The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 and was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River. It can be crossed on foot for free; check the current access and pedestrian rules before your visit.

Parks, Gardens, and Landscapes

Prospect Park is a landscape designed by Olmsted. Its design incorporated natural elements such as old-growth forests. The park has a 3½-mile paved loop for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Fort Greene Park preserves winding paths, sloping lawns, and mature trees. A monument there commemorates more than 11,500 American prisoners of war who died aboard British ships during the American Revolutionary War. Landscape and remembrance stand side by side as distinct aspects of the park.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910. It covers 52 acres and includes more than 10,000 plant species and varieties. The herb garden showcases useful and food plants from around the world. The collection ranges from a large assemblage of plants to a garden area with a clearly defined theme.

Green-Wood Cemetery dates back to 1838 and contains hundreds of monuments and works of art. Its 478 acres are home to four ponds, 8,000 trees, and 185 bird species. Both historical landmarks and landscape features are part of its character.

History and Culture

The Weeksville Heritage Center is a historic site and cultural center in Central Brooklyn.

The New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn is located in a decommissioned subway station at 99 Schermerhorn St. Its location in a former station gives the museum a tangible connection to the subject of transportation. The Brooklyn Bridge also illustrates part of the city’s history: its completion in 1883 marked the first bridge connection between Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River.

Nature and Guided Activities

Nearly 500 different species have been recorded at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, including more than 50 bird species, 200 insect species, and more than 200 plant species. In the broader region around Brooklyn, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge covers more than 12,600 acres. Its habitats include open water, salt marshes, freshwater and brackish ponds, upland fields and forests, as well as open bays and islands. More than 300 bird species have been observed there. The areas of focus differ for nature enthusiasts: several groups of species can be found at Pier 6, while observations at the refuge make bird diversity particularly visible.

Canarsie Pier in Brooklyn has been used for fishing for more than 300 years. For guided outdoor activities, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free seasonal walking tours with trained guides. Tour dates are seasonal and may change; check the dates before your visit.

The Environmental Education Center in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free drop-in activities during its opening hours. These include encounters with live animals native to New York, arts and crafts, and science-based games. Opening hours and programs may change; check both before your visit.

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