New York classics: Brooklyn Bridge

You know I love to show you different places here in New York, right? I assume that the classical tours are subject in several websites, blogs and magazines. I like to show different places, what people did not know that exist – and even to prove that New York is much more than Times Square. But, as classics are classics, I’m here today to make a special post about Brooklyn Bridge! Crossing this bridge is mandatory for those coming to New York for the first time – and worth repeating if you have other opportunities. I’ve done this route a few times and on Saturday, we took some friends over there – and then I had an insight to show this place here on the blog, and also, give you special tips. The photos are the result of a mixture of several the several times that I’ve been there.

Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges around the world – and the first built to connect Manhattan to Brooklyn, almost two kilometers long. It was inaugurated in 1883 – 13 years after the start of its construction. John Augustus Roebling was the engineer responsible for the work – he was German, but he lived in the US for many years – and had a lot of experience in the construction of suspension bridges and the Brooklyn Bridge was his most ambitious project. Roebling had already built bridges in the same style around the world, but not to this magnitude. At the time of the bridge construction, transportation from Brooklyn to Manhattan was made by ferry and Roebling was in one of them when there was a nasty accident with his boat. Because of gravity, Roebling had legs amputated, but he did not resist and died. Who took the work was his son, Washington Roebling. For 20 years after the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge, there was a toll for pedestrians and for cars. Today, on average, 120,000 vehicles cross Brooklyn Bridge every day, and 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 cyclists.

Now, let’s talk about crossing the bridge! As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, crossing Brooklyn Bridge is part of the classic script of who comes to New York. To get access to the bridge, use 4, 5, 6, J or Z subway lines and and get off at Brooklyn Bridge City Hall station. Before you begin your walk, get a bottle of water and take time to observe the region, full of beautiful buildings. Walking on the bridge, you will find many street vendors of souvenirs such as key chains and refrigerator magnets. Enjoy, because the prices are good, from $ 1 to $ 2. Important Tip: always keep right – the left side is reserved for cyclists. If you want to cross using a bike, there are CitiBike stations in the bridge output and also on the other side – the value to use the bike is $ 9.95 for 24 hours. Crossing the bridge, be sure to look at all sides: you will catch sight of the East River, the Brooklyn, Manhattan Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Empire State and even the Statue of Liberty.

When you finish crossing, you will observe an exit for pedestrians. Take this access to get to the area of Dumbo, the name given to the region which is near the bridge. Enjoy and take time to explore the Brooklyn Bridge Park and its wonderful views. The side of the Brooklyn provides great photos – as this last one, you can see Empire State below Manhattan Bridge. This point is at the intersection of Washington St. to Front St. – just follow to the left after leaving Brooklyn Bridge.

Do you want more? Stop by at Jacques Torres Chocolate to try a chocolate, a cookie or ice cream, or even have a coffee or a hot chocolate. Stop by Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for ice cream and be sure to admire the beauty of the Brooklyn Carousel. Look at all sides, as the look of the Brooklyn Bridge Park is fantastic. And if you still want to explore areas such as Williamsburg and Long Island City, take the East River Ferry – the ticket costs $ 3 on weekdays and $ 6 on weekends. Oh, and of course: this tour is just perfect on a sunny day. If you are visiting the city during the cold weather, be sure to be well protected, because is windy!