brooklyn bridge walking tours

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge (Easy to Follow Local’s Guide + Tips)

Our easy to follow guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge tips will help you plan your dream visit to one of the most famous landmarks of NYC, not to mention the history of the Brooklyn Bridge is also fascinating.

We provide you with everything you need to know before walking the Brooklyn Bridge including the history, where to go, what you’ll see, and how to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway as well as how to bike it or drive it!

Here’s all the tips, tricks, dos, and don’ts of walking the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the best walks in Brooklyn and NYC!

Brooklyn Bridge Walk Guide & Tips

Table of Contents

Brief history of the brooklyn bridge, ways to cross the brooklyn bridge, how long is the brooklyn bridge, how long it takes to cross the brooklyn bridge, walking across the brooklyn bridge directions, best views walking the brooklyn bridge, tips for walking the brooklyn bridge, what to do nearby the brooklyn bridge, brooklyn bridge walking tour.

The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. The historic and iconic bridge is one of the most recognizable in the country and connects the two boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River.

Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling, but after suffering an injury and complications with recovery, he died and his son Washington Roebling took over the project. This wouldn’t be the first complication during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Many workers developed “caisson disease,” which occurs when workers would leave a compressed atmosphere and enter into a normal atmosphere too quickly.

This took place when workers were sent below the surface of the East River to clear mud and boulders from the bottom of the river to begin laying down granite.

Washington Roebling fell ill to this disease and his wife Emily Warren Roebling took over the operation.

When the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public on May 24, 1883. Emily Roebling was the first to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

On the opening day, over 150,000 pedestrians crossed the bridge including American President Chester A. Arthur and New York Mayor Franklin Edson.

Shortly after the Brooklyn Bridge’s completion, rumors that it would somehow collapse filled the city with panic. In order to put these rumors to rest, P.T. Barnum led 21 elephants across the bridge in 1884, wouldn’t that be a sight?

You can find a plaque on your Brooklyn Bridge walk dedicated to John Augustus Roebling, Washington Roebling, and Emily Roebling.

The Brooklyn Bridge’s total cost was over $15 million in the 19th century and led to a few dozen deaths and over 100 caisson disease cases.

Learn more about the history of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Back to the Top

There are a few different ways to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, by foot, car, bicycle, and below by water taxi or ferry.

Driving across the Brooklyn Bridge

If you’re looking for a quick cityscape fix, cruise across the Brooklyn Bridge in your car, rideshare, or taxi. This famous New York City bridge is actually one of the rare toll free motorways in and out of Manhattan, which makes it more appealing for drivers in NYC.

Although you can observe the beautiful skyline from the comfort of your car, don’t forget that traffic is a possibility. If you’re looking for a day of being a tourist and taking your time at this national landmark, you might want to consider our other options of crossing the bridge.

Biking across the Brooklyn Bridge

The key to biking in New York City as a visitor or someone without their own bicycle is using CitiBike rentals who have docking stations all throughout the city.

CitiBike is really easy to use, you just have to download the app for payment as well as finding your nearest docking station to pick up or drop off your bikes.

As of September 2021, biking the Brooklyn Bridge is no longer possible on the pedestrian pathway on the top of the bridge. Prior to the change, bikers and pedestrians shared the same pathway with a few painted lines that distinguished where cyclists stayed and where pedestrians stayed.

This was chaos for everyone as often unknowing tourists didn’t obey either the bike lane or the pedestrian lane making it a really frustrating and chaotic experience.

Now, there is a designated bike lane on the lower level of the bridge alongside the motor traffic. While the lane is separate from the motorists, you do not get the same ‘views’ as you did previously when the bike lane shared the upper level of the bridge with pedestrians.

Crossing By the Brooklyn Bridge by Water

A unique vantage point for seeing the Brooklyn Bridge is via below from the water using the NYC Ferry or New York Water Taxi to take you from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa on the East River.

The NYC Ferry has a route that takes you from South Brooklyn to Wall Street (Pier 11) in Lower Manhattan. This costs $4. However, if you’re bringing a bicycle for any reason there is a small additional fee when you go to buy your ticket.

The other water option is by the New York Water Taxi. This is a sightseeing cruise with multiple stops around popular city landmarks by water! You will have to by an all day pass, so this option only makes sense if you plan on using this to see many attractions.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Many would say, walking the Brooklyn Bridge is the best way to do it. You will deal with difficult crowds, flying selfie sticks, and aggressive cyclist commuters, but it’s totally worth it. I mean taking the slowest way possible gives you a chance to soak in this amazing NYC landmark and views!

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most popular and iconic things to do in Brooklyn and in New York City. Because of its popularity you can imagine that there will be many other people on the bridge trying to see this iconic landmark from up close and experiencing the epic views along the way.

It is estimated that nearly 4,000-10,000 people walk the Brooklyn Bridge per day!

Something you used to have to keep in mind when walking the Brooklyn Bridge is that you needed to stay in the pedestrian lanes, but now that’s no longer an issue, the upper level of the Brooklyn Bridge is now for pedestrians only. 

Before, many people stop to take photos not realizing they are standing directly in the bicycle lane. You’ll probably see at least a dozen during your visit and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge if not more. Besides giving tourists on bikes a hard time, I mean it when I say that these New York City bicyclists will run over you and not even look back. So now, that dilemma is no more.

Many people wonder these common questions including how long the Brooklyn Bridge is in feet and how long the Brooklyn Bridge is in miles! When you’re there in person it really doesn’t look as long as it really is!

How long the Brooklyn Bridge is in feet

The Brooklyn Bridge is 5,989 total feet.

How long is the Brooklyn Bridge in miles

The Brooklyn Bridge is 1.134 miles but the entrances for the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway are approximately 1.6 miles apart.

Planning to cross one of the most famous NYC bridges ? You might want to plan for how long it takes to cross the Brooklyn Bridge, especially if you’re trying to plan around visiting this iconic landmark.

As we mentioned before, time spent driving on the Brooklyn Bridge can vary. If you’re traveling in the early morning or mid-day when everyone should be in their offices, you may be able to drive across the whole bridge without delays. As mentioned, the Brooklyn Bridge is just over 1 mile long, so you can expect to cross quickly by car if there is no traffic.

I would not suggest taking this route when you’re in a cab around rush hour, unless you’re prepared for a long wait and a higher fare at the end of your ride.

You can also ride across the bridge quickly in the later hours of the night if you’re coming back from a night out in Brooklyn or Manhattan.

If you’re in a taxi, you can always ask your driver what the conditions are on the bridge, since they are driving the city all day everyday they might have a good idea of whether or not its a good time to drive across. If not, you can always have them drop you off at the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway to finish the rest of your journey by foot!

Biking across the Brooklyn Bridge may take you as little as 15 minutes. Biking across the Brooklyn Bridge bike lane is on the lower level next to motorists. While there is a barricade between the bike lane and the motorists, some have said that the fast moving vehicles can be a bit alarming, so if you’re new to biking in the city just be aware of this.

If you’re visiting and walking the Brooklyn Bridge for a first time, chances are you’re going to want to take your time and rightfully so.

The quickest walk by foot without stops will take around 30 minutes. However, with crowds and photo and view stops along the way you can expect walking the Brooklyn Bridge to take closer to 60 minutes plus depending entirely on you and your stops as well as the crowds.

