Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn

If you've never walked across the Brooklyn Bridge it is a must do. You can get on the Bridge at City Hall in Manhattan. It is a mile from start to finish. There are a bunch of photo opts and once you get to the Brooklyn side there are several places that are great places to stop A couple are in the Shadow of the Bridge and the hip neighborhood known as DUMBO is right there (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (super creamy ice cream)
Grimaldi's Pizza (a landmark pizzaria but not always consistent)
River Cafe Restaurant (excellent higher end but an incredible view of Manhattan & Bridge, Romantic)
Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park
DUMBO Neighborhood

I know I know its a total tourist trap. But its so cool to walk the brooklyn bridge. It gives a breathtaking view of the manhattan skyline and also gives a lot of people watching opportunities. Even though it was bluddy hot when we did it in 2006 I don't regret it one bit!

Enfranchising cable, silvered by the sea,
of woven wire, grayed by the mist,
and Liberty dominate the Bay-
her feet as one on shattered chains,
once whole links wrought by Tyranny.
Caged Circe of steel and stone,
her parent German ingenuity.
"O catenary curve" from tower to pier,
implacable enemy of the mind's deformity,
of man's uncompunctious greed
his crass love of crass priority
just recently
obstructing acquiescent feet
about to step ashore when darkness fell
without a cause,
as if probity had not joined our cities
in the sea.

from "Granite and Steel" by Marianne Moore

When it was opened in 1883 - after 14 years in construction - the Brooklyn Bridge was considered the 8th Wonder of the World. With a central span of 1595 feet, it was then the longest suspension bridge in the world, and the symbol of an age of historic engineering projects.

Moreover, the building of the bridge was wrapped up with the personal saga of the Roebling family. John Roebling the father was an immigrant engineer from Germany who pioneered bridge construction in places like Pittsburgh PA and Cincinnati OH. The Brooklyn Bridge was to be his grandest project, but he died in a tragic construction accident in the first few days of the project. His son Washington took over, but Washington was himself crippled by "cassion disease" - a form of the bends - and was confined to a wheelchair for much of the rest of his life.

The Brooklyn bridge for some reason is a tourist event. I have never understood it. I had never crossed it. I am better and wiser for having done it now.

The views of everywhere are wonderful. Stop along the way and get yourself some pics.

This is the must-to-do activity of Brooklyn/Manhattan. Enjoy walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. The views from there are not less breathtaking than from the Empire State Building. On a nice sunny day this, about an hour, hike will be very pleasant! And…. don't forget your camera ;-)

You might also enjoy walking or biking across the Brooklyn Bridge to or from Manhattan. Choose a day that isn't too windy and be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.