8 Famous Suspension Bridges in the World – My Experience
I travel not to solely spend a vacation. I travel to explore the unknowns. The natural wonders, architectural marvels, religious beliefs, traditions, customers many more. Be it natural or be it man-made, they are a source of immense knowledge and learnings. The instinct to decipher the truth, tale and mysteries concealed within them is something I treasure and cherish in my memories for a long. In this article today, I ecstatically present the 8 famous suspension bridges in the world; I have visited during my many international travel journeys. I had earlier written one article about the famous suspension bridges in India, my country. You can also read it along with this article.
Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan
If you are not afraid of heights and enjoy adventure and thrill, you will really love to walk along the Punakha Suspension Bridge in Bhutan. One of the oldest bridges in the world, extending to a length of about 160 metres. Pioneered by Thangtong Gyalpo, a Buddhist monk, the bridge is there for years in a stable and sturdy state. The exciting part of the bridge is it is suspended through chains and not by any wooden platform. So as you walk along it, you can feel the soothing breeze whizz past you. I enjoyed every moment as I trudged along through the bridge, balancing myself to click a selfie and multiple photos of the mesmerising view around. If you love thrill and challenge in your journey like me, you will definitely appreciate the adrenaline-rush experience.
Tower Bridge in London
Whenever I am in London, it is sort of customary to visit the Tower Bridge both during the day and at night. And why do I mention both day and night. Well, for that you need to personally visit the bridge. During the day, you witness the intrinsic works of architecture adorning its magnificent towers. At night, the dazzling lights sparkling through the entire structure of the bridge, create a bright and vibrant atmosphere all around. It is hence one of the remarkable bridges in the world. Inaugurated in 1894 by the Princess of Wales, it elongates to a length of about 240 meters with the towers rising as high as 61 meters above the river Thames. The best part of the bridge is the two parallel walkways connecting the two twin towers of the bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
I still relish the memories of my visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright reddish-orange colours gleaming through the sky, embracing the horizon with its majestic heights, are truly an enigmatic experience. As per my experience, one of the uniquely built bridges in the world. You might be wondering the bridge earned its name because of its colours. Well, that's not exactly is the story behind it. The name was essentially decided by John C. Freemont who found the bay or the strait resembling that of a similar strait in Istanbul. The decision regarding the colour is a bit different. It is said that originally when the red primer was applied, an engineer found it to be an attractive one and hence the reddish paint was used for the entire bridge. You can walk around the bridge premises, visit a cafe and another sightseeing spot at Fort Point.
Brooklyn Bridge in New York
New York has always been my favourite city in the US. I still remember the late-night visits to Times Square and during the day roaming around the city at the popular destinations. And truly how can I miss mentioning about the Brooklyn Bridge which I have visited so often. It's considered as the iconic landmark of New York with the incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the waterfront. Opened to the public in 1883; during its era, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, constructed in steel. Stretching to about a length of 1596 feet, it's indeed a pleasure to enjoy a leisure walk on the bridge. The bridge as I understand is currently under renovation, the plan was to continue till 2023. The pandemic might have changed some plans, yet to receive the latest news.
George Washington Bridge in New York
Innumerable times I have crossed the bridge in my car. The bridge essentially connects New York and New Jersey. We had friends staying at New Jersey so for obvious reasons we were frequent visitors to the place. Crossing the bridge had a different feeling every time and I never could control myself clicking multiple shots with my camera. Constructed over the Hudson River, it is one of the busiest bridges in the world. Currently, the bridge has two decks with 14 lanes to control the heavy influx of traffic each day. The bridge is significant in a way that it connects some important landmarks – Manhattan, New Jersey and Fort Lee. Two very phenomenal persons who need to be mentioned for gifting such a magnificent bridge are architect Cass Gilbert and engineer Othmar Ammann.
Bear Mountain Bridge in New York
Well, you must be wondering why am I mentioning bridges mostly in New York. The fact that I had stayed majorly on the east coast of the US. New York, New Jersey, Boston, Washington and Virginia were my common destinations and I had explored them a lot. Bear Mountain was one such spot which I had visited quite a few times during the weekends to spend a solitude and tranquil time among the greenery. And hence crossing the bridge was never missed. The bridge was constructed in 1924 with 2 lanes, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to trail along the walkways. You must visit the bride and the mountain categorically during the Fall season. The elegant structure of the bridge intertwines with nature's eccentric beauty to proclaim an incredible aura.