Remember, the Brooklyn Bridge is just over 1 mile long, and if you’re walking you’re using the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkways which are approximately 1.6 miles apart.

Unless you come on a slow day, you can imagine that when you’re adding hundreds of people and other people trying to sell you things as you’re walking the Brooklyn Bridge, it could lengthen the process.

My pro tip would be walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at a slow pace – expect for it to take longer than you planned that way you have extra time for unplanned stops and photos and you won’t be in a rush.

This won’t be something you’re going to do everyday whether you live in New York or you’re just visiting, so make it count. Enjoy every second of walking the Brooklyn Bridge.

Read Next: Williamsburg Bridge Walk Guide & Tips

Using the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway is the only way to cross the bridge by foot or access the bridge if you’re a pedestrian. Here are detailed steps on how to access the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway from both the Brooklyn side and the Manhattan side of the Bridge.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: Brooklyn Side

Starting your Brooklyn Bridge walk in Brooklyn? Great, there are a couple of entrances to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway.

If you’re entering from Downtown Brooklyn, the walkway begins on Tillary Street and Boerum Place. On Google maps, this location is called “Brooklyn Bridge Walkway Starting Point.”

The second entrance is a stairway in the underpass located in DUMBO on Washington Street , 2 blocks from Front Street where the famous DUMBO Instagram photo is at. There is a stairway in the underpass that is the entrance leading directly to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway.

I would always recommend walking the Brooklyn Bridge starting in Brooklyn because of the breathtaking Manhattan and famous NYC skyline views. This is where you can get the most famous views of the city.

Nearest Subway:

Unless you are already in the Downtown Brooklyn or DUMBO neighborhoods of Brooklyn, you will probably be taking the subway to the Brooklyn Bridge and going by foot the rest of the way.

There are a few different options each within a reasonable walking distance to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. All of these subway stations are relatively the same distance from the entrance, so choose whatever is most convenient from your starting point!

• A, C or F subway lines to Jay Street/MetroTech Station
• N or R subway lines to Court Street Station
• 2/3 or 4/5 subway lines to Borough Hall Station
• A or C subway lines to High Street (take the High Street Exit – this is the most direct route)

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge: Manhattan Side

I won’t lie, sometimes when I’m traveling back home to Brooklyn, I will just do the Brooklyn Bridge walk to avoid putting more money on my Metrocard and to just enjoy the bridge. I also consider this option after I’ve eaten a delicious New York meal and need to burn some calories.

From the Manhattan side, you can enter the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway at the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Centre Street.

There’s usually a lot of vendors on the Manhattan side, so don’t be afraid to snag a hot dog or pretzel and a souvenir before you embark on your Brooklyn Bridge walk.

Nearest Subway

Chances are you need to get close to the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway via the Manhattan side before crossing! Here are the closest subway stops that are just a short walk away.

The Brooklyn Bridge—City Hall and Chambers St. are closest to the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, the bridge is located right across the street from these subway stations.

• 4, 5, or 6 subway lines to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall
• J or Z subway lines to Chambers St.
• 2 or 3 subway lines to Park Place
• N or R subway lines to City Hall
• A or C subway lines to Fulton Street

As mentioned before, the best views on the Brooklyn Bridge are starting/coming from the Brooklyn side and walking toward Manhattan. The best way to soak in all the amazing views and photo ops is to take your time on your Brooklyn Bridge walk. This really is one of the best free things to do in Brooklyn too!

Here are some of my favorite views to take in while on the Brooklyn Bridge walk, one of the best places for Brooklyn photography and Instagram spots:

Brooklyn Bridge towers— Pose underneath the famous arches while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge. These pictures turn out the absolute best on an empty bridge day.

Statue of Liberty— Take a look off into the distance and find Lady Liberty dazzling in the horizon during your Brooklyn Bridge walk.

Lower Manhattan— The staggering and stunning skyline is jaw-dropping, make sure to pose for a couple pictures with the cityscape including the World Trade Center.

Manhattan Bridge— Don’t forget about the blue beautiful bridge right across from the Brooklyn Bridge.

About halfway through walking the Brooklyn Bridge, there will be some little areas to pull over and snap some really great shots with Lower Manhattan as your backdrop.

When taking photos, DO NOT SIT OR STAND ON LEDGES when posing for pictures. There are no rails to protect pedestrians from falling down onto the roadway below and besides risking your life, you’re putting others in danger. Please be responsible.

The key to walking the Brooklyn Bridge is being prepared for the possibility of crowds and if you don’t want that experience, you will need to have patience and plan around it.

It’s easy to get frustrated with big crowds, especially if you’ve had a long touristy day. Here are a couple of pro local tips when walking the Brooklyn Bridge:

Wear comfortable shoes:   You’ll be walking alot during your visit to Brooklyn and NYC. Save your feet by coming prepared with stylish and comfortable walking shoes.

Bring your camera: Most people already have great cameras built into their smartphones, but if you do have a DSLR or other camera we do recommend bringing that on your Brooklyn Bridge walk as this is one of the best places for photos in the city. Leave your tripod behind unless you plan at coming as early as sunrise to get to the bridge before anyone else or are coming on a day where the bridge is empty.

Come on a crappy day: Want to avoid people? The worst the weather the more likely the crowds will thin out on the Brooklyn Bridge! Rainy and cold winter days are some of the best times to experience the Brooklyn Bridge without hoards of people!

Prepare for the weather: Rainy and cold days are some of the best times to visit and walk the Brooklyn Bridge if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. If this is the case for you, come prepared! It gets pretty windy above the water so you will probably need more than just an umbrella. Layer up if its a chillier day to make your Brooklyn Bridge walk more enjoyable!

Be ready to be patient: You will get irritated, you will get separated from your group, you might get smacked by a selfie stick, but remember it’s part of sharing this experience with everyone else and while it might test your patience, it’s good to come prepared ready for a more crowded experience.

Start on the Brooklyn Side: This is just a reminder that if you are looking for the most ‘iconic’ way to do the Brooklyn Bridge walk you should start on the Brooklyn side so you can see Manhattan and the NYC skyline when you walk.

Weekdays can be less crowded*: Unless it’s peak summer season, if you come on a weekday you have a better chance to avoid the bigger crowds than on the weekends! But notice we said, *can be*. This is not always the case.

Holidays are always busy: Planning a visit to the Brooklyn Bridge around a holiday? Expect more crowds and be ready to have to practice some extra patience!

Don’t leave a lock on the bridge: This is not allowed and you could get ticketed with a fine if caught.

Be sure to see our entire Brooklyn packing list guide for what you don’t want to leave home without when planning your Brooklyn trip and more great tips.

Both sides of the Brooklyn Bridge have so much to offer, which is the best part about having this bridge that connects the two of the best boroughs in New York City.

Here are some of my top picks for what to do before or after your Brooklyn Bridge walk.

If you’re looking for another bridge walk with views, consider walking one way on the Brooklyn Bridge and the other way on the Manhattan Bridge walk .

Things to do nearby the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan

City Hall— Located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway entrance, check out New York City Hall. This City Hall is the oldest city hall in the United States. Built from 1803-1812, so ultimately it’s labeled a U.S. National Historic Landmark!

