Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York

Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York is located, as the name suggests, right under Brooklyn Bridge, on the water. The 34-hectare park is known for its gardens, footpaths along the river and rolling hills that keep the traffic at bay. Most noteworthy, however, are the breathtaking views of Manhattan.

Things to see and do at Brooklyn Bridge Park

The park is divided into sections, each with its own charm. Brooklyn Bridge Park has six piers, named Pier 1 to Pier 6, all located on the south side of the bridge. Pier 1 offers panoramic views, Pier 2 is full of sports, the Pier 4 beach is very popular, and Pier 6 offers a flower field with lots of butterflies and great skyline views. Other popular areas are:

• Squibb Park & Bridge: A small park with a pedestrian bridge connecting Brooklyn Bridge Park to Brooklyn Heights above.
• Fulton Ferry Landing: A historic waterfront area, actually one of Brooklyn’s most historic sites, with great views of Manhattan and the bridge.
• Emily Warren Roebling Plaza: Named after the engineer who completed the Brooklyn Bridge, this public plaza offers green space and Brooklyn Bridge views.
• Empire Fulton Ferry: Located near the Brooklyn Bridge, this area features Jane’s Carousel, Empire Stores and a picnic area.
• Main Street: In this part of the park, you can relax on the lawn, sit on the terrace and enjoy the scenic Pebble Beach.
• John Street: A section featuring a lawn and Manhattan Bridge views, at the northern end of the park.

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Eric’s Tip: You can explore Brooklyn Bridge Park during the ‘DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge‘ walking route, which you can find in my Eric’s New York App. Open the app and select ‘walking routes’ to find the tour. Besides the park, you will explore more of Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and cross the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge Park views

With some of the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, the park is a must-visit. The best vantage points can be found on both sides of the Brooklyn Bridge: on Main Street Park and at Pier 1. I also enjoy coming here at sunset, and in the evening when you can see the illuminated city.

Sports in Brooklyn Bridge Park

There are endless opportunities for various activities: sports fields, running and cycling paths. Sports Fanatics enjoy Pier 2 and Pier 5, and if it rains, continue your activity at Pier 2, where part of the sports area is covered. Fancy a little walk? Head to Squibb Park Bridge, which offers great views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline.

Another way to explore the park is to cycle. The bike path, Greenway, runs from Pier 1 to Pier 6. It’s not permitted to Cycle outside of the bike paths. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse offers free and extremely popular kayaking sessions at Pier 2. In addition, you can go fishing by the western promenade at Pier 5. Catch anything? They have all the necessary tools to clean the fish on the spot, and the barbecues of the Picnic Peninsula are nearby!

Seasonal activities

In addition to sport and recreation in Brooklyn Bridge Park, summer brings outdoor movies and concerts to the park. There are also cultural events and festivals throughout the year. In winter, you can go ice skating in the park. Roebling Rink is located right beneath the bridge with beautiful skyline views.

Food and drink in Brooklyn Bridge Park

The famous lobster rolls from Luke’s Lobster can be found at Brooklyn Bridge Park. And at Pier 1, there’s Breads Bakery with delicious pastries and sandwiches. However, nothing stops you from bringing your own sandwiches, if you wish. The park even has allocated picnic areas. Bringing your own alcohol is not permitted, but it can be purchased at the many bars and cafes around the park.

Located on Pier 1, you can find 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. From their rooftop, you’ll get one of the best views of Brooklyn, looking over Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Manhattan skyline. Also, Fornino at Pier 6 offers great pizza and signature cocktails at picnic tables on the rooftop terrace with a view of the Statue of Liberty!

Empire Stores, DUMBO

By the water, between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, you can find an old warehouse that, these days, serves as home to a variety of shops, restaurants and offices. It is a nice building and worth a visit if you are in the neighbourhood. The view from the roof over the park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline is awesome!

In the building, you can find, amongst other things, a furniture store, various restaurants and a new Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD). Also here is the Time Out Market, a nice food market that offers a variety of dishes from local eateries, selected by the Time Out Editors.

Entertainment for Children

There are several playgrounds for children in the park, especially near Pier 6. Furthermore, there is a beautiful, antique carousel: Jane’s Carousel. You’ll find it in a glass pavilion near Empire Fulton Ferry. There are a lot of other activities for children in New York as well.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: The Brooklyn Bridge Park is always open, except between 01:00 – 06:00.
• How to get there: Subway AC2345FR take you to the park or bus B25 and B63. You can also take NYC Ferry from Pier 1 or Pier 6.
• Accessibility: The park is largely wheelchair accessible

Would you like to discover more parks? You find an overview of all the parks in New York as well