Near the northern edge of Lower Manhattan, across from City Hall Park, is the entrance ramp to the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge. Nothing can compare to walking over this soaring span—intricate as a spider’s web—with the roar of the traffic below you, the lights of Manhattan behind, and the mysteries of Brooklyn ahead. The best time to cross is at sunset, when the rays of the sun reflect off the steel cables and wires.

The walk across the bridge is more dramatic going from Brooklyn into Manhattan towards the impressive skyline, though the walk can be done either direction (or as a round-trip). This is a great way to get to Brooklyn and explore the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, both at the foot of the bridge.

Design of the bridge was begun by John A. Roebling and completed by his son, Washington. Construction took 14 years, and the bridge finally opened in 1883. The world’s first steel suspension bridge, it was built largely by Irish immigrants working for 12 cents an hour.