One World Trade Center— Take about a 15 minute stroll over to the One World Trade Center after walking the Brooklyn Bridge. Make sure to get tickets for the observation deck, one of just three observation decks in New York City! This destination is just about one mile away from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance/exit. Alternatively, you can just visit from the outside and enjoy all the colorful murals here too.

9/11 Memorial & Museum— Just down the street from the One World Trade Center, visit the 9/11 Memorial & Memorial. The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are free of charge, but if you have time, we would suggest checking out the Museum as well. This historical spot is a little over half a mile from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance, about a 15 minute walk.

Oculus Center— Ever wonder what that crazy looking white building is near One World Trade and the 9/11 Memorial? It’s called the Oculus Center, it’s full of high-end stores, kiosks, and subway stops! Located just half a mile from the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, it should take just about 12 minutes to walk there.

Brookfield Place— Brookfield is also another spot to fulfill all your shopping needs in New York City. Around a 17 minute walk (.7 miles) from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance, you can find some of New York’s best stores such as Lululemon, Madewell, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, J. Crew, and much more!

SoHo— Visit one of the most famous shopping spots and trendy neighborhoods there is! SoHo is just under a mile away from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance and takes just under 20 minutes to get there! Find every store you could imagine just in this area of NYC! Check out some of the options like Topshop, Zara, Urban Outfitters, H&M, & Other Stories, Forever21, and all the designer brands you can think of.

Chinatown— While you’re in the area, check out one of the iconic areas in Manhattan! Chinatown is just about a 16 minute (.7 miles) walk from the Brooklyn Bridge walkway entrance. You can check out some historical museums, the famous Canal St, and try some awesome Chinese food.

Things to do nearby the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn

Hang out in DUMBO – DUMBO is one of our favorite neighborhoods to hang out in. If you’ve built up an appetite be sure to try some of the best pizza in DUMBO (some of the best in the city) or check out the different DUMBO restaurants with a view before/after exploring the rest of the best things to do in DUMBO.

Brooklyn Bridge Park-  Visit this Brooklyn park with the best views in the city! Located on DUMBO’s waterfront you have some of the best views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge all in one spot. See our entire guide for best things to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park .

Time Out Market New York— Time Out Market New York is an amazing food hall in DUMBO featuring the best foodie scene of the city under one roof. There are 21 different gourmet vendors located overlooking the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Time Out Market is about a 7 minute walk (.3 miles) from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance.

Dekalb Market and Food Hall— You will not want to miss this famous Brooklyn spot a short 15 minute (.7 miles) walk away from the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway on Tillary St. Equipped with multiple stores such as Trader Joe’s, Target, Century 21, an ahhhhmazing food hall with over 40 vendors, and the Alamo Drafthouse, you can’t ask for anything more.

Junior’s— Junior’s Restaurant is a New York delicacy with amazing food and even better desserts. Did you even go to New York if you didn’t have a slice of Junior’s cheesecake? Dine in after a quick 16 min walk (.7 miles) from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance.

Fulton St Mall— What is a trip to New York without a shopping spree? Although you can do this in SoHo and other hot spots in Manhattan, you can do it right here in Brooklyn too. Check out awesome stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, American Eagle, Old Navy, TJ Maxx and more just a short 13 minute walk (.5 miles) from the Brooklyn Bridge walking entrance on Tillary St.

Stay in DUMBO – Want to stay in DUMBO with an amazing view of NYC in this popular neighborhood? See our full guide for where to stay in DUMBO for your best accommodation options for your visit.

Want to learn about the fascinating history of the Brooklyn Bridge? From the deadly construction to other historical events that took place around the bridge and the fabric of NYC?

Join a Brooklyn Bridge walking tour with a guide! This 2-hour Brooklyn Bridge walking tour will cover all things related to the Brooklyn Bridge from fun facts to history as well as stops in DUMBO and Manhattan.

Book your Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour

Found this guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge helpful or interesting? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest!

My name is Katie and I went to college here New York City at LIU in Brooklyn! I love photography and am excited to share some of my favorite Brooklyn and New York City tips and spots on Your Brooklyn Guide.

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Do you have any tips for low-cost parking near DUMBO?

Check for free street parking first – although there are very few streets available for this and it’s competitive. Otherwise, there are two Kwik Parking lots available for a fee.

This page was incredibly helpful as I was trying to figure out how to go about walking the bridge from Brooklyn. I was having trouble understanding where the entrance was with Google Maps and the reference on this site to Tillary St. until I spied a marker on google: Brooklyn Bridge Walkway Starting Point

If you’re open to suggestions, adding that reference to this web page might be helpful to those getting their directions from the map app. (It’s how I get anywhere when I’m traveling!)

Thank you for this website!! I especially appreciated the history and looked for the plaques while we walked. And I can see why the bike path changed – who thought bikes and pedestrians was going to work in the first place??

Thanks Kate!! I have added that tip – glad you found the guide helpful!

This whole article was so completely helpful! My mom and I will be driving from Pennsylvania just to walk the bridge in a few weeks. Where would you recommend parking so that we can access the bridge from the Brooklyn side? Thank you so much for the very specific Google map area too!

Glad you found this helpful! Parking isn’t great down there, but there are parking garages, I recommend the garage at 200 Cadman Plaza W.

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Are there public restrooms?

Yes, there are restrooms at Pier 6 at Fornino and in Quay Tower; in the Boathouse in the Pier 5 Uplands , in the orange building on Pier 2 , under Squibb Bridge ; at Empire Stores in Empire Fulton Ferry, and in 99 Plymouth Environmental Education Center .

Are there restaurants nearby?

Yes! There are lots of places to eat and drink at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please browse through all the park concessions and nearby eateries . Many nearby restaurants and bars are listed on online with the DUMBO BID , Atlantic Avenue BID , and with the Montague Street BID.

Can I smoke in the Park?

As of May 23, 2011, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a smoke-free park, consistent with New York City law. On April 29, 2014, the Smoke-Free Air Act was expanded to include the use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The law is intended to make parks healthier and cleaner places to visit. We ask your compliance with this new rule.

How do I get on the Brooklyn Bridge?

To walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway located at Washington Street and Prospect Street, right at the northeast corner of Cadman Plaza. You can also just walk straight onto the bridge from Adams Street. On the Manhattan side, cross Centre Street near the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station for the 4, 5 and 6 lines to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade.

How do I get to Brooklyn Bridge Park?

Brooklyn Bridge Park is accessible by several subway lines (A/C, 2/3, 4/5, F, R) and bus routes (B25, B61, B63, B67). Visitors can also arrive via the NYC Ferry at Fulton Ferry Landing and Pier 6 . For Access-a-Ride access to Pier 1 , please use the address 1 Water Street (corner of Old Fulton and Water Street). To enter the southern end of the park, please use the address 360 Furman Street and exit on the west side of the building.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes, if you find an item in the Park you can give it to any Park staff member or drop it off at our office at 334 Furman Street (near Pier 5 ). If you have lost an item please complete this form here , if the item is found we will contact you.

Is there parking?

Parking near Brooklyn Bridge Park is very limited. We recommend using public transportation, biking, or walking to the Park. BBP is accessible by bus, subway and ferry. See more ways to get to the Park

There are limited metered parking spaces in a public parking lot on Furman Street near Pier 2 . The parking spaces are metered for both a minimum and a maximum of three hours. Please note that parking on the Loop Road (between Pier 5 and Pier 6) is not allowed, it is a drop off space only.

