Brooklyn Heights Promenade
An elevated walkway offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light on the skyline
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Best Time
Magical light on the skyline
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elevated walkway offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
"Unbeatable views of the city, especially at sunset and after dark. "
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
The skyline views are unreal during golden hour! Plan to arrive before sunset for the best light.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to stroll the entire length to take in all the views. Good walking shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
The entire length of the Promenade
Unobstructed, breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline, especially stunning at sunset and after dark.
Brooklyn Bridge Views
Southern end of the Promenade
A fantastic vantage point to admire the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, perfect for photos and soaking in the engineering marvel.
Statue of Liberty Glimpse
Western edge of the Promenade
Catch a distant but clear view of the Statue of Liberty, adding another layer of iconic New York imagery to your visit.
Squibb Park Bridge
Connects to the Promenade
A unique pedestrian bridge offering elevated perspectives and a slightly different angle on the Manhattan skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for That Perfect Skyline Shot
Getting There: Subway is Your Best Bet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
The skyline views are unreal during golden hour! Plan to arrive before sunset for the best light.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to stroll the entire length to take in all the views. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Professional photographers offer prints for a small fee. A great souvenir!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot days, bring water. There are no concessions directly on the Promenade.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
The skyline views are unreal during golden hour! Plan to arrive before sunset for the best light.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to stroll the entire length to take in all the views. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Professional photographers offer prints for a small fee. A great souvenir!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially on hot days, bring water. There are no concessions directly on the Promenade.
🚶♀️ No Bikes Allowed
Enjoy a peaceful walk; bikes are prohibited on the Promenade.
💖 Romantic Strolls
It's a perfect spot for a romantic walk, especially in the evening.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for its absolutely stunning and iconic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty, especially during sunset. It's praised as a romantic and relaxing spot, perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. Some note that it can get crowded during peak times.
"Incredible pedestrian walking path over the Brooklyn Bridge. Unbeatable views of the city. Bring some water with you on hot days. There are people in the bridge selling hats and other small souvenirs. We also saw a couple people who will take your photo and print it out or airdrop it to you for a small fee. We took advantage of this and got some cool pics for just $15. There’s some history of the bridge in the middle at one of the arches. There’s also an area where people have tied hair ties to this bridge as a safer alternative to the love locks. There’s also bridge is a little over a mile long so wear good walking shoes and have a great time! There is a slight incline at entrance and exit and then it’s pretty even once you reach the highest elevation."
Sean & Kendra James
"Incredible view from high ground overlooking Manhattan skyline, East River, Brooklyn Bridge, all the piers.
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade, also called the Esplanade,[1] is a 1,826-foot (557 m)-long platform and pedestrian walkway cantilevered over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (Interstate 278) in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, New York City, United States. With views of Lower Manhattan's skyline and the New York Harbor, it came about as the byproduct of competing proposals for the highway's route that were resolved in the midst of World War II. Actual construction came after the war. As a structure built over a roadway, the Promenade is owned by the NYCDOT and is not considered a park; however, NYC Parks maintains the entire Promenade.
The Promenade runs from the west end of Remsen Street to the west end of Orange Street and can additionally be accessed from Montague Street and Pierrepont Place and the west ends of Pierrepont Street, Clark Street and Pineapple Street."
Buster Got it
"Right above the BQE, overlooking Brooklyn Bridge Park is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It is an elevated walkway with some excellent views of the Manhattan skyline and the park below. There are plenty of park benches along the walkway. No bike riding allowed."
Ron M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by subway. Closest stops include Clark St (2/3), High St (A/C), Borough Hall (2/3/4/5), and Court St (R). From there, it's a short walk to the Promenade. Driving and parking can be challenging in this area.
Yes, absolutely! Several subway lines serve the area, making it very accessible via public transportation.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from DUMBO to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, offering more scenic views along the way.
Parking in Brooklyn Heights can be difficult and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or rideshare services.
The Promenade is located just a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge, offering a different perspective of the bridge and skyline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a public walkway and is completely free to access.
