Travel bucket list idea:
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.
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.
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