Carrie and co. mightn’t have thought so, but the world doesn’t end with Manhattan. Across the East River in Brooklyn, urban explorers can find plenty in the way of iconic views and notable chews, that is, if they know where to look. Follow this street-wise, off-the-beaten-track amble on and around the famed frame of the Brooklyn Bridge and you’ll get an authentic experience of New York as the locals live it.
Start at City Hall for the 45-min wander over the 1883 suspension with heart-stopping skyscraper scenes – just remember to keep those elbows out, there’s usually a steady flow of Mr and Mrs Meander for you to maze through.
Once on the Brooklyn side, take the first exit left, down the stairs to Cadman Plaza East. Skip along cobbled Washington Street and continue until you reach green queen Brooklyn Bridge Park for a brief respite from the surrounding sprawl. Pause for obligatory panoramic pics, then zip left, left again, and right into Water Street.
Time to rest those trendy trainers. If it’s nippy, wrap your mitts around a hot choc at Jacques Torres, or on warm days there’s the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for licks with vista kicks. Upstairs, The River Cafe also boasts amazing outlooks and tasty all-day fare. Or, simply wander up Old Fulton Street for a classic NY pizza pie at Grimaldi’s.
Full as a rush-hour subway carriage? Work it off on the return hike – head left down Front Street, continuing until Washington, then turn right to make your way back to the bridge before you holler an Uber to get you back across.
City Hall, Park Row & Centre St, Lower Manhattan
Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St, Brooklyn. brooklynbridgepark.org
Jacques Torres, 66 Water St, Brooklyn. +1 718 875 1269. mrchocolate.com
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Old Fulton St & Water St, Brooklyn. +1 718 246 3963. brooklynicecreamfactory.com
The River Cafe, 1 Water St / Brooklyn. +1 718 522 5200. therivercafe.comGrimaldi’s, 1 Front St, Brooklyn. +1 718 858 4300. grimaldis-pizza.com
