The world’s most popular city is home to some of the world’s major bridges, connecting the city with itself and beyond. Read on for the most famous bridges in New York.
New York City is one of the world’s foremost cities, piercing the blue above with its skyrise buildings, buzzing with the constant step of millions of people, and acting as a lifelong dream of many a tourist.
Parts of the city are island-based, such as Roosevelt Island, Staten Island, and Wards Island, while the iconic Manhattan is connected to the rest of the city and beyond through a total of 21 bridges and 15 tunnels.
Overall, the city of New York has more than 2,000 bridges and tunnels, connecting one part of the city to minimise the colossal task of traversing the city, spanning 783.8 km sq (302.6 m sq).
Read on to discover the top five most famous bridges in New York, ranked.
5. Williamsburg Bridge – once the longest suspension bridge in the world
The Williamsburg Bridge kicks off our list of the most famous bridges in New York and acts as one of the major crossings of New York’s East River.
The bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn and is around 7,308 ft (2227.5 m) long. On average, the bridge welcomes 104,700 vehicles, 6,700 cyclists, and 5,500 pedestrians per day.
Upon its completion back in 1903, the bridge acted as the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge offers beautiful views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Address: 70 Williamsburg Bridge Bicycle Path, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
4. Queensboro Bridge – one of the most famous bridges in New York
This NYC bridge, officially known as Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, boasts an impressive structure and is next on our list of the most famous bridges in New York.
The bridge is around 350ft (110 m) in height, while its length spans an expansive 3,724ft (1,135.2 m). The north side of the bridge offers a pedestrian walkway and bicycle lane for you to traverse without a car.
It is also a toll-free bridge, meaning it won’t cost anything to cross. At night-time, especially, this bridge comes to life, shining in the darkness. It serves as a connection between Manhattan and Queens.
The bridge opened on 18 June 1909 and today hosts around 145,000 vehicles daily, along with 5,000 cyclists and 1,900 pedestrians.
Address: Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, New York, NY 10044, United States
3. George Washington Bridge – the busiest bridge in the world
This is one of the most iconic suspension bridges and certainly serves as one of the most famous bridges in New York. Indeed, this double-decked suspension bridge that connects northern Manhattan with Fort Lee, New Jersey, is deemed the busiest bridge in the world.
The Bridge stands high over the beautiful Hudson River, and before its completion a century ago the idea of a bridge connecting the two cities was regarded almost as too challenging.
This is therefore a marvel of engineering. The Upper Level is suspended from four steel cables, which are carried by saddles on top of two 604ft (183 m) high steel towers above the river. The lower level has 6 lanes, while the upper level is home to eight lanes, as well as two footways.
Address: George Washington Bridge, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, United States
2. Manhattan Bridge – connecting Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn
Claiming the penultimate spot on our list of the most famous bridges in New York is the Manhattan Bridge, which has now become one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, too.
Manhattan Bridge connects Chinatown in Lower Manhattan with Downtown Brooklyn, one of the most attractive places in all of New York City.
There are seven lanes for vehicles, and it also accommodates both a pedestrian walkway and a bikeway. There are also four transit train lines.
This iconic bridge was also built back in 1909, and in 2009, its centenary year, was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Address: Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY 11201, United States
1. Brooklyn Bridge – the most famous bridge in New York City
Claiming the prize on the list of the most famous bridges in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge. It is one of the city’s most popular landmarks, offering panoramic views of Brooklyn and Manhattan and backed by imposing granite towers.
It is also one of the most historic bridges in New York, completed back in 1883. It is an extremely busy passageway, welcoming 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians, and 3,000 cyclists daily.
Walking the pedestrian path is one of the most unique things to do in the city. If you have an hour to cross the East River, we recommend you take it for the amazing views.
Address: Brooklyn Bridge Blvd, New York, NY 10038, United States
Notable mentions
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: This suspension bridge connects Staten Island with Brooklyn and is around 13,700 ft (4,176 m) long.
Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: Named after the former Attorney General and Presidential candidate, it is one of the most famous bridges in New York.
Hell Gate Bridge: This steel arch bridge is around 1,017 feet (310 m) long and spans the Bronx Kills.
Throgs Neck Bridge: One of the most famous bridges in New York, it hosts a total of six lanes crossing over the East River.
Bow Bridge: Bow Bridge is a small but beautiful bridge in Central Park that deserves a mention.
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge: This is another suspension bridge in New York City over the East River.
Kosciuszko Bridge: The style of bridge that the Kosciuszko Bridge has is what’s known as a cable-stayed bridge. It has two or more towers or pylons that are connected with cables.
Henry Hudson Bridge: The Henry Hudson Bridge is a unique steel arch toll bright in the city. It connects the Bronx and Manhattan.
FAQs about the most famous bridges in New York
Can you walk across the Manhattan Bridge?
Yes, you can walk across the Manhattan Bridge. You can do so by walking along the Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Walkway.
Are pedestrians and bikers permitted on the Queensboro Bridge?
Yes, both are permitted. The Bridge’s shared lane is 11 ft (3.3 m) wide and, therefore, can accommodate all forms of travellers. However, this is notoriously narrow.
Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge – which one is better?
We have gone with Brooklyn Bridge on this list. However, it really is subjective. Both offer expansive views of the city with awesome steel structures.
What is the most famous bridge in the US?
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, is perhaps the most famous bridge in the US. However, the Brooklyn Bridge is also up there.
