Not all bridges are just a convenient construction to connect two points by spanning a river or valley. Some of them rank among the world’s most iconic sights and millions of tourist flock to see them every year. The following bridges are jewels of architecture and marvels of technology that have become landmarks in their own right.
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Sources: Architectural Digest, luxury travel expert
Henderson Waves Bridge (Singapore)
At it's highest point Henderson Waves bridge is just over 118 feet, making it Singapore's tallest bridge. The modern pedestrian bridge is surrounded by the regions lush natural foliage. Designed by the U.S.-based firm RSP Architects, Henderson Waves bridge connects Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park.
Seri Wawasan Bridge (Putrajaya, Malaysia)
Completed in 2003, the Seri Wawasan Bridge was designed by the Kuala Lumpur-based firm, PJSI Consultants, and is located in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Puente de la Mujer (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Designed by starchitect Santiago Calatrava, Puente de la Mujer, which was completed in 2001, is located in the commercial district of Buenos Aires.
Nescio Bridge (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Completed in 2006, Amsterdam's Nescio Bridge was so breathtaking in beauty and form that it won three major awards in a two-year span. Designed by the London-based WilkinsonEyre, the total length of the structure spans almost 2,600 feet, carrying pedestrians and cyclists over the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal.
Rialto Bridge (Venice, Italy)
Venice's Rialto Bridge, which was built in the 16th century, is the oldest bridge still standing over the city's Grand Canal.
Zubizuri (Bilbao, Spain)
The Zubizuri footbridge (which also goes by the names Campo Volantin Bridge and Puente del Campo Volantin) was built in 1997. Designed by the legendary architect Santiago Calatrava, the structure is located in Bilbao, Spain.
Manhattan Bridge (New York City, U.S.A.)
When the Manhattan Bridge was completed in 1912, it took the Brooklyn Bridge's place for the longest bridge in the city. Spanning some 6,855 feet across the East River, the Manhattan Bridge was designed by Leon Moisseiff. Today, hundreds of thousands of commuters use the bridge, crossing by automobile, subway train, bicycle, or on foot.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Bridge was completed in 2010 for a total of $300 million.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Budapest, Hungary)
Designed by the British-born engineer William Tierney Clark, Budapest's Széchenyi Chain Bridge opened in 1849 and crosses the mighty Danube river.
Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, U.S.A.)
Among the most recognizable structures in the world, San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937. Conceived by architect Irving Morrow, the Art Deco-designed building was named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The Helix Bridge (Singapore)
The Helix Bridge twists through the heart of Singapore, linking Marina Centre with Marina South. Completed in 2010, the bridge stands out in a city with modern architectural gems.
Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (Brasilia, Brazil)
Located in Brasilia, Brazil, the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge (also referred to as the JK Bridge) was designed by the architect Alexandre Chan and the structural engineer Mário Vila Verde. When it was completed in 2002, the total cost of the bridge was roughly $57 million.
Khaju Bridge (Isfahan, Iran)
Built in 1650, Isfahan's Khaju Bridge was built at the height of the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) in modern day Iran. The structure, which is 436 feet long and 40 feet wide, contains 23 arches. Beautiful in the daylight and at night, the Khaju Bridge is a popular public meeting spot.