IN IMAGES, IN PICTURES – An integral part of the landscape, New York’s bridges can be discovered on foot, aboard a yellow taxi or a subway to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city that never sleeps.
Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by three rivers, New York required the construction of an ever closer network of bridges. The city now has a total of 65 structures of all types. Our selection invites you to discover the 10 most beautiful bridges in New York, from the first bridge built in 1848, the High Bridge, to the very latest achievement, the Kosciuszko Bridge, inaugurated in 2019.
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1. The most legendary: Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River for almost 2 km. Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company
With its stone arches flanked by American flags, the Brooklyn Bridge alone embodies New York. The project was completed in 1883, after 14 years of grueling work. Many New Yorkers also refused to use the bridge, doubting its resistance. It took the parade of 21 elephants from the Barnum circus to convince them. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is the bridge that attracts the most tourists!
Go : take the subway to Brooklyn Bridge City Hall station then follow the pedestrian ramp that dominates the deck. The view is spectacular!
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2. The most photogenic: Manhattan Bridge
The Manhattan Bridge was completed in 1909. ERIC MARTIN
The Manhattan Bridge owes its fame to its first role on the film poster Once upon a time in America in 1984. A Hollywood reputation which was greatly strengthened with the arrival of Instagram! Tourists flock to the corner of Washington Street and Water Street to immortalize the legendary photo. To see: the perspective of the Empire State Building through one of the bridge’s piers.
Go : The Manhattan Bridge connects the Chinatown district to Brooklyn. From Canal Street, take the narrow pedestrian bridge on the south side of the bridge.
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3. Le plus central : Williamsburg Bridge
From 1903 to 1924, the Williamsburg Bridge held the title of longest suspension bridge in the world. Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company
Connecting the Lower East Side and the Williamsburg district of Brooklyn since 1903, the Williamsburg Bridge remains unjustly neglected by tourists. Like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, this 1.4 mile bridge features a walkway with stunning views of the East River and the city. Also don’t miss a detour to East River Park, a peaceful park at the foot of the bridge.
Go : On the Manhattan side, get off at the Delancey St – Essex St station. The ramp for pedestrians and cyclists goes from Clinton Street to Bedford Avenue.
4. Le plus alpin : Queensboro Bridge
A cable car was built in 1976 to serve Roosevelt Island along the bridge. ERIC MARTIN
The Queensboro Bridge has the particularity of spanning the East River while resting on the small island of Roosevelt Island. Another curiosity: a cable car was built in 1976 to serve Roosevelt Island along the bridge. An unusual means of transport in such a metropolis and a breathtaking view of the buildings and the bridge.
Go : While the Queensboro Bridge has a pedestrian bridge at the southeast corner of 60th Street, your best bet is to take the cable car. Departure from Tramway Plaza, at the corner of 60th Street and 2nd Avenue.
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5. Most copied: Hell Gate Bridge
The architect of the Hell Gate Bridge, Gustav Lindenthal, also designed the Queensboro Bridge. Joe Cingrana / NYC & Company
Does the silhouette of the Hell Gate Bridge look familiar? This is normal: this bridge built in 1916 served as a model for the construction of the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle in 1928 and the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia in 1932. The arch also inspired the Bayonne Bridge, between Staten Island and New Jersey. Its name “gate to hell” takes the name of the canal it crosses, waters that were once dangerous for ships.
Go : the bridge is in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. Take the subway to Astoria Boulevard and walk up the bank of the East River.
6. Oldest: High Bridge
440 meters long, the High Bridge connects Manhattan to the Bronx. Arnoldius
Although little known, including to New Yorkers, the High Bridge nonetheless remains the very first bridge built in New York, in 1848. At the time, it actually served as an aqueduct. The work fell into disuse in the 1970s and closed. Rather than destroying it, the town hall finally decided to renovate it and open it to pedestrians and cyclists in 2015. A unique walk!
Go : Take the subway to the 168 St station, then head towards the Harlem River. Stroll along Highbridge Park, which allows you to follow 3 bridges one after the other.
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7. Highest: Harlem River Lift Bridge
The elevator machinery of the Harlem River Lift Bridge is no longer in use today. Pi.1415926535
Placed above the Harlem River, the first Harlem River Lift Bridge was quickly replaced in 1867 by a drawbridge capable of allowing Navy ships to pass through. The Ministry of War imposed the construction of an even higher bridge in 1897 then a new version in 1956, with elevator machinery to raise the deck to 41 meters above the water. The trains then had to comply with navy timetables!
Go : The closest subway station is in the Bronx: 138 St – Grand concourse. Cross Weston Park.
8. Newest: Kosciuszko Bridge
The Kosciuszko Bridge honors Polish General Tadeusz Kościuszko, hero of the American War of Independence. Jim Henderson
If the main New York bridges date from the beginning of the 20th century, the Kosciuszko Bridge has undergone a serious facelift since then. The old structure erected in 1939 was dynamited to make way in 2019 for a brand new complex. The need for an expansion became urgent, as this bridge was located on one of the main highway arteries connecting Brooklyn and Queens.
Go : On the Brooklyn side, take a walk along “Under the ‘K’ Bridge Park”, a new park created under the bridge. From Marcy Avenue station, take the B24 or B48 bus.
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9. Busiest: George Washington Bridge
The deck of the George Washington Bridge overlooks the Hudson River from a height of 184 meters. Alex Lopez / NYC & Company
The only bridge between New York City and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge claims the title of the busiest bridge in the world, with more than 100 million vehicles per year. The structure, built above the Hudson River in 1962, has a total of 14 lanes on 2 levels, for a length of 1.4 km. In addition, there are 2 lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. A loaded bridge!
Go : the prettiest view of the bridge awaits you in the Hudson River Park, along the river. Get off at the 168 St station and follow 165th Street to the Hudson.
10. Le plus long : Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is named after the Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano. Joe Mazzola
Positioned at the entrance to New York Bay, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was inaugurated in 1964 to connect the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. A great time saver for motorists who want to go from one side of the bay to the other. This bridge, 4.1 km long, also marks the starting line of the New York marathon each year.
Go : If you don’t go there by car, go under the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge by boat. Meet at Pier 13 to board a ferry to Rockaway. Allow approximately 1 hour per trip.
2023-12-22 07:00:00
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