Brooklyn Bridge View
The Brooklyn Bridge receives over 5 million visitors annually and is one of the most popular places to visit in New York.
While seeing the Brooklyn Bridge during the day is spectacular, it is even better at night.
When the sun goes down and dusk falls, the bridge and city skyline light up, creating a mesmerizing sight.
If you go to the right spot, you will even see the illuminated bridge and skyline dancing alongside the stars on the East River.
But how do you find these places that will reward you with surreal sights?
Don’t worry. We have discovered and listed the following vistas for you.
Brooklyn Bridge Viewing Spots
When it comes to the best place to view the Brooklyn Bridge, there are numerous options.
These locations are as follows:
- Manhattan’s East River Greenway
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn)
- All Other transport ways (ferry, helicopter, etc.)
View of Brooklyn Bridge From Manhattan
Most of the views from Manhattan are along the East River Greenway.
While the Greenway runs the length of Manhattan’s east side, the best views of the Bridge are found from the southern section of the Greenway between Pier 35 and Pier 15.
Pier 35
You can see the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges in a single frame from Pier 35.
You will also see the World Trade Center and the downtown Manhattan skyline.
While it is not the perfect shot of the Brooklyn Bridge, it is a one-of-a-kind shot that captures much more than just the bridge itself.
Also, Pier 35 has plenty of seating (including some swinging benches), making it the ideal place to watch the sunset over the river.
View from Two Bridges
You will come across a viewpoint where both bridges converge into Brooklyn right on the East River Greenway, between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This is a fantastic wide-angle view of the bridges, providing a more open view of the Brooklyn Bridge itself.
As you walk south from here, the entire walkway will be filled with views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
This is another excellent riverside walk at sunset to catch the last light hitting the bridge.
Seaport on South Street
The East River Greenway passes beneath the bridge and soon arrives at the South Street Seaport area.
The brick buildings and cobblestone streets make for a lovely stroll.
Views of the Brooklyn Bridge will undoubtedly appear in the distance throughout the Seaport area.
Aside from the views from the Seaport, there is plenty to see and do as you walk through the area, including its piers.
Pier 17
Pier 17 is the South Street Seaport’s most well-known East River pier.
You will get some amazing views from the pier.
You can go to the river deck on the pier’s north side or up to the rooftop for an elevated Brooklyn Bridge view.
This renovated pier is also home to several restaurants, bars, and fast-casual eateries.
Pier 15
Pier 15 is right next to Pier 17.
The Watermark restaurant is on the bottom floor of this pier, and on the second floor is a rooftop park.
It’s essentially an open-air deck/garden on one of the piers facing the Brooklyn Bridge, with seats and loungers facing the bridge.
This is a great place to sit and relax while admiring the Brooklyn Bridge from a distance.
This is the place to be if you want to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
You could sit up there for hours in the summer and soak in the rays! You can also do it in the winter, but it isn’t as warm.
World Trade Center (WTC)
Moving away from the river, the top of the One World Trade Center Observatory offers the best-elevated view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Looking downwards to the east, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge from above.
While you will have to pay an entrance fee to get to the top, the views are unrivaled.
You will have a clear view of the Manhattan skyline and all surrounding boroughs.
Book a guided walking tour through the heart of Manhattan and then cross over to Brooklyn as you explore the diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
Other Ways to See the Brooklyn Bridge
Apart from the usual spots, there are many exciting ways to see the Brooklyn Bridge.
You can find the list below and choose according to your preferences.
Manhattan Bridge
The Manhattan Bridge is located just north of the Brooklyn Bridge. Therefore, it provides an excellent vantage point.
To get the best photos, you must get onto the walking path and then get closer to the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
The perfect landscape is the elevated view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Governors Island
Governors Island is located just south of Manhattan and west of Brooklyn.
This small island is an excellent getaway from the city and is packed with activities.
Whether admiring the historic buildings, dining at one of the few waterfront restaurants, visiting the QC NY Spa, or simply taking in the scenery.
While there are beautiful views all over the island, the Brooklyn Bridge is lovely near the ferry terminal.
Outlook Hill will also provide you with elevated views.
You can spend the night at the Collective if you want to stay on the island.
Here, you will find a fantastic glamping experience for a night or weekend.
Liberty State Park
The park overlooks the Manhattan skyline and is the closest mainland location to the Statue of Liberty.
If you go to the park’s southern end near Flag Plaza/ Black Tom Island, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance.
This view is unique because you can see the bridge, city, and Statue of Liberty in one shot.
