Last Updated on August 20, 2024 by Cristina
By Dale P. This guide to the top photography spots on the Brooklyn Bridge contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Looking for the best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots?
Then you’re in the right place!
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in New York City. Stretching across the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, this historic bridge dates back to 1883.
Walking across the bridge is one of the most popular tourist activities in NYC, and the bridge is a favorite spot for photographers.
Are you looking for the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge? Here are the top Brooklyn Bridge photo spots where you can snap amazing photos of this iconic architectural gem.
😍 Want to book a hotel with an epic view of the Brooklyn Bridge? Check out the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, located in the trendy and scenic DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. Many of our guests stay here and absolutely love this property!
Book A Brooklyn Bridge Photoshoot
Want shots of the Brooklyn Bridge — with you in the photos? We have two great options for this:
NYC Photo Journey. Part tour, part photoshoot, our NYC Photo Journeys are a great way to learn about New York while capturing beautiful photos along the way. Our most popular itinerary is Times Square – Central Park – Upper East Side – Brooklyn Bridge.
Custom NYC Photoshoot. If you don’t necessarily care about a tour and want as many photos as possible, this is your best option. Additionally, you’ll have more package choices depending on your budget and the edits you’d like. During our planning call, we can also discuss custom shoot locations — from the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond!
Get a taste of our work via the Brooklyn Bridge gallery here or head to our Instagram @NYCPhotoTour.
Best Brooklyn Bridge Photo Spots
On that note, let’s go over some specific spots for amazing Brooklyn Bridge photography. These are some of the best places to take pictures in NYC. Remember that any of these can be incorporated into a private New York photoshoot:
1. Center Of The Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway
One of the best Brooklyn Bridge picture spots is from on the bridge itself! With a pedestrian walkway stretching the entire length of the bridge, you can take a leisurely stroll and stop for plenty of photos along the way.
Along with the unique architecture of the bridge itself, you can also capture photos of the Lower Manhattan skyline from the bridge.
Tip: Walk towards the center of the bridge (about 15 minutes from either entrance) for the best shots of the bridge’s famous arched pylons. The closer you get to them, the better your photos will turn out. Just note you may want to avoid high heels, as the bridge’s walkway features spaces between its wooden planks.
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Along with being one of the top NYC picnic spots, Brooklyn Bridge Park, as the name implies, is a great place for taking photos of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The park is located on the Brooklyn side of the bridge between Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO and offers one of the best free views in NYC.
This waterfront park is one of the top Brooklyn Instagram spots and is a gorgeous location for shooting photos with the bridge and the New York City skyline in the background.
Many of the locations listed in this guide are actually within or around Brooklyn Bridge Park, though if simply go to the park and wander with your camera you’re sure to find some incredible photo spots.
Tip: While Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great photo spot at any time of day, you can also find the best view of Brooklyn Bridge at night here.
3. Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is an iconic Brooklyn Bridge photo spot if you want to get a shot of the bridge from a distance. Located in the DUMBO area of Brooklyn — which stands for “Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass” — you can access this rocky beach at the intersection of Main Street and Plymouth Street.
From the beach, you’ll find the best place to view the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline in the background, as well as the historic Jane’s Carousel, which has been on the waterfront for more than 100 years.
Tip: Be careful when climbing or sitting on the large rocks along the beach because they can get slippery.
4. Main Street Park
The best spot for Brooklyn Bridge pictures just might be Main Street Park. This is where Pebble Beach is located, but don’t overlook the grassy lawn here as well.
Located just past the Manhattan Bridge, you can enjoy serene shots of the sweeping green park, the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge all backed by the Manhattan skyline.
If you find the right angle, you can get a panoramic picture of both bridges at once!
Tip: Don’t just go during the summer. This little park is absolutely beautiful throughout spring, summer, fall, and winter. Imagine it covered in snow for some epic winter photography in New York.
5. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Rooftop
For a famous Brooklyn Bridge photo spot, head to the rooftop of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. This property is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park right by the iconic architectural landmark.
If you’re wondering how to see Brooklyn Bridge from above, this rooftop features the perfect vantage point and it’s a wonderful spot for taking photos of the bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
Tip: There’s a restaurant and cocktail bar on the rooftop of the hotel, and reservations are highly recommended in advance.
