The Brooklyn Bridge At Sunset And Night: Walking Route + Photo Spots

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Photo of the Lower Manhattan skyline with tall skyscrapers lit up at sunset taken from a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge with steel framework above cars driving on a road below

Walking across New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge for the first time is a truly unforgettable experience no matter the time of day, but there’s something extra special about crossing as sunset transitions into night. We’ve walked between Manhattan and Brooklyn more times than we can count, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and finding the best places to take photos.

In this guide we show you how to make the most of your walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset and at night, based on our experiences.

Our Experience

Photo of Kristen Morgan from Where Are Those Morgans sat on a metal frame on the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset wearing a coat and wooly hat
Here’s Kristen sat on the bridge in late afternoon waiting for the sun to set

We first walked over the Brooklyn Bridge for sunset on a weekend trip to NYC back in July 2017, before we started this travel blog. After crossing from Brooklyn to Manhattan as the sun vanished behind the Statue of Liberty, we decided to walk straight back across to see Lower Manhattan lit up at night. It was jam-packed and had such a cool vibe, and ever since then we’ve been hooked.

When we lived in the city for a few months in early 2021, we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise once (it was a freezing cold morning in February!), but we crossed during sunset and night at least 10 more times. Why? Because we became addicted to finding new photo spots along the bridge and on the Brooklyn side looking back at the immense NYC skyline. Read more about us.

What You Need To Know

Photo of an empty subway station exit in New York with nobody at the turnstyles or on the steps
This is the City Hall subway station closest to the bridge in Manhattan

Okay, let’s dive right in! Here are the most important things you need to know:

  • The pedestrian walkway is 1 mile long and takes around 30 minutes to cross.
  • Plan for at least 1 hour to account for crowds and photo stops.
  • You can walk across bridge in both directions.
  • It doesn’t matter which way you walk across, both are amazing.
  • The walkway is on the west side of the bridge (both directions).
  • There are plenty of subway stations on both sides of the bridge.
  • It’s free to walk across any time of day, year round.
  • Cyclists can no longer use the pedestrian only walkway.
  • In summer the sun sets behind the Lower Manhattan skyline.
  • In winter the sun sets behind the Statue of Liberty.

Are you staying in Manhattan? We highly recommend walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn during sunset (making sure to look back often), spending at least an hour exploring the popular touristy area of Dumbo, and then walking back across to Manhattan once it’s dark. But if you don’t want to walk that much, you can take a subway to Brooklyn, walk around Dumbo and then walk back across.

Closest Manhattan subway stations:

  • Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall – Green Line 4, 5, 6
  • Chambers St – Brown Line J, Z
  • City Hall Station – Yellow Line W, R, N

Closest Brooklyn subway stations:

  • High Street/Brooklyn Bridge – Blue Line A, C
  • Borough Hall – Red Line 2,3

Tip: Use this NYC subway map pdf to see which subway line and station works best from your hotel.

There are four different pedestrian entrances you can use to access the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway, two in Manhattan and two in Brooklyn. Each side has a main entrance and a kind of hidden staircase entrance (they’re not as cool as it sounds!).

Manhattan entrances:

  • Centre St – The main entrance is near City Hall Park.
  • Park Row Underpass – Hidden staircase under a bridge, it’s a bit sketchy but useful if arriving from Seaport or East River Piers.

Brooklyn entrances:

 

Walk To Brooklyn For Sunset

Photo of a tourist wearing coat, hat and mask on the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway with the sunset behind on the East River with Lower Manhattan skyline on the other side
Here’s Kristen on the pedestrian walkway as the sun is setting near the Statue of Liberty

Taking a slow and easy going sunset walk across the legendary Brooklyn Bridge is as quintessential NYC as it gets. If it’s your first visit to New York City, this is one thing you simply must do. The bridge will be crowded and chaotic, but in the best possible way with an electric atmosphere and a feel good aura in the air. And this is the perfect way to start your evening.

You’ll see families, couples and social media stars filled with energy and buzzing around. We saw more than a few professional photo shoots taking place on the bridge. And of course you get to watch the sun set in between the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline, which is pretty damn awesome if you ask us!

We recommend checking sunset times for NYC and planning to begin your walk across the bridge 1 hour before the sun is due to set. For example, sunset is at 7:00pm so you should begin walking from City Hall Park in Manhattan at 6:00pm. That way you’ll make it out far enough onto the bridge to enjoy the sunset looking back at Lower Manhattan.

Sunset Walk And Photo Spots

Okay, let’s take a look at what you can expect as you walk out onto the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan around an hour before sunset with photos from our own experiences:

1. Lower Manhattan View

Photo of the Lower Manhattan skyline from behind a bridge's metal frame at dusk
The views over Lower Manhattan are immense

The first part of the walk isn’t much to shout home about. It’s a paved path cutting 4 lanes of car traffic in half, so this lower section is all about making progress up the walkway without stopping for photos. Eventually you’ll reach a wooden boardwalk with views over Pier 17 to the right side and that’s where the Lower Manhattan skyline views begin.

