Manhattan Bridge
An iconic NYC suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, famous for its DUMBO photo op and scenic pedestrian walkway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow on skyline
Manhattan Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour glow on skyline
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic NYC suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, famous for its DUMBO photo op and scenic pedestrian walkway.
"Capture the iconic Empire State Building framed by the Manhattan Bridge arch in DUMBO!"
πΈ DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
πΆββοΈ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 Β· 7,466 reviews
Type
Bridge
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The DUMBO Archway View
Washington Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn
The quintessential NYC photo op: Empire State Building perfectly framed by the Manhattan Bridge arch. Pure magic!
Pier 35 Sunset Serenity
Pier 35, Lower East Side, Manhattan
Relax on a swinging bench with breathtaking sunset views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. A peaceful urban escape.
Pedestrian Walkway Views
Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Walkway
Experience panoramic cityscapes and bridge architecture from the dedicated pedestrian path. Great for photos and a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Iconic Photo Spot Alert!
Beat the Tourist Rush
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
πΈ DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
πΆββοΈ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
π Sunset at Pier 35
Enjoy stunning bridge views and a tranquil atmosphere on the Lower East Side. Perfect for a relaxing evening. +1
π΄ Bike the Bridge
Dedicated bike lanes offer a smooth ride with fantastic city vistas. A great way to explore!
Tips
from all over the internet
πΈ DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
πΆββοΈ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
π Sunset at Pier 35
Enjoy stunning bridge views and a tranquil atmosphere on the Lower East Side. Perfect for a relaxing evening. +1
π΄ Bike the Bridge
Dedicated bike lanes offer a smooth ride with fantastic city vistas. A great way to explore!
π‘ Free NYC Views
Skip pricey observation decks! The Manhattan Bridge offers incredible, free skyline panoramas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Manhattan Bridge for its stunning, less crowded views compared to its famous neighbor. The iconic DUMBO photo spot and the scenic pedestrian walkway are major highlights. While some find it noisy due to the subway, its practicality for cyclists and runners is highly praised.
"A really great walk back from Brooklyn to Manhattan, this isnβt as clean tidy and tourist prepared as the Brooklyn bridge is. But it is a much quieter walk back, with no stalls trying to sell you things or lots of people all grabbing photos in front of you. The views are as impressive as the Brooklyn bridge all be it not as easily taken due to the wire fencing.
A great walk on a nice day, if you want a more relaxed and quiet walk back definitely give the Manhattan bridge a go."
D G
"The Manhattan Bridge is one of the bridges that connects two boroughs in NYC, Manhattan and Brooklyn. It offers transportation for vehicles, the subway, and bicycles/ pedestrians.
While in Chinatown, my boyfriend and I decided to look for the Manhattan skyline viewpoint, which is located on the pedestrian path. The pedestrian path is on one side of the bridge, while the bicycle is on the other. Beware though, there are bicyclist that rode on the pedestrian path, and there are many runners that take this route.
The bridge is quite long, at over 2 miles. It took us almost 40 minutes to walk across, with stopping periodically to take some pictures. Since it is quite long, make sure you are dedicated to the trek, because once you're in it you either turn back around or push through.
It was quite empty on the bridge, with folks walking by at some points but mostly you're by yourself. This makes it a little spooky, especially at times when the subway runs by, the whole bridge shakes and is very loud. You are also caged in so it's pretty safe while walking. There are a few holes in the fence I think created by passerby's at pretty view points.
Although the journey was long and my boyfriend and I were quite exhausted by the end, it offered breathtaking views of the city and Brooklyn Bridge, that are worthwhile. Plus, we got to explore Dumbo in Brooklyn afterwards.
Overall do this if you want a challenging adventure with unique views of the city."
Michelle M
"A raw, underrated NYC gem with unbeatable skyline views!
The Manhattan Bridge offers one of the most authentic and breathtaking walks in New York City. While it doesnβt get the same tourist buzz as the Brooklyn Bridge, it delivers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge itself, the East River, and the Manhattan skyline β especially during sunset.
The pedestrian and bike paths are separate, making it a calmer, more local experience. Youβll feel the rumble of the subway trains passing by, which adds to the gritty charm. The bridge connects Chinatown to DUMBO, so you can enjoy great food and photo ops on either end.
Highly recommended if you want less crowds and more real NYC."
Swapnil Mahajan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
You can access the Manhattan Bridge from Canal Street in Manhattan or Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. The subway lines N, Q, R, W, B, D, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, 5 all have stops near the bridge entrances.
Parking in the areas surrounding the Manhattan Bridge, especially in DUMBO, can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Yes, there is a pedestrian walkway on the south side of the Manhattan Bridge, offering excellent views of the Brooklyn skyline and Lower Manhattan.
The Manhattan Bridge has dedicated bike lanes, making it a relatively safe option for cyclists. However, be aware of traffic and other cyclists.
The best subway stops for the iconic DUMBO photo spot are York Street (F train) or High Street (A, C trains). From there, it's a short walk to Washington Street.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
No, walking or biking across the Manhattan Bridge is completely free and does not require a ticket.
The pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan Bridge is generally accessible 24/7, though it's best experienced during daylight hours or at sunset for optimal views.
There is no entrance fee to cross the Manhattan Bridge by foot or bicycle. Tolls are only for vehicles traveling into Manhattan.
Yes, you can drive across the Manhattan Bridge, but only eastbound into Brooklyn. The westbound lanes into Manhattan are for subway trains and pedestrians/cyclists.
While generally open, be aware of potential maintenance or special events that might temporarily affect access. Always check local advisories if you have concerns.
πΈ πΈ Photography
The most famous photo spot is on Washington Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, where the bridge frames the Empire State Building.
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings provide softer light and fewer crowds. +1
Absolutely! The pedestrian walkway offers stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn, and the bridge's architecture.
The DUMBO archway shot is iconic. From the pedestrian walkway, try capturing the full span of the bridge or the city skyline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and skyline. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots at sunset or night.
π« πββοΈ Running & Biking
Yes, many runners prefer the Manhattan Bridge for its separate pedestrian and bike lanes, which are often less crowded than the Brooklyn Bridge.
A popular route involves running across the Manhattan Bridge, then exploring DUMBO, and finally crossing the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. Start early to avoid crowds.
Yes, the Manhattan Bridge has dedicated bike lanes, making it a popular choice for commuters and recreational cyclists.
The Manhattan Bridge is approximately 6,855 feet (2,090 meters) long. The pedestrian walkway offers a scenic way to experience its length.
The Manhattan Bridge is a key commuter route, offering separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians. Some find it louder due to the subway running alongside.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit