A true New York landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge provides some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline at night and a guided tour can unlock plenty of hidden surprises too.
In use since 1883, Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and its namesake, Brooklyn, over the East River. Over 100,000 vehicles pass over it a day, and there are lanes for pedestrians and bicycles as well. While busy during the day, crossing alone at night can be a little unnerving still, even though New York is much safer today than in the past. However, a guided night tour that includes the bridge offers strength in numbers and is a great way to experience one of the finest views of Manhattan at night. Here are four of the best.
Manhattan Skyline Bus Tour at Night
From $55/ per person
If walking the Brooklyn Bridge at night is not for you, the Skyline Bus Tour brings you all the benefits of the Big Apple in all its electrical glory, without the exertion. This popular four-hour tour includes a guide, who narrates the tales that make New York the unique city it is, while also providing interesting facts about the major landmarks you’ll pass along the way, including the bridge, Empire State Building, Greenwich Village and Little Italy. Departures run at least once daily, from the Manhattan at Times Square Hotel at around 5.30pm.
Brooklyn Bridge at Night Photography Tour
From $150/ per person
Thanks to the phenomenal views of Manhattan offered from Brooklyn Bridge, as well as the beautiful structure itself, you are guaranteed to get great nighttime shots no matter where you point your camera. This two-hour guided tour involves walking to some of the best locations in order to coax out the best images from the area. This tour, suitable for photographers of all levels, includes advanced photography tuition for all who need it. Don’t forget to bring your tripod. At the time of writing, this tour was only running once a month but usually operates on most Sundays in summer.
NYC Private Night Tour with Driver Guide
From $375/ per group
If you’re visiting New York as part of a small group, one of the best ways to see the city sights at night is on a private tour. You’ll meet your driver in Manhattan then climb aboard a minivan, which can carry a maximum of six passengers (the price remains the same between one-six people). Another private tour benefit is the bespoke nature of the itinerary. Choose which neighborhoods to explore, but don’t miss the opportunity to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on the way to Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood. This tour is available daily.
Lower East Side and Culture Tour
From $149/ per person
The area of Manhattan touched by the Brooklyn Bridge contains a great deal of the essence of New York: Little Italy blends into Chinatown, which blends into the Lower East Side. This tour explores the architecture and social history of New York, and includes a 30-minute walking tour of Brooklyn Bridge. There are also food tastings and your guide will take you to many of the best photo spots around the area. This three-hour tour usually runs in the mornings at 10am, although there are occasional evening tours as well.