Self-Guided Audio Tour

Brooklyn and Queens: The Other Side of the Bridge is Totally Worth It

Self-guided audio tour · New York

Duration

50 min

Distance

27.9 km

Stops

Accessibility

Accessible

Best time

Morning, Afternoon, Sunset

Languages

English, Español, Italiano, Português

Listen in the Tuggi app View the map

Yes, crossing the bridge is absolutely worth it! Brooklyn and Queens hold the most photogenic views of Manhattan and New York's most authentic neighborhoods. Start in DUMBO for that iconic Manhattan Bridge shot you see in every movie poster. Then, stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park with its jaw-dropping Manhattan skyline. Head down to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade for the most classic New York view. Explore Williamsburg with its vibrant art scene and incredible food. Finally, end up in Long Island City in Queens at Gantry Plaza State Park – where Manhattan's Midtown appears in full glory across the river. This subway and walking itinerary will show you New York from an angle few visitors ever get to see.

What you'll see and hear

The stops on this route, in order — with audio previews where available.

Brooklyn Bridge Viewpoint
Turning Stone
Turning Stone Resort Casino opened its doors on July 20, 1993. It is owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York. The resort was built to create economic opportunities for the Oneida community. It has since grown into a major tourist destination. In 2023, the parent company's name changed from Oneida Nation Enterprises to Turning Stone Enterprises. This was to recognize the flagship brand's pivotal role. The resort has received numerous awards for its dining and entertainment. It was the first land-based casino in New York State. This changed when Seneca Niagara Casino opened in 2002. The Oneida Nation was the first American Indian Nation to sponsor a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Audio preview
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This beautiful walkway opened in the 1950s. It was built over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Residents fought to protect their neighborhood from the highway. They helped create this amazing public space. It offers stunning views of the harbor and Manhattan skyline. The Promenade is a testament to community power. It was built to help insulate the historic neighborhood from highway noise.
Audio preview
Dumbo
DUMBO, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history. It was officially rezoned in 1997, but its roots go back to the 1600s when it was inhabited by Native Americans. The area transformed from farmland to an industrial hub in the 1800s, with key figures like Robert Gair, who invented the folding carton, establishing businesses here. In 1978, residents playfully coined the name DUMBO, hoping a quirky name would deter developers. This neighborhood was also home to the first school for Black children in Brooklyn, founded in 1812.
Audio preview
Binnen Water
Rose Arc
Lounge Screw Conveyor
The Screw Conveyor Corporation, located in New York, has a rich history dating back to 1932. It was founded by Clarence F. Abraham, and the company is now led by his descendants. This family-owned business has been a key player in the bulk material handling industry for decades. A fascinating aspect of screw conveyors is their ancient origin; the basic concept was developed by Archimedes in ancient Greece around 250 B.C. to move water.
Audio preview
McCarren Hotel & Pool
McCarren Hotel & Pool is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Williamsburg. It first opened its doors in 2007. The hotel is known for its vibrant atmosphere and its popular pool area. It has 64 rooms and offers a unique urban retreat experience. A surprising detail is that the hotel is located near the historic McCarren Park Pool, a massive public pool complex built during the Great Depression.
Audio preview
Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful waterfront park. It first opened in May 1998. The park was later expanded in July 2009. It is located on the East River in Long Island City. The park was built on the site of old industrial docks. You can still see the large gantries that were used to move train cars. The park also features the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign. This sign was originally built in 1939. It was moved to the park in 2009 and became a city landmark in 2016.
Audio preview
MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 started in 1971 as the Institute for Art and Urban Resources. It officially opened its doors as P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center in 1976. This art center is located in a historic building that was once a public school, built in 1892. In 2000, it became formally associated with the Museum of Modern Art, and its name changed to MoMA PS1. The museum is known for showcasing experimental and cutting-edge contemporary art. It even displays art in unexpected places like bathrooms and stairwells.
Audio preview