The World’s Best Famous Bridges That You Need Cross Soon!
Bridges are absolutely underrated as a piece of architecture. When most of us think about the marvels of engineering, our thoughts almost always travel toward historic churches, elaborate buildings, and soaring skyscrapers. But the world’s most famous bridges are just as impressive, though underrated.
A bridge can get you where you need to go, and some are even traversed by hundreds of people every day. From ancient Roman aqueducts to striking bridges in the United States, these structures happen to be one-of-a-kind.
And it is time we set sail to discover the most famous bridges in the world – Also, what really makes these bridges unique? Stay tuned to find out more.
The World’s Best Famous Bridges That You Need Cross Soon!
Welcome to the Dream and Travel list of the world’s most famous bridges – so without wasting time, scroll down and check out these impressive engineering feats!
1. London Tower Bridge:
Opened: 30 June 1894
Total Length: 244 m
Location: London, UK
You cannot talk about the world’s best bridges or even the most famous bridges in London without talking about the well-known London Tower Bridge. Built over the beautiful River Thames, close to the Tower of London, the London Tower Bridge is the perfect combination of a suspension and bascule bridge.
In 1886, the construction of the bridge started, and 8 years later (1894), on the 30th of June, it was officially opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales. It’s not just an iconic tourist attraction in the UK but also one of the most popular architectural landmarks in the whole world.
Two sections of the famous bridge are opened about three times a day in order to pass the congested river traffic.
Famous For:
- Its magnanimous Victorian Gothic architecture.
- Spectacular views of London city skyline across the Thames.
- With its fascinating history, the bridge contributes to London’s tourism industry.
2. Golden Gate Bridge:
Opened: 27 May 1937
Total Length: 2,737 m
Location: California, USA
One of the most famous bridges in California is the Golden Gate Bridge, a spanning suspension bridge of the beautiful Golden Gate. The world-famous structure is 1.6km or 1 mile wide and connects California’s Marine County with San Francisco.
On 5th January 1933, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge was started, and on 9th April 1937, it was completed. On 27th May 1937, the bridge was officially opened to the public. Did you know that the Golden Gate Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in the world?
It was not just an engineering masterpiece of its time, it was designed by two well-known engineers of their time as well, Charles Alton Ellis and Joseph Strauss.
Famous For:
- Being a world-famous suspension bridge.
- Its elegant Art Deco design, iconic symbols, and stunning orange color.
- Its dramatic location and unique architecture make it popular among tourists.
3. Brooklyn Bridge:
Opened: 24 May 1883
Total Length: 1,834 m
Location: New York City, USA
While the Upper East Siders can cringe about Brooklyn, you cannot talk about the famous bridges in New York and ignore the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a hybrid suspension/cable-stayed bridge connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan.
Plus, the bridge is a solid 1825 m or 5,989 feet long. Built between 1869 and 1883, this bridge is the world’s longest steel-wire suspension bridge. Not only that, but it is also the first bridge in the world to be made of steel wire, being completed in 1883.
This essential NYC structure is an impressive architectural achievement in itself and is famous across the globe.
Famous For:
- Its distinctive Gothic architecture.
- Stunning views of the New York City city skyline.
- Its impressive size and innovative design have made it an iconic symbol of NYC.
4. Rialto Bridge:
Opened: 1591
Total Length: 48 m
Location: Venice, Italy
You will forget about the beauty of famous bridges in Paris if you see the Rialto Bridge even once – plus, it was built during the Renaissance period, the period famously known for the rebirth of art and culture across Europe in the 1500s.
Located in the Italian city of Venice, the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge in Venice and is still used by people regularly. Built over the beautiful Grand Canal, this bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Italy – people from different parts of the world travel to Italy just to take a single selfie here.
First constructed in the 12th century by Niccolo Barattieri as a pontoon bridge, the Rialto Bridge was rebuilt multiple times, while the bridge’s present structure was actually built between 1588 and 1591.
Famous For:
- Being one of the oldest bridges in Venice.
- It’s rich history and elegant design.
- Being a vital symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Venice.
5. Si-o-se Pol Bridge:
Opened: 1602
Total Length: 298 m
Location: Isfahan, Iran
Built in the Irani city of Isfahan between 1599 and 1602, the Si-o-se-Pol Bridge is the most popular bridge in Isfahan due to its beautiful architecture and size.
