Before seafaring and air travel took over, we had bridges to connect us all. In many ways, they’ve helped shape communities and countries and played a significant part in our history. And among these are some of the most stunning bridges, from architectural wonders to post-card favourites.
Depending on where you’re travelling next, you don’t want to miss out on a chance to see the most beautiful bridges in the world. If you have trouble deciding which ones are worth a visit, this is where I come in.
Below are the 25 breathtaking bridges you’ll be dying to cross.
Psst: If you want to start smaller, you can take on these striking American bridges first.
25 Most Beautiful Bridges in the World
Let’s discover some of the gorgeous bridges of the globe. Whether you’re visiting beautiful cities in the U.S. or traversing abroad, you’ll likely find one on this list to add to your travel itinerary.
If you’re unsure where to begin — I hope this post can point you in the right direction and, at the very least, inspire you to get out and see the world’s finest bridges.
1. Tower Bridge London, UK
Photo from Pexels by John Smith
The Tower Bridge is London’s defining landmark for its captivating beauty and historical significance. This bridge extends the Tower of London, spanning the serene River Thames.
The story of this bridge starts in the 1070s with the building of the White Tower under William the Conqueror. He used this massive stone fortress to defend and proclaim his royal power. Today, the White Tower has been extended and upgraded to what we know and love as the Tower Bridge.
Tip: If visiting London’s top landmarks piques your interest, you can join this fantastic tour that takes you to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
2. Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Stari Most (also Mostar Bridge) is a 16th-century reconstructed Ottoman Bridge that connects two parts of Mostar city over the river Neretva. The Mostar Bridge looks ancient and mesmerising while boasting its hump-backed shape over emerald green waters.
Made from stone, you can easily see this single-arched bridge is from a different time. It was erected in 1566 during the height of the Ottoman Empire. These days, you can free fall jump from the Stari Bridge (something to check off your bucket list), but you can only do it with the local dive school.
3. Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California, USA
Photo from Pexels by Trace Hudson
Get your camera ready as you are about to go to one of the most photographed bridges in California. The Bixby Creek Bridge or Bixby Canyon Bridge certainly deserves a spot on your camera’s gallery when you’re visiting California.
The Bixby Creek Bridge has an aesthetic design constructed from concrete into an open-spandrel arch. The bridge, ocean views, and lush green mountain scenery (especially during sunset) make for an excellent outdoor selfie.
4. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia
Photo from Pexels by David Dibert
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was built to allow Sydney to expand to the north and made things more accessible since the days of crossing the harbor by ferry. Convenience aside, this bridge is a stunner and has become one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.
As the largest steel arch bridge on the planet, there’s no way you should miss a tour of the Sydney Harbour Bridge while in Australia. It’s also a bridge that spans over one of the earth’s finest natural harbours. Make sure you add this famous landmark to your Sydney itinerary.
5. Henderson Waves Bridge, Singapore
Photo from Pixabay by LittleMouse
Sticking out above thick, lush Singaporean forests is the visually striking Henderson Waves Bridge. If its name hasn’t given it away, this bridge has a fantastic shape that curves into what looks like waves. What’s more, Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in the country.
It takes your breath away during the day, but at night, it lights up so that you can only see its hypnotising curves.
6. Dragon Bridge, Da Nang, Vietnam
Photo by Sandip Roy on Unsplash
Dragon Bridge looks like it’s something out of a fairytale. As its name suggests, the bridge is in the shape of an actual dragon, with many intricate details such as its “scales”. If you thought that was cool, wait till you see this dragon spew fire! And at night, it lights up, revealing its epic details.
You can see the fire-breathing dragon up close by simply going to the Da Nang city centre, as the bridge is in the heart of the city.
7. Helix Bridge, Marina Bay, Singapore
Photo from Pexels by Matthew Simmonds
The Helix Bridge was inspired by — you guessed it — the human DNA structure. It’s one of Singapore’s most striking landmarks, as the bridge curves and twists across the water to link Marina Centre and Marina South.
The bridge opened recently in 2010, becoming a symbol of pride and a must-visit when visiting Singapore. It’s made from mostly duplex stainless steel, with Australian and Singaporean designers and engineers to thank for its futuristic appearance.
Tip: See the Helix Bridge and more of Singapore from an exciting guided segway tour.
