Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront park designed by landscape architecture firm Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates in New York City. Ranked among the best things to do in Brooklyn, the attraction boasts many amenities, including boat launches, Pebble Beach, the historic Jane’s Carousel, sports fields, basketball courts, a fishing station and more. We have thus created this guide to show you the highlights of the place, which includes where and what to eat, useful tips and details on how to get there. Can’t wait to plan your visit? Read through this guide to Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City so you know what to expect.
Things to do / Highlights
Join a waterfront workout
Between June and September each year, expect to see a range of fitness classes led by experienced instructors available for you to join for free. Some of their partners include Dodge YMCA, Abhaya Yoga and Chelsea Piers Fitness. From sunrise yoga to pilates and even broadway dance, make sure you take advantage of these awesome workouts by the water.
Watch a Shakespeare production
Brooklyn Bridge Park has partnered with a number of theatre groups in the city who are happy to showcase productions of William Shakespeare’s timeless masterpieces to the interested public. Performances include Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Taming of the Shrew. From July to August, they will be showing the famous tragedy King Lear, which will be performed by the well-reputed New York Classical Theatre.
Join a book reading by featured authors
Throughout July and August in the evening, Brooklyn Bridge Park holds book readings by featured authors. You can also expect discussions, signings and more. Titled ‘Books Beneath the Bridge’, head over to the park’s official website to view their featured list of authors.
Watch a movie before the Manhattan skyline
The event titled ‘Movies With A View’ takes place every Thursday evening in July and August on Pier 1’s Harbor View Lawn. You will be able to catch classic and popular films curated by BAMcinématek. Delicious street food and wine will be available for purchase all night long on Pier 1 as well. Summer in New York can’t get any better than this!
Join a tour
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of the park’s history, learn about its sustainable practices, horticulture, design and more, join a walking tour headed by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. To RSVP, head over to their website to view the next available date.
What to eat
The River Café
Right smack on the riverside and just under the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers classic American cuisine. They also have one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world. Vegetarians will be thrilled to know that they have a menu catered specially for them. Do note to adhere to their dress code, where jackets are required for gentlemen at dinner and ties are highly recommended. From the lunch menu, be sure to try the black sea bass with lobster brown butter or the mushroom Wellington with crisp puff pastry.
Cecconi's Dumbo
If you prefer something other than American cuisine, you can head to Cecconi’s Dumbo for classic Italian food. This modern Northern Italian restaurant is less than a 10-minute walk from the park and has an all-day menu serving pasta, pizza and wines. Online reservations can be made on their website.
SUGARCANE raw bar grill
Apart from all things American and Italian, pay a visit to SUGARCANE raw bar grill for some fresh seasonal oysters, seafood and sushi. Perched on the waterfront, their outdoor patio makes a good spot to grab your favourite cocktails during happy hour. A kid’s menu is also available. This is just a nine-minute walk away from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Travellers tips
Seasonal highlights
Most of the special events and highlights are available during the summer months, from June to early September. Thus, if you want to see Brooklyn Bridge Park in full grandeur and filled with activities to participate in, visit during these times.
Parking is difficult
Since there aren’t many parking spaces close to the park, you will be better off taking public transportation, biking or walking to the park.
Store your belongings
There are lockers available for rent at Pier 2 for 0.25 USD. So go ahead and enjoy your basketball, handball, ping pong games and seasonal kayaking with peace of mind.
Beware of scammers
You might encounter people handing out CDs while walking along Brooklyn Bridge. Please avoid taking them or they will try exhorting money from you.
How to get there
Subway
You can get there by subway and alight at any of these stations: High Street, York Street, Clark Street, Court Street or Borough Hall.
Bus
Take B25 and alight at any of the bus stops within Fulton Ferry District. B63, B61 and B67 get you to different areas of the Brooklyn Bridge Park as well.
Ferry
You can take Citywide Ferry or Governors Island Ferry to get to the park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park information
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Address: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)
Official website: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Department of tourism: Visit NYC
News & updates for Brooklyn Bridge Park: Take a winter walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park | Brooklyn Bridge Park Transformed into Photography Village
Brooklyn Bridge Park Scenic Running Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
History
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