👉 Click here to check rates for this gorgeous hotel.
6. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza is a newer addition to the best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots.
For a bit of background, Emily played a pivotal role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, Washington Roebling, the project’s chief engineer, became bedridden from caisson disease.
Although not originally trained as an engineer, Emily stepped in to serve as the project’s field engineer, learning the necessary engineering principles and managing communications between her husband and the construction site. When the bridge opened in 1883, she was the first to cross it, symbolically carrying a rooster for victory.
In that same groundbreaking spirit, this new plaza now makes it possible to pass right under the Brooklyn Bridge. If you’re looking to take unique photographs of Brooklyn Bridge, this is a spot you should definitely check out.
Tip: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza is the only place where you can photograph the Brooklyn Bridge from directly beneath it, meaning you can capture some really cool shots.
📸 Want beautiful photos taken of you on the Brooklyn Bridge? Book a Private Photo Journey, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
7. Time Out Market Rooftop
Time Out Market is a popular destination close to the Brooklyn Bridge located in the DUMBO neighborhood. This food hall is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after walking across the bridge.
But many people don’t realize that a famous photo spot of the Brooklyn Bridge is actually located on the rooftop of this bustling food hall. You can get a spectacular vantage point of the bridge from the roof.
Tip: The rooftop is home to a cocktail bar, and with outdoor seating, you can sit and enjoy stunning views of the bridge. Alternatively, there is a free-to-enjoy rooftop park attached to the eatery.
8. Boat Tour
One of the more unique ways to photograph the Brooklyn Bridge is on a boat tour. There are many NYC skyline tours by boat that you can book that will take you by the Brooklyn Bridge, along with many other iconic landmarks.
Photographing the Brooklyn Bridge from a boat allows you to capture it from different angles that you would not otherwise see.
Tip: Book a sunset sailing if you want to see the bridge as the sun sets and the lights of the city start coming on.
😍 A few top picks for boat tours with Brooklyn Bridge views include:👇
🗽 Circle Line: Complete Manhattan Island Cruise
🌇 New York Harbor Lights Cruise at Twilight
🛥️ Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
👉 Click here for a full list of NYC boat tours.
9. Pier 15 East River Promenade
While it’s not a famous Brooklyn Bridge photo location, don’t overlook Pier 15 in the South Street Seaport District of Lower Manhattan. This is where a lot of cruises leave, but the promenade here is a great spot for shots of the bridge from different angles.
The Pier 15 East River Esplanade offers sweeping views of the East River from the Manhattan side. There are two levels for visitors to explore with chic sunning benches near the water’s edge, plus a grassy lawn on the upper level.
Tip: For an action shot, grab food and drinks at The Watermark on the pier. Here you can sip yummy cocktails with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background!
10. Pier 17
The best Brooklyn Bridge view from Manhattan is Pier 17, which is right near Pier 15. Pier 17 overlooks the East River and has great views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Walk out onto the left side of the pier for incredible unobstructed views of the bridge. You will also be able to photograph the Manhattan Bridge in the background.
Tip: The Rooftop at Pier 17 is a concert and events venue. It’s one of the coolest places to see live music in New York with the Brooklyn Bridge right behind it. If there isn’t a concert going on, you can also go to the top for a view.
11. The River Cafe
The River Cafe is one of the best restaurants with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Located on the waterfront, this restaurant is positioned in the shadow of the bridge and offers spectacular views.
Aside from the vista, The River Cafe is known for its upscale and inventive Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining when the weather is nice.
Tip: Reservations are highly recommended for this restaurant. For the best chance of getting a window seat, book an early lunch or dinner reservation.
12. East River Greenway Two Bridges
Another one of the best Brooklyn Bridge viewing spots from Manhattan is the East River Greenway in Two Bridges.
Two Bridges is a Lower Manhattan neighborhood that, as the name not-so-subtly suggests, is bordered by two bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Along the East River Greenway, a walking and biking path that runs right along the river, you can get beautiful views of both bridges.
Tip: This is a great New York bridge photography spot at any time of day, but you can catch some amazing lighting at sunset.
