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If you're able to choose which direction to walk, start at the Brooklyn side of the bridge. Strolling across the bridge from this side offers stunning views of lower Manhattan's towering skyline.  Additionally, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Cadman Plaza Park on the Brooklyn side are picturesque places to start your trip. If you're walking with friends, arrange to meet up at either park. The pedestrian entrance is at the northeast corner of Cadman Plaza, so this park is the most convenient meeting place. While Brooklyn Bridge Park is a short walk from the bridge's pedestrian entrance, it offers the best views of the bridge itself. While the Manhattan side sports superior skyline views, Brooklyn is packed with things to do. If you're starting in Manhattan, stroll across the bridge and lounge around Brooklyn's waterfront, which is lined with parks and vibrant neighborhoods.  Jane's Carousel is a popular waterfront destination, and it's an excellent activity for kids. The neighborhoods surrounding the bridge are also packed with restaurants, shops, galleries, and other attractions. While you could walk briskly and cross the bridge in about 20 minutes, give yourself an hour or so. That way, you can stroll slowly and appreciate the views. Once you get to the pedestrian walkway, look for the stenciled markings that designate the bike and pedestrian lanes. Both lanes are narrow, and you'll need to stay in your lane to avoid speedy cyclists.   Be sure to stay on the right-hand side of the bridge to avoid oncoming pedestrian and cyclist traffic. If you're walking with kids, hold hands to avoid accidents. At the start of your walk, the bridge's incline will be too low to see much of the view across the river. Whether you depart from Brooklyn or Manhattan, these first few minutes are perfect for people-watching. Seize the opportunity to peek at passersby. Look for locals briskly crossing the bridge to run errands in the neighboring borough, or try to figure out where nearby tourists are from. If you started from the Brooklyn side, lower Manhattan's skyline will come into view as the bridge's elevation increases.  Look for the Freedom Tower, the Woolworth Building, and the Financial District's towers. The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and other iconic Manhattan skyscrapers will also be visible. If you're heading toward Brooklyn, you'll see its park-lined waterfront, charming neighborhoods, and growing skyline. The Brooklyn Bridge is an architectural wonder, so take the time to admire its impressive neo-Gothic structure. When it opened, it was dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, and its towers were the tallest buildings in the Western hemisphere! If you started from the Brooklyn side, look toward the left, or to the west. If you started from Manhattan, look toward the right, or east side, to find the Statue of Liberty.  Though she'll look tiny, you'll get a clear view of the Statue of Liberty from the span of the bridge between its central towers.
Walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan for sprawling skyline views. Cross from Manhattan to Brooklyn to explore parks and neighborhoods. Plan to spend up to 1 hour crossing the bridge. Stay in the pedestrian lane and steer clear of bikes. Do some people-watching for the first part of your walk. Look for iconic skyscrapers as you walk toward lower Manhattan. Check out the bridge's beams, trusses, and wire supports. Watch for the Statue of Liberty in the distance.