2. Midtown Manhattan View

Photo of the Midtown Manhattan skyline from far away under a colorful sky with clouds
This was our Midtown Manhattan view one of the times we walked across at dusk

Continue walking beyond the first gigantic buttressed double arch, then once the cables and metal mesh fencing ends turn to your left to see clear views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline, which features prominent buildings like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Summit One Vanderbilt. You’ll need a telephoto lens to get a photo like ours above, but it’s still a great view with the naked eye.

3. Statue Of Liberty View

Photo of a metal frame leading to a river at dusk
You can just about make out the Statue of Liberty on the distant horizon to the right side

Next, stay where you are and turn the opposite way looking towards the Lower Manhattan skyline. Far more of it will now be in view, and you’ll be able to see buildings further back inland appear like 40 Wall Street and One World Observatory at the top of the Trade Center. Look further left and you’ll see a tiny Statue of Liberty silhouetted backed by soft light and vibrant colors.

4. Over The Road View

Photo of a tourist reading a plaque above a road on a metal frame with a city behind at dusk
Here’s Kristen reading a plaque above the road

Continue walking until you reach the next huge buttressed double arch, turn right and turn back towards Manhattan. You’ll be standing above the road traffic coming against you which is cool to see but even better to photograph. Try fast and slow shutter speeds to create car light trail effects, just know the bridge vibrates too much to get a stable long exposure! Stay here to watch the sun disappear.

5. Bridge Trusses View

Photo of a pedestrian walkway on a metal framed bridge with a city skyline behind at dusk
This was the Brooklyn side of the walkway right after the sun had set

After a collective gasp as the sun finally vanishes, continue walking towards Brooklyn. You’ll see glass fronted high rise buildings reflecting what’s left of the soft light, and we also like this time for taking photos of the bridge itself without intense lights and shadows contrasting. It’ll start to darken quickly, so head down the hidden staircase and turn left heading for Dumbo and a bunch of amazing photo spots.

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Explore Dumbo

Photo of the Manhattan Bridge from Dumbo in NYC with cars parked on the sides of a street next to tall brick buildings
We took this photo of the Manhattan Bridge at sunrise

This part is totally optional. You could simply turn around and walk straight back to Manhattan, but we encourage you to allow one or two hours to walk around Dumbo so you can visit a bunch of amazing views overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge and one of the most iconic NYC photo spots called the Manhattan Bridge View.

Plus, there’s a lot of great places to eat, which could work perfectly if it’s getting dark around dinner time. Juliana’s is one of the top rated pizza spots in NYC and we also really like the upscale foodcourt on the top floor of Time Out Market. The brisket sandwich at Bark Barbecue was outstanding!

Dumbo Walk And Photo Spots

Okay, here’s where you should go in Dumbo along with photos from our own experiences:

1. Manhattan Bridge View

Photo of a street with tall brick buildings and cars parked leading to a massive bridge at night
We loved being able to see the Empire State Building through the Manhattan Bridge

Yes, we know this is a different bridge! But while you’re here, you might as well snap a few quick photos of this unique viewpoint looking down Washington Street at the Manhattan Bridge. After dropping down the stairs from Brooklyn Bridge, turn left and head north a few blocks until you see the massive blue frame.

2. Pebble Beach View

Photo of a pebble beach leading to a river and city lit up at night
This was our view over the city from Pebble Beach

Keep walking towards the Manhattan Bridge until you reach a small park and walk through it to reveal Pebble Beach. You’ll find amphitheater-style seating overlooking a pebbly beach, the East River, Jane’s Carousel, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline. It’s a great spot, so don’t miss it!

3. Jane’s Carousel View

Photo of a wooden boardwalk to one side of a wide river and a bridge leading to a city lit up at night
This is a wide angle photo we took from Jane’s Carousel

Next, head west and walk to the river side of the bright yellow lights at Jane’s Carousel. You’ll find a wooden boardwalk with clear unobstructed views over the bridge and skyline. You’re getting pretty close to the bridge here so you might need a wide angle lens to frame the full structure. We saw at least 5 marriage proposals take place right here, so keep an eye out for roses and candles on the boardwalk!

4. Time Out Market Roof Terrace View

Photo of the Brooklyn Bridge and NYC skyline taken from Time Out Market Rooftop at dusk
We took this photo of the bridge from Time Out Market rooftop

Another reason to eat at Time Out Market? After dinner, you can sip on a cold beer or tasty wine while looking at a fantastic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. If you don’t eat at the foodcourt, simply climb the steps until you reach the rooftop and you’ll have a unique semi-elevated vantage point from the closest you can get to the bridge. It’s free to enter and walk around so don’t be shy.

5. Brooklyn Bridge Park View

Photo of a tourist standing up against a metal barrier in front of a wide river leading to a view of the New York skyline lit up at night
Here’s Kristen soaking up the views from Brooklyn Bridge Park at night

The final place to visit on your night tour of Dumbo photo spots is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which you’ll access by walking underneath the bridge. It’s less than 5 minutes walk from Time Out to the park, and you’ll have direct views over the river with the whole skyline behind. From here it’s a 10 minute walk back to the hidden staircase leading up to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway.

