Off the Beaten Path NYC: Uptown Bridges Worth Exploring
04/10/2016
Curators’ Corner
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s man-made wonders. Anyone who visits New York City should see it, if not walk it for the full experience. Even those of us who live here have a special place in our heart for New York’s most iconic bridge.
The Brooklyn Bridge’s neighbor, the Manhattan Bridge, offers a starkly contrasting atmosphere that replaces New York’s tourism charm with its certified grit. It is a logistically and experientially sound next stop on the list for bridge enthusiasts and cityscape photographers. But while the bridges connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn are the stars of so many NYC photos, few people realize that New York City is actually home to more than 2,000 bridges. All you have to do is head uptown for new perspectives from these 5 walkable bridges:
Queensboro Bridge
The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge connects Manhattan at 59th and 60th Streets to Long Island City, Queens. It passes over Roosevelt Island, and offers unique views of Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and the Queens waterfront (including the landmark Pepsi-Cola sign that sits atop the company’s now defunct bottling plant).
Triborough Bridge
Officially named the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, the Triborough Bridge is actually a system of three bridges connecting Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. It’s not for the faint of heart or the afraid of heights, but is indeed walkable, with sweeping views that remind you of how vast and dense NYC really is. Since it’s a little difficult to navigate, we recommend visiting the MTA’s website for pedestrian directions.
Madison Avenue Bridge
Continuing our trek uptown, the Madison Avenue Bridge is short, easy, and interesting. Capture lesser-seen viewpoints of East Harlem and the Bronx as you cross the Harlem River. New York Marathon runners will tell you that this bridge is a glorious landmark of the race’s final leg ahead.
Macombs Dam Bridge
From Manhattan, the Macombs Dam Bridge takes you to the backyard of Yankee Stadium. If you’re planning on going to a Yankees game on a warm (but not blazing hot) summer day, consider taking the 3 train to Harlem – 148th Street and walking New York’s third oldest bridge to the game. It’ll make the Yankee experience that much more memorable!
George Washington Bridge
A lot of people know, recognize, and have perhaps even driven over the GW, but have never considered walking it. Seeing the bridge’s majestic character up close is alone worth the trip. It’s a bonus that you get straight shots up and down the Hudson River, with the Palisades ahead looking north and the Manhattan skyline in the distance looking south. Nearby Fort Washington Park in Washington Heights is also worth a visit on the Manhattan side.
New York City offers endless exploration through its neighborhoods and over its waterways. Planning on exploring any of the bridges above? Share your photos with us on social media via the buttons below!