The Williamsburg Bridge links Manhattan’s Lower East Side with Williamsburg in Brooklyn, crossing the East River on separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists alongside subway tracks. Walk or bike across for views of both boroughs, including Manhattan’s skyline and Brooklyn’s waterfront. Completed in 1903, it was then the world’s longest suspension bridge. It is often quieter than the Brooklyn Bridge, so it can suit a more relaxed crossing. The Lower East Side and Williamsburg are close by if you want to explore either neighborhood before or after your walk.
A bridge across the East River
The Williamsburg Bridge connects Manhattan’s Lower East Side with Williamsburg in Brooklyn. It opened in 1903 and was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. The crossing became part of Brooklyn’s development and the migration of Jewish communities.
Separate routes across the bridge
Pedestrians and cyclists have separate paths, alongside the subway tracks. The bridge is an option for crossing between the two neighborhoods on foot or by bike. The Lower East Side, where the Manhattan walk begins, is known for its immigrant history. The Tenement Museum in the neighborhood explores that history through costumed interpreters.
FAQ
Can you walk across the Williamsburg Bridge?
Yes. The bridge has a path for pedestrians, separate from the cycling path.
Can you bike across the Williamsburg Bridge?
Yes. There is a cycling path separate from the pedestrian path.
What neighborhoods does the Williamsburg Bridge connect?
It crosses the East River between Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Williamsburg in Brooklyn.
When was the Williamsburg Bridge completed?
It opened in 1903 and was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time.
