Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

What it is like

That width matters. The DOT reports an average of 28,845 pedestrians and 5,504 cyclists a day across the bridge, so on a sunny weekend afternoon the walkway can feel like a very slow commute. Go early. A two-way protected bike lane opened in September 2021 on a repurposed vehicle lane, so cyclists are on the roadway side, but read the signs and keep children to the walking side.

The best story to tell kids is the elephants. On May 17, 1884, P. T. Barnum's Jumbo led a parade of 21 elephants over the bridge. If a seven-year-old needs a reason to keep walking, that is it, along with the sight of the Manhattan skyline behind you.

It is also a long walk for short legs. Start in Brooklyn and walk toward Manhattan if you want the skyline ahead of you, or start from the Manhattan side near City Hall (the 4/5/6 stops at Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall) and finish by the Brooklyn waterfront. Either way, bring water, because I know of no shade or cafe midway.

Best time to go

Early weekday mornings; the bridge fills by late morning and on weekends.

Tips before you go

• Walk from Brooklyn toward Manhattan if you want the skyline in front of you; walk the other way if you would rather finish in Brooklyn.
• Go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
• Bring water and a hat; there is little shade on the bridge.
• Keep kids out of the bike lane and watch for cyclists.