Constructed under Allawardi Khan Andildez (commander-in-chief of the army)’s supervision, the Si-o-se-Pol Bridge is also called the Allahverdi Khan Bridge. The bridge has a total width of 48.4 ft (14.75 m) and a total length of 976.9 ft (297.76 m).
Famous For:
- Its unique design and spectacular architecture.
- Being one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
- Being a popular tourist attraction of Isfahan.
6. Sydney Harbour Bridge:
Opened: 19 March 1932
Total Length: 1,149 m
Location: Sydney, Australia
Did you know that the Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world, with a length of 1,149 m spread across the Sydney Harbor in Australia?
Known as one of the most famous bridges in the world, the construction of the Sydney Harbor Bridge started on the 28th of July in 1923, with the bridge officially opening on the 19th of March, 1932. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is a spectacular engineering marvel designed by Dorman Long & Co Ltd of Middlesbrough, a British farm.
Made from 53,000 tonnes of steel approximately, including the approach spans and the arch, the bridge is known for offering stunning views of the world-famous Sydney Opera House and its surrounding area.
Famous For:
Its huge steel structure design and timeless grandeur.
It is a true engineering masterpiece.
Its unique design and impressive size make it a popular tourist attraction.
7. Millau Viaduct Bridge:
Opened: 16 December 2004
Total Length: 2,460 m
Location: Creissels, France
A listicle talking about world famous bridges must mention the tallest cable-stay bridge in the whole world – yep, we are talking about the Millau Viaduct Bridge, one of the amazing architectural and engineering wonders near Millau, Southern France, on the Taran River Valley.
Standing at a solid 1,104 ft (336.4 m) structural height with a total length of 8,070 ft (2,460m), the construction of the bridge began on 16th October 2001, and the bridge was opened officially three years later on 16th December 2004.
The Millau Viaduct Bridge is still known as one of the biggest achievements in the world of engineering in modern times. In 2006, the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering awarded the Millau Viaduct Bridge with the Magnificent Structure Award.
Famous For:
- It is the world’s tallest cable-stayed bridge.
- Being an iconic symbol of modern architecture.
- Being a a must-see for everyone traveling through Southern France.
8. Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge:
Opened: 5 April 1998
Total Length: 3,911 m
Location: Awaji, Japan
The Pearl Bridge, or the Akashi Kaiko Bridge, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, spanning a length of 12,831 ft or 3,911 meters. Connecting Awaji Island and the city of Kobe with western and central Japan, the Pearl Bridge is one of the most popular bridges in Japan.
Built between 1988 and 1998, the Akashi Kaiko Bridge used to be the world’s longest bridge at the time of its construction. This is not just a long bridge, but it has been designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8.5 magnitudes on the Richter scale.
Plus, the bridge also has over 1,700 lights that are often used for illumination throughout the year, thereby creating a beautiful light show that you can see from afar.
Famous For:
- Being the world’s second-longest suspension bridge.
- Being an impressive engineering feat and its innovative design.
- Being a significant landmark.
9. Hangzhou Bay Bridge:
Opened: 1 May 2008
Total Length: 22 mi
Location: Zhejiang, China
There are so many famous bridges in the world – finding the best ones can be a little difficult. But that doesn’t mean we will forget all about the longest sea-crossing highway bridges in the world – yep, we are talking about the Hangzhou Bay Bridge spanning across a length of 22 miles or 36 km.
Constructed between 8th June 2003 and 14th June 2007, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge was opened to the public on the 1st of May 2008, connecting the two Chinese cities of Ningbo and Jiaxing in the Zhejiang Province.
When the 36 km-long bridge was first opened to the public, it reduced the highway travel distance between Shanghai and Ningbo from a whopping 400 km to only 180 km.
Famous For:
- Being one of the world’s longest trans-oceanic bridges.
- Being an iconic symbol of the modern world. Being a popular tourist attraction.
10. Ponte Vecchio Bridge:
Opened: 1345
Total Length: 95 m
Location: Florence, Italy
Did you know that one of the most famous bridges in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio, is also known as one of the world’s oldest medieval arch bridges?
Built in the Italian city of Florence’s Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge is believed to have been first constructed during the Roman times as per a document dated 996, while the current version was actually rebuilt during the early Renaissance in 1345.
Moreover, the Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that has managed to survive Florence’s Second World War. Even during World War II, when the German army retreated, the bridge was spared any damage.
