Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Crossing the Bridge
For many visitors to NYC, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a rite of passage. The Neo-
Gothic wonder was designed by Prussian-born engineer John Roebling, who died of
tetanus poisoning before construction even began. His son, Washington Roebling, super-
vised construction of the bridge, which lasted 14 years and managed to survive budget
overruns and the deaths of 20 workers. The younger Roebling himself suffered from the
bends while helping to excavate the riverbed for the bridge's western tower and remained
bedridden for much of the project. When the bridge opened in June 1883, a shout from the
crowd that the bridge was collapsing caused mayhem and the trampling death of 12 ped-
estrians.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Across the bridge in Brooklyn is one of the borough's most celebrated new assets, the
85-acre
Brooklyn Bridge Park
(
718-222-9939;
www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org
;
East River Water-
front, btwn Atlantic Ave & Adams St; admission free; 6am-1am; ; A/C to High St, 2/3 to Clark St, F to
York St)
. Stretching 1.3 miles from Jay St in Dumbo to the west end of Atlantic Ave in
Cobble Hill, the park's highlights include the Empire Fulton Ferry, a state park featuring a
grassy lawn with skyline views and the lovingly restored 1922-vintage
Jane's Carousel
(
www.janescarousel.com
; Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Fulton Ferry, Dumbo; tickets $2; 11am-7pm Wed-Mon, to
6pm Nov-Apr; ; F to York St)
, set inside a glass pavilion designed by Pritzker Pr-
ize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Just south of Empire Fulton Ferry is Pier 1; a 9-acre
space complete with playground, walkways, and artist Mark di Suvero's 30ft kinetic
sculpture
Yoga
(1991).
Top Tips
›
When walking across the bridge, stay on the side of the walkway marked for pedestrians. One half is desig-
nated for cyclists, who use it en masse for both commuting and pleasure rides.
›
To beat the crowds, come early morning, when you'll have those views largely to yourself.