There are two paid parking lots in the Park. A parking garage is located near Pier 6 , accessible on the south side of 360 Furman Street. A parking garage operated by LAZ is located near Pier 1 , accessible on the south side of 90 Furman Street (under Squibb Bridge ).

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour

Tour Information

Brooklyn bridge, heights & dumbo, brooklyn bridge, heights & dumbo highlights.

This is a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of New York City for over 125 years, with spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

For our full tour calendar, click here .

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TOUR DESCRIPTION

The tour then moves on to a stroll of Brooklyn Heights, America’s and New York City’s first suburb.  

The tour then explores the neighborhood DUMBO before ending at the Fulton Ferry landing.

Brooklyn Bridge

The tour begins at the fountain inside City Hall Park in Manhattan. It’s a full mile (1.6 km) across the bridge.

But, we will be making plenty of stops to talk about the history and design of the bridge and to have the opportunity to capture scenic photographs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York Harbor.

Check out our self-guided Brooklyn Bridge walk (also available as a  GPS-led audio tour ) to get a better idea of what you will experience.

Before you read our top ten, consider listening to an episode of our NYC Travel Tips podcast that covers the Brooklyn Bridge.

This podcast offers bite-sized audio clips with tips on how to plan your trip to NYC. You can get our podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

• Brooklyn Heights

The bridge lets out in Brooklyn’s finest residential neighborhoods, filled with interesting people and architecture.

Nicknamed America’s first suburb, Brooklyn Heights will certainly amaze.

Learn about George Washington’s doomed stand against British marines and walk past the homes of Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, and Norman Mailer.

Last but not least, we will visit the promenade for arguably the best views of Manhattan and New York Harbor.

From the promenade, we will walk down to the ferry landing area and explore a small part of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).

Once a manufacturing and industrial district, economic change sapped the area of its economic strength, leaving large and vacant factory lofts as attractive destinations for artists starving for large and affordable living space.

The neighborhood's unique urban landscape is partially the result of being below two bridges, an interesting sight to see.

Learn more about this neighborhood with our self-guided tour of DUMBO (also available as a  GPS-led audio tour ).

This tour finishes near the Fulton Ferry Landing in DUMBO, where you could take the  East River Ferry to Lower Manhattan.

TOUR INFORMATION

Reservations: REQUIRED. Click here to reserve . Groups of 5 or more traveling together should visit our groups' page .

Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Tour distance is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km).

BOOKING NOTES:

• You will not have time to do this 3 hour morning tour and an afternoon tour at 1pm.
• You will have very limited time to do this 3 hour morning tour and an afternoon tour at 2 pm - it will require no sit-down lunch and immediate travel from one tour to the other.
• This tour route uses stairs. Please notify your guide if you cannot use stairs so the guide can plan a reroute to accommodate your needs.
• This tour covers Brooklyn Heights so you do not need to book that tour as well!

Start point: Tour begins from  the fountain  in the center of City Hall Park ( map ).

Endpoint:  Tour ends near the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn.

When: @9:30am Tuesdays through Sundays and our twilight version runs Sunday evenings (time dependent on the sunset) mid-March through Thanksgiving weekend.   View Our Full Calendar .

Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone's budget.

Languages:  Public tour is in English or Spanish only (see our Spanish tour page for calendar) . Private tours for individual groups are also available in both languages upon request.

Save even more money with a  tourist discount pass  as well as with our tips on  bus ,  boat  and  food  tours. We also have a free app where you could download several  GPS audio versions  of our tours.

Additional planning information:  You will NOT have time to do this 3 hour morning tour and an afternoon tour at 1 pm. You will have very limited time to take this 3 hour morning tour and an afternoon tour at 2 pm.

It will require no sit-down lunch and immediate travel from one tour to the other.

Tours go out rain, snow or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather. 

GPS-LED AUDIO TOUR

Take this tour in our GPS-led audio tour app. It's actually 3 separate tours. Listen to the samples.

Sample of our Brooklyn Bridge Tour

Sample of our Brooklyn Heights Tour

Sample of our DUMBO Tour.

You'll need to download our free audio tour app. Downloads are only $1.99. Some tours are free.

Here is how it works:

• Book a tour on our booking page above.
• Receive a confirmation email with all the details.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Available Tours:

• Central Park
• Lower Manhattan
• 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center
• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
• Greenwich Village
• Food Tour of Greenwich Village
• The Brooklyn Bridge (in English, Spanish, and German)
• The High Line
• Midtown Manhattan
• Grand Central Terminal

Available Without Audio (full text):

• Times Square

RELATED POSTS:

• Other NYC Tours
• Things to Do in NYC
• Things to Do in Brooklyn

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Quick Details

Calendar Schedule: Mar – Sep: Wed & Sat | Oct – Feb: Sat

Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 hours (2 MI / 3.2 KM)

Clock Departure Time: 10 am/Spanish; 11 am/English

Globe Other Languages: Spanish (Apr-Sep/Oct-Jan)

Hear captivating stories about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge as you cross this incredible landmark on our Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood walking tour. Enjoy unparalleled views of the famous and beautiful New York City skyline from Brooklyn – a photo opportunity you can’t miss while in New York! 

Then, explore the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO, known for its galleries, shops, and scenic waterfront views, with your expert NYC tour guide. This 2.5 hours walking tour is a great way to learn more about New York City, enjoy the beautiful Brooklyn DUMBO waterfront, and get stunning views of the city while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Tour Highlights:

• Discover the harrowing and exciting story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge including the dangerous conditions, acts of heroism, immigrant contributions, and cutting-edge innovations that made the Bridge one of the most beautiful and enduring  landmarks of  NYC
• Enjoy fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline, while learning the fascinating history of the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore the trendy Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood known as DUMBO
• Stop at an early 20th-century waterfront Carousel and hear about its history and restoration
• Take stunning photos of the New York City Skyline from one of the best vantage points in the city.

All attractions are exterior visits only

This Brooklyn Bridge tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

• This tour is included in the New York Pass, Go City All-inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass.
• Pass customers please visit the  page  and follow the instruction to make a reservation.

Meeting & End Locations

• Meet the guide in front of Tweed Courthouse located at 52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007 between Broadway and Centre Street.
• The guide will be holding up a Red, Inside Out Tours Flag .
• Tour ends at Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down How do I reserve the tour using my Attraction Pass?
•  If you are booking with a Go City PASS (Including New York Pass, All Inclusive Pass, or Explorer Pass),  please book the tour from the page below:  https://insideouttours.com/book-with-pass/
• If pass holders select the wrong option and purchase full-price tickets and you will  NOT  receive a refund and will  NOT  be able to exchange paid tickets for a pass reservation. To book using a pass, please select visit this  page  & follow the booking instructions to make a reservation with a Pass.
• Chevron down Can I reschedule my reservation?

Cancellations made with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice will receive the opportunity to reschedule. All requests must be put in writing and received by us. Please email us here !

• Chevron down I'm running late, what should I do?

Once a tour has started we cannot delay for late arrivals or interrupt a tour guide so that latecomers may find them, as this adversely affects the tour experience for others. Please call 800-258-7359 and we will try our best to direct you to the next destination on the tour.

• Chevron down What happens in inclement weather?

