15 Amazing Bridges Around the World That Will Leave You in Awe
These awe-inspiring feats of design are designed to transport us through the landscapes they cover and tell their stories. As the US Department of Transportation notes, there are over 600,000 bridges in the United States alone—millions more pepper the globe.
Some of these structures are known for their function, beauty, and historical interest, for example, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence from the medieval period and the Akashi Kaiko Bridge, the World’s longest suspension bridge at 1,991 meters. They are just examples of human creativity and resilience.
While you travel through this list of 15 incredible bridges from around the world, you’ll come across some of the most beautiful designs, rich in history, and treat for the eyes. Read on!
Golden Gate Bridge, USA
It is a beauty and a feat of engineering. A suspension bridge resting atop a thermal vent connects San Francisco to Marin County.
At 4,200 feet and often hidden in fog, it’s a sinisterly mysterious stretch of tarmac. Almost 10 million people visit annually to appreciate the elegant Art Deco style and the fantastic views across San Francisco Bay, which attracts tens of millions of tourists. The architecture lover or wanderer will not be disappointed whether walking or driving over the bridge.
Tower Bridge, UK
This Victorian-era bridge, completed in 1896, combines history and modern technology. High-level walkways and a drawbridge mechanism connect its two magnificent towers. It’s more than a crossing; it’s a symbol.
Tower Bridge functions as a museum. From its glass walkways, more than 40,000 daily commuters and tourists view the Thames, its historic design, and unparalleled city panoramas.
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge, Known as the “Coathanger” by locals, is the tallest steel arch bridge in the World at 134 meters, based on information from Sydney Harbour Bridge’s official website.
An elegantly designed bridge spanning Sydney Harbour, it is elevated so high that it offers views from all angles as you climb its pedestrian paths or daring Bridge Climb experiences.
More than 10.9 million people use the Harbor Bridge weekly, making it an essential part of our travel and cultural identity. Because it is functional and beautiful, the Harbor Bridge deserves a place at the top of any travel list.
Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, Japan
As the Japan Road Association notes, Akashi Kaikyō, also known as the Pearl Bridge in Japan, boasts the longest central span (1,991 meters) of any suspension bridge in the World.
Due to seismic engineering advancements, the Honshu Shikoku Highway, completed in 1998, withstands typhoons and earthquakes. It is a scenic link between Kobe and Awaji Island. Travelers often pull over at observatories to admire its sheer, jaw-dropping scale.
Rialto Bridge, Italy
Among Venice’s many iconic landmarks, the Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous. This stone arch bridge spanning the Grand Canal is an architectural marvel, but it is also a marketplace throbbing with the history of the city’s Renaissance.
It’s impossible to miss the bustle of the energy around this bridge, especially when lit at night. That is why it’s still a great tourist spot for tourists and locals.
Millau Viaduct, France
Rising above the Tarn River Valley is the awe-inspiring Millau Viaduct. Completed in 2004, it holds the record as the tallest bridge in the World, according to the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE).
With pylons that soar higher than the Eiffel Tower, This French marvel is architecturally spectacular, wind-resistant, and globally recognized as outstanding engineering. It is breathtaking whether you drive over it or approach it from below.
Stari Most, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stari Most (Old Bridge) is Mostar’s crown jewel. The Ottomans built it in the 16th Century. Though destroyed during the war in the 1990s, it was reconstructed in 2004 and remains a historic symbol of resilience, as reported by UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The swooping arch over the Neretva River lures daredevil divers for annual high diving contests and is great for adventurers and history buffs.
Ponte Vecchio, Italy
Ponte Vecchio, dating back to the 14th Century, is one of Florence’s best-loved landmarks. This medieval bridge is unusual because it houses a market filled with jewelry shops and artisanal boutiques.
It crosses the Arno River on its way, and its timeless beauty makes it romantic and artistic. Yet the bridge has endured more than a couple of Centuries; it has even become a landmark experience for Tuscany’s millions of annual visitors.
Helix Bridge, Singapore
The longest pedestrian bridge joins Singapore’s Marina Bay, a striking unison of form and function. The National Libraries Board, Singapore, says the library was erected in 2010, and its unique double-helix design emulates the DNA structure.
At night, the LED lights in the bridge’s steel beams create an incredible, glowing, mesmerizing light show. The bridge has since opened an exceptional fusion of contemporary design and spectacular bay views, creating a smooth connection between the city’s bustling entertainment district and the waterfront.
Khaju Bridge, Iran
Iran’s Kanju Bridge is a historic structure, and we can say that the era of Persian engineering is a testament to its ingenuity and architectural prowess of the past.
This centuries-old bridge is located in the province of Lorestan on the flowing waters of the Kashkan River, where it has long been the critical link for travelers and traders.
The bridge, mainly constructed using stone and mortar, represents the resiliency and functionality of Persian construction principles. These principles were meant to last for generations, both artificial and environmental.
Pont du Gard, France
The Pont du Gard is an extraordinary Roman feat of engineering in the South of France. This ancient aqueduct bridge, built in the 1st century AD, is part of a 31-mile system that brought water to the Roman city of Nemausus, modern-day Nîmes.
The design is robust and elegant, a testament to its creators’ skills as architects. The Pont du Gard is remarkably well preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Roman innovation.
Priding itself today on being a very popular history goer, tourist, and scholar destination, which still has much to offer to the knowledge-hungry and one crazy enough to go out to the countryside in search of something more than this modern World.
Bixby Creek Bridge, USA
Bixby Creek Bridge, USA One of the most photographed bridges in the United States, it perched up California’s scenic Big Sur coastline. An engineering feat of that era, this building, completed in 1932, combines functionality along with gorgeous aesthetics.
Bixby Creek Bridge spans over 700 feet, with an impressive single concrete arch rising 280 feet above the rugged canyon below, offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding cliffs, based on a report by the Monterey County Historical Society
Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, China
Found deep in the Guangxi province of China, the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge is a beautiful example of traditional Dong architecture. It is one of the vital connections to local communities as this wooden bridge was built in 1912 and spans the Linxi River.
The bridge is ingeniously constructed without nails, relying on clever interlocked wood joints and beams of extraordinary artistry by the Dong people.
Beyond its utilitarian function as a bridge, it is a crucial cultural site where villagers converge and participate in traditional festivals as a multi-faceted union of utility, art, and heritage. Its picturesque beauty and the tranquility of scattered rice fields and rivers enchant its visitors.
Brooklyn Bridge, USA
The Brooklyn Bridge, built between 1870 and 1883, continues to be an icon in New York City. As a state-of-the-art design, it was the first steel-wire suspension bridge, revolutionizing modern bridge engineering.
Rising through the East River and connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan without interruption offers pedestrians and cyclists beautiful skyline views. Its span has been crossed a thousand times a day for years by visitors enchanted by its great architectural beauty and enduring charm.
Langkawi Sky Bridge – Langkawi, Malaysia
This red-curved pedestrian bridge, Located 2,300 feet above sea level, overlooks the tropical rainforest and waterfalls below. It is reached by cable car and is one of Langkawi’s Langkawi’smost thrilling attractions.
With pedestrian safety in mind, its triangular structure sports glass panels for a giddy view of the valley floor below. This bridge’s uniqueness and stunningly Instagrammable views are likely the reasons why it is a must-see for travelers in Malaysia.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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