattan and the two bridges, attracting tourists and photographers alike.

Particularly iconic, however, is the perspective of the Manhattan Bridge as seen from Washington Street, where between the bridge’s pillars you can see the… Empire State Building (we are very curious if this was intentional or if it is a work of chance!). This place is becoming increasingly popular so don’t be surprised by the waves of tourists wanting to take that one perfect photo.

What else is worth seeing in Brooklyn?

If you have more time then consider visiting the following places. We didn’t make it, but we had them on the list and they are still on it :)

• The Brooklyn Heights neighborhood is an elegant and historic part of Brooklyn, full of tall brick townhouses.
• The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful 21-acre botanical garden located in the heart of Brooklyn that offers a variety of themed gardens, including the famous Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the Cherry Garden, which draws crowds during the sakura blooming season.
• Brooklyn Museum Located next door to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the museum is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the United States. It has a collection that includes ancient Egyptian art, works of American, African and contemporary art.
• Prospect Park is a sprawling urban park designed by Central Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The park offers numerous attractions such as scenic ponds, green meadows, the historic Prospect Park Boathouse, as well as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on its outskirts, making it an ideal place to relax, take a walk or have a picnic.
• Bushwick district – is a more alternative neighborhood, showing a different face of Brooklyn. The biggest attraction is the Bushwick Collective, a huge outdoor street art gallery.

Manhattan Bridge

Finally, it is still worth noting the Manhattan Bridge, which can be viewed from almost every side, but you can also walk on it back to Manhattan. Admittedly, the pedestrian crossing is not as pleasant as on the Brooklyn Bridge, it is a narrow alley, right next to the subway line, and for us it did not seem attractive in any way, but we present it to you as an option. We took the same route we took to Brooklyn.

An interesting vantage point, however, is a section of the Manhattan Bridge, which can be climbed from the Manhattan side of the bridge and look toward Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Especially in the evening this view is impressive.

Of course, still for us the most beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge is the one from Dumbo ;)

Practical information

Is it safe in Brooklyn?

Brooklyn is generally safe, but safety can vary depending on the specific neighborhood and time of day. Districts such as Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Williamsburg are considered very safe and family and tourist friendly. They have developed infrastructure, many restaurants, stores and attractions, and their residents and visitors usually feel comfortable.

Other areas of Brooklyn, such as Bushwick and Bed-Stuy, were once known for higher crime rates, but have undergone intense revitalization in recent years. As a result, they are much safer today and attract young people, artists and entrepreneurs. However, it is still worth exercising caution in the less touristy parts of these neighborhoods, especially after dark.

Traveling in Brooklyn during the day is generally safe, and most of the popular tourist destinations, such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Dumbo neighborhood, enjoy high visitor numbers and low crime rates. However, it’s always a good idea to stick to the main streets, avoid unlit and deserted areas after dark, and keep basic safety rules in mind, such as keeping an eye on valuables and staying in a group if possible.

Brooklyn, like any borough in a big city, has its more and less safe places, we did not feel unsafe at any time during our stay and did not witness any dangerous situations.

Prices and tickets

Since such questions arose during our social media coverage so it’s worth writing here and emphasizing that crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is completely free :)

Where to spend the night in Brooklyn?

Is it worth staying overnight in Brooklyn? It depends on what your plan is for exploring New York. If you want to spend more time in Brooklyn then you can consider staying overnight in this borough.

Here are some suggestions with very good reviews:

• 33 Hotel, New York City, Seaport
  Address: 33 Peck Slip, New York, NY 10038
  Prices: from 1700 PLN for a 2-bed room per night
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-nyc-seaport
• Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown
  Address: 125 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY 112019
  Prices: from 1300 PLN for a 2-bed room per night with breakfast included
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-hampton-inn-brooklyn
• Sheraton Brooklyn New York
  Address: 228 Duffield Street, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  Prices: from 1400 PLN for a 2-bed room per night
  Link: https://r4b.link/booking-sheraton-brooklyn

Summary – our opinion

Is the Brooklyn Bridge worth seeing and walking across? Of course it is! If only to get to know another neighborhood and another face of this great metropolis. Because, after all, New York is not only skyscrapers like One World Trade Center, but also more atmospheric places, post-industrial. Brooklyn not only offers views of Manhattan, but has a lot to offer in its own right and is worth spending at least a few hours here.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is an icon in its own right, but if you want to see it from a completely different perspective, we recommend a helicopter flight over New York City! We had the opportunity to spend 30 minutes in the air and see not only Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from a bird’s eye view, but also the bridges over the East River. We will write a separate post about what such flights look like and how to buy tickets for a helicopter flight cheaply, so stay tuned :)

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