Our tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe inclement weather , tours will be canceled and a full refund will be provided.

• Chevron down Do tour guides accept gratuities?

Gratuities are accepted and greatly appreciated. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.

• Chevron down More Questions?

Check out Frequently Asked Questions  for more details.

Or contact us here!

We had a fantastic time on this tour. Kevin was amazing! There were so many interesting facts and information about the city and the bridge that you just wouldn’t know by just walking across it yourself. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the city.

Such a nice tour! it's a lot of walking but totally worth it. I wish the tour manager will allow more time for pictures, you still want to hear what he has to say but in the same time, you want to take nice pictures with your family.

Did this tour with my wife and 2 children on a damp and misty day with Sarah who was a great guide. She was humorous and very knowledgeable, giving loads of interesting facts about not only the bridge but the history of New York itself. Would highly recommend it!

Blue skies, crisp cold air, stunning architecture, spectacular bridge walk & a most engaging guide made for a fantastic day walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Kevin was a consummate guide for this tour & we loved the historical perspectives he shared. Highly recommend doing this walk.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk – Self Guided Walking Tour and Map

Use the map and guide for attractions and a self guided food tour.

Use the Brooklyn Bridge google map map below to visit the attractions in the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn and DUMBO in New York. Follow the walking route to explore the alley ways and narrow streets at your own place. Spend a few hours or a full day depending on how long you want to spend at each attraction and whether you want to spend longer sampling the local cuisine. Click on the arrow icon to the left of the title to display the legend. Click on the Attractions attractions map pins (orange and dark purple pins) or on the legend (left icon on the title bar) or the PDF map that you download for additional information including images of the attraction. Use the INTERACTIVE or PDF Guide

For accompanying attractions guide of Brooklyn Bridge click HERE

To download pdf map of brooklyn bridge click here, visit chinatown – 15 min walk from the brooklyn bridge on the manhattan side attractions guide here, click on the map image for brooklyn bridge attractions guide.

Instructions to download the interactive map to a smart phone:

Take the map with you when you travel:.

Instructions on:

• Using it offline
• Using it online – We bring one of our older smart phones when we travel and buy a local SIM card. You can purchase a local tourist SIM card from one of the main local providers, they are usually pretty inexpensive. You may need your passport to purchase as its a tourist SIM if you are an international tourist. You should have them put it in your old smartphone and check that it works before leaving the store. Use it to follow the map online, its the best way to explore

Sign into google using your Gmail account on your smart phone and be connected to the internet. If you do not sign in, this process will not work . You will be downloading this map to save it. You will be saving it in google maps in two places:

• Save in “Your Places” for online use and
• Save in “Offline map” for offline use
• Youtube instructions on link as follows: https://youtu.be/_6j9koieMsU

Instructions to save above map:

• Click on the rectangle on the top right hand side of the above map [ ] – if you move your mouse to it, it will say “view larger map”
• It will take you into google maps on your smartphone and it will automatically save this map. You must be already be signed into google maps with your Gmail account, if you are not signed into google maps then the map will not be saved
• In google maps, click on the menu which is the three horizontal lines on the top left of the google map (it is to the left of the search box)
• From the menu, click on “Your Places”. This will take you to another screen with a menu at the top. From the top menu bar select “maps”. A list of your maps will be displayed including the map that was just saved. Select the map you just saved
• Make sure the map is still onscreen; do not close out of it as you will be downloading this map and it has to be onscreen to download. While the map is onscreen, click on menu again (three horizontal lines top left hand corner)
• Select “Offline maps” then select “custom map”
• Once you select “custom map”, the onscreen map will be displayed; select the area you want downloaded (zoom in or out to get all the data points into the blue square outline; pinch fingers for zooming)
• Click on “download” – this will save the map in an offline area that you can use when you are not connected to the internet

The map is now saved in two places. To see this, click on the menu (three horizontal line on top right hand corner) in google maps:

• Click on “Your Places” from the menu, then select “Custom Map”. The map will be listed and you can use the map while connected to the internet
• Click on “Offline Maps” from the menu. The map will be listed to use the map offline ie: not connected to the internet (make sure location services is turned on and your will see the blue dot indicating your location as you navigate with the offline map)
• After you download a map, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, or if you are in “airplane mode” Google Maps will automatically use your offline maps to give you directions

25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

W ith so much to explore in New York City, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where these NYC tours come in handy. There are so many innovative ways to see the city and explore and learn about New York from expert guides. From boat tours to walking tours to historical tours and food tours, we've rounded up 25 family-friendly tours of NYC guaranteed to help you find the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden secrets and fun facts.

We've got tons more picks for enjoying New York City with kids in our Visitors Guide for Families , which includes our picks for the top attractions in NYC and 100 things to do in NYC with kids before they grow up .

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Family-Friendly General Interest Tours of NYC

1. contrasts, color, and character bus tour of nyc – midtown west.

Best for : Ages 10+

The Contrasts, Color, and Character Bus Tour might jump off from Midtown, but it's an excellent tour if you want to step outside of Manhattan and explore New York City’s outer boroughs, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. On this tour, expect to ride around on a bus and hear about Harlem’s African American history at the Apollo Theater, see numerous graffiti murals and bold street art that decorates the outer boroughs, and learn about the culture and everyday life of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community.

2. Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour – Midtown West

Best for : All ages

1 hour, 45 minutes

If you want to be immersed in the heart of New York City, the Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour is the tour for you. On this NYC tour, guests learn about Broadway's different theaters and hear some spooky stories and behind-the-scenes tales. This a great New York City tour for kids as it’s less than 2 hours and kids under 4 get in for FREE!

3. Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Neighborhood Walking Tour – Civic Center

2 1/2 hours

This tour steps off on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Hear about the construction of the infamous Brooklyn Bridge as you walk across this NYC landmark. From the bridge, you’ll be able to see beautiful city views. Once you hit Brooklyn, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Dumbo’s galleries and shops, before snapping a family photo with the city skyline as your famed backdrop.

4. Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour – Midtown East

1 1/2 hours

The famed Grand Central Terminal is full of surprises you’d never expect! This New York City transport hub is popular for many reasons, but even people who commute through it daily don’t know its hidden secrets. From a concealed tennis court to a backward ceiling, you’ll learn all the confidential history. Stick around once your tour is over to enjoy some of these fun, kid-friendly finds .

5. New York In A Day Walking Tour – Midtown West

This tour makes for an ambitious adventure for any family, so definitely note that it lasts six hours, and pack snacks and water accordingly! Explore all the highlights of New York City, from Times Square to the 9/11 Memorial to the Statue of Liberty on foot, via subway, and even by ferry. Make sure to bring good walking shoes.

Best Boat Tours of NYC for Families

6. circle line manhattan cruise – hell's kitchen.

Best for : Ages 3+

If you’re looking for a solid boat tour, the Circle Line Manhattan Cruise is a great choice. This guided boat tour circumnavigates the entire island, offering views of New York City’s waterfront. See the skyline, sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, and even snap a postcard-worthy picture of the Statue of Liberty. Guests learn about all five boroughs as you sail past. This boat tour of NYC lasts a whopping 2 1/2 hours. If you're crunched for time, consider booking the 50-minute Downtown Express Sightseeing Cruise  guided by the same company.

