Nestled in a location where the Pacific Ocean merges with the Hudson River, New York City, also known as The Big Apple, is a highly urbanized metropolis that is famous for its marvelous concrete jungle and upscale attractions. Its skyline is dominated by skyrocketing buildings, and it is home to five boroughs with diverse offerings. The Big Apple has a vibrant art scene, a lively nightlife, an abundance of luxurious shops and exquisite dining spots. Not only that, it has remarkable landmarks that are worth a visit. One of them is the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. It is a picture-perfect, lengthy bridge that connects Brooklyn to the historic Staten Island. If you wish to check out and explore this iconic 2.5-mi (4 km) long suspension bridge in the city, here is an in-depth guide to Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York City. Read below.
Things to do / Highlights
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is the most enormous suspension bridge in the country and was once the longest suspension bridge in the whole world. It is an architectural wonder and a picturesque landmark. Aside from marveling at its beauty and the scenery surrounding it, here are some things you can do when you visit this iconic location.
Visit Fort Wadsworth
Named after a European explorer, Giovanni da Verrazano, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is a picture-perfect bridge that connects Staten Island’s Fort Wadsworth to Brooklyn’s historic Fort Hamilton. Fort Wadsworth was once a military installation in Staten Island that covers 226 acres (91.4 hectares) of land. What once was a structure that guards New York City has become a tourist destination that belongs to Gateway National Recreational Area. When you visit Fort Wadsworth, you will get to experience living a day in the life of the soldiers that were once tasked to protect the city, and you will be able to see the picturesque views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from this side of the area. Informative tours are also offered to interested tourists.
Explore Fort Hamilton
Nestled in an area in Brooklyn that is surrounded by Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton is a military installation that aims to provide defense assistance to the New York metropolitan area. It is the counterpart of Fort Wadsworth on the other side of Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This fort is active up to this day, and it is home to more than 500 officers. Tourists are free to stroll around the area and explore some facilities in the fort and take souvenir pictures.
Watch the sunset create a stunning background for Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
If you wish to see the most picturesque views of Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, you might want to plan an afternoon picnic at Shore Park and Parkway in Brooklyn. This charming park is nestled on the southernmost point of the borough. It has benches, where you can relax and unwind, dog-friendly areas, sports courts, a playground, and a number of eateries. The best part? It boasts the most magical sunset in the Big Apple. Every day as the sun meets the horizon, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge illuminates with bright colors, creating a postcard-perfect scenery.
Join a boat cruise
Cruising through the waters of the Hudson River and marveling at the beauty of picturesque views of nature and iconic landmarks sounds like a dreamy holiday experience, right? If you agree with the idea, you might want to join an unforgettable New York City cruise tour. Some tour packages in the market include harbor cruise experiences on Ellis Island, where you’ll get to pass by The Statue of Liberty, World Financial Center, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
Travel tips
Dress code
There is really no dress code for tourists who plan to visit Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, but it will really be convenient and comfortable if you wear comfy clothes and sturdy shoes that will allow you to move freely and hassle-free. Wear season-appropriate clothing that is stylish at the same time.
Accessibility
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is open to both buses and cars.
How to get there
By bus
For tourists who are on a tight budget, you can reach Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge by bus. Go to Air Force Reserve or Battery Road and hop on a bus with a sign S53 or SIM33C.
By subway
If your preferred mode of transportation on your trip to Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge is the subway, be sure to buy a ticket for a train that passes through line R.
By cab
Just like most major cities in the world, ride-hailing apps are available in New York City. If you like a more comfortable and convenient transport, book a ride from any ride-hailing app that you have downloaded on your phone. Uber, Grab, Lyft, and Easy Taxi are all accessible in the Big Apple.
How to get tickets
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge imposes a one-way toll system. Drivers who wish to pass the bridge ought to purchase a ticket that costs 19 USD. Split-tolling is also an option for drivers, wherein they can pay 9.50 USD for each direction they’re heading. E-ZPass holders and residents of Staten Island are awarded discounts on the toll fee.
New York City Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participa... Read more
Tours by Hiram
New York City Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
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Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge information
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Address: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, NY, United States
Cost: 19 USD (one-way toll system)
Official website: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Department of tourism: Visit New York City
News & updates for Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge: After 55 years, the Verrazzano Bridge gets a second ‘Z’:
History
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