The Promenade is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy the views at any time of day or night.
There is no admission fee. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy the stunning New York City views.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Promenade, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
It can get quite crowded, especially during sunset and on weekends. Weekday evenings offer a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical light for capturing the skyline. Nighttime also provides beautiful city lights.
The entire length offers incredible views, but the southern end provides great angles of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the western edge offers a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.
Yes, you can find individuals offering photo services for a fee, which can be a great way to get professional shots.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive skyline. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography at night.
Drone usage is generally restricted in New York City parks and public spaces. It's best to check current regulations before flying.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, or a romantic evening.
Yes, there are plenty of benches along the Promenade, offering comfortable spots to rest and admire the views.
No, bike riding is not permitted on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It's a pedestrian-only area.
There are no concessions directly on the Promenade itself. You'll find many cafes and restaurants in the surrounding Brooklyn Heights neighborhood.
The Squibb Park Bridge is a pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Promenade that offers a unique elevated perspective of the Manhattan skyline.
🎫 🌳 Neighborhood Exploration
Brooklyn Heights is a beautiful, historic neighborhood with charming brownstones, tree-lined streets, and unique shops. Explore Joralemon Street for colorful houses and enjoy the ambiance.
While DUMBO is known for its cobblestone streets and waterfront park, Brooklyn Heights offers a more residential, historic feel with its stunning Promenade views and elegant architecture.
Yes, the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood has a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Absolutely! It's a very walkable neighborhood with beautiful streets and hidden architectural gems.
Brooklyn Heights was one of America's first suburbs, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and its role in early urban planning.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Skyline View: A Photographer's Dream
To capture the best shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scene. For nighttime photography, a tripod is essential to ensure sharp images in low light conditions. While the Promenade itself is a prime spot, don't overlook the adjacent Squibb Park Bridge, which offers a slightly different, elevated perspective and can be a less crowded alternative for capturing unique angles of the cityscape. Remember to experiment with different compositions, focusing on leading lines from the Promenade's architecture or the iconic bridges themselves.
Beyond the skyline, the Promenade also offers excellent views of the Brooklyn Bridge and a distant but recognizable Statue of Liberty. These elements add depth and context to your photographs. Many visitors find joy in simply sitting on the benches and observing the constant flow of activity on the East River and the distant city. The experience is amplified during different seasons, with fall foliage adding color in autumn and a crispness to the air in winter.
Navigating to the Promenade: Subway and Beyond
When planning your journey, it's advisable to use a transit app like Google Maps or Citymapper to get real-time updates and the most efficient route from your starting point. Be prepared for a bit of walking, as the Promenade stretches for over 1,800 feet. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the entire length or combine your visit with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. While driving is an option, parking in Brooklyn Heights can be notoriously difficult and expensive, making the subway the preferred mode of transport for most visitors.
For those looking to extend their exploration, the Promenade serves as an excellent starting or ending point for a walk through the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. This area is known for its beautiful brownstones, tree-lined streets, and unique local shops and cafes. You can easily combine a visit to the Promenade with a stroll through these picturesque streets, experiencing the charm of one of New York's most beloved residential areas.
The Atmosphere: Romantic, Relaxing, and Vibrant
During the day, the Promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with people enjoying leisurely walks, reading books on the benches, or simply taking in the scenery. The presence of families and individuals enjoying the open space adds to its vibrant yet unhurried feel. As the day progresses into evening, the atmosphere shifts, becoming more intimate and romantic, especially as the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline. The sound of distant sirens and the gentle lapping of water against the piers below create a quintessential New York soundscape.
While the Promenade itself is a dedicated pedestrian walkway, it's situated above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a constant reminder of the city's dynamic infrastructure. However, the design effectively buffers the noise, allowing visitors to focus on the stunning visual experience. The surrounding Brooklyn Heights neighborhood further enhances the experience, offering charming streets and local eateries that complement a visit to the Promenade.



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