7. Freedom Liberty Cruise – Hell's Kitchen

1 hour, 15 minutes

The Freedom Liberty Cruise is another popular boat tour in NYC. As you cruise along the Hudson River, you’ll see major landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Instead of a guided tour, this boat tour of NYC is more free-form, and passengers take in the views with their families, take photos, and enjoy concessions from the boat. This more relaxed, less structured option may be a better choice for some families.

8. North River Lobster Company – Hell's Kitchen

What's not family-friendly about a Hudson River cruise that comes complete with a seafood lunch or dinner? As this boat sets sail up the Hudson River, its waitstaff gets to work, keeping cups filled and tummies full. There's a full bar on board. Feeding a crowd? Opt for The Shelly, a 28-inch classic lobster roll with slaw and chips served on a board and worthy to feed the entire family. Kids can top off their meal with a lobster-claw-shaped popsicle in a variety of flavors.

9. Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour – Battery Park City

Best for : Ages 5+

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating option, the Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour is the best option. This intimate, 12-person, narrated NYC tour cruise takes place on a speed boat, so expect to go fast while you explore some of New York’s must-see sights, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, The High Line, and the Freedom Tower.

RELATED : 3 Days in NYC an Ultimate Itinerary from a Local Mom

A guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art lets families connect to artwork in unexpected ways. Photo by Jody Mercier

Pop-Culture, Music, and Museum Tours of NYC

10. museum tour for theater lovers – upper east side.

Best for: Ages 8+

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a kid-friendly treasure , but if your family is into theater, take the Staged tour. Fun for the whole family, this interactive museum tour looks at the history of theater from ancient Greece to contemporary musicals that its stories inspired. It also examines other cultures and how they used theater for thousands of years. Throughout this NYC museum tour, there are activities and questions to keep your family engaged. This is definitely a fun one!

11. Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! – Midtown West

Best for : Ages 6+

The Super Tour of NYC is full of comic books and cinema lore! Visit the iconic locations where favorite superheroes “saved the day.” Guests see 40 locations over three hours. If you aren’t a fan of comics at the start of this tour, you will be by the end.

12. Walking Tour: All-of-a-Kind Family – Lower East Side

Even if you haven’t read Sydney Taylor's classic book All-of-a-Kind Family , families love exploring the story and its characters on the Lower East Side with this dedicated walking tour. To make the most out of the tour, try to read the book beforehand, and then immerse yourselves in the excitement of visiting the Main Sanctuary of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Allen Street tenements, Hester and Orchard Streets, Seward Park, Seward Park Library, and The Pickle Guys, which carries characters’ favorite snack.

13. Griffins, Goblets, and Gold: A Magical Arts Tour – Upper East Side

Another guided tour of The Met, the Griffins, Goblets, and Gold Tour is a must-see. This two-hour tour explores the museum’s magical items, including parts of an actual castle, depictions of mythical creatures, and spooky objects. The whole family gets a chance to create their own magical world! Intrigued? Better get your tickets!

14. NYC TV and Movie Tour – Midtown West

The NYC TV and Movie Tour invites guests to travel around New York City, learning about the filming locations for favorite TV shows and movies from the comfort of a coach bus. Led by an NYC actor, you get the inside scoop on all the stops along the tour, and the host even quizzes you and your family with some fun trivia.

15. Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour – Rockefeller Center

If you and your family haven’t visited Radio City Music Hall, booking the Stage Door Tour is a great way to experience this art-deco treasure. During this NYC tour, guests go behind the scenes of this iconic NYC location to explore its astonishing history. Plus, at the end of the tour, you meet a real Radio City Rockette! Read our full review here and book your tickets online .

Historic Educational NYC Tours for Families

16. chinatown official historic district tour – chinatown.

The Chinatown Official Historic District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that sheds light on Chinatown's unique history. Aside from seeing a Taoist Temple, the largest Buddhist statue in NYC, and more, guests get exclusive access to places that are usually off-limits to the public.

17. NYC Slavery and the Underground Railroad Walking Tour – Financial District

On this historical tour, guests learn about the origins of slavery in colonial New York, visit the African Burial Ground National Monument, and explore a former stop along the Underground Railroad. Hear stories of courage and learn facts you won’t hear anywhere else.

18. Gilded Age Mansions Tour – Upper East Side

Sometimes it’s fun to take a trip back in time and on this Gilded Ages Mansions Tour, you can do just that! Learn about historic scandals and romances while stepping inside a few of the only remaining Gilded Age mansions located on Fifth Avenue. Visitors learn about the families who lived in these houses, and take in the beautiful architecture of the era. This is a tour for the kids who love a great story!

19. Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour – Battery Park

If you’re interested in immigration history and want to teach your children a little about their ancestors, the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is a wonderful place to start. On this NYC tour, explore both Liberty and Ellis Island, while hearing stories of the immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island and their journey to America.

20. Catacombs by Candlelight – Little Italy

Best for : Ages 8+

If you’re looking for a unique NYC tour, the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is a stunner. This historic tour takes guests into the catacombs and explores parts of the building that are usually closed to the public. This is a tour your family will always remember!

21. Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour – Midtown West

The Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour gives families a new way to discover music history. Journey through Harlem and the Bronx while learning about hip-hop's early days. Hear personal, real-time narratives and see secret rap battle sites! After this tour of NYC, your children will know everything about the hip-hop pioneer legends.

Family-Friendly NYC Food Tours

22. tea around town: afternoon tea bus tour – manhattan, ny.

This tour is a magical moving tea room paired with live entertainment. Pass sights like Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library's main branch, and Radio City Music Hall as you sip tea and champagne and eat scones and sweets in a double-decker bus dripping with luxurious floral decor.

23. A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour – Union Square

4 1/2 hours

Everyone loves pizza, and this is New York pizza at its best! Whether you’re a seasoned local or just visiting, exploring the world of pizza on the Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a delicious option. This bus tour escorts visitors to two Brooklyn pizzerias and shows you sites along the way, such as Coney Island’s boardwalk.

24. The Original Cupcake Tour – Greenwich Village

If there is one thing kids love, it’s cupcakes! So, for a sweet treat, consider taking your family on The Original Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village. Explore multiple bake shops and indulge in their treats during this guided food tour of NYC. Plus, get the chance to create your own cupcake. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?

25. Walking and Food Tour – Flushing, Queens

Enjoy some tasty foods on the Walking and Food Tour in the melting pot of Flushing, Queens. This is a great tour for children who are open to trying new foods—diverse cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian are all on the menu. Little foodies get to try some of the best Flushing street food and snacks, guided by a local with a passion for cuisine.

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25 Best Things To Do In NYC At Night (By A Local!)

By Elizabeth Ramos & Jessie Festa. This guide to the top NYC activities at night contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for the best things to do in NYC at night ?

As a local New Yorker, I’ve got you covered with tons of ideas!

There’s just something about “The City That Never Sleeps” after dark. It’s a completely different experience than during the day and totally worth staying up for.

I’ve lived in NYC for over a decade and seeing New York City after dark will never stop being magical. The moon comes out, the streetlights come on, and there’s a feeling in the air like anything can happen.

If you’re curious about what to do in New York in the evening, you can truly take your pick. Whether you want to enjoy a top-notch bar scene, go on a nighttime tour, or take in views of the city from above, you’ll find it all.

