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!"
📸 DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
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.
Planning Your Visit
Iconic Photo Spot Alert!
Beat the Tourist Rush
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
🌅 Sunset at Pier 35
Enjoy stunning bridge views and a tranquil atmosphere on the Lower East Side. Perfect for a relaxing evening. +1
🚴 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
📸 DUMBO Photo Hack
Find the iconic Empire State Building frame on Washington St. Go early or late for fewer crowds and better light!
🚶♀️ Less Crowded Crossing
Opt for the Manhattan Bridge over the Brooklyn for a more peaceful walk or bike ride.
🌅 Sunset at Pier 35
Enjoy stunning bridge views and a tranquil atmosphere on the Lower East Side. Perfect for a relaxing evening. +1
🚴 Bike the Bridge
Dedicated bike lanes offer a smooth ride with fantastic city vistas. A great way to explore!
💡 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 isn’t 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 doesn’t 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 — especially during sunset.
The pedestrian and bike paths are separate, making it a calmer, more local experience. You’ll 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
🚇 🗺️ 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.
🎫 🎫 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.
📸 📸 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.
🎫 🏃♀️ 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a truly memorable experience, aim for a sunset crossing. The city lights coming on are magical for all ages. Pack some snacks and water, as amenities on the bridge itself are limited. The DUMBO area on the Brooklyn side also offers parks and playgrounds perfect for a post-bridge exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For broader cityscapes and architectural details, the pedestrian walkway provides unparalleled opportunities. Experiment with different times of day. Golden hour at sunset casts a warm glow over the city, while early morning light offers a softer, less crowded experience. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective of the subway trains running alongside the walkway – it adds a dynamic element to your photos.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Commuters
While some find the noise from the adjacent subway lines to be a drawback, the convenience and the stunning views make it a popular option. Consider using the bridge for your daily commute or as part of a longer cycling tour of the city's bridges.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic DUMBO Photo Opportunity
To get the best shot, timing is crucial. Arriving early in the morning or closer to sunset will help you avoid the peak crowds that gather here. The soft light during these times also enhances the photographic quality. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you visit during busy periods, but the resulting image is often worth it.
While this view is iconic, remember that it's a public street. Be mindful of local traffic and pedestrians. Some Redditors have noted that while the view is stunning, the area can get quite congested with photographers vying for the perfect shot.
Experiencing the Manhattan Bridge Walkway
This walkway provides a fantastic perspective of the city, and many visitors find it to be a more peaceful experience. You can see the subway trains rumbling alongside, which adds a unique urban soundtrack to your stroll. It's also a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the city lights begin to twinkle and the sky paints a beautiful backdrop.
Travelers often recommend this route for its panoramic vistas and the opportunity to appreciate the bridge's engineering. It's a practical and scenic way to travel between Manhattan and Brooklyn, especially if you're looking to avoid the overwhelming tourist throngs often found on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Manhattan Bridge for Commuters and Runners
For runners, the Manhattan Bridge is often cited as a superior choice. The dedicated lanes mean you're less likely to be weaving through slow-moving tourist groups. Some runners even prefer it over the Williamsburg Bridge for its directness and the unique experience of the subway running adjacent to the walkway.
However, some users on Reddit have noted that the proximity of the subway can make the Manhattan Bridge quite noisy. Despite this, its efficiency and dedicated pathways make it a popular and practical choice for those looking for a smoother commute or a more focused running experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit