Brooklyn Bridge Park

The Brooklyn Bridge is best experienced on foot. Completed in 1883 and connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, thousands of visitors walk, bike, and drive across it every day. The granite pillars that soar above the East River are as impressive as the magnificent views that the bridge offers. It's also easy to include an excursion across the bridge with other must-see sights in Lower Manhattan and historic Brooklyn.

How to get to the Brooklyn Bridge
For pedestrian access on the Manhattan side, take the 4, 5, 6, J, or Z train to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, and cut through City Hall Park. To enter on the Brooklyn side, take the A or C to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge. Cross the street to walk through Cadman Plaza Park. Turn left and find the walkway entrance under the base of the bridge. For the best skyline views, walking toward Manhattan is a good choice.

Best and worst time to go to the Brooklyn Bridge
Clear, sunny days are the best for taking in the sweeping vistas. At sunset, Manhattan's skyscrapers fade into rosy silhouettes, making it perfect for photos. Weekday afternoons are less crowded than weekends. The wind tends to pick up around the middle of the bridge, so avoid visiting on days that are especially cold or windy.

Admission to the Brooklyn Bridge
Admission is free to walk, bike, and drive.

Must see/do on the Brooklyn Bridge
The 1.1 mile length of the bridge can be covered in less than 20 minutes, but leave plenty of time to linger. You'll want to stop and gaze at the view from a variety of vantage points; be sure not to miss the Statue of Liberty far out in New York Harbor. History buffs will enjoy the bronze plaques scattered along the pillars and rails, detailing the bridge's construction. There are Citi Bike stations located just outside the bridge entrances in both boroughs for those who want to rent bicycles.

Other places to visit near the Brooklyn Bridge
In Brooklyn, the pedestrian exit leads to Dumbo, a small, trendy neighborhood with boutique shopping, cobblestone-lined streets, and arguably the best pizza in New York at Grimaldi's Pizzeria. The colorful townhouses and tree-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights are also worth a visit. On the Manhattan side, it's an easy walk to the 9/11 Memorial and the restaurants and shopping at South Street Seaport.

Insider tip for visitors to the Brooklyn Bridge
Bicycle commuters and avid cyclists regularly zoom by at high rates of speed. There are designated lanes for pedestrians, which visitors should adhere to for their own safety.

Author's bio: Michele is a travel writer based in New York City. She loves, in equal parts, traveling around the world and finding unexpected adventures close to home.