24 Most Beautiful Bridges in the World

Throughout the ages, man has been using architecture to bridge the gaps between physical obstacles, for the purpose of providing an easy passage. Most of these bridges are also regarded as landmarks and are a vital part of the infrastructures of regions around the world.

These incredible structures stretch across continents and centuries, each with its own story and personality. Some float right up in the clouds, others are grown from living trees, and a few light up the night like a festival. Whether you’re a fan of architecture or just love a good view, these bridges deliver experiences you’ll remember. The creativity and skill behind each one turn a simple crossing into a work of art that shapes entire cities and regions.

24. Python Bridge, the Netherlands

This snake-like bridge winds through Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands, connecting Sporenburg and Borneo Island over a canal. Locals call it Python Bridge because of its curvy, twisting shape—it really does look like a giant python stretched out across the water.

They built it in 2001, and the wavy form isn’t just for show. Tall ships can pass underneath without a problem. Walk across this bright red metal bridge and you’ll get some pretty great canal views. Those red railings pop against Amsterdam’s usual scenery.

Officially, architects named it the High Bridge, but honestly, everyone just calls it Python or Snake Bridge. This one’s part of a trio of bridges in the area. It’s about a 15-minute bike ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

The unique serpentine design grabs your attention right away—there’s a reason people consider it one of the world’s most beautiful bridges.

23. Ruyi Bridge, China

This footbridge in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, sweeps across the Shenxianju Valley with a bold, wave-like design. The bridge takes its name from the Chinese ruyi, a curved ceremonial object. Three connected sections give it that signature ribbon shape, almost like it’s floating between the mountains.

Step onto the glass-bottomed sections and you’re 140 meters above the valley floor—it’s a thrill, trust me. The white structure runs 100 meters long and the panoramic views are nothing short of breathtaking.

They wrapped up construction in 2020 after a few years of planning. Designer He Yunchang pulled off something pretty spectacular here, and the bridge quickly became a top spot for visitors in China. It’s a mix of modern engineering and traditional Chinese design, so you get both beauty and excitement as you cross. Truly, there’s nothing else quite like it.

22. Helix Bridge, Singapore

Singapore’s Helix Bridge is one of those pedestrian bridges you don’t forget. It twists across Marina Bay, and its double-helix design takes inspiration from DNA—talk about science meeting art. The 280-meter bridge links Marina Centre to Marina South. Since opening in 2010, it’s become a landmark you can’t miss.

A spiral metal structure forms the walkway, and you can stroll across for killer views of the skyline, day or night. At night, the bridge lights up and turns into a favorite spot for photos and evening walks.

The Helix Bridge won the “World’s Best Transport Building” award in 2010. It’s even the world’s first bridge built with a double-helix structure. When you’re in Singapore, you can’t skip this one—the architecture is just so different from anything else out there.

21. Pont du Gard, France

This ancient Roman bridge stuns with its sheer size and history. Built in the first century AD, it crosses the Gardon River in southern France. The Romans constructed it to carry water over 50 kilometers to Nîmes. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges anywhere.

Rising almost 160 feet, it has three stacked levels of arches. The longest stretch covers about 900 feet. You can visit this UNESCO World Heritage site near Vers-Pont-du-Gard, between Nîmes and Uzès.

Thousands of visitors show up every year. It’s considered one of the most impressive Roman monuments still standing, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why.

20. Root Bridge in Meghalaya, India

Meghalaya, in northeast India, is home to some of nature’s wildest engineering. The Khasi people grow bridges from living tree roots instead of using wood or metal. They start with rubber fig tree roots and guide them across rivers and streams, a process that takes decades. Usually, it’s 30 to 40 years before a bridge is strong enough for daily use. The Double Decker Root Bridge in Nongriat village is the most famous. It has two levels and can hold up to 50 people at once.

Some of these bridges stretch over 150 feet long. Unlike regular bridges, they get stronger with age—the roots keep growing, making the bridge more solid every year. During heavy rains, when other bridges might wash away, these living bridges help locals cross rivers safely.

19. Millennium Bridge, United Kingdom

The Millennium Bridge stretches across London’s River Thames. This steel footbridge opened in 2000 to mark the new millennium. It links St. Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe on the south side. Only pedestrians can cross—no cars allowed.

Sir Norman Foster designed it with help from Arup engineers. The steel suspension and aluminum decking give it a clean, modern vibe. People started calling it the “Wobbly Bridge” because it shook when it first opened. They fixed the wobble pretty quickly, though.

From the bridge, you’ll snap some of the best photos of London’s skyline and the Thames. The views are hard to beat, especially if you want to see the city’s landmarks from above the water.

18. Golden Bridge, Vietnam

In the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, you’ll find the Golden Bridge—one of the world’s most unusual crossings. Opened in 2018, it’s the one with two giant stone hands holding up a golden walkway. It almost looks like some ancient gods are lifting the bridge right out of the mountain.

