Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, offering breathtaking harbor views and a testament to engineering.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, offering breathtaking harbor views and a testament to engineering.
"An engineering marvel that’s worth the crossing with unmatched views day or night!"
Upper vs. Lower Level
Choose upper for views, lower for perceived safety. :car:
Check Wind Conditions
High winds can cause closures. Stay updated before your trip. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Harbor Views
Stunning vistas of the NYC skyline, New York Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Engineering Marvel
Experience the grandeur of one of the world's longest suspension bridges, an iconic NYC landmark.
+1
The NYC Marathon Route
Witness the start of the iconic New York City Marathon, a truly inspiring sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Narrows
Weather and Views
+2 On clear days, the panoramic views of the harbor, skyline, and ocean are breathtaking. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Upper vs. Lower Level
Choose upper for views, lower for perceived safety. :car:
Check Wind Conditions
High winds can cause closures. Stay updated before your trip.
Iconic NYC Experience
A must-do for experiencing the scale and beauty of New York.
Marathon Spectacle
The bridge is the starting point for the NYC Marathon in November.
Tips
from all over the internet
Upper vs. Lower Level
Choose upper for views, lower for perceived safety. :car:
Check Wind Conditions
High winds can cause closures. Stay updated before your trip.
Iconic NYC Experience
A must-do for experiencing the scale and beauty of New York.
Marathon Spectacle
The bridge is the starting point for the NYC Marathon in November.
Bridge Sounds
Listen for eerie creaking sounds in high winds due to expansion joints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for its stunning panoramic views of the New York Harbor, skyline, and ocean, calling it an engineering marvel and an iconic NYC experience. Some note the potential for traffic delays and the eerie sounds the bridge makes in high winds, though these are generally seen as part of its unique character.
"Nice bridge. We went under it by boat, beautiful view from down here. Clean, no trash or graffiti. I like the colour as well, iconic New York experience. 10/10"
Anka Van de Walle
"Great view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Jersey skyline and the bay. During good weather you can even see the statute of Liberty"
Joshua Lidberg
"The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a stunner with unmatched views day or night! To the south, gaze at New York Bay and the vast ocean; north offers the iconic NYC skyline. Ships gliding by add constant intrigue—a true million-dollar panorama. An engineering marvel that’s worth the crossing! 5 stars."
Trucker 2 Millions
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge connects Staten Island and Brooklyn. You can drive across it via I-278. Public transportation options include buses that traverse the bridge.
Direct parking on the bridge is not available. Nearby areas in Staten Island and Brooklyn offer parking, but it can be limited. Consider public transport if parking is a concern.
Walking and biking are generally not permitted on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge due to safety regulations and traffic volume. However, it is a key part of the NYC Marathon route.
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. Drivers have reported aggressive driving and incidents. +1 It's advisable to check real-time traffic updates before crossing.
Yes, there are tolls for vehicles crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The toll is collected electronically. Check the MTA website for current toll rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required to drive or be a passenger on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. However, there is a toll for vehicles.
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic, though it may close temporarily due to extreme weather conditions like high winds.
There are no designated viewing platforms or pull-off areas on the bridge itself for photography. The best views are captured while driving across or from vantage points in Staten Island or Brooklyn.
Viewpoints of the bridge, such as those from Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island or Brooklyn Bridge Park, are generally free to access.
Standard vehicle restrictions apply. Large, oversized vehicles may have specific regulations. Personal items are generally fine within your vehicle.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or even from a boat tour passing underneath. +1
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Clear days provide the best visibility for capturing the full scope of the bridge and skyline.
Drone usage is highly restricted in New York City airspace, especially around critical infrastructure like bridges. Always check FAA regulations and obtain necessary permits. +1
For wide shots, use a wide-angle lens. For capturing details, a telephoto lens can be useful. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Try capturing the bridge from below, looking up, or from a distance to include the surrounding cityscape. Boat tours offer unique perspectives.
🎫 👻 Myths & Legends
Some local lore suggests the bridge is haunted, with stories of drivers refusing to cross after dark. +1 However, these are largely anecdotal and not officially confirmed.
The 'haunted' aspect often stems from its imposing size and the eerie sounds it can make in high winds.
The bridge is named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first European explorer to enter New York Harbor in 1524.
It's named in honor of Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer who charted parts of the North American coast and entered New York Harbor.
While not as frequently featured as other NYC landmarks, its imposing presence has made it a backdrop in various media, often symbolizing a gateway to or from the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities on the bridge itself are non-existent. If you're visiting during the New York City Marathon in November, the energy around the bridge's starting point is palpable and can be exciting for older children.
For younger kids, the sheer scale of the bridge and the surrounding water might be the most engaging aspect. Remember to check for any temporary closures due to weather, as this could impact your plans. 🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
For those driving RVs or larger vehicles, be aware of any specific height or weight restrictions, though the bridge is designed for substantial traffic.
+1 Remember that stopping on the bridge is prohibited, so enjoy the scenery as you pass through. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire structure and its environment, or a telephoto lens to focus on architectural details.
Boat tours that pass under the bridge provide unique, low-angle perspectives that are difficult to achieve otherwise. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering and Construction
+1 Its construction involved immense challenges, including building massive towers and anchoring the colossal cables that support the roadway. The bridge's design allows for flexibility, with expansion joints that accommodate temperature changes and wind sway. +1This engineering marvel connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn, spanning the Narrows strait. The bridge's two main towers stand at an impressive 693 feet tall, and its central span measures 4,260 feet.
The sheer scale of the project required innovative techniques and a dedicated workforce, including ironworkers who played a crucial role. Travelers often marvel at the bridge's robust structure and the ingenuity behind its design.
The ability of the bridge to move and 'groan' in high winds is a fascinating aspect, highlighting its dynamic nature. +1 While some find these sounds eerie, they are a natural consequence of its engineering designed to withstand the elements. +1Views and Vistas
Looking north, the iconic New York City skyline unfolds, showcasing the architectural grandeur of Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs.
Whether bathed in the golden light of sunrise, the vibrant hues of sunset, or the glittering spectacle of the city at night, the views from and of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge are consistently breathtaking.
+1 Many visitors describe it as an 'iconic New York experience' and a 'million-dollar panorama.' Myths, Legends, and History
+2 This naming connects the modern marvel of engineering to the age of exploration, symbolizing a gateway to a new world. Interestingly, some local narratives suggest the bridge is haunted, with tales of drivers avoiding it after dark.
+1 These sounds are a natural phenomenon of the bridge's design, demonstrating its ability to flex and adapt to environmental forces. +1Beyond the folklore, the bridge's history is rooted in its status as a groundbreaking engineering achievement.
It was the longest suspension bridge in the world upon its completion, a title that speaks volumes about the ambition and capability of its builders. +1 The bridge also plays a significant role in the annual New York City Marathon, serving as the starting point for thousands of runners. 
Social
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