NYC’s Sickest Bridges: The Icons That Keep the City Moving
NYC’s Bridges
New York City is a city of bridges—massive steel and stone structures that span rivers, connect boroughs, and define the skyline. Some are architectural marvels, others are feats of engineering, but all of them are essential to the pulse of the city. Whether you’re driving, biking, or just soaking in the view, these bridges are more than just crossings—they’re landmarks in their own right. Here’s a look at NYC’s sickest bridges, from the legendary to the underrated.
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Brooklyn Bridge: The Timeless Classic
Arguably the most famous bridge in New York—and maybe the world—the Brooklyn Bridge is an absolute icon. Completed in 1883, it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge ever built, and over a century later, it still stuns with its Gothic arches and unparalleled views of Manhattan.
People come from all over the world to see the Brooklyn Bridge as it is one of the most famous bridges in the world. Having been built in the 19th century, the bridge is iconic and has lasted for multiple generations.
Walking or biking across its wooden pedestrian path is a rite of passage, whether you're a local or a tourist. So many local businesses and vendors exist in and around The Brooklyn Bridge selling NYC trinkets or world renowned street food. At night, when the city lights reflect off the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge is pure magic.
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Manhattan Bridge: The Underrated Workhorse
While the Brooklyn Bridge gets all the glory, the Manhattan Bridge is the one that does the heavy lifting. Opened in 1909, this suspension bridge carries subway lines, cars, bikes, and pedestrians between Lower Manhattan and DUMBO, offering one of the best skyline views in the city.
The Manhattan Bridge is often considered the sister bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge, as both span the East River and connect Manhattan to Brooklyn. The Manhattan Bridge, was built to alleviate congestion and provide another crucial crossing between the boroughs. Their proximity and shared purpose make them natural counterparts, with the Brooklyn Bridge known for its historic elegance and the Manhattan Bridge recognized for its raw, industrial strength.
The area where these two bridges meet is fittingly named “Two Bridges,” a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan that sits between the East River and Chinatown. This historic area has long been shaped by the bridges that tower above it, influencing its culture, development, and skyline. Walking through Two Bridges, you can see both structures looming overhead, serving as a constant reminder of how integral they are to the city's identity.
If you've ever seen that famous shot of the Empire State Building framed perfectly between its steel towers from a street in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood, you know this bridge is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it's a piece of cinematic history.
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George Washington Bridge: The King of the Hudson
Spanning the Hudson River between Manhattan and New Jersey, the George Washington Bridge (or GW Bridge, as locals call it) is a monster of a crossing. Opened in 1931, it’s the busiest bridge in the world, with millions of vehicles passing over its two levels every year. But it’s not just for cars—the bridge also has a pedestrian path that offers an incredible perspective of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
It is a bridge that is also used heavily by tri-state industrial companies with heavy truckloads going back and forth to New Jersey daily. The bridge also has two levels, the lower level is reserved for cars while the upper level allows for larger industrial trucks. The views of lower Manhattan from the upper level are also really amazing.
At night, its cables light up like a constellation, proving that function and beauty can go hand in hand. Some say the bridge is even more beautiful at night than during the day and the views from a helicopter are absolutely stunning.
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Queensboro Bridge: The Overlooked Beauty
The Queensboro Bridge (also known as the 59th Street Bridge) doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but it’s an absolute stunner. Spanning the East River between Midtown Manhattan and Queens, this cantilever bridge has been immortalized in movies, music, and even the lyrics of Simon & Garfunkel.
Ironically, it doesn’t provide direct access to Roosevelt Island, which sits right beneath it. Despite passing directly over the island, there’s no on-ramp or exit leading down to it, meaning that if you want to drive to Roosevelt Island from Manhattan, you first have to go into Queens and then take the Roosevelt Island Bridge from Astoria. Meanwhile, pedestrians and cyclists can take the Roosevelt Island Tram or the F train, but for drivers, the extra step is an amusing inconvenience in a city known for its complex roadways.
With its industrial steel work and soft amber lighting at night, it’s got a rugged elegance that’s impossible to ignore. The view from the Roosevelt Island Tram is also killer and provides views all the way down the east river.
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Honorable Mention: Bear Mountain Bridge
If you're willing to take a short trip north, the Bear Mountain Bridge is well worth the visit. Opened in 1924, this suspension bridge over the Hudson River connects Westchester and Rockland counties and offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views outside the city. Nestled in the Hudson Highlands, it's a dream for hikers and road trippers alike.
Until the George Washington Bridge was built, this bridge was the closest bridge to NYC to connect the land to the west of the Hudson River, to the land to the east of the Hudson River. While it’s not in NYC proper, it earns an honorable mention for its sheer beauty and peaceful escape from the urban chaos.
Wrap Up
New York City wouldn’t be the same without these bridges. They don’t just connect neighborhoods—they define them. Whether you're admiring them from afar, crossing them every day, or capturing their beauty for the perfect Instagram shot, these structures are as much a part of the city as the streets themselves.
