Across the world, remarkable bridges connect more than just two places. They tell stories of engineering, history and the communities around them.
Da Nang / Aleksandr Barsukov / Unsplash
Some tower above dramatic valleys, others have stood for centuries, while a few offer experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. For travellers who enjoy discovering places beyond the usual attractions, these six bridges are worth adding to the bucket list.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, United States
Few landmarks are as recognisable as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. It’s orange-red towers and suspension cables have become symbols of the Californian city.
Opened in 1937, the bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait. It’s main span stretches 1,280 metres.
Walk or cycle across for views of San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. On foggy days, the mist rolling through it’s towers makes for a particularly memorable sight.
Make a trip of it: Visit nearby Sausalito, known for it’s waterfront restaurants, galleries and bay views.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, United States / Joonyeop Baek / Unsplash
Millau Viaduct, Aveyron, France
The Millau Viaduct stretches 2,460 metres across the Tarn Valley in southern France, reaching 343 metres at it’s highest point.
Designed by engineer Michel Virlogeux and architect Norman Foster, it opened in 2004. It’s slender piers and steel roadway appear to float above the valley.
Travellers can drive across the bridge or admire it from designated viewpoints. The Aire du Viaduc de Millau offers panoramic views and exhibitions about it’s construction.
Make a trip of it: Explore the nearby Tarn Gorge, with opportunities for hiking and canoeing.
Viaduc de Millau, Millau Viaduct, Millau, France / Vladan Raznatovic / Unsplash
Tower Bridge, London, England
With it’s Victorian Gothic towers and position over the River Thames, Tower Bridge is one of London’s best-known landmarks.
Completed in 1894, it was designed to let road traffic cross the river while allowing ships to reach London’s docks. It’s central sections still lift for passing vessels.
Visitors can explore the towers, walk across the glass-floored walkways 43.5 metres above the Thames at high tide, and see the original machinery in the Victorian Engine Rooms.
Make a trip of it: Combine your visit with the Tower of London, Borough Market or the South Bank.
A stunning night view of London’s Tower Bridge illuminated over the River Thames / Public Domain Pictures / Pexels
Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge lined with jewellery shops and small businesses. Dating to 1345, it crosses the Arno River and remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
It’s shops once housed butchers and fishmongers, until Grand Duke Ferdinand I ordered them to be replaced by goldsmiths and jewellers in 1593.
For a beautiful view of the bridge, head to nearby Ponte Santa Trinita, especially around sunset. Ponte Vecchio also has a place in Florence’s history as the only bridge in the city to survive intact during the German retreat in August 1944.
Make a trip of it: Explore Florence’s historic centre, including the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio.
Ponte Vecchio in Florence, at noon in November / Ali Nuredini / Unsplash
516 Arouca, Portugal
Suspended 175 metres above the Paiva River in northern Portugal, 516 Arouca stretches 516 metres across a dramatic valley in the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark.
One of the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges, it offers views of the Paiva Gorge and Aguieiras Waterfall. It’s open metal walkway is not for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
Visitors can combine the crossing with the Paiva Walkways, a wooden trail following the river through the valley.
Make a trip of it: Explore the Arouca Geopark and allow time for the Paiva Walkways. Advance booking is required for the bridge.
Stunning view of the Arouca Suspension Bridge amidst rugged mountain scenery in Portugal / Dirk Pothen / Pexels
Q’eswachaka Inca Rope Bridge, Cusco, Peru
In the southern Andes of Peru, the Q’eswachaka rope bridge offers a glimpse into traditional Inca engineering.
Suspended above a gorge along the Apurímac River, it is made from locally harvested grass using weaving techniques passed down through generations.
The bridge is rebuilt every year during a three-day ceremony involving four local communities. The tradition preserves centuries-old knowledge and brings villagers together. UNESCO recognised the annual renewal in 2013 as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Make a trip of it: Include the bridge in a wider journey through the Cusco region and the Sacred Valley.
Stunning aerial shot of the Qeswachaka Rope Bridge spanning a river gorge in Cuzco, Peru / Marcos Venteo / Pexels
Worth the journey
These six bridges offer more than impressive views. They reveal the engineering, history and traditions that shape the places around them. Some are landmarks to walk across, others are best admired from a distance. All offer a good reason to take the road less travelled.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
ALSO READ:
Caminito del Rey: The walkway clinging to the walls of a Spanish gorge
