A Runner's Guide To New York City's Bridges

New York City is a runner’s dream fit with endless routes and views–and of course, the New York City Marathon. From Central Park to paths along the Hudson River or East River, runners can experience it all. Even the Big Apple’s plethora of bridges can be utilized for one’s own playground.

Brooklyn Bridge (1.13 miles)

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New York City’s most iconic bridge and also its busiest. The Brooklyn Bridge is 1.13 miles across has a minor incline, but the hardest part of running it is the traffic. The pedestrian pathway is elevated above the roadway, but shares space with the bicycle lane. If you can tolerate weaving in and out of congestion in order to soak in some of the best views of the city then this route is for you.

Williamsburg Bridge (1.38 miles)

The Williamsburg Bridge is 1.38 miles spanning the East River connecting the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. Opened in 1903 as the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, the bridge currently transports approximately 140,000 motorists, 92,000 transit riders, 600 bikers, and 500 pedestrians each day. Enjoy scenic views of the river, the Brooklyn Bridge downtown, and Midtown in a less-crowded experience.

Manhattan Bridge (1.30 miles)

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The Manhattan Bridge is a less sexier option than the Williamsburg or Brooklyn bridges. The pedestrian and running path is narrow, so be careful when crossing the 1.30 miles that comprise the Manhattan Bridge. The walkway is below the traffic, so expect to hear a lot of rumbling and commotion overhead. Views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and Brooklyn Bridge can be seen from crossing on the south side.

Queensboro Bridge (0.71 miles)

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Long Island City, the East River, and the Upper East Side in Manhattan can be viewed when crossing the 0.71 miles that comprise the Queensboro Bridge, officially known as the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. The bridge, completed in 1909, also passes over Roosevelt Island as runners venture from 59th St. in Manhattan to Queens or vice versa.

Pulaski Bridge (0.53 miles)

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Enjoy the 0.53 miles between Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Long Island City in Queens on the Pulaski Bridge, which opened in 1954. The bridge boasts a new two-way, protected bike lane (opened in 2016), which keeps motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists all safe.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.