Below I share my favorite late-night NYC activities, from classic attractions to the truly unique. Keep reading for ideas from a long-time New Yorker!

⏳ Short on time? Here are some top picks for after dark experiences in New York City: – Empire State Building observation deck (open until after midnight) – Bateaux New York Premier Dinner Cruise – New York City at Night Bus Tour – New York at Night Bike Tour – NYC After Dark Photography Tour 📸 Shameless plug: Looking to capture your time in NYC with beautiful photos? Book a Private Photo Journey , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through a NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . These experiences are offered by Jessie on a Journey’s sister company, NYC Photo Journeys. Email [email protected] with inquiries. 🏨 Epic hotels: Want to book a hotel that offers epic skyline views at night? My top recommendations include 1 Hotel Brooklyn (DUMBO), The William Vale Hotel (Williamsburg), citizenM New York Bowery Hotel (Lower East Side), and The Langham (Midtown). 🥳 Free NYC guide: Grab Jessie’s free Local NYC Guide for unique local travel recommendations.

Table of Contents

Is NYC Safe At Night?

Is it even a good idea to explore NYC at night? If you’re worried about safety, you’ll be happy to know that the latest crime statistics show crime has continuously decreased each month for at least a year.

However, it’s still a big city with over 8 million people, so you should stay alert and make wise choices. I don’t recommend walking around with headphones on, your nose in your phone, or your cash in your back pocket.

Stay in well-lit areas and near crowds, and you’ll be fine. Also, don’t go in an empty subway car if no one else is. And while it seems cliche to say, avoid poorly lit alleys and stairwells.

Keep a level head and follow these safety tips , and you can enjoy all the best night attractions in NYC!

Best Things To Do In New York City At Night

On that note, let’s go over some of the top New York evening activities, including:

1. Visit Times Square

Hands down, one of the best things to do in NYC at night is visit Times Square .

It’s fun to just take in the whole scene after dark. There are iconic neon billboards, street vendors selling hot dogs and roasted nuts, and street performers giving their best.

Or hit up some stores and restaurants before heading to a show. Pro tip: for more local eateries and bars, walk over to 9th Avenue, aka the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood.

If you decide to stay out late, you can check out the Midnight Moment , which transforms over 92 digital billboards into works of art from 11:57pm to midnight.

2. See a Broadway show

New York City ’s Theater District , which includes Times Square, is home to some of the best productions and performers in the world. And while most tourists book matinee showings, I highly recommend going to an evening show.

Not only does this allow you to feel the energy of the Theater District and really make a night of it, but if you want to meet the performers you can wait by the stage door to ask them to sign an autograph on their way out. They don’t always come out after matinees.

If you can swing it, go on a Tuesday night after the performers have had a few days to rest. I always feel like the energy of the performers and audience is electric and everyone is in a great mood.

No matter when you choose to go, seeing a Broadway show is a uniquely New York experience you’ll definitely want to add to your NYC itinerary !

3. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at night

For some of the best views in NYC at night , head to the Brooklyn Bridge . It’s breathtaking to see Lower Manhattan and the East River lit up at night!

If you walk across and back, it’ll take you about 45 minutes without stopping. But of course, there are a few places you’ll want to stop along the way to take Brooklyn Bridge photos .

4. Explore High Line Park

One of NYC’s most unique parks is the High Line , which runs along a historic elevated railway that once served the factories of the Meatpacking District.

Today, the elevated park extends from the Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards along Manhattan’s west side and offers amazing views of the city.

Open till 10 PM, a stroll along the 1.5-mile park is the perfect way to end an evening in New York City. There is a lot to enjoy along the way—like native flower gardens, street performers, food vendors, art installations, and more.

You can also check out their events calendar for evening stargazing and seasonal dance parties!

5. Enjoy the Manhattan skyline from a rooftop bar

Come summer, one of the top things to do at night in NYC is find the perfect rooftop bar. And there are plenty of options, from exclusive penthouse bars to more casual settings with fun themes.

Looking for twinkling Midtown views? Consider the elegant Castell Rooftop Lounge . Additionally, Magic Hour is always a fun time, and Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel is the perfect setting for deep conversations.

If you don’t mind heading into Brooklyn , Westlight offers sweeping skyline views across the East River, while the Ravel Hotel’s Penthouse features some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline from Queens .

6. Relax at a night spa

Unwind in New York at nighttime by visiting a luxurious night spa where you can indulge in saunas, massages, and rejuvenating therapies.

BATHHOUSE in the Flatiron District offers a chic and serene escape, perfect for relaxing after a busy day.

On the other hand, Juvinex Spa in Koreatown provides unique treatments and late hours, making it ideal for night owls.

7. Go on a night cruise around Manhattan

A twilight cruise is an unforgettable way to see the lights of Manhattan and some of the most famous landmarks in NYC.

One recommendation is a 2-hour New York City Harbor Lights Cruise , which offers a peaceful float from the Hudson River through the New York Harbor and the East River .

Order a drink from the ship’s bar and enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center lit up after dark!

8. Catch a live jazz performance

Seeing live jazz is one of the most fun things to do in NYC at night. Head to iconic spots like Blue Note , Birdland , Dizzy’s Club , and the Village Vanguard for unforgettable performances.

You can also try the infamous Café Wha , where artists like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix got their start, or the Carnegie Club for a cozy vibe.

These venues feature some of the best jazz in the world, creating the perfect soundtrack for your night out in NYC.

9. Visit an observation deck

The city’s many observation decks are a no-brainer for things to see at night in NYC. And most of them are open until midnight.

Go to the Empire State Building or One World Observatory for the best nighttime views and some of the best places to take pictures in NYC .

There’s also Top of the Rock , Edge , and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt , which all boast breathtaking sights of the city lights from above.

10. Go to a comedy club

While you’re enjoying NYC’s magnetic nightlife, don’t forget that the city is also famous for its comedy clubs. Not only are you in for a night of laughs, but don’t be surprised if a celebrity guest makes a surprise appearance.

Of course, there’s the famous Comedy Cellar in the West Village , renowned for hosting famous comedians. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

Or if you’re enjoying the bar scene in Chelsea, consider checking out Gotham Comedy Club . And The Stand in Union Square has great food and an intimate stage.

On the Upper East Side, Comic Strip Live hosts hysterical shows and is also where famous comics like Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, and Adam Sandler got started.

11. Take in the view of Manhattan from an East River park

Visiting a riverfront park can be one of the best things to do in NYC at night. And if you’re visiting New York on a budget , you can enjoy some of the best views of Manhattan across the East River for free.

Why not take a relaxing evening stroll or enjoy a nighttime picnic? In Queens , Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park offer some of the best views of NYC at night .

And in Brooklyn, Bushwick Inlet Park , Domino Park , and Brooklyn Bridge Park each offer their own unique experience for those seeking stunning and free NYC views .

12. Go to a rooftop cinema

Seeing a movie at a rooftop cinema is one of the best things to do in NYC at night, especially during the summer.

Rooftop Films shows fan favorites at venues across all five boroughs, from cult classics and indie productions to short films and documentaries.

For an upscale option, head to Rooftop Cinema Club in Midtown, which features a full bar and adult-only showings. Enjoy stunning city views while watching your favorite films under the stars.

During colder months or rainy days , opt for hip indoor theaters like Nitehawk Cinema and Alamo Drafthouse —both of which have multiple locations and serve food and cocktails to your seat.

