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Offered languages
- English
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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Brooklyn Bridge (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Dumbo (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
Jane's Carousel (Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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