📸 Want beautiful photos taken of you on the Brooklyn Bridge? Book a Private Photo Journey, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through an NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
13. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1
If you’re looking for the best Brooklyn Bridge Park photo spots, don’t miss Pier 1. Located right next to the bridge, it’s a stunning location to get some up-close photos of the Brooklyn Bridge with the East River waterfront in the background.
You can also get some incredible shots of Lower Manhattan, including One World Trade and other iconic buildings.
Tip: You can catch the NYC Ferry from this pier. The East River Ferry will take you right under the Brooklyn Bridge.
14. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Brooklyn Heights is one of the most charming neighborhoods in New York City and features a top Brooklyn Bridge picture spot. Located close to the bridge, it’s known for its historic brownstones and picturesque tree-lined streets.
You can snap lots of classic New York pictures from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which is a pedestrian walkway stretching along the river.
Not only can you get photos of the Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s also an excellent spot for photographing the Downtown Manhattan skyline.
Tip: This is a great photo spot to check out at sunset and at dusk for dramatic lighting.
15. Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is a gorgeous spot for taking unique photos with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background. This carousel, located in the Empire Fulton Ferry area right on the waterfront, dates back to 1922.
This quaint glass-enclosed carousel offers scenic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River in the background.
Tip: If you’re looking for a unique place to take photos of the bridge, this is an excellent location. It’s possible to get photos on the carousel with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background if you time it right. Tickets are $2.
16. NYC Ferry
For unique pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge, take the East River Ferry from Pier 11 / Wall Street station. A one-way ticket costs $4 and allows you to get a glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge from the water.
This ferry makes a stop in DUMBO and then continues on directly under the Brooklyn Bridge towards its next stop.
Tip: Stay on the ferry until you get to East 34th Street for a scenic ride that passes under not only the Brooklyn Bridge but also the Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge. You can enjoy great Manhattan skyline views too.
17. Washington Street
Finally, although it’s not the best viewpoint of the Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Street is a DUMBO photo spot you can’t miss. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Brooklyn — and NYC as a whole!
This street, specifically the block right before it dead-ends into the waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, is the best Manhattan Bridge photo spot.
The Manhattan Bridge is another iconic NYC bridge connecting Manhattan (Chinatown) and Brooklyn (DUMBO), and since it’s so close to the Brooklyn Bridge, you shouldn’t miss checking it out.
Afterward, you can head into the adjoining Brooklyn Bridge Park for views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Or, you might consider walking the Manhattan Bridge as it runs parallel to the BK Bridge and offers great views of it.
Tip: This DUMBO picture spot can get crowded, but with some patience, good timing, and creative camera angles, you can easily get a photo without anyone else in the background.
18. Water Street
If you’re looking for something a bit edgier, try taking photos directly under the bridge! A stroll down Water Street is where you can see the Brooklyn Bridge underbelly in all its glory.
Lean into the industrial feel of the historic DUMBO neighborhood, with its refurbished factories and cobblestone streets.
If you’re walking from the famous Time Out Market, just head east until you clear the last building before Empire Fulton Ferry Park.
Tip: Try different angles. You could stay on this side of the bridge or keep heading west on Water Street then look back for shots from the other side.
Additionally, for a cool and candid shot, stop at Butler Cafe (40 Water Street) for a coffee and sit at one of the outdoor tables with the bridge in the background.
19. Manhattan Bridge
Walking the Manhattan Bridge offers a fun way to get active while taking in beautiful views of NYC—including the Brooklyn Bridge.
These bridges run parallel over the East River, with the Brooklyn Bridge connecting Lower Manhattan with DUMBO, Brooklyn, and the Manhattan Bridge connecting Chinatown with DUMBO, Brooklyn.
Because they both connect in DUMBO, you can easily walk both in one day for double the epic shots!
Tip: The one downside of the Manhattan Bridge is there is wire fencing blocking the view, so you’ll need to look for gaps when taking your photos. This makes it harder to get portraits of people with the bridge in the background, though you can get great shots of the Brooklyn Bridge on its own. You can see what I mean in this video:
How To Take Pictures On The Brooklyn Bridge
Now that you know the best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots, here are some tips for getting the best shot.
Get to the Brooklyn Bridge early. One of the best things you can do is arrive early in the morning. Not only is the Brooklyn Bridge an extremely popular tourist attraction, but commuters also use it in the mornings to get to work. Arriving very early is your best bet. Around sunrise has great lighting for photos too.
