The Brooklyn Bridge, a majestic steel and stone structure, stands as an enduring symbol connecting the vibrant boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. More than just a pathway, it’s a historical landmark, a breathtaking vista point, and a testament to human ingenuity. This iconic bridge, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has captivated the hearts of locals and tourists alike for over a century. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to soak in the city’s atmosphere or a seasoned New Yorker rediscovering your home, a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is an experience not to be missed.
A Bridge Between Worlds
The Brooklyn Bridge is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a journey through time and a feast for the senses. From its towering Gothic arches to the sweeping panoramic views of the cityscape, every step offers a new perspective. While cars, bicycles, and pedestrians share the bridge’s span, the elevated pedestrian walkway provides a dedicated space for a leisurely stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of vehicular traffic below. Before embarking on this memorable walk, however, a little planning can enhance your experience. The first decision is choosing your starting point: Manhattan or Brooklyn. Each offers unique advantages and perspectives.
Crossing the Divide: Facts and Figures
The sheer volume of daily traffic across the Brooklyn Bridge is staggering. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, the bridge accommodates over 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists daily. The roadway comprises six lanes of automobile traffic, flowing freely without the burden of tolls. The pedestrian pathway, centrally located and elevated above the roadway, provides a safe and enjoyable walking experience. Cyclists benefit from their own dedicated lane, separated from both pedestrian and automobile traffic, a valuable addition implemented in 2021 that enhances safety and flow. It’s crucial to remain aware of these designated lanes to prevent collisions and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
The bridge itself stretches just over a mile in length. A brisk walk from one end to the other takes approximately 30 minutes. However, factoring in time to soak in the views, capture photographs, and simply enjoy the atmosphere, a more realistic estimate is closer to an hour. This allows ample opportunity to appreciate the architectural details, the stunning skyline, and the energy of the city surrounding you.
Starting in Brooklyn: A Borough’s Embrace
Brooklyn offers two primary access points to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, both easily accessible via the borough’s extensive subway system.
- Tillary Street and Boerum Place: This entrance, located at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place, is the most prominent access point, easily visible from the roadway when driving across the bridge.
- Washington Street Underpass: The second access point is via an underpass located on Washington Street, approximately two blocks from Front Street. This underpass leads to a stairway and ramp that directly connects to the pedestrian walkway.
While various subway lines serve the area, a walk of approximately one-third to two-thirds of a mile from the nearest station is still required to reach either entrance.
Subway Options:
- A and C trains to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge: This station provides relatively easy access to the Washington Street underpass.
- 2 and 3 trains to Clark Street: From this station, a slightly longer walk east will bring you to the Tillary Street entrance.
Once you’ve completed your walk into Manhattan, several options are available for returning to Brooklyn. Walking back across the bridge is always an option, allowing you to experience the views from a different perspective. Alternatively, the J, Z, 4, or 5 trains from City Hall or the 2 and 3 trains from Chambers Street offer convenient subway connections. For a more scenic and perhaps faster return, consider taking the NYC Ferry from the Fulton Ferry Landing Stop in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This provides a unique vantage point of the bridge and the city skyline from the water.
Manhattan Access: City Center Start
Accessing the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway from the Manhattan side is generally considered easier, although some argue that the views are slightly less dramatic compared to starting in Brooklyn.
The primary entrance is located directly across from the northeast corner of City Hall Park, along Centre Street.
Subway Options:
- 4, 5, and 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall: This station provides the most direct access to the Manhattan entrance.
- J or Z train to Chambers Street: A short walk east from this station will bring you to the bridge entrance.
- R train to City Hall: This is another convenient option, offering a relatively short walk to the bridge.
- 1, 2, or 3 trains to Chambers Street (West Side): If traveling from Manhattan’s west side, these trains are a viable option, although they require a slightly longer walk east, crossing Park Row to reach the bridge entrance.
Upon reaching Brooklyn, two exit options are available:
- DUMBO Exit: The first exit leads down into the vibrant DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood. To return to Manhattan from here, take the staircase leading across Prospect Street to Washington Street and catch the F train on York Street or the A and C train on High Street.
- Downtown Brooklyn Exit: Further along the bridge, a descending ramp provides access to Tillary Street and Boerum Place in Downtown Brooklyn. The nearest subway lines from this exit include the A, C, and F at Jay Street-Metrotech; the 4 and 5 at Borough Hall; or the R at Court Street.
A Glimpse into History: From Tolls to Elephants
The Brooklyn Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time, officially opened to the public in 1883. The dedication ceremony was a grand affair, presided over by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland. Initially, a toll was required for pedestrians to cross – a penny per person. In the first 24 hours alone, an estimated 250,000 people walked across the bridge, eager to experience this new connection between the two boroughs. Horses with riders were charged 5 cents, while horses and wagons incurred a 10-cent toll.
Tragically, just six days after its grand opening, a devastating incident occurred. A false rumor of the bridge collapsing triggered a panicked stampede, resulting in the deaths of 12 people. To quell public anxieties about the bridge’s structural integrity, P.T. Barnum, the famous circus owner, orchestrated a memorable publicity stunt the following year, leading 21 elephants across the bridge.
The pedestrian toll was eventually repealed in 1891, followed by the roadway toll in 1911, making the Brooklyn Bridge free for all to cross. While subway and streetcar services once operated across the bridge, the elevated trains ceased operations in 1944, and the streetcars followed suit in 1950, leaving the bridge to its current mix of vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an experience that blends history, architecture, and breathtaking views into an unforgettable New York City adventure. Whether you choose to start in Brooklyn or Manhattan, taking the time to appreciate the bridge’s significance and the city that surrounds it is well worth the effort.
