Walk the Brooklyn Bridge and other NYC pedestrian spans
A couple crosses the East River via the Brooklyn Bridge in the early morning. Credit: Getty Images/Pgiam
If you are looking for a new way to explore the Big Apple, consider a walk across one of its iconic bridges. Traversing a span on foot can offer unparalleled views, a sense of adventure and a connection to the city’s history.
Several bridges in the metro area are open to pedestrians, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge, and most take about a half-hour to cross.
Over the past decade, Dottie Weremeychik, 72, of Wantagh, has made her way over numerous city bridges — sometimes with a walking group or as part of a fundraiser — including the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Pulaski and Kosciuszko bridges.
“My all-time favorite is the Brooklyn Bridge,” Weremeychik said. “I don’t remember the number of times I walked over it. When family or friends visit, I usually take them on a tour and it includes walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. I also find the Pulaski Bridge (from Long Island City to Greenpoint) offers great views of Manhattan.”
The one-mile-long Brooklyn Bridge, built in 1883, was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge. It has a wooden, central pedestrian walkway and offers a stunning perspective of the city skyline.
Weremeychik said she typically rides the Long Island Rail Road into the city and then uses the subway to get to her next stop.
“If the starting point of my walk is in close proximity to either Penn Station or Grand Central [Terminal], I may walk to the starting point from the railroad,” she said. “I usually research public transportation options prior to leaving for my walks so I am prepared.”
Tim Cody, 54, of Manorville, led a group of hikers from Long Island’s East End Hiking Group across the Brooklyn Bridge in October. The outing included a ferry ride from Astoria to the city and a luncheon after the excursion.
“There were at least 40 or 50 of us, and it was a beautiful day. Very exciting,” he recalled. “It always surprises me to hear how many people have never walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. If you haven’t done it, it’s definitely worth checking out.”
STARTING POINTS
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Manhattan side: Near City Hall Park/Civic Center.
Brooklyn side: The intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street.
MANHATTAN BRIDGE
Manhattan side: Starts in Chinatown at the intersection of Bowery and Canal Street.
Brooklyn side: Near Jay Street and Sands Street.
WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE
Manhattan side: Intersection of Clinton and Delancey streets on the Lower East Side.
Brooklyn side: South Sixth Street and Berry Street.
Cost
FREE
Words of Wisdom
Start early to beat the crowds (especially the Brooklyn Bridge)
Plot out restaurants and activities in the surrounding area to make a day of it
Be sure to have your camera/phone camera charged and ready — you’ll want to capture the views
Wear comfortable walking shoes and have a beverage in tow
OTHER WALKABLE BRIDGES IN THE METRO AREA
Kosciuszko Bridge (Carries Brooklyn-Queens Expressway over Newtown Creek)
Wards Island Bridge (connects Manhattan and Wards island)
Roosevelt Island Bridge (connects Queens and Roosevelt Island)
George Washington Bridge (connects Fort Lee, New Jersey and Manhattan)
Mario Cuomo Bridge (connecting Westchester and Rockland counties)
*Note: This list is not comprehensive.
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