Things to Do in Two Bridges NYC
The Two Bridges neighborhood owes its name to its location between the most famous bridges in New York: the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. It is the counterpart of DUMBO in Brooklyn and is located directly on the other side of the East River in Manhattan.
Much like the Civic Center neighborhood, you’ll feel the first influences of Chinatown here, which borders Two Bridges to the north. Very exciting and living proof that New York is a melting pot of nations.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My TOP 5 in Two Bridges NYC
- Watch the locals playing softball at Murry Bergtraum Softball Field at the Brooklyn Bridge
- Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
- Enjoy the sensational views from Manhattan Bridge
- Grab a coffee or lavender honey matcha (!) at Dreamers Coffee House (54W Henry St.)
- Take a relaxed walk towards Chinatown
Where is the Two Bridges located?
Two Bridges is located at the East River side between Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. It is bordered by the Financial District to the south, Civic Center to the west, Chinatown to the north and the Lower East Side to the east.
How to Get to Two Bridges NYC
- Metro: Subway lines to “Grand St” or to “Chambers St.”
- Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 10 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 13 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC
My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!
The Best Things to Do in Two Bridges NYC
Our favorite things to see, taste and do are revealed here:
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01
Enjoy the skyline of NYC including the two most iconic bridges
Cruise in Midtown ManhattanOur Highlight
This Circle Line cruise will take you past NYC’s most famous attractions and landmarks. You will head past the Statue of Liberty, the One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, amd much much more. If you are looking to explore Manhattan from the water and learn some of the history of NYC at the same time, this is definitely the cruise for you. At a lenght of approximately 1.5 hours, this cruise will take you half way around the Island of Manhattan as well as once around the Statue of Liberty for the ultimate photo opportunity.
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02
Walk across Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge is used by over 120,000 vehicles across its 6 lanes, 4000 pedestrians, and 3000 bikes, per day. The views of NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge are spectacular and it is an absolute necessity that you walk across the bridge during your trip to NYC. Especially at sunrise and sunset this is one of NYC’s most photogenic spots. Just be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of people.
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03
Ride the Citi Bikes over the Manhattan Bridge. It's a great places to take photos of the Brooklyn Bridge!
Building in Dumbo
The Manhattan Bridge is the second world famous bridge in Dumbo. Those who like can also cross it walking while enjoying a great view over the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge runs over the East River and connects Manhattan from Canal Street in Chinatown with Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. In addition, this is the bridge that gives its name to the famous area of Brooklyn known as DUMBO, short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”.
Attractions in Two Bridges
The major New York attractions are all within easy reach from here, as you are super-close to Lower Manhattan.
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01 Photo from Manhattan Bridge
A very famous photo motif of Chinatown with the One World Trade Center in the background can be taken from the Manhattan Bridge. The view is unique – especially at sunrise!
Budget Tip
Many of the attractions and tours are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?
You can see that in my ultimate 👉 New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉 New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?”
The Best Guided Tours
There are A LOT Brooklyn Bridge tours where New York guides show you the neighborhoods. These two are our personal recommendations:
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01 Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and learn about the exciting and dramatic history of this world-famous New York City neighborhood, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. On the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge you will discover DUMBO, a newly popular and up and coming part of Brooklyn.
Meeting point is 52 Chambers Street in front of the Tweed Courthouse.
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02 Photo from Manhattan Bridge
A very famous photo motif of Chinatown with the One World Trade Center in the background can be taken from the Manhattan Bridge. The view is unique – especially at sunrise!
If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!
Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!
We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
Hotels in Two Bridges
There are no good hotels in the district itself (sorry!), but you have a wide choice of accommodations in the adjacent neighborhoods of the Financial District & Lower East Side: Below are our favorite places to stay:
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01 Andaz Wall Street Hotel
4 Stars | The Andaz Wall Street belongs to the Hyatt Group and was completely renovated in 2012. The rooms are very clean, modernly furnished, have a rain shower and a very comfortable bed. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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02 Artezen Hotel
4 stars | The Artezen Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan, offering an intimate and luxurious experience. From the moment you step onto your private balcony, you’ll be captivated by the stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline, including the towering One World Trade Center and the majestic Brooklyn Bridge.
Situated in the vibrant Financial District, the Artezen Hotel provides easy access to renowned attractions such as Wall Street and the historic South Street Seaport. Indulge in a tranquil moment as you sip your free coffee while overlooking the bustling streets below, or unwind with a glass of wine as the city lights twinkle in the distance.