You can also walk along the Jersey City waterfront to better view NYC.
NYC Ferry or Boat Cruise
If you don’t want to go to the mainland, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge from the city’s waterways.
There are a few options, but you can take a boat cruise tour or view the bridge from an NYC ferry ride.
The NYC ferry connects various areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
So, if you are traveling along the East River, you will come across the bridge.
Just make sure you understand the route you are taking if you want to see the Brooklyn Bridge.
Alternatively, you can book a more extended boat tour that includes the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and other highlights.
This will allow you to spend more time exploring NYC’s waterways.
Helicopter Ride
Lastly, taking a helicopter ride over New York City is an unforgettable experience.
If walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is too mundane, take to the skies for an unforgettable experience.
The best way to do this is to join a helicopter tour that captures the bridge’s beauty and the surrounding structures.
You will not only fly over the Brooklyn Bridge, but you will also get a bird’s eye view of Manhattan and other parts of New York.
This will allow you to see the entire city, including views of Central Park!
You can also plan your own New York experience with one simple-to-use NYC Explorer Pass that gives you access to the most well-liked attractions,
Brooklyn Bridge Night View
The majority of visitors walk across the Brooklyn Bridge during the day.
However, for those who want to see and walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night, an after-dark experience is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Instead of hundreds of tourists crowding the walkways, an evening walk will have significantly fewer people.
This will allow you to enjoy the bridge without feeling stuffed or overcrowded.
Downtown Manhattan will be in front of you, with One World Trade Center standing tall.
Off to the north, you will get some stunning views of midtown Manhattan, including the Empire State Building, One Vanderbilt, and the Chrysler Building, among others.
A visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park before or after your walk will allow you to see the Brooklyn Bridge from a different perspective.
One of my favorite shots in the city is the panorama of the bridge, the skyline, and the East River.
Here are some of the best spots in the evening to enjoy an incredible view or take photos of the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge.
The Brooklyn Bridge
While looking at the bridge from a distance is impressive, walking on it and seeing it up close is surreal.
Under the stars, the Gothic towers with their two arches and the crisscrossed steel cables supporting the bridge look spectacular.
They also provide fantastic photo opportunities for anyone attempting to go viral on Instagram.
But the bridge isn’t the only sight to see here. Views of the iconic New York skyline and the East River are also available.
Time Out Market Terrace
This indoor market is full of food stalls selling casual bites and cocktails, making them ideal stops on your evening adventure.
While most stalls are on the ground floor, you can take your food and drink to the Time Out Market terrace.
At the top, you will be greeted with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the nighttime New York skyline.
Harriet’s Rooftop Bistro
Enjoy salmon fried rice or oysters while sipping Sauvignon Blanc or Harriet’s margaritas and gazing out at the city skyline.
There’s also a rooftop pool with similar views, perfect for watching the sunset over the bridge in the summer.
The River Restaurant
The River Cafe is a one-Michelin-star fine-dining establishment that is even pricier than Harriet’s.
It’s located directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and offers unique views and world-class cuisine.
East River Parkway
Instead of just one bridge, how about seeing two? That’s right; if you go to this location, you can see the illuminated Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges.
It’s right on South Street in Manhattan.
Pebble Beach
The beauty of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city’s illuminated high-rise buildings can be seen from the small beach.
This view is breathtaking in the evening when Jane’s Carousel lights up just below the magnificent bridge.
In the summer, you can dip your toes in the water or admire the bridge while listening to the soothing sound of waves.
Going there at sunset will allow you to enjoy the views as the sun sets over New York.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a popular spot for walkers, roller skaters, and joggers during the day.
By night, it’s the ideal spot to view the illuminated Brooklyn Bridge, downtown Manhattan, and the East River.
It is accessible to all visitors, including those in wheelchairs.
Lookout on Pier 1 of the Brooklyn Bridge
When you get to the main platform, you will find a Brooklyn Bridge lookout that feels like it was built specifically for this purpose.
While the views are beautiful during the day, they are even more spectacular in the evening.
The illuminated Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline are reflected in the East River, creating a mesmerizing sight from this vantage point.
FAQs
What is the best place to view the Brooklyn Bridge?
If one had to pick just one spot in New York City for the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge, it would be Pebble Beach in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
You can sit back, relax, and view the bridge with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Which side of the Brooklyn Bridge is better?
The Brooklyn side is better mainly because you can simultaneously see the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
This is something you will not get from the Manhattan side.
Featured Image: Unsplash.com