Bucket list experience:
New York, United States of America (USA)
One of the most unique and beautiful bridges in the world – though surprisingly unsung outside New York. Designed by German immigrant and noted bridge-builder John Roebling and completed in 1883, it charms with elegant arches and artful cables.
With a raised wooden pedestrian and cycleway separated from vehicle traffic, it makes for a scenic stroll to Brooklyn across the East River, while looking back at spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.
You can cycle across too – make it part of a longer route around Manhattan’s southern tip and along the Hudson River.
Grimaldi’s (1 Front Street) is often voted New York’s best pizzeria. Gorgeous whole pizzas to eat in. Boasts ‘no credit cards, no reservations, no slices’. Go off-peak for shorter queues.
Alternatively (or both!), pick up an ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory shack right on the waterfront at Old Fulton Street.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >The bridge pathway begins on Manhattan side at Center Street and Park Row, next to City Hall, New York’s city council building in Lower Manhattan. The walk takes about half an hour; if that’s too much, you can easily get a taxi or water cab back.
Take a rest stop over the bridge by visiting Brooklyn Park, with sublime views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
Late afternoon as the sun is preparing to set and offers gorgeous light – and you can reward yourself with dinner in Brooklyn and a view of the Manhattan skyline by night.
It’s spectacular year-round, unless it’s snowy or raining, but at its best in the spring and autumn when the light is golden. Sunny weekend afternoons mean huge crowds, almost to the point of jostling and clashing with cyclists.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
New York City
$39 | Rating 4.54 / 5 [11 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
New York City
$45 | Rating 4.68 / 5 [153 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
New York City
$49 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [58 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
New York City
$76 | Rating 4.85 / 5 [119 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
Art-inspired, funky boutique hotel nicely tucked away but close to the best downtown suburbs – a proverbial ‘hidden gem’.
Official star rating:
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
Robert DeNiro’s eclectic sanctuary of individual character with old-school traditional luxury, in trendy Tribeca. Exquisite interiors and intimate atmosphere make it feel like a private club.
Official star rating:
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.1 miles]
The original loft hotel with searing-hot A-list credentials and superb luxury in fashionable, central SoHo. Perfect for shoppers, foodies and partiers who love being in the heart of the buzz.
Official star rating:
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[2.3 miles]
A stylish, distinctive and happening luxury boutique hotel in a pivotal location between downtown’s best neighbourhoods.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New York, United States of America (USA)
The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.5 miles]
The poignant ‘Ground Zero’ memorial to the victims of the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks – built upon the ruined foundations of the former twin towers – plus a museum dedicated to recounting the day’s tragic events.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[2.9 miles]
Great value 1-3 hour sightseeing cruises around Manhattan, offering the chance to appreciate the city skyline and its key landmarks – including the Statue of Liberty – from the relative tranquillity of the Hudson River.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours
New York, United States of America (USA)[4.5 miles]
The 151ft high, iconic statue that symbolises New York City and embodies American values of freedom and opportunity, and an evocative museum explaining the extraordinary 19th-century mass immigrations.
Best for ages: 4+ | £22
New York, United States of America (USA)[4.7 miles]
Uber-cool park built on an elevated, disused railway track that manages to combine terrific design, gritty urban architecture and river views.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 30 minutes
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
History buffs should stop by this fascinating museum, a small row of old immigrant tenement houses preserved intact from the late 19th/early 20th century that showcases what life was like for the immigrants who first arrived in the city. http://tenement.org.
Best for ages: 13+ | £25
New York, United States of America (USA)[2 miles]
“I’ll have what she’s having,” is the famous line from the When Harry Met Salley movie scene set in this ancient palace of pastrami that’s been slicing and serving top-notch cured meat since 1888.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[3.9 miles]
A specialist in 20th- and 21st-century American art, from Jackson Pollock to Keith Haring to Cindy Sherman. Every two years holds the Whitney Biennial which showcases a huge range of new contemporary art, often from little-known artists.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
New York, United States of America (USA)[4.2 miles]
Located where the High Line meets Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, this erstwhile warehouse is one of New York’s great foodie destinations. The rambling hall is crammed by casual restaurants, food kiosks, and speciality food shops.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.
