Explore Brooklyn Bridge’s hidden tales of ambition and tragedy on a self-guided tour. Discover the Roeblings’ legacy and 19th-century American spirit.
Explore Brooklyn Bridge’s hidden tales of ambition and tragedy on a self-guided tour. Discover the Roeblings’ legacy and 19th-century American spirit.
- Brooklyn Bridge - Enjoy a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and discover the dramatic tale of its construction. Learn about how the bridge claimed the life of its visionary, John Roebling; how its chief engineer, Washington Roebling, was severely injured in its pressurized underwater caissons; and how it was ultimately completed by…
- Brooklyn Bridge - Enjoy a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and discover the dramatic tale of its construction. Learn about how the bridge claimed the life of its visionary, John Roebling; how its chief engineer, Washington Roebling, was severely injured in its pressurized underwater caissons; and how it was ultimately completed by Washington’s wife, Emily Roebling.
- Dumbo - Explore the historic streets of DUMBO and uncover its captivating story of rise, fall, and revival—from an industrial powerhouse to a state of neglect, and finally to a hub of arts and technology.
- Jane’s Carousel - Visit Jane’s Carousel and hear the touching story of how Jane Walentas spent 27 years meticulously restoring this historic merry-go-round by hand, commissioned an award-winning building to house it, and generously offered it to the city, only to face rejection due to petty politics.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria - Discover the birthplace of the renowned Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and delve into its intriguing origin story, including the rivalry with its founder, who came out of retirement to open a competing pizzeria right next door.
- Time Out Market New York - Explore the historic Empire Stores, once a coffee warehouse, now home to the trendy Time Out Market featuring Brooklyn eateries and offering a stunning rooftop view of Manhattan.
- Fulton Ferry Landing - Visit Fulton’s Landing, the historic site of the Fulton Ferry, where George Washington’s troops escaped into the fog after losing the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Today, it serves as the starting point for the NYC Ferry and is home to The River Cafe, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.
- Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View - Head to the corner of Washington and Water Streets, now one of NYC’s most iconic photo spots. While others simply snap and share, we’ll enrich your experience by sharing the stories of the surrounding buildings and the neighborhood’s transformation.

- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Every day, thousands of people walk across the renowned Brooklyn Bridge, yet many remain unaware of its compelling history.
This self-guided walking tour reveals how the bridge claimed the life of its visionary, John Roebling, even before construction commenced. You’ll learn about the severe injuries sustained by its chief engineer, Washington Roebling,…
Every day, thousands of people walk across the renowned Brooklyn Bridge, yet many remain unaware of its compelling history.
This self-guided walking tour reveals how the bridge claimed the life of its visionary, John Roebling, even before construction commenced. You’ll learn about the severe injuries sustained by its chief engineer, Washington Roebling, while working in the pressurized underwater caissons. Additionally, you’ll discover how Washington’s wife, the remarkable Emily Roebling, quietly ensured the bridge’s completion.
The tour begins opposite New York City Hall. As you proceed, you’ll uncover how the bridge’s tales of perseverance, tragedy, and success reflect the ambitious spirit and innovative drive of 19th-century America and its immigrants.
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.