Bridges are delightful marvels of architecture.

If you agree, keep reading for a list of my favorite bridges from around the world.

Why I Love Bridges

I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t captivated by bridges of all shapes and sizes. Bridges with unusual details. Old ones. Colorful ones. Suspension bridges spanning miles. Pedestrian bridges crossing rivers.

First and foremost, bridges serve a logistical purpose—but some just serve that purpose with more flair than others.

These are my favorites, starting with the pedestrian bridges.

Chapel Bridge (Lucerne, Switzerland)

When planning my weeklong trip to Switzerland in 2018, I had to make a stop in Lucerne. It’s an unforgettable town, located along a lake surrounded by mountains.

But the showstopper is a covered, wooden footbridge, spanning the river in the middle of town, just across the street from the train station. Built in 1333, the bridge (traditionally known as Kapellbrücke) is like something out of a fairy tale. As an iconic focal point of Lucerne, it’s also heavily trafficked—so best visited in the morning for a less touristy (aka. less strangers in your photos) experience.

Stari Most (Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Back in 2019, while planning one of my solo trips, I decided to spend one night in Bosnia & Herzegovina—and chose the city of Mostar purely for its iconic bridge, Stari Most.

Stari Most is a pedestrian-only bridge, spanning the Neretva River that runs through the city.

Construction of the original bridge began in 1557; however, the bridge was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s and then rebuilt in 2004. Today’s Stari Most is a replica of the original, down to the materials and building techniques, and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (Northern Ireland)

Another pedestrian bridge, Carrick-a-Rede is a real life rope bridge, wooden planks and all. Think Indiana Jones, minus the missing boards and frayed rope railings.

I crossed this rope bridge back in 2008.

It was swaying but safe, connecting the mainland with a fishing island along the northern coast of Northern Ireland. Rolling green hills. Deep blue ocean. Pure white seabirds. It’s a feast for the eyes and a thrill for the soul.

Add this spot to your list if you want a true adventure.

Ponte Vecchio (Florence, Italy)

The last of the footbridges on my list, Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone covered bridge over the Arno River in Florence.

Back in college, I added Florence to my bucket list after one of my college art professors spent her sabbatical there and told us all about it. Fourteen years later, in 2017, I finally crossed that charming, Italian city off my list AND crossed Ponte Vecchio in the process.

Picture strolling a cobblestone street with shops along each side—but the street is a bridge. Yes, a bridge lined with shops on the inside and painted on the outside.

It’s more than a photo opp. It’s a whimsical experience.

Fun fact: Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, built in 1345. It’s also the only Florence bridge to survive the bombings of World War II.

Tower Bridge (London, England)

I visited London in 2013, and the Tower Bridge was a must-see.

Today, you can cross the pedestrian walkway with its glass floors high above the road. (I didn’t get to experience this option because the glass floors weren’t completed till 2014.)

The Tower Bridge gives a sprawling view of the city and River Thames, with a closeup of the Tower of London on the north bank.

Sydney Harbour Bridge (Sydney, Australia)

In 2019, I spent a few days in Sydney and wanted to cross the iconic Harbour Bridge. But I didn’t rent a car, so I walked.

I almost did a bridge climb, which allows you to summit to the top of the bridge’s steel arch. What stopped me was the cost and the fact that I couldn’t take photos with my cell phone up there. Phones are prohibited and photos must be purchased. So, I walked.

It’s not a long bridge to walk, and the views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House are STUNNING. Even if you cross in a car, just do it.

Seven Mile Bridge (Florida Keys)

Seven Mile Bridge is an aptly named 7-mile stretch of causeway in the Florida Keys, connecting the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys. From Marathon to Duck Key, driving this stretch of open sea feels a bit surreal.

Whether you drive all the way to Key West or stop somewhere in the middle, the Overseas Highway in The Keys is one for the bucket list.

I’ve crossed this bridge a few times, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Pro tip: Stop at the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. You can pay to enter Bahia Honda State Park, but to see it up close for free, pass the state park (if you’re driving toward Key West) and stop on the other side at a small parking lot just off the highway.

Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, CA)

I’ll never forget the opening credits of Full House, with that iconic view of the vibrant Golden Gate. As a bridge-loving kid, it captivated me and I hoped to see it in person one day.

Fast forward to 2017. A cheap flight from Tampa to San Francisco took me on a spontaneous trip to the Bay Area with my sister and our friend, Kristen.

We snapped photos on Crissy Beach with the bridge behind us. We hiked Lands End for a hazy view on the other side. Then, we crossed it in a rental car on the way to Muir Woods. It felt like a childhood dream come true.

If you have a chance to see it and cross it, you won’t be disappointed. But, the last bridge on my list is even more spectacular—just lesser known. Let me tell you about the…

Mackinac Bridge (Mackinaw City, Michigan)

I grew up in Michigan, where family vacations consisted of going “up north” to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you didn’t know Michigan has an Upper Peninsula, pull up Google Maps right now for a quick geography lesson.

The Mackinac Bridge (pronounced “MACK-in-awe”) is a massive suspension bridge connecting Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Indeed it is mighty. And yes. In my opinion, even mightier than the majestic Golden Gate. There’s a reason locals call it the “Mighty Mac.”

San Francisco’s bold, orange bridge certainly receives more media attention. And between the two, giant towers, it is longer than Michigan’s Mackinac.

But overall suspension length? The Mighty Mac wins, no contest.

What many people don’t know is that the total Mackinac Bridge length from anchor to anchor is almost 5 miles. That’s the distance from the narrowest point between Michigan’s two peninsulas.

My Favorite Bridge

So, which is my favorite bridge? I think it’s pretty obvious.

Now, I’d love to know your favorite bridges from around the world. Drop them in the comments!