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Bridges—often overlooked, but they’re much more than just a way to get from one place to another.
Some bridges are iconic landmarks, architectural feats, and landmarks that bring something special to the journey.
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These 8 famous bridges will make you want to walk across them, stare at them, and appreciate the incredible designs behind them.
1. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, USA
Let’s get this out of the way: the Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most famous bridge in the world. And why wouldn’t it be? You’ve seen it a thousand times in films, advertising, and even those holiday brochures your mum insists on buying at the travel agency.
But walking across it? Now that’s where the magic happens. You’ll take one step and think, “I’m part of history here!” You’ve got the bay to one side, the fog rolling in like a predictable guest at a dinner party, and a solid 80 years of stories to live up to. Honestly, it’s what I imagine being in a James Bond movie feels like—minus the explosions and fancy cars, of course.
2. Tower Bridge – London, England
Ah, Tower Bridge. Not to be confused with the other, decidedly underwhelming, London Bridge. This one has more personality in its two towers than most people have in a lifetime. When you walk across it, you’re not just strolling on a path—you’re walking in the footsteps of history, and not the boring kind.
This bridge has seen it all: coronations, royal parades, and enough tourists with selfie sticks to fill an entire cruise ship. But the real treat? When you catch the bridge in action as it opens up for passing ships. It’s a surreal moment when you feel like the whole city stops for you. Don’t worry; it’s not as dramatic as the Tower of London. No one’s getting locked up.
3. Brooklyn Bridge – New York City, USA
You’ve probably seen it in a thousand TV shows and films—so much so that you feel like you’ve been there already. But the Brooklyn Bridge is even better in real life. The walk across this New York icon? Perfect. You get to gaze at the bustling city skyline on one side and the more laid-back, quirky Brooklyn vibe on the other.
It’s like the bridge knows how to create the perfect mood—like when you’re at that point in your trip when you realize you’ve just been living the best version of yourself. And don’t even get me started on the views at sunrise. Trust me, when the sun hits those steel cables just right, you’ll be thinking, “Well, this is what they mean by ‘unforgettable’.”
4. Charles Bridge – Prague, Czech Republic
Alright, let’s talk about romance for a second. But not the type you’re thinking of. No, Charles Bridge in Prague isn’t where you’re going to meet your future spouse (though anything’s possible, I suppose). It’s where you’re going to have one of the most visually pleasing walks of your life.
The place feels like a dream, with its statues lining the sides and the city of Prague as the backdrop. It’s like someone had a blueprint for perfection and thought, “Let’s just do this.” And then they did it. Don’t rush it, though. Take your time, absorb the vibe. The music playing in the background? The perfect touch. And don’t forget to grab a trdelnĂk while you’re at it—because why not?
5. Ponte Vecchio – Florence, Italy
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a bit of luxury without actually spending much money. Well, that’s what Ponte Vecchio feels like—a glamorous bridge with more shops selling gold than you’d expect to see on a weekday stroll. It’s Italy, after all, so you can assume that everything here is dripping with elegance.
As you walk across this centuries-old bridge, surrounded by the finest jewelry in Europe, you’ll feel like a celebrity—or at least someone who looks as though they can afford a celebratory espresso after the walk. And the views over the Arno River? Perfect. It’s like stepping into the set of a classic Italian film, minus the terrible acting. You’ll almost want to start quoting poetry.
6. Sydney Harbour Bridge – Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is, without a doubt, a showstopper. Let’s be clear: walking across it is an experience. You don’t just stroll across this one, oh no. As you walk across this behemoth of steel, with the Opera House in the distance, the harbor and its boats all around, you might get the sensation that you’re in the middle of a postcard you’ve only seen in daydreams.
The real fun, however, comes from the fact that you can actually climb it. Yes, you can ascend the bridge itself and live your best daredevil life. Or, if you prefer, just saunter across leisurely—either way, it’ll be one of those moments you’ll replay in your head when you need a pick-me-up. Don’t forget to wave to the people in the boats below; they’ll appreciate it.
7. Akashi Kaikyō Bridge – Kobe, Japan
Ever thought, “I want to walk across a bridge that’s so long it feels like it might never end”? Well, you’ve just found it. The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, in Japan, is the longest central span in the world—2,000 meters of sheer engineering brilliance.
It connects Kobe to Awaji Island and, while not pedestrian-friendly in a traditional sense, the views from nearby observation points are just jaw-dropping. The experience is less about walking and more about the fact that you’re witnessing a masterpiece of design—one that looks almost too perfect to be real.
Also, there’s something strangely soothing about the calm waters beneath you that make you feel like you’re walking through a dream. It’s like they took the concept of “space” and went, “Let’s make this colossal.”
8. The Millau Viaduct – Millau, France
The Millau Viaduct in France is one of those things that defies your expectations. When you think of a bridge, you imagine something that connects two points on the same level.
The Millau Viaduct, however, looks like it belongs in the future. It’s the tallest bridge in Europe, soaring over the Tarn River, and it feels less like a bridge and more like a work of art that was dropped from the sky.
It’s not something you walk across—no, that’s far too pedestrian (pun intended). Instead, you gaze at it from below, feeling your jaw drop as you take in the scale of it all. In fact, the only question you’ll have as you stand beneath it is: “How did they even manage this?”
Final Words
Bridges—they’re not just for crossing. They’re for marveling at. For wondering how on earth they were constructed. For feeling a bit smug as you walk across and think, “I’m not just crossing a street here, I’m crossing a piece of history.”
Whether you’re dodging cyclists on the Brooklyn Bridge or trying to avoid getting blown away on the Akashi Kaikyō, these eight bridges are far more than just a way to get to the other side. They’re a reminder that sometimes, travel isn’t about the destination—it’s about the journey… and the views. So, get your walking shoes on and go.