Across the World in 10 Stunning Bridges You’ll Never Forget

Travel
By Gwen Stockton

Bridges are more than just ways to cross rivers or valleys.

They tell stories of engineering genius, artistic vision, and human determination.

From ancient stone arches to futuristic walkways held by giant hands, these ten incredible bridges will take you on a journey around the globe, showing you structures so beautiful and creative that they’ll stick in your memory forever.

1. Stari Most – Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Image Credit: © Ehsan Haque / Pexels

Built in 1566 during Ottoman rule, this graceful stone arch has witnessed centuries of history.

The bridge curves elegantly over the emerald waters of the Neretva River, connecting two sides of the old town.

Local divers have been jumping from its 78-foot height into the cold river below for generations, continuing a tradition that amazes tourists every summer.

During the Bosnian War in 1993, the bridge was destroyed but later rebuilt using traditional methods and original stones recovered from the riverbed.

Today it stands as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and cultural heritage.

Walking across its smooth limestone surface, you can feel the weight of history beneath your feet while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, USA

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When fog rolls through San Francisco Bay, the towers of this famous bridge seem to float above the clouds like something from a dream.

Completed in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at that time.

Its distinctive orange color, officially called International Orange, was chosen because it complements the natural surroundings and remains visible even in heavy fog.

Stretching nearly two miles across the bay, the bridge sways up to 27 feet sideways during strong winds.

Engineers designed it this way on purpose so it could handle earthquakes and storms.

Over 100,000 vehicles cross it daily, while pedestrians and cyclists enjoy breathtaking views from the walkways on either side.

3. Tower Bridge – London, England

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Often mistaken for London Bridge by visitors, this Victorian masterpiece combines bascule and suspension bridge design in a way that looks almost magical.

The twin towers rise 213 feet above the Thames River, connected by high-level walkways that offer panoramic city views.

When large ships need to pass, the bridge splits in the middle and raises its two sections like welcoming arms.

Construction finished in 1894 after eight years of work by over 400 builders.

Inside the towers, you can explore exhibitions showing how steam engines once powered the lifting mechanism.

The glass floor walkways installed recently let brave visitors look straight down at the river and traffic passing below their feet.

4. Brooklyn Bridge – New York, USA

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Completed in 1883, this engineering marvel was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn using steel cables.

Designer John Roebling tragically died before construction began, and his son Washington took over but became paralyzed from decompression sickness while working underwater.

Washington’s wife Emily then learned engineering and supervised the project’s completion, making her one of the first female field engineers.

The bridge’s wooden pedestrian walkway sits above the traffic, offering spectacular views of the East River and city skyline.

Street artists, musicians, and vendors create a lively atmosphere along the path.

At sunrise or sunset, photographers gather to capture the light filtering through the intricate cable patterns.

5. Victoria Falls Bridge – Zimbabwe/Zambia

© Wikipedia

Standing on this bridge means feeling the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls and getting soaked by its spray, even though the waterfall sits 250 feet upstream.

The single-span steel arch stretches 650 feet across the Batoka Gorge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.

When it opened in 1905, workers had to build it without scaffolding reaching the bottom of the 420-foot-deep gorge.

Today it’s famous for offering one of the world’s highest commercial bungee jumps.

Adrenaline seekers plunge 364 feet toward the Zambezi River below while rainbows form in the constant mist.

Trains still cross regularly, just as explorer Cecil Rhodes envisioned, carrying passengers through one of Africa’s most breathtaking natural settings.

6. Pont Alexandre III – Paris, France

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Gold-leafed statues of winged horses guard each end of this extravagant bridge, making it possibly the most decorated river crossing on Earth.

Named after Russian Tsar Alexander III, it was built for the 1900 World’s Fair to symbolize Franco-Russian friendship.

Art Nouveau lamps line both sides, casting romantic light over the Seine at night while street musicians often perform beneath their glow.

The single steel arch stays unusually low to preserve views of nearby monuments like Les Invalides and the Grand Palais.

Cherubs, nymphs, and lions crafted from bronze and stone cover every available surface.

Movie directors love filming here because it perfectly captures Parisian elegance and charm in a single frame.

7. Helix Bridge – Singapore

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Inspired by the shape of DNA molecules, this pedestrian bridge twists and curves like a giant metal spring across Marina Bay.

Opened in 2010, it connects Marina Centre with the Marina South area using a double-helix structure made from stainless steel tubes.

At night, LED lights trace the spiraling pattern, creating a glowing ribbon that reflects beautifully in the water below.

Five viewing platforms jut out from the main walkway, giving visitors perfect spots to photograph Singapore’s futuristic skyline.

The design isn’t just artistic—the outer helix actually provides shade during the day and structural support.

Engineers used computer modeling to ensure the complex geometry could withstand tropical storms and heavy foot traffic from thousands of daily users.

8. Langkawi Sky Bridge – Malaysia

Image Credit: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Suspended 2,300 feet above sea level, this curved walkway seems to float among the treetops of Malaysia’s oldest rainforest.

The bridge stretches 410 feet in a gentle curve, held up by a single pylon and eight steel cables.

Getting there requires a cable car ride that climbs through misty clouds, building anticipation before you step onto the swaying platform.

Glass panels in the walkway floor let you peek straight down at the jungle canopy far below—not recommended for anyone afraid of heights!

On clear days, visitors can see Thailand’s islands across the Andaman Sea.

Monkeys sometimes visit the bridge, looking for dropped snacks, while tropical birds fly past at eye level through the humid mountain air.

9. Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) – Lucerne, Switzerland

© Flickr

Originally built in 1333, this is Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge and one of Switzerland’s most photographed landmarks.

The distinctive diagonal design crosses the Reuss River at an angle, with an octagonal water tower rising from the middle that once served as a prison and torture chamber.

Inside the covered walkway, over 100 triangular paintings hang from the rafters, depicting scenes from Swiss history and local legends.

Tragedy struck in 1993 when fire destroyed much of the bridge, but citizens rebuilt it within months using traditional carpentry techniques.

Today, flowers cascade from window boxes along its length during summer.

Walking through feels like stepping back in time, especially when you pause to study the restored paintings overhead.

10. Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) – Ba Na Hills, Vietnam

Image Credit: . Ray in Manila, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Two enormous concrete hands appear to lift this golden walkway out of the Vietnamese mountains like a precious gift being offered to the sky.

Opened in 2018 at the Ba Na Hills resort, the bridge quickly became an internet sensation, with millions sharing photos of its surreal appearance.

The weathered stone hands look ancient, though they’re actually brand new, designed to resemble the hands of mountain gods from local folklore.

The 490-foot-long bridge sits 4,600 feet above sea level, often disappearing into clouds that drift through the highlands.

Purple lobelia flowers planted along the railings contrast beautifully with the golden structure.

Visitors ride a cable car to reach it, then walk across while feeling tiny between the massive fingers that cradle their path.