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I love bridges, from the simple brick-and-mortar and wooden contraptions (I’m not so sure about the rope kind) to the massive engineering marvels with their elegant spans and towering masts. Some cross a simple stream or small creeks whilst others traverse wide rivers, harbours and canyons. It’s always a joy to cross a bridge on foot; to appreciate the views, to make my knees tremble from great heights, to enjoy the breeze or just to feel the rumble of the traffic. I’ve crossed many bridges on foot but I’ve chosen ten bridge walks which were absolutely memorable as they offered beautiful views. If you’re in any of these places, spare some time in your itinerary for a scenic bridge walk experience.

willemstad-floating-bridge-photo
The floating Emma Bridge in Willemstad, Curacao

Ten incredible bridge walks

Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of my absolute favourites. You can do the simple walk from one end to the other to enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Or you can choose the exhilarating Bridge Climb which takes you along the arch to the summit of this magnificent bridge on catwalks and ladders, more than 130 meters (+300 feet) above Sydney Harbour. I tried it years ago to challenge my fear of heights. I guess that’s why I’ll never forget this bridge walk. πŸ˜‰ Book your Bridge Climb here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Bernard Gagnon).
 

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is certainly one of the most famous bridges in the world. Crossing it by foot is an experience to treasure. The wind, the terrifying heights, the fog, the vibrating deck, and the views will be etched in your memory forever! It’s a long walk from the San Francisco city side to Marin County on the other end (and back) but oh so worth it!

best bridge walks
Golden Gate Bridge (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
 

Yokohama Bay Bridge, Yokohama, Japan

It’s not the longest or highest bridge in Japan but the Yokohama Bay Bridge is definitely one of the most spectacular. About a third of the way across the bridge is a viewing platform which offers amazing views of Yokohama Bay, the city skyline and on clear days, the stunning Mount Fuji. Not to be missed if you’re visiting Yokohama.

Yokohama Bay Bridge (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, USA

The Brooklyn Bridge is arguably one of the most famous bridges in the world. It’s been in dozens of movies and television series. In addition, who can ever forget the images of terrified New Yorkers crossing the bridge, covered in blankets of dust, in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks? The bridge is truly a global icon and a visit to New York will not be complete without a leisurely stroll across it. The views of the Manhattan skyline are breathtaking and the incessant buzz of the New York traffic below is unforgettable.

Brooklyn Bridge with a view of Lower Manhattan (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
 

Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey

The Galata Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Golden Horn in Istanbul. There were many designs for a bridge crossing at this spot over the centuries, including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. However, the first bridge was built in the 19th century. The Galata Bridge that spans the Golden Horn today is the fifth version. A walk across the Galata is a true feast for the senses. The stunning minarets of the Hagia Sophia, Blue and SΓΌleymaniyeh mosques and the Galata Tower form a striking backdrop while the spice-filled air, the anglers, and the traffic (cars, buses and trams) on the bridge and the many boats plying the Golden Horn below will keep your senses tantalised! Read more about ways to experience Istanbul like a local.

Galata Bridge in Istanbul (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

The Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river that meanders through the city of Prague. It is one of the city’s most famous icons and deservedly so. This historic bridge, with its 16 arches and three Gothic bridge towers, was built in the 14th century and is lined with gorgeous statues. I recommend walking across the bridge both in the daytime, when the bridge is crowded with day-trippers, artisans, artists and souvenir vendors, and in the early evening. When the vendors and artisans have packed up, the day-trippers have left, and the lights illuminating the bridge and Prague Castle are turned on, the bridge turns into, arguably, one of the most romantic spots in Europe.

Charles Bridge in Prague by night (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
 

Tower Bridge, London, England

Often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge (I guess that nursery rhyme had something to do with it), the Tower Bridge is one of the most famous symbols of London, and probably the most famous bascule bridge in the world. It’s a short stroll across the bridge but the views over the Thames to the Tower of London (another iconic landmark), the lovely Butler’s Wharf and the futuristic London City Hall (designed by Norman Foster) will stay with you forever. You can also visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition which showcases the history of the bridge and includes a walk across the high walkway across the bridge.

London Tower Bridge (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Pont des Arts, Paris, France

The Pont des Arts is my favourite bridge in Paris. This elegant metal bridge, with its nine arches, crosses the Seine river and connects the Louvre with the Institut de France. The best part: it’s a pedestrian bridge. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge in the evenings to watch the Paris lights and be temporarily blinded by the cruise boats as they pass by below! πŸ™‚

Pont des Arts in Paris (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
 

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio is a gorgeous medieval bridge that spans the Arno river in Florence. Its most distinguishing feature is the fact that it has houses and shops built on it. If you’re visiting Florence, do some research on the fascinating history of this bridge before you visit. It’s an amazing story involving the Medici family, merchants and some of Italy’s greatest architects. As you walk across the present-day bridge, with its jewellery, art houses and souvenir shops, recalling the history of the bridge will help you truly appreciate its beauty.

Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
 

Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni, Japan

My favourite wooden bridge, the Kintai Bridge is absolutely one-of-a-kind. Located in Iwakuni, a town in the Yamaguchi Prefecture on Honshu island, the Kintai Bridge will keep you captivated for hours. I’d never seen anything like it before. Built in the 17th century, the bridge is one of the National Treasures of Japan and crosses the Nishiki river in a series of wave-like curves. The views from the bridge of the lush forested hills and the impressive Iwakuni Castle are absolutely gorgeous. In spring, the breathtaking cherry blossoms add a touch of magic to the surroundings of this incredible bridge.

bridge walks
Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Which other great bridge walks would you add to this list? Please add your suggestions in the comments section. πŸ™‚

58 Responses

  • Mackinac Bridge between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan.
    Mackinac Bridge is the 4th longest bridge in the world.
    The bridgewalk occurs every Labor Day holiday.

  • I’m a sucker for bridges, my favorite being the bridge that lies next to my house in Spain. Still, the Galata Bridge is absolutely magical and I’d also tout the Chain Bridge in Budapest or the covered bridges of the Atlantic communities. I’ve surprisingly never lived in a city without a river!

  • I recently visited the Forth Railway Bridge in Scotland which is a marvel of construction. I hhave walked across the Bristol Suspension Bridge and slept under the Pont Neuf in Paris (back when you could do that sort of thing) but my bridge highlight was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

  • I have a thing for bridges and one of the best I’ve crossed was Dom Luis I in Portugal, which goes across the Duoro River, connecting Oporto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The lower part of the bridge is used by the tram line and by pedestrians whereas the upper part can be crossed by metro, by car or on foot. The views from the upper part are spectacular, you are at the same level with the top of the hill on which the Porto old town is whereas down you can see the river banks with all the jolly restaurants and the promenade. Fantastic!
    There are actually 4 bridges in Oporto; Dona Maria Pia Bridge having been constructed my Gustave Eiffel (in the same style as the tower in Paris) before building the Eiffel Tower.

  • Some of my favorites are:
    Ha-penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland;
    Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin, Ireland;
    FDR Mid-Hudson Bridge, Poughkeepsie, NY

  • ponte vecchio is a lovely bridge in such an enchanting city! if i remember well is also the only Florence’s bridge that wasn’t destroyed in worl war II

  • Thanks for the links to Air Treks, it makes so easy to plan RTW trips. Only at the moment Osaka/Tokyo it is better remove from this itinerary πŸ™

  • Hello George,
    Thanks for your comment. I agree with your suggestions – those are great bridges to walk across as well. I would’ve included the Bosphorus Bridge (indeed, where else can you cross a bridge from one continent to another?!), however, it is no longer possible to walk across it, unless you run the annual marathon. πŸ™‚

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • I just came across this page, over a year after it was put up…

    I am not a bridge fan, as it were. By happenstance, I have been on five of these bridges.

    For beauty one could easily add Ponte Sant’Angelo and Ponte Vittorio Emmanuele II in Rome, just steps from each other near the Vatican. Or for sheer visuals, how about Pont d’IΓ©na, with the Eiffel tower on one end and Chaillot at the other?

    But my one major beef with this selection is Istanbul. The Galata is interesting enough for local colour. But the bridge to cross in Turkey is the Bosphorus Bridge. How often do you get to cross from one CONTINENT to another???

    cheers

  • Hi

    Can I just say what a nice collection, the Sydney harbour Bridge was actually made in the UK in my home town of Middlesbrough, it’s stamped made in Middlesbrough also. There are lots of great bridges in the UK have you heard of the Forth Bridge, the Humber Bridge & the Transporter Bridge also in Middlesbrough and a bit further up the Tees River is the Newport Bridge, while these last 2 might not provide the longest of walks they are very special in the world of bridges as they are 2 of a kind and no further than 5 miles apart I am lucky enough to be able to see both on a daily basis. The Transporter is 100 years old next year take a look via wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesbrough_Transporter_Bridge

    Great post good luck with your future walks
    Dan

  • That Yokohama Bay Bridge was totally new for us – and what a stunning photo! *whistels admiring*

    Yes, very brilliant idea too with the RTW bridge tour !