8. Nescio Bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo by S Sepp from Wikimedia
The Nescio Bridge is an 800-metre long steel suspension bridge carrying only a cycle track and footway. It stands as Amsterdam’s first suspension bridge and offers a tranquil walk with peaceful scenery for locals and visitors alike.
What makes the Nescio Bridge so eye-catching is how it appears to be hanging above the water. Its minimalist appearance also blends in well with the natural surroundings.
9. Millau Viaduct, France
Photo by Luca Onniboni on Unsplash
The Millau Viaducts makes it on this list hands down, and not just because it’s the tallest bridge structure in the world. To give you an idea, imagine tall structures peaking above the clouds and mist as the sun rises in the background. At times, it’s like you’re driving above a fluffy white blanket. It’s truly magical.
You can head over to the Millau Viaduct viewing point to capture this ethereal sight and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Related Reads: 16 Exceptional Bridges in France and the 35 Most Beautiful Cities in France.
10. Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, Liuzhou, China
Photo by Rutger van der Maar from Wikimedia
Admire traditional Chinese architecture at this famous wind and rain bridge. Constructed in 1912, it’s impossible not to feel like you’ve just travelled back in time. This picturesque bridge sits on three stone piers featuring five pavilions, with porches and eves giving it that unique ancient look.
To make things even more interesting, the Chengyang Bridge is mainly made of wood with no nails or rivets used. If you’re wondering how it’s still standing, you can chalk it up to the innovation and skills of the Dong people.
11. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Photo from Pexels by Matt Hardy
Probably the most humbling and romantic bridge on this list is the Ponte Vecchio. This mediaeval stone bridge arches over the Arno River, giving you a glimpse of vibrant colours reflecting on the water at sunset.
This bridge only spans 30 metres, but it has a much longer history than most modern bridges. And that makes it even more intriguing. At some point during World War Two, it was the only bridge across Arno that survived the destruction of the fleeing Germans. Crazy.
12. Manhattan Bridge, New York City, USA
Photo from Pexels by Mario Cuadros
The Manhattan Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge worth every golden hour picture. Its prominent structure, flawless symmetrical design, and massive cables spanning from one pillar to the other make it so iconic.
It’s a sight to behold, and you’ll feel small crossing this 6,855 ft long bridge. While it’s teeming with life from New York’s notorious traffic, this bridge is an extension of the city connecting lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn.
Related Read: 14 Famous Bridges in New York
13. Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy
Photo from Pexels by Christian Wasserfallen
Back to Italy: this country has no shortage of cute, romantic bridges that beckon for your attention. And that’s because it’s from a different time when life was simpler.
In fact, the Rialto bridge was constructed during the late 1500s, making it the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice.
If your heart’s not stolen yet, perhaps you’ll fall in love with its Renaissance architecture featuring charming arches and incredible detail.
14. Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan
Photo by Kit Ko on Unsplash
Spanning the Nishiki River is a quaint historical wooden arch bridge still standing strong from Japan’s Edo period. The Kintai Bridge consists of five wooden arches meant for pedestrians. It’s one of its country’s top three most famous bridges, making it a must-see for many tourists.
Like the Chenyang, Kintai Bridge was constructed without nails and it was made from only Japanese cypress, oak, and chestnut.
15. The Root Bridges, Cherrapunji, India
Photo by Arshiya Urveeja Bose from Wikimedia
The Root Bridges looks like the type of place where all your fantasies can come to life. This whimsical bridge in India is made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree, making it a living bridge.
To give more perspective, a living root bridge is a suspension formed from living roots and shaped by its architects, the Meghalaya. The way the roots intertwine with each other to create a sturdy crossing is as enchanting as they come.
16. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Photo from Pexels by JESHOOTS.com
When thinking of Prague, medieval architecture is probably one of the first things that come to mind. And the Charles Bridge is no exception to this rule. This medieval stone bridge arches its way across the serene Vltava river.
Named after Charles IV, this bridge began its life in 1357 and was completed in 1402. It’s not as complex as many other bridges named here, but it offers an undeniable and picturesque allure that Prague is famous for.
17. Khaju Bridge, Isfahan, Iran
Photo by mohammad nasr on Unsplash
The Khaju Bridge is yet another historical structure worth name-dropping purely for its sheer beauty. It spans over Iran’s largest river, the Zayanderud, meaning it’s pretty long, reaching 136.8 metres.