Tip: Are you a serious photographer? Another great photo spot is further southwest from Brooklyn Bridge Park called Old Pier 1. Go check it out and thank us later!

Walk Back To Manhattan At Night

Photo of a narrow pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge leading to Lower Manhattan at night with clouds in the sky
We got lucky with clear crossings because we lived in the city in winter

Compared to sunset when it’s chaotic and bustling, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at night in total darkness is a completely different experience. That’s why we recommend you walk both ways. It’s still busy until surprisingly late, but nowhere near as busy as sunset. So you have a bit more room to move and take photos without a hundred people photo-bombing you!

The nighttime is more of a peaceful, serene and romantic time to walk across. It’s also a great time for taking photos of the Lower Manhattan skyline illuminated by thousands of lights inside the buildings. But we highly recommend spending at least an hour walking around the photo spots we’ll show you below in the Dumbo area before heading back to Manhattan.

Tip: It’s perfectly safe to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at night. We’ve done it several times together and Mark’s done it a few times with friends from England, and we’ve never had a single issue or near miss. The walkway is well lit and tourists still cross until late. With that said, we probably wouldn’t do it any later than 11:00pm-midnight.

Nighttime Walk And Photo Spots

Now, let’s finish with what you can expect as you walk back to Manhattan in the dark:

1. Pedestrian Walkway View

Photo of a long and narrow wooden boardwalk leading to a buttressed double arch at night with a street light
Here’s what the walkway looks like at night

You’ll notice the pedestrian walkway is totally different at night as soon as you get back above the water. It’s quieter, less intense and far more serene. Everything is lit up really well, so it feels safe to be walking across in the dark. And then of course you can’t miss Lower Manhattan glowing directly ahead.

2. Buttressed Double Arch View

Photo of Kristen Morgan from Where Are Those Morgans standing in the middle of Brooklyn Bridge in a winter coat at night in the dark with one of its two giant buttressed double arches ahead
Here’s Kristen approaching one of the giant buttressed double arches in the dark

The thinning crowds makes it much easier to take photos with no people in, just like the one of Kristen above. It might take some time, but if you’re patient it can happen! Those gigantic arches feel even more imposing at night but there’s plenty of artificial light beaming across from the city to brighten them up.

3. Skyline View

Photo of Lower Manhattan skyline lit up at night taken from the Brooklyn Bridge with steel girders above a lane of traffic in the foreground
Here’s the view overlooking Lower Manhattan skyline from the walkway in the dark

Looking left as you approach Pier 17 (the bright glass building on the edge of the river in our photo above) you’ll see the Lower Manhattan skyline and the bridge’s metal framework which is now glowing yellow from car headlights. We liked using metal frames from the bridge for leading lines in our photos.

4. Car Light Trails View

Photo of a city skyline lit up with skyscrapers at night behind a bridge with long car light trails created by taking a long exposure image
This was our long exposure to capture car light trails

At the closest arch to Lower Manhattan, stand to the left side and take photos or videos of the oncoming traffic. We set up our tripod and took a 20 second exposure to capture the car light trails coming at us. It took us a few goes to get a quality image because anytime anyone walked passed us, the bridge would shake and vibrate.

5. Trusses Nighttime View

Photo of the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge taken with no people at night
We looked back to get this photo of the walkway with nobody on it

Finally, just before you get on the downward slope heading back to City Hall Park, don’t forget to turn around and take a photo of the trusses at night as you’re looking towards Brooklyn. It’s the last place you can take a great photo before it turns into a quick walk to get off the lower portion of the paved path.

Route Map

Click or touch the map below to activate, then zoom in and out and move around the map to see exactly how to follow our route. You can also click on the view larger map icon in the top right to expand the map, which is much easier to see.

Map Key:

  • Red – Places to go
  • Blue – Exact walking route

Tip: Save this blog post so you can open up the map when you’re ready to begin and simply hit directions to each point from your location.

The Morgan Conclusion

Photo of a tourist wearing winter coat and gloves walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night
Here’s Mark walking along the bridge on a cold night in winter

In our experience, sunset is the best time of day to experience the Brooklyn Bridge. We like how quiet it is at sunrise and we like the unique view of Lower Manhattan’s skyline at night, but we love the excitable buzz at dusk. That said, it’s also the busiest time of day so you should walk across early in the morning instead if you want to avoid crowds.

We recommend walking across from Manhattan to Brooklyn during sunset, spending an hour or two in Dumbo and then walking back to Manhattan once it’s totally dark. It’s one of our favorite things to do in NYC because it’s free, easy, fun, photogenic and iconic. So there’s really not much to dislike!

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We hope our guide to walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset and at night helps with planning your visit to NYC!

Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Happy Travels,

Mark and Kristen

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2 thoughts on “The Brooklyn Bridge At Sunset And Night: Walking Route + Photo Spots”

  1. Agreed, one of the best tips and must do – walking the Brooklyn bridge at sunset. I ❤️ NY, this blog and info on the city!

    Reply

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