  • Agree totally with you but I’ve only done Sydney Harbour, Tower Bridge, Charles Bridge and Ponts des Arts so far. Still have 6 more on the list!

  • […] for and embed photos & videos in my […]

  • The George Washington Bridge in NYC. You can see the Little Red Light House from there and great views of Manhattan and New Jersey.

    Also, the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie, NY. Great Hudson River views from there.

  • Thank you Megan for the tip. I’ve never been there but will definitely make a note of it.

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • Hi Keith – great idea for a blog post.
    I’ve had the pleasure of traversing 4 of these spans and by far my favorite is Tower Bridge. I never tire of it. I always feel transported to Victorian London despite the modern whirl of traffic speeding by and I’m always excited to see the span rise for a passing ship….such fun.

  • Thank you Helen for this wonderful tip. I’ve not heard of this bridge but will definitely be checking it out, in case I’m ever in the neighbourhood! πŸ™‚

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • The Transporter Bridge in Newport (Gwent) UK is one of only a handful in the world and 2 in the UK. It may not be in a glamorous setting, but riding across it in the gondola or climbing over the top via a series of steep steps is a thrill that has never failed to diminish (for me, anyway). And, yes, I know the Harbour bridge in Sydney extremely well (used to live there!) and the U.S. bridges well, and still say, that I love the good ol’ Transporter! There is so much fascinating history to it that is well worth looking in to as well.
    The bridge is closed at the moment, but has just got funds to reopen in time for the Ryder Cup 2010 being staged in Newport.

  • Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Rialto in Venice is another wonderful bridge bur it’s a pretty short walk. πŸ™‚ I’ve seen the Millau bridge several times. It’s not open to pedestrians though, except during the annual marathon.

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • I would add the Jacques Cartier Bridge in Montreal. It’s got a lovely 30’s Art Deco thing going, and a great view of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. Plus it takes you to St. Helen’s island, where you can visit the Casino, the BiosphΓ¨re, the FINA aquatic park, a decent artificial beach, the Gilles Villeneuve Formula 1 track, La Ronde amusement park, and the pleasant Jean Drapeau park. In the summer, it’s the best place to watch the fireworks festival.

  • Great list, you made a right pick for the best bridges in the world. This is my next attraction and of course I will include this in my itinerary for the year 2010. Thanks for sharing this.

  • I would also like to recommend a different kind of bridge in Amarapura Burma.

    The U Bein bridge is the longest teak bridge in the world (1,2km). Out in the country, beautifully quiet, there’s a 1.2 km long teak bridge across a shallow lake, built by U Bein (the mayor) at the same time as the United States was building a constitution.

    Really nice walking experience during sunrise or sunset!

  • Thank you for your comment. Wow, walking across the River Kwai bridge, with its tragic history, must certainly have been a big experience. Thanks for sharing.

  • Thats a great article with fab pictures. Last year we walked over the River Kwai Bridge in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

    Not as pretty, but definitely a big experience!

  • Great list! I have been lucky enough to visit four of them! I’ll add the brand new Walkway over the Hudson, in Poughkeepsie, NY. It just happens to be in my hood. It’s really beautiful in the Fall when the foliage has turned bright orange and deep red.

  • Thank you Kathryn & Andy for your comments.

    Kathryn: Yes, the Chain Bridge in Budapest is another great bridge to cross. Fab views of Buda.
    Andy: You mean the Millau Viaduct? Yup, I would love to see it (I’ve only seen it twice from the air – if you’re flying from Amsterdam to Spain, you can’t miss it on a clear day) though I’m not sure pedestrians are allowed on it.

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • What a great idea for a post! I love bridges too, and often make a detour to see one that is spectacular (I would love to see the one in southern France that crosses the deep valley, can’t remember the name now). I’m also fond of the rickety wooden bridges in Asia that seem to be constructed each year and then washed away.
    I am yet to see the 2 Japanese bridges on your list; hopefully this year!
    Thanks for an enjoyable read.

  • Great post! I’ve had the good fortune to cross six of these and would second Antoine’s comment about the fantastic picnicking to be had on the Pont des Arts!

    The only other bridge that I’ve crossed (so far) that I think may deserve mention is the Chain Bridge – connecting Buda and Pest into Budapest in Hungary.

    Cheers,
    Kathryn

  • Thanks for your comment Antoine. Wow, that’s a great summer tip for Paris. I didn’t know that – I’ve never visited Paris in the summer! Haha! But I’ll make sure to head down to the Pont des Arts if I do.

    Cheers,
    Keith

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