Beautiful Bridges: View the 27 World's Most Spectacular Bridges

One of the most significant features of the architecture is a bridge . Bridges not only allow us to cross a gap safely, but also allow people to enjoy the same level of freedom as other structures. Despite their functional status, bridges do not have to be ordinary in design.

Some of the world’s leading architects have designed some of the most beautiful bridges. From the Abu Dhabi Bridge, designed by architect and activist Zaha Hadid, to the Khaju Bridge in Iran, we’ve rounded up 20 of the world’s most beautiful and functional bridges.

01. Constitution Bridge (Venice, Italy)

The Constitution Bridge, completed in 2008, is an iconic structure in Venice that stands out from the rest of the city. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the bridge is curved and features a ribbed design.

Photo by: Getty Images

02. Henderson Waves Bridge (Singapore)

The Henderson Waves Bridge measures just over 118 feet at its highest point, making it the tallest bridge in Singapore. The lush natural foliage of the region surrounds the modern pedestrian bridge. American firm RSP Architects designed the Henderson Waves Bridge connecting Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park.

Photo: Getty Images/Vichie81

03. Seri Wawasan Bridge (Putrajaya, Malaysia)

The Seri Wawasan Bridge in Putrajaya, Malaysia, was built in 2003 by the Malaysian firm PJSI Consultants.

Photo: Getty Images/Christian Kober

04. Nescio Bridge (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

WilkinsonEyre designed the Nescio Bridge in Amsterdam, which was considered one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Its length spans nearly 2,500 feet and carries cyclists and pedestrians across the Rhine channel.

Photo: Getty Images/Richard Wareham Photography

05. Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)

The Rialto Bridge in Venice, built in the 16th century, is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal in the city.

Photo: Getty Images/Rudy Balasko

06. Zubizuri Bridge (Bilbao, Spain)

The Zubizuri Bridge, which passes through the Campo Volantin and the Campo Volantin Bridge, was built in 1997 by Santiago Calatrava in Spain.

Photo: Getty Images/traumschoen

07. Manhattan Bridge (New York, USA)

The Manhattan Bridge, which spans the East River in New York, was completed in 1912. It is the longest structure in the city. Designed by Leon Moisseiff, it spans over 6,700 feet in length. Hundreds of thousands of people use it every day.

Photo: Getty Images/Filippo Bacci

08. Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Bridge was designed by the late Zaha Hadid and was completed in 2010 for $300 million.

Photo: Getty Images/Richard Sharrocks

09. Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Budapest, Hungary)

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, designed by British-born engineer William Tierney Clark, opened in 1849 and spanned the mighty Danube River.

Photo: Getty Images/Peter Horvath

10. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, USA)

The Golden Gate Bridge, which spans the San Francisco Bay, was completed in 1937. Designed by Irving Morrow, it was considered one of the most important structures in the world at the time.

Photo: Getty Images/vicm

11. Women’s Bridge (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Puente de la Mujer was designed by star architect Santiago Calatrava, completed in 2001, it is located in the commercial district of Buenos Aires.

Photo: Getty Images/fotoquique

12. The Helix Bridge (Singapore)

The Helix Bridge, completed in 2010, spans the heart of Singapore, linking Marina Center to Marina South. The bridge stands out in a city with modern architectural gems.

Photo: Getty Images/TommL

13. Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (Brasilia, Brazil)

The Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge was built in the capital of Brazil, Brasilia. Alexandre Chan and Mrio Vila Verde designed it. The cost of the bridge was approximately $57 million when it was completed in 2002.

Photo: Getty Images/rmnunes

14. Millau Viaduct (Creissels, France)

The Millau Viaduct is a bridge spanning the River Tarn in southern France. It is the tallest structure in the world, with a summit of more than a thousand feet above the ground. The engineer Michel Virlogeux and the architect Norman Foster built it and it was inaugurated in 2004.

Photo: Getty Images/bensib

15. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)

The Charles Bridge, which spans the Vltava River in Prague, was built in the 15th century. The span stretches over 1,700 feet in elevation. It is made of stone and features numerous statues on both sides.

Photo: Getty Images/courtyardpix

16. Brooklyn Bridge (New York, USA)

The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River in New York and has a rich history. In 1883, it was completed after a stampede killed 12 people. To prove to the public that it was safe, officials paraded more than 20 elephants along the stretch. Today, around 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians cross the bridge every day.

Photo: Getty Images/Onfokus

17. Khaju Bridge (Isfahan, Iran)

The Khaju Bridge, which is located in Isfahan, was built in 1650 during the time of the Safavid dynasty. It spans over 400 feet in length and has 23 arches. This structure is a popular meeting place.

Photo: Getty Images/Nat and Yanna Brandt

18. High Bridge (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

The Amsterdam High Bridge was designed by West 8, a New York-based company. Also called Python Bridge.

Photo: Getty Images/Martin Ruegner

19. Tower Bridge (London, England)

London Bridge, spanning the River Thames, is a must-see for tourists. It was inaugurated in 1894 and allowed the passage of pedestrians and cars. It also allows the passage of river traffic. The bascules of the bridge have an angle of 86 degrees.

Photo: Getty Images/RF Moment

20. The Twist (Jevnaker, Norway)

The three-part project by Bjarke Ingels Group was completed in 2019. It consists of a museum, a bridge and a sculpture. The sculpture, which measures nearly 11,000 square feet, joins two wooded riverbanks. It also completed the route through Kistefos, considered the most outstanding European sculpture park.