Brooklyn Bridge

New York's iconic 19th century bridge is an awesome industrial achievement, and a symbol of American optimism.

TravelCurious Tip

Take a walk above the traffic on the bridge's dedicated pedestrian walkway: for the most scenic views, start in Brooklyn and walk to Manhattan. You'll have a direct view towards the famous Manhattan skyline the entire way.

A bridge of suspense

Linking Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. Since its opening in 1883 it has been a proud icon of New York City, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

Its construction was a remarkable feat, and caused more than its fair share of tragedy along the way. The bridge was designed by civil engineer John Augustus Roebling. While surveying the site for the bridge, his foot was crushed when a ferry pinned it against a piling. After his toes were amputated he developed a tetanus infection which swiftly resulted in his death, not long after he had placed his 32-year-old son Washington Roebling in charge.

Washington built the bridge's two towers by floating a pair of huge inverted wooden boxes called caissons on the East River: the stone towers were gradually built on top of them until they sank to the riverbed. Compressed air was then pumped into the caissons, and workers entered the space to dig away the sediment until the caissons sank to the bedrock. The weight of the bridge still rests today upon 15 feet of southern yellow pine wood beneath the sediment.


Caissons and catastrophes

During this process many workers began to suffer from decompression sickness (commonly called 'the bends'); Washington himself suffered a paralysing injury due to the sickness, and was confined to his apartment for the next 11 years of the project. In a remarkable partnership, he directed the engineers through his wife Emily, who developed an accomplished knowledge of high-level mathematics and engineering. Before the official opening, Emily was the first person to cross the bridge by carriage. She carried a rooster as a sign of victory.

The bridge's anchorages were built to incorporate a number of passageways and compartments; the city rented out the large vaults at the Manhattan end to help fund the bridge's construction, some of which were used to store wine as they were always at a stable 16 °C. When New York magazine visited one of these cellars in 1978 over a century later, it discovered a 'fading inscription' on the wall: 'Who loveth not wine, women and song, he remaineth a fool his whole life long.'

At its completion, the bridge became a symbol of the optimism of the new century, causing marvel at the achievements of modern technology. It continues today as a beacon of strength and unity in the Big Apple - and offers fantastic views as you walk, drive, or cycle its length.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in New York
DUMBO
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass is a thriving neighbourhood of artistic activity and tech startups.
Time Out Market
The Time Out Food Market is inside the historic Empire Stores and has over 20 places from which you can choose local fare.
Main Street Park
See some spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan from DUMBO's waterfront park.
Manhattan Chinatown
A bustling district home to the largest Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
A modern park built on historic foundations that affords magnificent waterfront views of Lower Manhattan.
Chatham Square
From tattoo parlours to Prohibition-era reform, this Chinatown intersection is full of history.

Related Tours

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: Private New York Half-Day Walking Tour

Enjoy a fascinating and scenic walking tour of NYC’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge and vibrant DUMBO area (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Connecting Long Island and Manhattan since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a globally recognised symbol of New York. 

On your private half-day walking tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour in Manhattan, near City Hall Park which leads onto the famous Brooklyn Bridge
  • Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn, while your guide tells you the bridge’s unique history; 
  • Enjoy spectacular views of New York’s skyline and waterfront;
  • Step off the bridge into DUMBO - an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass;
  • Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of this previously neglected area that has enjoyed investment and rejuvenation in recent years, becoming one of NYC’s trendiest areas;
  • Capture the iconic photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge through the brick buildings;
  • Explore the artsy and vibrant area of DUMBO, famous for its cobblestone streets and warehouses converted into trendy galleries, restaurants, and theatre spaces
  • See Jane’s Carousel built in 1922, a 48-horse merry-go-round and a famous landmark;
  • Wander through pretty Main Street Park with its nautical theme and gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge; 
  • See the famous Clock Tower now a set of upmarket apartments - the Clock Tower penthouse sold for $15 million;
  • Finish your tour at the trendy Time Out Market, filled with eateries and bars, where your guide will help you get your bearings and point out the best of the local food offering.

Enjoy a scenic walking tour over Brooklyn Bridge, and explore the trendy area of Dumbo with its quaint cobblestone streets and former warehouse buildings converted into galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and theatre spaces. Enjoy incredible views, historic landmarks and a thriving foodie scene. 

Begin your tour in the heart of Manhattan and enjoy a truly spectacular stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with its breathtaking views over New York Harbour and that world-famous skyline of Manhattan’s skyscrapers

Your expert private guide will tell you the fascinating history of the bridge and give you ample time to photograph Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York Harbour. 

You will hear about the origins of the ferry and travel across the East River, learn about the politics behind the building of the bridge, the complications around its construction, as well as the stories of designers and immigrant builders who made the project happen.

From the promenade, you will walk down to the ferry landing area and explore a small part of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Formerly a manufacturing and industrial district, the area suffered from economic decline and eventually fell into disrepair. 

Fortunately, due to a renewed appreciation for the architecture of the area and sizable investment, the once-vacant factory lofts have now become very attractive destinations for artists and creatives alike. 

DUMBO has been transformed into a lively Brooklyn neighbourhood, boasting many art galleries and high-end boutiques, pizzerias, a scenic waterfront and characterful cobblestone streets lined with historical architecture. 

Your tour finishes at the Time Out Market, where you can enjoy some of the best of Brooklyn’s food scene.

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