This bridge sits 1,400 meters above sea level. Walking across, you get jaw-dropping views of green forests and distant mountains. Major news outlets like BBC and CNN have featured it. The Guardian listed it among the world’s most beautiful bridges.

The hashtag #goldenbridgevietnam goes viral all the time. Vietnamese architects designed this 150-meter pedestrian bridge. They finished it in just a year, pouring millions into the project.

17. Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada

This famous bridge stretches 137 meters across Vancouver’s Capilano River, dangling 70 meters above the water. Over a million people visit every year, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Thick steel cables line the bridge. As you walk, it wobbles beneath your feet—definitely adds some excitement. You start your visit in gardens with First Nations totem poles, then cross into quiet rainforest on the far side.

There’s more than just the main bridge. Seven smaller bridges wind through the treetops nearby, and a cliff walk hugs the granite rock face. This place has been thrilling visitors since 1889. And it’s only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, so getting there is a breeze.

16. Langkawi Sky Bridge, Malaysia

This curved bridge hangs 660 meters above sea level in Malaysia, stretching 125 meters across the sky above Gunung Mat Cincang mountain. You’ll take the Langkawi Cable Car to get there, which lifts you 700 meters up with amazing views all around.

Opened in 2005, it’s one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges. Walk its deck and you’ll see the Andaman Sea spread out below. The rainforest looks like a green carpet beneath your feet, with islands dotting the turquoise waters all around Langkawi.

The trip itself is half the fun—the cable car ride plus the bridge walk. The curve makes it stand out from every straight bridge you’ve seen.

15. Great Belt Bridge, Denmark

The Great Belt bridge is actually two bridges – an Eastern and a Western section, split by the small island of Sprogø. The East Bridge, a 1,624 meter (5,328 feet) long suspension bridge crosses the deepest part of Storebælt between the island of Zealand and Sprogø.

It has the third longest main span in the world. At 254 meter (833 feet) above sea level, the East Bridge’s two pylons are the highest points in Denmark. The West Bridge is a 6,611 meter (21,689 feet) long combined rail and road bridge between Sprogø and Funen.

14. Chapel Bridge, Switzerland

The Chapel Bridge is a 204 meter (670 foot) long bridge crossing the Reuss River in the city of Lucerne in Switzerland. It is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe, and one of Switzerland’s main tourist attractions. The covered bridge, constructed in 1333, was designed to help protect the city of Lucerne from attacks.

Inside the bridge are a series of paintings from the 17th century, depicting events from Luzerne’s history. Much of the bridge, and the majority of these paintings, were destroyed in a 1993 fire, though it was quickly rebuilt.

13. Chengyang Bridge, China

This covered bridge sits in Guangxi province, connecting Dong minority villages across the Linxi River. Locals call it a “wind and rain bridge” since it shelters people from the elements.

Built in 1912, it stretches 64 meters long and rises 10 meters high. Five stone pillars support the wooden pavilions that give the bridge its silhouette.

When you visit, you’re seeing one of just four famous historical bridges like this in the world. The Dong people built it using traditional wood and stone techniques passed down for generations.

The bridge stands in Chengyang district, about 19 kilometers north of Sanjiang County. You can explore eight traditional Dong villages nearby while admiring the bridge’s intricate details.

This isn’t just a river crossing—it’s a cultural landmark where function meets art. The covered walkway protects travelers and shows off centuries-old building methods that make each beam special.

12. Brooklyn Bridge, USA

Completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River. At the time it opened, and for several years, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and it has become a famous and iconic landmark of New York. The bridge has a wide pedestrian walkway open to walkers and cyclists.

This walkway takes on a special importance in times of difficulty when usual means of crossing the East River have become unavailable as happened during several blackouts and most famously after the September 11, 2001, attacks.

11. Alcantara Bridge, Spain

Crossing the Tagus River at Alcántara in Spain, the Alcántara Bridge is a masterpiece of ancient Roman bridge building. The bridge was built between 104 and 106 by an order of the Roman Emperor Trajan in 98 AD, who is honored by a triumphal arch in the center of the bridge and a small temple at one end.

The Alcántara Bridge has taken more damage from war than from the elements. The Moors destroyed the smallest arch on one side while the second arch on the other side was destroyed by the Spanish to stop the Portuguese.

10. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable bridges. You’ve probably seen its steel arch in movies or postcards. Locals call it “The Coathanger” because of its shape—a nickname that shows how much the bridge means to Sydney.

At 469 feet above the water, it’s the tallest steel arch bridge on the planet. The bridge stretches 1,149 meters across Sydney Harbour. You can walk, drive, or take a train across. No matter how you cross, the views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House are incredible.

The bridge opened in 1932 and has connected Sydney’s city center to the North Shore for over 90 years. Wherever you go in Sydney, you’ll spot this bridge in the background. It’s just everywhere.

