Approach the bridge from Chinatown on the Manhattan side to discover an arch and colonnade with city landmark status and then cross to the Brooklyn side to enjoy views of Downtown.
Spot the bridge on citywide sightseeing tours and cruises, which typically offer skyline views. Bus tours, motorcycle tours, and thematic neighborhood tours also tend to pass the bridge; if you book a private tour you can usually customize your itinerary. Boat tours typically pass under the Manhattan Bridge, with some offering dinner and drinks, while athletic visitors can take a tour that crosses the bridge and lets you work up a sweat.
Architecture fans enjoy the bridge's plaza—created by Carrère and Hastings—who designed the Public Library's celebrated main branch.
You can cycle over the bridge via the bikeway, which separates bikes from pedestrians.
The bridge is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
To cross the Manhattan Bridge from the Manhattan side, enter at the intersection of Canal and Bowery Streets. On the Brooklyn side, enter at Jay and Sands Streets. To get to the bridge, it's easiest to take the subway. On the Manhattan side, take the N, Q, R, or W trains to Canal Street or the F to East Broadway. On the Brooklyn side, take the F train to the York Street Station.
Since the Brooklyn Bridge gets extremely crowded on weekends, the Manhattan Bridge is a great place to visit on Saturday or Sunday; you can avoid crowds altogether in the evening and during the week. Winter in New York can be cold and windy, so expect the bridge to be blustery. Take an evening walk across the bridge for stunning views of New York's skyline.
The Manhattan side of the bridge exits a few short blocks from Chinatown. As one of New York's historic immigrant neighborhoods, you'll find narrow streets, shops and markets, and some of New York's best Chinese food.Don’t miss Doyers Street, which has a mural painted on its asphalt and several great restaurants.