Rainbow International Bridge in Niagara Falls
Staying in the US and not visiting the astonishing Niagara Falls, definitely a big miss. I am yet to visit the Falls from the Canada side, in my bucket list though. Nevertheless, be it US or Canada, you will be able to watch the iconic Rainbow International bridge. The reason being termed as iconic is that it connects as a gateway between the two prestigious cities of Niagara Falls – New York and Ontario in Canada. The arch structure of the bridge over the waters is an awe-struck and memorable view to engulf and cherish. I could not shift my eyes of watching such an incredible charisma I must say. The bridge was opened to the public in 1940. You can try for a helicopter tour if you can afford one. The reason being the bird's eye view of the bridge combined with the enormous falls is indeed a lifetime experience.
Zakim Bridge in Boston
One of the exceptionally architected and designed bridges in the world. Well as I had mentioned before, being stayed in the east coast of the US, Boston was also one of my preferred destinations. I had visited the city thrice, never to miss the breathtaking beauty of the Zakim bridge. There are 10 lanes and is conveniently wide for easy flow of traffic. The bridge has two towers with cables spreading across to form huge triangles replicating the sails of a ship. The design is a treat to the eyes and every time I visit the bridge I just stand quiet soaking myself into the vastness of its structural beauty. Last but not the least, Zakim bridge was constructed as a memorial and respect for Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill, a renowned civil rights activist.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the bridges. Do share your experience of visiting suspension bridges in different parts of the world, would love to hear about them.
Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
One of my favorites is the High Coast Bridge in Sweden. It was inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, but its location is even more stunning 🙂
Thats a great information. I will definitely like to visit High Coast Bridge.
The bridges are really great.. I would love to visit them all.
You should dear
I would love to visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Franciso. I want to experience how it is crossing the bridge by walking.
I did not walk on it but you can stand beside or drive on it.
One of my favourite ones is the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge in Lisbon. It looks very much like the Golden Gate bridge 😊
Wow good to know about it. I will surely add in my list
I am one who is not afraid of heights and would definitely walk the Punakha bridge. Love the views
Its just an amazing feeling standing in the middle of the bridge
These are beautiful bridges! The tower bridge in London is quite mesmerizing!
Its simply great, both during day and night
How lovely! I really want to see the Golden Bridge. I find it very fascinating.
Bridges kind of freak me out, but they are pretty!
You can visit the cool ones, with less heights
This is a great list. I have an odd fascination when it comes to bridges. I have seen 6 out of the 8 bridges you mentioned.
Wow thats great. Me too fascinated by bridges
The pandemic has really change lot of things,I still can’t believe that Brooklyn bridge renovation Has stopped,good to know!
Not stopped I believe, there may be new dates for completion
Wow! I should all take note of these bridges! Can’t wait to visit all of them.
Do please visit them you will like
Suspension bridges are so amazing. I’m always fascinated with how they can span such huge distances without falling.
Yes I agree with you, its amazing
I love all of these. I’ve always loved suspension bridges. I have tons of photos of all the ones I’ve seen in my collection.
Thats great. The designer and architects are so talented to come up wth such amazing creations
Great travel information for travellers. I really want to visit to london .Thanks for sharing the article.
Please do it’s a wonderful city
Wow! These awesome bridges looks so amazing and mesmerizing. Thanks for sharing this with us, it’s like we are with you on your travel here. Loved it!
I am so glad you liked it
These bridges are all so gorgeous! I’m glad that you included the Zakim Bridge in my hometown of Boston. I especially love seeing it when it’s lit up – it’s just beautiful.
I missed the lit up part as I visited during daytime. Thanks for reading the article
These suspension bridges are not just bridges to connect two islands, they are also a work of art. I haven’t visited these places, but hopefully soon! For now, my favorite is the bridge in Sydney 🙂
Yes my friends had sent some pictures of Sydney bridge. Hope to visit soon
Thanks for the summary of some awesome bridges and interestingly I think I have been to a lot of them! My favourite is of course the Tower Bridge in London 🙂 – Knycx Journeying
Its truly wonderful
I would love to travel the world and see all of these suspension bridges! What a unique set of travel destinations!
Thank you so much