The Big Apple's Bridges: You Shall Not Pass (Without Taking a Great Photo Op)
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and where there are a whole lot of bridges! But if you're a tourist looking for that iconic bridge, the one that screams "New York City" louder than a jaywalker dodging a yellow cab, then you're probably thinking of the granddaddy of them all: The Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge: From Revolutionary Feat to Rom-Com Regular
Think of New York bridges, and this neo-Gothic masterpiece is probably the first to come to mind. Opened in 1883 (yes, you read that right, over 140 years ago!), the Brooklyn Bridge was a marvel of engineering for its time. Spanning the East River, it connected the bustling borough of Manhattan with the (then) quieter Brooklyn. Fun fact: it was also the longest suspension bridge in the world when it first opened, which is pretty darn impressive considering the materials they had to work with back then (think: a lot less steel, a lot more sweat).
The Brooklyn Bridge isn't just about bragging rights though. It's become a pop culture icon, appearing in countless movies (think Spiderman), TV shows (think How I Met Your Mother), and even inspiring the design of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It's also a pedestrian and bike path paradise, offering stunning views of the city skyline that are guaranteed to make your Instagram followers jealous.
Pro tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can even rent a bike and cycle across the bridge. Just watch out for those tourists stopping every five seconds to take selfies (we've all been there).
But Wait, There's More! Other Bridge-y Options in NYC
While the Brooklyn Bridge is a classic, New York City has a whole fleet of impressive bridges worth checking out. Here's a quick mention of a couple of others:
- The George Washington Bridge: This majestic suspension bridge connects New York City to New Jersey and holds the title of the busiest suspension bridge in the world (in terms of car traffic). Think of all the road rage that must happen up there!
- The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: This suspension bridge is all about the drama. Look up pictures of it and you'll see why. It stretches out over the water like a giant, orange jump rope and offers epic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Basically, New York City has a bridge for every mood. Feeling overwhelmed by the city that never sleeps? Take a calming walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Feeling like a high-powered business person on your way to a meeting? Zip over the George Washington Bridge in a taxi (but please, for the love of all things decent, use the carpool lane if you can).
How to Bridge the Gap Between You and NYC's Bridges: FAQ
Alright, alright, enough with the puns. Here's the real deal: some frequently asked questions about experiencing the bridges of New York City:
How to get to the Brooklyn Bridge? Easy! Take the subway to either the High Street Station or the Brooklyn Bridge City Hall Station.
How much does it cost to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge? The good news? Absolutely nothing! It's free to walk or bike across the pedestrian path.
How long does it take to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge? Depending on how many times you stop to take photos (and you will!), it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
How to avoid crowds on the Brooklyn Bridge? If you're not a fan of shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing, try going early in the morning or later at night.
How to take the best photos of the Brooklyn Bridge? There are tons of great vantage points! Try the Manhattan Bridge for a classic view, or for something different, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