Famous For:
- Being one of the most recognizable and oldest landmarks in Florence.
- Being one of the popular sports for art lovers and photographers.
- Being a significant tourist attraction.
11. Royal Gorge Bridge:
Opened: 8 December 1929
Total Length: 384 m
Location: Cañon City, Colorado, US
One of the most famous bridges in the US is the Royal Gorge Bridge, spanning 880 ft between the towers across the Arkansas River. Constructed between 5th June 1929 and November 1929 at Colorado’s Canon City, the Royal Gorge Bridge is made up of 1292 wooden planks covering the massive steel structures.
Known as one of the most adventurous and inviting tourist destinations in the world, the Royal Gorge Bridge offers so much to explore for everyone who visits.
From amusement parks for people who love adventures to people who enjoy skydiving, rafting, sky coasters, and mountain climbing, there are multiple exciting activities to do here. It happens to be a great place to visit and spend with your friends and family.
Famous For:
- The world’s highest suspension bridges.
- Its unique engineering and design.
- Being a must-see attraction in Colorado.
12. Charles Bridge:
Opened: 1402
Total Length: 516m
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Charles Bridge is one of Europe’s most beautiful bridges. This Gothic bridge is made of stone and is known to be one of the oldest bridges, standing tall over the beautiful Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic.
Throughout the bridge’s history, it is believed that several historical events have been observed. Interestingly, the bridge has also withstood several natural calamities.
Moreover, the bridge’s first construction began sometime in 1402. At the moment, the bridge is 516 meters in length and 9.5 meters in width and stands tall on 15 staunch pillars. In addition to the rich history of the bridge, it is also an attractive and magnificent structure that attracts not just tourists but also various artists from across the globe.
Famous For:
- The arches hanging over the beautiful Vltava River are an incredible piece of medieval masterpiece.
- The thirty baroque statues lining its sides whisper tales of kings and saints.
- Street performers here make the atmosphere vibrant, soulful, and full of melody.
13. Stari Most Bridge
Opened: 1567
Total Length: 29m
Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
The stunning Stari Most Bridge is 4 meters in width and 29 meters in length. This beauty has been built over the Neretta River.
While the construction of the stunning stone-arch bridge first started in 1557, it took around nine years to complete the construction. The construction was finally completed sometime in 1566.
Moreover, the bridge is one the most iconic landmarks of Bosnia and Herzegovina, connecting the City of Mostar’s two sides.
Also, it is a very famous bridge – so much so that you must have seen a photo of the bridge somewhere on the internet. After all, due to its beautiful and unique structure, the Stari Most Bridge is popular with photographers across the globe.
Famous For:
- The bridge is a symbol of Bosnian courage and strength, having witnessed wars and calamities for the past 600 years.
- The bridge is a symbol of post-war unity in Mostar – it bridges cultural and social gaps.
- The area around the bridge buzzes with markets, festivals, cafes, and shops during the summer months.
14. Chapel Bridge:
Opened: 1333
Total Length: 205m
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
The Chapel Bridge (also known as Kapellbrücke) is a stunning 205-meter-long footbridge covered with wood. Located in Switzerland’s Lucerne, the bridge stands tall over the river Reuss. Interestingly, Reuss is a city that is famous for its beautiful wooden bridges.
Moreover, the Chapel Bridge is one of Europe’s oldest wooden bridges, first built centuries ago in 1333 and subsequently named Chapel after the St. Peter’s Chapel nearby. To make matters even more interesting, the bridge was originally a part of Lucerne’s rampart. Additionally, the bridge is also known for its stunning rooftop paintings that cover the entire walkway.
Famous For:
- Medieval murals decorate the roof of the bridge, whispering stories of Lucerne’s rich history in vibrant shades.
- Since the bridge is located over the Reuss River, visitors can enjoy a stunning backdrop for breathtaking views and romantic strolls.
- The bridge in itself is a fairytale gateway to the charming old town of Lucerne. It’s like an invitation to walk inside a town from a book.
And It’s A Wrap!
And it’s a wrap on the world’s most famous bridges – the world’s best is here, and if you still think we missed out on some other spectacular feats of engineering, then you have to let us know about them – maybe we can cover them too?
So, tell us, what are your thoughts on these bridges? Feel free to share your comments about your favorite bridges in the comments below.
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