Know where to enter. Entering the bridge from the Brooklyn side and walking towards Manhattan will allow you to get some famous New York City skyscrapers like the One World Trade and the Empire State Building in the background of your photos.
Get centered. Want the best photo spot on the Brooklyn Bridge? Here’s a tip: If you want to get the iconic arched pylons of the bridge in your photos, walk toward the center of the bridge and get as close to them as possible. From either entrance, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the center of the bridge.
Know where the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian entrances are. When it comes to entering the bridge to take your Brooklyn Bridge pictures, there are pedestrian entrances on the Manhattan side and the Brooklyn side.
The location of the pedestrian entrance in Manhattan is at the intersection of Centre Sreet and Park Row across from City Hall Park. You will see lots of vendors outside selling souvenirs and this entrance is hard to miss. There’s also a smaller entrance from the Park Row Underpass, but most people will just enter the bridge from the main entrance.
On the Brooklyn side, there are also two entrances. These two are further apart, so which one you use will depend on where you’re coming from. The main entrance is located at Tillary Street and Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard. If you’re coming from Downtown Brooklyn or Brooklyn Heights, this is the closest entrance.
There’s also an entrance at the Brooklyn Bridge Underpass. This is located at the intersection of Prospect Street and Cadman Plaza East. If you’re in the DUMBO area, this will be the closest entrance.
Hotels With A Brooklyn Bridge View
Want to enjoy gorgeous views of the Brooklyn Bridge from your hotel? Consider booking a room at:
- 😍 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (DUMBO)
- 🌉 New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge (Downtown Brooklyn)
- 🛏️ The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel (Lower Manhattan)
- 🏨 Millenium Hilton Downtown (Lower Manhattan)
- 🛎️ The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn (Downtown Brooklyn)
👉 Click here for a full list of hotels near the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge Tours
One of the best ways to get great photos of the Brooklyn Bridge while also learning about this fascinating NYC landmark is to book a guided tour. A few top-rated options include:
- 🚴 Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour
- 🚁 New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
- 🥘 NYC Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour – one of the top Brooklyn walking tours!
- 🌉 Manhattan to Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour
- 🚍 Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food & Culture Bus Tour
👉 Click here for a full list of Brooklyn Bridge tours.
New York City Travel Insurance
When visiting New York City — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.
One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.
Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.
Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.
Brooklyn Bridge Photo Spot FAQ
Now that you know some of the best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots, let’s go over answers to some commonly asked questions about planning a Brooklyn Bridge photoshoot so that you’re fully prepared.
While there isn’t an exact address as you can take photos all along Washington Street in DUMBO, you can put the address of Joe’s Coffee at 45 Washington Street Brooklyn NY 11201 into your Google Maps.
There are many great spots to view the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, such as from Pier 17, a rooftop bar like Manhatta, or an observation deck like the One World Trade Observatory.
The Brooklyn Bridge is renowned as one of the earliest and most iconic suspension bridges. Its blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal has made it an enduring landmark and a representation of the city’s spirit and innovation.
The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John A. Roebling. After his untimely death, the construction was overseen and completed by his son, Washington Roebling, with significant assistance from Washington’s wife, Emily Warren Roebling, especially after Washington fell ill.
The Brooklyn Bridge doesn’t connect two cities, but instead the two NYC boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. In terms of neighborhoods, it connects Lower Manhattan and DUMBO, Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Bridge Photo Spots: Final Thoughts
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Not only is it historic, but it’s also stunning, helping to add beauty to your photos.
Whether you want to take Brooklyn Bridge photos on the bridge, near the bridge, or from above the bridge, you’re sure to get stunning pictures you’ll cherish forever. Hopefully, the above guide has helped you choose the best Brooklyn Bridge photography spot for your shoot.
And if you’d like help with capturing photos of the BK Bridge with you in them, make sure to check out our NYC photo tours and custom photoshoots!
What best Brooklyn Bridge photo spots would you add to this list?
Bonus NYC Resources:
15 Best Central Park Photo Spots
Where To Take Stunning Winter Photos In NYC
How To Spend 4 Days In New York City
38 Fun Activities In NYC For Couples
