The 10 Most Famous Bridges in New York City 🌁

Interested in learning about the most famous bridges in New York City? Believe it or not, there are over 2,000 bridges in NYC. But don’t worry, I’m not going to make you read about every single one. Instead, here’s my ultimate guide to the 10 most iconic bridges in NYC, packed with fun facts, history, and the best spots to see them.

I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who adores New York almost as much as London. I’ve seen every bridge on this list (and crossed most of them too). So let’s dive into the concrete jungle’s coolest crossings.

1. Brooklyn Bridge 🌉

This Gothic beauty needs no introduction. Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the first fixed crossing over the East River, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Those twin granite towers? Total icons.

Walk or cycle the elevated path for skyline views and selfies galore. Pro tip: Go early morning or at sunset for fewer crowds. And don’t miss nearby DUMBO – the trendy neighbourhood right underneath it.

Book a Brooklyn Bridge walking tour or cycle tour for extra context.

2. Manhattan Bridge 🌁

Just next door to the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge has that unmistakable steel archway and a gritty, industrial charm. Opened in 1909, it connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn’s DUMBO and Chinatown with Williamsburg.

The views from the Manhattan Bridge are unbeatable, especially the photo-perfect angle of the Brooklyn Bridge. Take the pedestrian walkway or see it from the water on the NYC Circle Line boat cruise.

3. Williamsburg Bridge 🏗️

More low-key but just as important, the Williamsburg Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1903. It played a major role in the development of Brooklyn and the migration of Jewish communities.

It has separate paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and subway tracks. Walking it at night? Magical. The twinkling lights and river breeze are pure New York.

4. George Washington Bridge 🌿

Spanning the Hudson River between Manhattan and New Jersey, the GWB is a double-decker monster with 14 lanes of traffic. Opened in 1931, it’s known as the world’s busiest motor vehicle bridge.

There are walkways and bike paths on both sides, but the highlight might be the view from afar. Try Fort Lee Historic Park or the Little Red Lighthouse for a unique angle.

5. Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge 🌆

Also called the 59th Street Bridge (yes, the one in that Simon & Garfunkel song), this cantilevered stunner links Midtown Manhattan to Queens. Built in 1909, it features two levels and fabulous Art Deco details.

You can walk or bike it, but my fave way to see it is from the Roosevelt Island Tram, a cable car that floats beside the bridge and offers dreamy skyline views.

6. Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge 🚌

This colossal suspension bridge connects Staten Island to Brooklyn and was the longest in the world when it opened in 1964. It still holds the title for the longest in the Americas.

You can’t normally walk or bike it (except for the NYC Marathon), but it’s best admired from Bay Ridge, the Staten Island Ferry, or Fort Wadsworth.

7. Hell Gate Bridge ✨

Built for trains, not cars, the Hell Gate Bridge is a steel arch bridge that inspired the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It connects Queens to the Bronx via Randalls Island and opened in 1916.

It’s big, bold, and beloved by rail nerds and architecture fans alike. Best viewed from Astoria Park.

Fun fact: The Hell Gate Bridge in NYC inspired the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia!

8. Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (Triborough) 🌍

Technically a network of three bridges, this engineering puzzle links Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. It opened in 1936 and was renamed after RFK in 2008.

9. The High Bridge ⛰

The oldest bridge in NYC, the High Bridge dates back to 1848 and was originally built to carry water from the Croton Aqueduct. Today, it’s a charming pedestrian bridge connecting the Bronx and Manhattan.

It’s 140 feet above the Harlem River and offers fab views – plus a cool peek into NYC’s engineering past.

10. Throgs Neck Bridge 🌊

This sleek suspension bridge connects the Bronx to Queens, spanning the East River where it meets the Long Island Sound. Opened in 1961, it was designed by bridge genius Othmar Ammann.

Map of the Most Famous NYC Bridges 🗺️

Want to plan a bridge-hopping day or just pin down your faves? Use this custom Google Map below to locate all 10 bridges in this post. Zoom in to explore each one, click for more info, or save it to your own Google Maps!