Want beautiful photos taken of you in scenic New York spots? Book a Private Photo Journey , a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot . Email [email protected] with inquiries.

13. See the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry

No one should plan a visit to the Big Apple without including a trip on the free Staten Island Ferry .

The ferry runs 24/7 with service every 30 minutes between Manhattan and Staten Island . You can go anytime; but, I consider this one of the top things to do in NYC at night.

This is because of the spectacular sights of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty all lit up as you pass by on your way across New York Harbor.

14. Dine with a local New Yorker

Some of the most memorable NYC evening activities I’ve come across are the amazing experiences hosted by EatWith . They pair you with local foodies for an amazing time with delicious food and great company.

If you’re looking for unique and intimate NYC evening activities, consider a multi-course meal like this homemade seasonal ravioli dinner hosted by a Midtown resident. Or join a farm-to-table cooking class that starts with a visit to the Union Square Farmers Market.

These experiences are also a great way to have a more local and less touristy NYC experience .

15. Stroll through Central Park after dark

If you get the chance to visit Central Park in the early evening, the park has a completely different feel at night than it does in the daytime.

You can enjoy street performers, amazing views, and summer performances like Shakespeare in the Park and SummerStage . The park also has a full calendar of events , many of which take place at night, like summer movies.

And while a hike through the woods might not be the best idea, the park’s populated and well-lit areas are nice for a stroll. Personally, I love catching the sunset from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir from the east side looking west.

Just note that Central Park closes at 1 PM, though between 9-10 PM is typically when events end. You’ll want to stick to areas that are populated after dark.

16. Play pinball at a laundromat

If you’re looking for unusual and crazy things to do in NYC at night, head to Sunshine Laundromat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

This intimate bar is a quirky late-night haunt with mosaics of dogs, a working laundromat, and a row of pinball machines at the back for your enjoyment.

The vibe is friendly and casual and there’s indoor and outdoor seating. It’s perfect for chilling with friends or making new ones if you’re traveling solo in NYC .

Prefer arcade games? Barcade serves craft beers in an arcade space with games that range from Street Fighter to PAC-MAN and beyond.

17. Sip cocktails at a speakeasy

Visiting a speakeasy-style bar is one of the coolest things to do in NYC at night! These hidden gems provide an unforgettable experience that transports you back to another time.

Trinity Place —set inside an actual bank vault—is a bar and restaurant offering incredible vibes in Manhattan’s Financial District.

Or for a touch of history, head to the Lower East Side to visit The Back Room , one of the few real speakeasies left that operated during Prohibition.

If you’re in the Upper East Side , you can do a speakeasy crawl by visiting UES (behind the counter of an ice cream shop), Keys & Heels (in a locksmith shop), and 2nd Floor Bar & Essen (above the local 2nd Ave Deli).

18. Attend a night market

You’ll never regret visiting a night market in NYC! There are a handful across the five boroughs that run from mid-April through October, like:

• Queens Night Market – every Saturday
• Bronx Night Market – first Saturday of each month
• Brooklyn Night Market – last Monday of each month
• Uptown Night Market – second Thursday of each month

These markets are free to attend. Just bring cash for vendors! You’ll enjoy the city’s diverse flavors, live music, and local artisans.

19. Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant

The best way to enjoy a sunset over the Manhattan skyline is to book a table with a view in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

You can’t go wrong with reservations at the romantic River Café , located practically under the Brooklyn Bridge! Nearby, Celestine is a bit more casual with panoramic views and Mediterranean food.

I also recommend Fornino Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park for amazing brick-oven pizza and cold beer.

While these are far from your only options, they’re some of my favorites as a local. Additionally, you might opt for one of these Manhattan skyline tours , some of which include food!

20. Take a night tour

You might prefer to sit back, relax, and let a tour guide show you the sights. In that case, consider one of the many amazing night tours in NYC !

You can go on a New York City at Night Bus Tour and take in iconic landmarks glowing with lamplight, or hone your skills as a photographer on an NYC After Dark Photograph y Tour .

One of the best NYC activities at night is a guided walking tour, like a New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village with stops at historical sites and spooky stories.

21. Visit museums with late hours

Many NYC museums host extended hours at night, meaning you can see your favorite artworks and artifacts well into the night.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) offers “Free Fridays” until 9 PM, while the Whitney Museum of American Art stays open until 10 PM. And the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts concert series, cocktail hours, art classes, and more!

There’s also the Brooklyn Museum ’s First Saturday event which features a variety of attractions like artist talks and a vendor’s market.

22. Check out a live music venue

For live music, one of the best things to do in NYC at night is walk around music-rich neighborhoods like the Village and the Lower East Side and pop into any bar with a stage.

If you’re looking for a bigger space, The Village Underground and the Bowery Ballroom are excellent destinations in NYC after midnight .

Le Poisson Rouge is a must for eclectic sets as is Rockwood Music Hall —the latter of which is also near other great live music venues like Pianos and Arlene’s Grocery .

If you’d prefer to jam out outside, SummerStage is a seasonal event offering a wide range of live music on outdoor stages across the city, while The Rooftop at Pier 17 offers rooftop concerts on the East River.

23. Experience the nightlife of the Village

The independent spirit of the Village makes it the perfect destination if you want to experience the magic of NYC at nighttime.

The neighborhood boasts comedy clubs, bars, cafes, old theaters, and more offering endless entertainment options for late-night New York activities.

An unforgettable stop is the historic Marie’s Crisis Bar , featuring live piano and sing-alongs.

24. Take a haunted tour of Green-Wood Cemetery

Visiting NYC in the fall , specifically in October? A spooky-season essential is a haunted tour of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn!

There are several recurring tours to choose from—including Green-Wood Cemetery After Hours , where you tour the tombstones at twilight and learn about historical figures interred in the cemetery.

Or join a moody Moonlight Tour , complete with live accordion music and dramatic stories about the most impressive monuments and catacombs in Green-Wood.

25. Go to Coney Island’s Luna Park

Luna Park is a historic beachfront amusement park in Coney Island, Brooklyn and one of the most memorable things to do in New York at night.

You can ride the iconic wooden Cyclone coaster, enjoy old-school carnival games and rides, and more. Then, take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, soaking in the ocean views under the moon.

Late Night Tours In NYC

For those looking to explore NYC after dark, there are a number of fun and exciting tours, like:

• 🚢 Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
• 🌇 New York City Skyline Tours B y Night
• 🗽 New York City At Night Bu s Tour
• 📸 NYC After Dark Photograph y Tour

➡️ Click here for a full list of evening tours in N YC .

Best Hotels In NYC

There are so many New York hotels offering epic skyline views at night, like 1 Hotel Brooklyn (DUMBO), The William Vale Hotel (Williamsburg), citizenM New York Bowery Hotel (Lower East Side), and The Langham (Midtown).

🏨 Click here for a full list of New York City hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

🔑 Click here to check out unique local rentals!  

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It is set to SoHo, but you can easily change it to your specific NYC neighborhood.

And if you’re interested in  living in a hotel in NYC , there are numerous extended-stay hotel options too!

New York City Travel Insurance

When visiting New York City — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

For this, I have two recommendations:

SafetyWing . If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).

Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.

World Nomads . For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.

What are your favorite things to do in NYC after midnight?

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