8 Amazing Bridges Every Traveler Should Visit
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Tower Bridge in London and the Millau Viaduct in France are three of the bridges most worth a detour, and this list adds five more spanning seven centuries of engineering. We sorted them by opening date, oldest first, so you can see how bridge building changed.
| Bridge | Where | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Bridge | Prague, Czech Republic | Started 1357, finished early 15th century |
| Ponte Vecchio | Florence, Italy | Medieval |
| Brooklyn Bridge | New York, USA | 1883 |
| Tower Bridge | London, UK | 1894 |
| Sydney Harbour Bridge | Sydney, Australia | 1932 |
| Golden Gate Bridge | San Francisco, USA | 1937 |
| Akashi Kaikyo Bridge | Kobe, Japan | 1998 |
| Millau Viaduct | Southern France | 2004 |
1. Charles Bridge, Prague
This medieval stone arch bridge over the Vltava is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, with 16 arches and three towers. Work began in 1357 under King Charles IV. A continuous alley of 30 statues decorates it, though the originals from around 1700 have all been replaced by replicas.
2. Ponte Vecchio, Florence
The “Old Bridge” over the Arno is lined with shops, today jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers. It was the only bridge in Florence spared from destruction in World War II and is closed to vehicles, so you cross on foot.
3. Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Opened on May 24, 1883, it was the first fixed crossing of the East River and the longest suspension bridge anywhere at the time, with a main span of 486.3 meters. John A. Roebling designed it, and his son Washington Roebling and Emily Warren Roebling carried the work forward.
4. Tower Bridge, London
Built between 1886 and 1894, it combines bascule and suspension designs and is 290 meters long including the abutments. The central bascules still open for shipping, and the high-level walkways and Victorian engine rooms are part of the visitor attraction.
5. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Nicknamed the Coathanger, this steel arch opened in 1932. It stands 134 meters above the water and is the tallest steel arch bridge anywhere.
6. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
It opened on May 27, 1937, spanning the one-mile-wide strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific. It was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge at opening, and walkers and cyclists can cross it.
7. Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Japan
Completed in 1998 between Kobe and Awaji Island, it had the longest central span of any suspension bridge, at 1,991 meters. It is now second, behind the Canakkale Bridge in Turkey, which opened in March 2022.
8. Millau Viaduct, France
Designed by engineer Michel Virlogeux with architect Norman Foster, this cable-stayed bridge opened in December 2004 and cost about 394 million euros. At 343 meters it held the bridge height record for more than two decades, until late 2025. It is a toll road, and as of 2025 light cars paid 11.20 euros (13.90 in peak season).
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FAQ
Which is the oldest bridge on this list?
Charles Bridge in Prague, where construction began in 1357.
Which bridge is the tallest?
The Millau Viaduct, at 343 meters, held the bridge height record for more than two decades until late 2025.
Which bridge has the longest suspension span here?
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, at 1,991 meters, was the longest when completed in 1998. It is now second behind the Canakkale Bridge in Turkey.
Can you walk across these bridges?
Yes for several, including Charles Bridge and Ponte Vecchio (closed to vehicles) and the Golden Gate Bridge, which allows pedestrians and cyclists.
Does the Millau Viaduct charge a toll?
Yes. As of 2025, light cars paid 11.20 euros, or 13.90 euros from June 15 to September 15.
Last updated: October 2026.