Its arch design draws on classic Persian architecture made from stone and brick. Once the Khaju Bridge is lit up at night, you won’t be able to resist its charms. It’s best to admire this beauty during sunset in spring.
18. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Photo from Pexels by zoe pappas
When visiting the city, there’s no way out of seeing one of San Francisco’s top landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s because it’s also one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. This art-deco structure boasts various elements making it unique.
Its striking towers and sweeping cables stand out above its great span connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. As one of the most photographed bridges globally, there’s no reason not to have this bridge feature on your Instagram feed.
19. Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Photo by Akhilmohan89 from Wikicommons
Connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland is a bridge straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a suspension bridge revered for its intricate construction and dramatic lighting. So it’s best to view this futuristic wonder in all its glory when the sun has set.
What’s even more jaw-dropping than the look of this bridge is how much it took to build: over $300 million dollars.
20. Puente de la Mujer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo by Francisco Ghisletti on Unsplash
The Puente de la Mujer is a bit of an unusual type of bridge. That’s because this rotating footbridge has an asymmetrical design. And it operates as both a cantilever spar cable-stayed and swing bridge.
It’s definitely one for the books, thanks to its unique shape and location in the pristine commercial district of Buenos Aires. Come here at night, when the bridge boasts a purple glow surrounded by city lights.
21. Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge, Brasilia, Brazil
Photo from Pexels by Rodrigo Pederzini
While in South America, you might as well journey to vibrant Brazil to feast your eyes on the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge. Commonly called Ponte, this steel and concrete arch bridge crosses Lake Paranoá with grace and elegance.
Its arches have a fascinating criss-cross design reflecting beautifully on the crystal clear lake. Seeing this bridge during sunset is beyond magical and a no-brainer when it comes to the top Brazilian landmarks.
22. The Twist, Jevnaker, Norway
Photo by Arvid Høidahl on Unsplash
Given its name, what do you think the Twist looks like? You guessed it — it literally looks as if a giant picked it up and twisted it in the middle. Unfortunately, the Twist is currently closed, but nothing’s stopping you from admiring it from a distance if you find yourself in Jevnaker.
The Twist spans the river Randselvaat, near the Kistefos Museum and Sculpture Park, meaning you’ll have a lot more to see.
23. Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Photo from Pexels by CARLOSCRUZ ARTEGRAFIA
Spanning the Seine in Paris is a stunning deck arch bridge known as Pont Alexandre III. As a French monument historique since 1975, you can expect this extravagant bridge to have you in awe.
Connecting parts of the Champs-Élysées with that of the Eiffel Tower, the Pont Alexandre III is considered the most ornate bridge in the city. And once you see its grand architecture in person, you might share the same opinion.
24. Seri Wawasan Bridge, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Photo by Sangga Rima Roman Selia on Unsplash
The Seri Wawasan Bridge is a futuristic asymmetric cable-stay beauty in the planned city of Putrajaya. This concrete and steel bridge literally looks like a sailing ship, making it a must-see for any Malaysian trip.
And wait till you see it at night — it lights up with an ever-changing colour display lending it a memorable and surreal appearance. Out of the eight bridges in Putrajaya, you don’t want to miss seeing this one.
25. Constitution Bridge, Venice, Italy
Image by Irén Nemess from Pixabay
The Constitution Bridge, or the Ponte della Costituzione, is the fourth bridge that spans the Grand Canal of Venice. The bridge was built in 1995 under the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to link the railway station to the mainland. It has since undergone many changes due to political uprisings.
This arched truss bridge is modern and features a minimalist design made from glass, steel and concrete. The constitution bridge being simple and somewhat see-through makes it easier to acknowledge the alluring atmosphere of this picturesque city — a must for 2023.
P.S: Here are more famous landmarks in Italy that you’ll love.
Wrapping Up the Most Beautiful Bridges in the World
By now, I hope that you feel inspired to cross any of these gorgeous, unique, and modern bridges. The only thing left for you to figure out is which one you’ll be travelling to first.
So, don’t hold back — crossing a bridge is never as far as you think, and you never know what’s waiting on the other side.
Next Read: 31 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.