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03 citizenM New York Bowery
4 Stars | The citizenM New York Bowery is my favorite hotel in this area, because it combines a lot of things I like: stylish, bright rooms, a sensational bar and even a rooftop bar with a fantastic view.
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04 Courtyard by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan
3 stars | Another recommendation of the best hotels overlooking the One World Observatory is the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. The very trendy Courtyard by Marriott New York has a restaurant, a bar, and also free Wi-Fi in all areas. Only exactly 1,000 feet from the World Trade Center, you couldn’t stay any closer to the tallest building in the city, could you? Each room at this hotel is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen cable TV.
You can even enjoy breakfast with a view of One World Trade Center. This hotel at One World Trade Center also has a gym that you can use during your trip.
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05 Aloft Manhattan Downtown - Financial District
3 Stars | The Aloft Manhattan Downtown hotel is located in the Financial District and thus in the immediate vicinity of numerous attractions. In addition to the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Wall Street can be reached in approximately 10 minutes. A subway station is also just a few steps away.
Rooms feature modern furnishings, and the comfortable beds promise a restful sleep. There’s also a bar, as well as a lounge with a terrace and a fitness center.
Amenities
- 24-hour front desk
- Free WiFi
- Air-conditioning
- Fitness center
- Bar
- Snack bar
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06 Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
4 stars | The Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center, is a modern and stylish hotel that offers families a comfortable and convenient stay in Lower Manhattan. Each room features modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and ergonomic workspaces.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities for families, including a fitness center and on-site dining options. And with attractions like the 9/11 Memorial and Museum just steps away, as well as the Oculus and Brookfield Place nearby, it’s a good choice for families who want to explore Lower Manhattan and experience the city’s vibrant culture and history.
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07 Eurostar Wall Street
4 stars | This boutique hotel is located in New York’s financial district, in the heart of Wall Street, just a few meters from One World Observatory, the 9/11 Memorial and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The Eurostars Wall Street offers spacious rooms equipped with every comfort, including cable TV, microwave and refrigerator. In our opinion this hotel is, thanks to all these services and its rooms of different sizes and capacities, an ideal hotel for families.
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08 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan
3 Stars | Fab location: Just two blocks from One World Trade Center you’ll find this popular 3-star hotel. The rooms are relatively large by New York standards and the value for money is pretty excellent.
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09 Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York Manhattan/Financial District
3 stars | The Fairfield Inn by Marriott New York is located in New York’s financial district, in the heart of Wall Street and just a few meters from some of the most important points of interest in lower Manhattan. From here you can discover One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial, Trinity Church and the Brooklyn Bridge on foot.
The rooms are simple but spacious and have large windows overlooking the modern skyscrapers in the area. The hotel also has a bar and a fish restaurant, Captain’s Lounge.
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10 Four Points By Sheraton NY Downtown
3 stars | Nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s Financial District, the Four Points By Sheraton NY Downtown offers families a comfortable stay in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. The hotel’s modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and spacious work desks, making them the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities for families, including a fitness center, business center, and on-site dining options. And with attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the One World Observatory just a short walk away, there’s plenty to see and do right outside your door.
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11 Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
5 Stars | Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is one of the 5-star hotels in this area, offering luxury on all levels: a great bar, swimming pool, spa and a restaurant by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. So if you are looking for a very special hotel, you should check this one out.
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12 Holiday Inn Express Wall Street
3 Stars | The Holiday Inn Wall Street is located directly at the One World Observatory and is a really great budget hotel. Holiday Inn’s in New York are always rather bare, but in no way bad. The Holiday Inn Wall Street has relatively small rooms, but they are definitely clean. The Holiday Inn Express is less than 800 meters from the New York Stock Exchange, the New York City Police Museum and the South Street Seaport. Even a small gym is available.
Neighborhoods Nearby
Two Bridges is bordered by the Financial District to the south, Civic Center to the west, Chinatown to the north and the Lower East Side to the east.
Things To Do in The Lower East Side
TOP 17 Things to Do in the Financial District NYC
The Best Things to Do in the Civic Center NYC
The 13 Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC
Neighborhoods that are Similar to Two Bridges NYC
Two Bridges is truly unique in New York and there is no neighborhood quite like it. Only the Lower East Side can be compared (a little) with Two Bridges.
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