Coming to NYC this summer. Staying in midtown east near Grand Central (2 adults, 3 teens) and one day would like to take subway downtown to visit ground zero, ferry to Ellis Island, walk along the Financial District and then walk across Brooklyn Bridge for dinner at Grimaldi's. Would like to stay in Brooklyn till dark to see the lights of the city from across the river. My question is: what is the best way back? Should be take train/subway back from Brooklyn or is it safe walking back across the bridge at 9-10pm - then taking subway back uptown? We'd rather not taxi since we'd need to take 2 (5 in group). We also can handle walking long distances. Thanks!

Sounds like a perfect day. And it is safe to walk across the B. Bridge after dinner. The sun will have just gone down and there will be plenty of people out and about. Enjoy!

I think you have to rely on common sense. If there are lots of people about there shouldn't be a problem. If there isn't much pedestrian traffic why chance it - take the subway. I, personally, would not do it since it is less than likely hordes of people will be walking across the bridge after dark. Just keep in mind should a problem develop, once on the bridge, there is no place to go. As for seeing the lights of the city at its best take a Staten Island ferry ride after dark. Beats the view from Brooklyn or the bridge hands down

Walking with a group of five adults and in the earlier part of the evening just after sunset? (vs. 2 AM). Should be no problem whatsoever and you will have a fantastic view of the skyline. The only factor I'm uncertian about is the walk between Grimaldi's and the foot of the bridge on the Brooklyn side. the folks at the restaurant will know for sure and if there's any concern... just get two cabs to the foot of the bridge and walk from there. It's really an incredible view and not to be missed.

Cabs to the foot of the bridge? Completely unnecessary. I live between Grimaldi's and the bridge entrance on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter anything "scary" in this four block walk, except tons of traffic trying to get on the BQE (you'll have to cross a few streets) Plus, there aren't any cabs down there anyway.

It would be easy to take the A/C train back to the city, too. It's on Cadman Plaza West, one block closer to Grimaldi's than the BB walkway.

I honestly have never walked across the bridge after dark, but by boyfriend recently walked across with his parents (from Ohio) at midnight without a thought.

Walked across the bridge Saturday night very late coming home alone from a party. After midnight. Felt perfectly safe. NYC is the safest large city in America.

Hey Ted,
No offense, and I'm sure this is just semantics, but I'm not sure how you can make the comment that an itinerary including Ground Zero can be part of "..a perfect day."

Perfect tourist day. Perfect as in complete. Or if you prefer, perfect as in "Perfect Storm."