9. Stari Most, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Stari Most (“The Old Bridge”) is a famous bridge crossing the river Neretva in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was built by the Ottaman Turks in 1566 and stood for 427 years, until the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Bosnian War. Subsequently, a project was set in motion to rebuild it, and the new bridge opened in 2004.

It is traditional for the young men of the town to leap from the bridge into the Neretva. As the river is very cold, this is a very risky feat and only the most skilled and best trained divers will attempt it.

8. Si-o-se Pol, Iran

This stunning bridge stretches across Isfahan, Iran’s ancient city. “Si-o-se Pol” means “33 Bridge” in Persian, a nod to its 33 graceful arches. Shah Abbas I had it built in the early 1600s, and it still spans the Zayandeh River today. At over 300 meters long, it stands as one of Iran’s longest historic bridges over water.

The Safavid-era architecture really shows off the builders’ skill. Each arch throws a perfect reflection onto the river—on a calm day, it’s almost surreal. People stroll across its entire length, stopping to take in the views. In the evenings, locals gather here to chat, unwind, and sometimes sing quietly under the arches.

The bridge acts as both a crossing and a dam. When the water’s flowing, the arches frame shimmering scenes that feel almost magical. Photographers flock here for those geometric patterns and the way sunset lights up the stonework in gold. I mean, who could resist snapping a few shots?

7. Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, Japan

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, is the longest suspension bridge at 1,991 meters (6,532 feet) in the world. It spans the Akashi Strait in Japan connecting Kobe on the mainland and Iwaya on Awayi Island. The bridge took almost 12 years to build and was opened for traffic in 1998.

The central span was originally only 1,990 meter but the Kobe earthquake on January 17, 1995, moved the two towers so that it had to be increased by 1 meter.

6. Rialto Bridge, Italy

The Rialto Bridge stretches across Venice’s Grand Canal, linking two lively districts. Built in 1591, it’s the oldest of the four bridges that cross this iconic waterway.

You’ve probably seen it in a thousand postcards: white stone arches, a silhouette that’s instantly recognizable, and crowds snapping photos from every angle. Sure, it gets packed with tourists, but the views from the top—gondolas drifting by, palazzos lining the canal—are worth weaving through the crowd.

Small shops hug both sides of the bridge. You might browse for souvenirs, or just lean on the railing and watch the boats glide underneath. It’s not just a shortcut across Venice. The Rialto Bridge is a slice of Renaissance history, drawing millions of visitors who want to stand where so many have before.

5. Charles Bridge, Czechia

The Charles Bridge is a famous is a stone Gothic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river Vltava, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between the Old Town and the area around Prague Castle.

This connection made Prague important as a trade route between Eastern and Western Europe. Today it is one of the most visited sights in Prague with painters, owners of kiosks and other traders alongside numerous tourists crossing the bridge.

4. Tower Bridge, United Kingdom

Tower Bridge stretches over the River Thames in London, right next to the Tower of London. It links two lively parts of the city, and honestly, it’s hard to miss. Builders finished the bridge in 1894 after starting back in 1886. They mixed bascule and suspension styles—kind of bold, really—and the result feels both grand and a bit quirky.

The best part? Tower Bridge opens up for tall ships. If you get lucky with your timing, you’ll see the whole thing lift, gears turning and all. It’s oddly satisfying to watch. The bridge’s two tall towers connect with walkways overhead. The glass floors up there? Wild. You can look straight down and catch London bustling beneath your feet.

It’s not all about looks, though. People cross Tower Bridge every day while boats slip underneath, making the whole scene feel alive and a bit chaotic. The Victorian stone towers and steel frame give it that iconic look—photographers can’t seem to resist snapping it from every angle.

3. Millau Bridge, France

The Millau Viaduct is an enormous cable-stayed road-bridge that spans the valley of the river Tarn near Millau in southern France. It is the tallest vehicular bridge in the world, with the highest pylon’s summit at 343 meters (1,125 ft) — slightly taller than the Eiffel Tower.

The speed limit on the bridge was reduced from 130 km/h (81 mph) to 110 km/h (68 mph) because of traffic slowing down, due to tourists taking pictures of the bridge from the vehicles. Shortly after the bridge opened to traffic, passengers were stopping to admire the landscape and the bridge itself.

2. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north. The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took seven years to build, and was completed in 1937.

The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed, and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco and California. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. The famous red-orange color of the bridge was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge.

1. Ponte Vecchio, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio (literally “old bridge”) is a Medieval bridge over the Arno River in Florence; the only Florentine bridge to survive WW2. The bridge is famous for still having shops built along it, as was common in the days of the Medici. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.

It is said that the economic concept of bankruptcy originated here: when a merchant could not pay his debts, the table on which he sold his wares (the “banco”) was physically broken (“rotto”) by soldiers, and this practice was called “bancorotto” (broken table).