Brooklyn Bridge Park: The Best Views of Manhattan

Brooklyn Bridge Park, tucked between two bridges along the East River, has the charm of being one of the best lookout points over Manhattan, especially at sunset when the lights of New York start coming on.

What to do in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Beyond the views, toward the south end of the park you'll find beautiful paths full of greenery and lawns that invite you to slow down for a bit along the way.

There are several spots worth visiting, and here are the details on the most important ones:

1. Granite Prospect lookout

From Pier 1 you can take in the view of New York Harbor while sitting on the granite steps, built from stones salvaged during the reconstruction of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

This is where most of the park's free events take place.

2. A carousel with Manhattan views

Jane's Carousel is an antique carousel built in Philadelphia in 1922 (read how to visit Philadelphia from New York). It's protected by a glass pavilion that lets you enjoy the Manhattan view over the horses (and not freeze in winter!).

During the cold months the hours are Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. Once the warm weather arrives it stays open until 7 pm and closes only on Tuesdays.

Admission is just US$ 2. Kids under 3 ride free but must be accompanied by an adult, who does pay.

3. Fulton Ferry Landing

Fulton Ferry Landing, right beside the Brooklyn Bridge, is another great place to take photos, soak in the view of the bridge, or head back to Manhattan by ferry.

This is a historic spot: the first ferry between Brooklyn and Manhattan landed here in 1642.

Fulton Ferry is the DUMBO stop for the NYC Ferry, which takes you across the river to Manhattan, or off to explore other neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens.

4. The beach at Pier 4

At Pier 4 you'll find a «beach» with natural sand where you can walk along the riverbank. Just walk, though: swimming or going into the water is not allowed.

At the risk of repeating myself, this is another great photo spot (honestly the whole park is, but the pilings of the old Pier 4 are unbelievably photogenic).

5. Cross the Squibb Park Bridge

This bridge connects Brooklyn Bridge Park with residential Brooklyn neighborhoods (where you'll find several subway stations to get back to wherever you're headed).

I'd recommend crossing it. It's a scenic walk you won't see coming, and you shouldn't miss it.

6. Movies at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Every year Pier 1 hosts Movies with a View, part of the free outdoor movie scene in New York, where you can enjoy an excellent lineup of films with Downtown Manhattan as the backdrop.

7. Ice skating under the Brooklyn Bridge

In 2024 Glide opened, a new ice skating rink in New York. But this isn't just any rink. Skating right under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Open from December through March, the rink gives you stunning views of the Manhattan skyline lit up at night.

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Address

The park beside the Brooklyn Bridge is at 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn

How to get there

Subway:
Lines A, C. High Street station
Line F. York Street station
Lines 2, 3. Clark Street or Borough Hall station
Line R. Court Street station
Lines 4, 5. Borough Hall station

You can also get there on the NYC Ferry!