Published: April 06, 2023
Whenever I think of London, I think of the Tower Bridge. It’s easily one of the most loved and beautiful bridges in the world. The high-level walkway offers stunning panoramic views across the city at night. For a different view, see it from the water by booking one of the many river cruises.
The backdrop for many Venice postcards, the Rialto Bridge is probably the most recognized bridge that crosses the Grand Canal. Yes, it gets crowded with everyone snapping photos, but you’ll enjoy one of the best views of the canals and waterside attractions in the heart of Venice.
Golden Gate Bridge is at the top of my list. You can bike (my favorite) or walk across to Sausalito, have a nice lunch and then return by ferry or bus. The views from anywhere along the bridge are breathtaking. There’s a reason it’s one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Covered bridges have always held an attraction for me. They remind me of simpler times when people traveled by horse and carriage. So it’s no surprise the Cornish-Windsor Bridge made it on my list. Gorgeous in any season, but especially dazzling in the fall, it spans the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont. It’s one of the longest covered bridges in the United States.
I would probably be run out of town if I did not choose the much loved and very handsome Brooklyn Bridge. With its steel cables strung high above the East River and massive granite towers reaching more than 270 feet into the sky, the bridge changed the course of history of New York forever by linking together Brooklyn and Manhattan. Try walking across at dusk to see the city skyline light up at night.
When it comes to the marvels of engineering, I immediately think of the Millau Viaduct in France. Opened in 2004, the bridge is the tallest in the world (over 1100 feet) and spans the entire valley of the River Tarn in Southern France. Unfortunately, the bridge is not open to bikes or pedestrians, so you will need to drive across. The views are definitely worth it, so plan on going during off-peak hours.
The “Old Bridge” in Florence is so unique and it fits into the city in a seamless and timeless fashion. Built during Roman times, it is one of the oldest and most visited bridge in Florence. You have to marvel that the bridge has pretty much been in constant use for centuries and its rich history and amazing views make it very special indeed.
As a stark contrast to some of the other bridges listed here, I present to you the Helix Bridge in Singapore. It’s the only pedestrian bridge on the list, but it’s clearly a landmark in the making. The bridge is a unique and artistic structure that really lights up at night. You’ll enjoy a nice walk and take some incredible photos.
The mixture of the stunning Pacific Ocean landscape with the rugged California coastline is the perfect setting for the Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur. While the bridge is made of simple materials and not the least bit flashy, it’s a must-stop on your way down Highway 1. The views from the bridge are nothing short of amazing and you’ll feel really good about that expensive camera you bought.
Seeing the Chain Bridge on my list, you may start to think I have a thing for suspension bridges. That might just be true; I find their towers and cables make a bold and attractive statement against any city or landscape. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is definitely a beauty, reaching across the River Danube and made of iron and stone. With the royal castle looming in the background, it is one of the most poetic scenes in the Hungarian capital.
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