Brooklyn New York - Holidays and Short Breaks
Many people who come to New York for a short break or holiday tend to skip the jaunts to the outer boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx. Choosing to stick strictly within Manhattan for all the fun and excitement, but for those few who are lucky enough to spend more time in New York and explore the outer boroughs, they can quite often come across some gems.
From almost every angle of Manhattan, you can see the sensational sight of the Brooklyn Bridge. Spanning straight across the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge is the gateway from Manhattan to the attractions of Brooklyn. Since the time of its construction back in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has had something of a fascinating history. John Augustine Roebling was the original architect and engineer of the bridge who unfortunately crushed his foot on site while taking measurements and subsequently died of gangrene three weeks later. His faithful son Washington then proceeded to continue where his father left off, only to be crippled while working in an unsound underwater caisson. After this time he had to direct all the work from his sick bed! During the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, 20 workers died and even just one week after the official opening of the bridge, 12 people were crushed to death during an alarming rush on the footpath.
Although, despite the bridge’s rather unfortunate history, it still remain a popular attraction and breathtaking sight to behold.
For the most picturesque entry into Brooklyn, you should most definitely walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. From here you have some truly remarkable views of the city and the Statue of Liberty. Brooklyn Heights is the most sought after location out with Manhattan and is home to some very fashionable houses. With serene tree lined streets and picturesque views across the water, this is one of the best neighbourhoods in all of the outer boroughs.
Having been the chosen homes of famous figures such as Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, this is definitely an attraction not to miss.
For the best views of Manhattan, the Esplanade , or Promenade as it is more commonly known has some remarkable views and well worth the look. Pack yourself a picnic and munch away while enjoying the best views of Manhattan available.
There are some great places if cultural interest in Brooklyn which should be visited if you get the chance.
The Brooklyn Museum of Art is one such attraction which is home to some of the worlds most famous paintings. With works of art from all over the world, make sure you set aside at least an afternoon for taking in all of the exhibits. Most recognisable artists include the European artists Money, Rodin, Dufy, Toulouse-Lautrec, Cézanne and Degas.
After spending an afternoon sight seeing, head for the picturesque Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This is the perfect place to reflect on your time in Brooklyn while enjoying beautiful surroundings. Find yourself a bench and breathe in the welcoming fresh air.
