About this experience
Thousands stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge each day, yet few know its dramatic backstory.
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll find out how the bridge claimed the life of its mastermind, John Roebling, before construction even began. You’ll discover how its chief engineer, Washington Roebling, was severely crippled deep in its pressurized underwater caissons. And you’ll hear how the bridge was quietly brought to completion by Washington’s wife, the talented Emily Roebling.
The tour starts across from New York City Hall. As you walk, you’ll hear how the bridge’s stories of determination, tragedy, and triumph hold up a mirror to 19th-century American ambition and immigrant ingenuity.
At a glance
- Duration: 1 hr 30 min–2 hr
- Private experience
What is included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Itinerary and highlights
We'll stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and hear the dramatic story of its construction. You’ll learn how the bridge claimed the life of its mastermind, John Roebling; how its chief engineer, Washington Roebling, was severely crippled deep in its pressurized underwater caissons; and how it was finally completed by Washington’s wife, Emily Roebling.
We'll walk the streets of historic DUMBO and learn its fascinating story of boom, bust and rebirth -- from industrial powerhouse to abandoned decay to arts haven and tech powerhouse.
We'll visit Jane's Carousel and learn its touching story of how Jane Walentas spend 27 years restoring this historic merry-go-round by hand, commissioned a prize-winning building to house it, and offered it free to the city, only to have it rejected by petty politics.
We'll visit the birthplace of famous Grimaldi's Pizzeria, and learn its fascinating origin story, including the feud with it's founder, who came out of retirement to open a competing pizzeria right next door.
We'll visit the historic Empire Stores, once a coffee warehouse, now the home of the hip Time Out market featuring Brooklyn eateries and a fabulous rooftop view of Manhattan.
We'll visit Fulton's Landing, historic home of the Fulton Ferry, where George Washington's men escaped into the fog after losing the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Today it's the jumping off point for the NYC Ferry. It's also home to The River Cafe, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
We'll take you to the corner of Washington and Water Streets, today one of NYC's most iconic photo opportunities. But while others merely snap and post, we'll set the stage by telling you the stories of the surrounding buildings and the neighborhood's rebirth.
Meeting and pickup information
- The tour begins at the Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, just across Centre Street from New York City Hall. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Languages and tickets
- English — Audio
- English — Written
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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