The Most Popular Bridge: A Ranking of Iconic Structures

Choose the bridge you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 3, 2023 07:13)
Welcome to StrawPoll, the ultimate hub for quenching your curiosity! Today, we invite you to join thousands of enthusiasts as we embark on a thrilling quest to discover the most popular bridge in the world. From iconic marvels of architecture like the Golden Gate Bridge to ancient masterpieces like the Ponte Vecchio, our extensive list of breathtaking bridges is sure to leave you in awe. So, why wait? Cast your vote for your favorite bridge, or suggest a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight. Unleash the bridge aficionado within you and together, let's build a fascinating ranking that spans continents, cultures, and centuries!

What Is the Most Popular Bridge?

  1. 1
    66
    votes
    The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world, spanning over 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate strait. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of San Francisco.
    Description
    The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge located in San Francisco, California, USA. It spans the Golden Gate Strait, a three-mile-long channel connecting the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay. The bridge is recognized for its distinctive orange-red color and stunning views of the surrounding area.
    • Location: San Francisco, California, USA
    • Type: Suspension bridge
    • Span Length: 4,200 feet (1,280 meters)
    • Height: 746 feet (227 meters) above water
    • Width: 90 feet (27 meters)
  2. 2
    38
    votes
    Tower Bridge - London, England
    Barcex · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Tower Bridge is a famous landmark in London, known for its Victorian Gothic style and the two towers that hold up the bridge. It crosses the River Thames and is a popular site for tourists.
    Description
    The Tower Bridge is a renowned suspension bridge located in London, England. It was built to cross the River Thames and has become an iconic symbol of the city. This bridge consists of two towers connected by a walkway, with a central section that can be raised to allow ships to pass through.
    • Type: Suspension bridge
    • Location: London, England
    • Construction Period: 1886-1894
    • Height: 213 feet (65 meters)
    • Length: 801 feet (244 meters)
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge that spans the East River in New York City. Completed in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and it remains a popular tourist attraction.
    Description
    The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, USA is an iconic suspension bridge that spans over the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is one of the oldest and most recognizable bridges in the United States.
    • Location: New York City, New York, USA
    • Type: Suspension bridge
    • Total Length: 1,825 meters (5,989 feet)
    • Main Span Length: 486 meters (1,595.5 feet)
    • Clearance Below: 41 meters (135 feet)
  4. 4
    27
    votes
    Sydney Harbour Bridge - Sydney, Australia
    Photograph by Greg O'Beirne · CC BY 2.5
    The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel arch bridge that spans Sydney Harbour, connecting the Sydney central business district and the North Shore. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world and a popular tourist attraction.
    Description
    The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic steel through arch bridge located in Sydney, Australia. It spans the Sydney Harbour and connects the central business district with the North Shore.
    • Arch Type: Parabolic
    • Materials: Steel
    • Location: Sydney, Australia
    • Bridge Type: Steel through arch bridge
    • Span Length: 1,149 meters (3,770 feet)
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    The Charles Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Vltava River in Prague. It is known for its Gothic architecture and the many statues that line the bridge. It is a popular site for tourists and locals alike.
    Description
    The Charles Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, attracting millions of visitors each year.
    • Type: Stone bridge
    • Length: 516 meters
    • Width: 9.5 meters
    • Construction Period: 1357 - 1402
    • Architectural Style: Gothic
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    Ponte Vecchio - Florence, Italy
    Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone bridge that crosses the Arno River in Florence. It is known for its shops that are built into the bridge, as well as its historic architecture. It is a popular site for tourists.
    Description
    Ponte Vecchio, meaning 'Old Bridge' in Italian, is a medieval stone arch bridge located in Florence, Italy. It spans the Arno River and is famous for its unique design and historical significance.
    • Location: Florence, Italy
    • Type: Medieval stone arch bridge
    • Span: 84 meters
    • Width: 32 meters
    • Materials: Stone (predominantly sandstone)
  7. 7
    12
    votes
    Rialto Bridge - Venice, Italy
    Livioandronico2013 · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Rialto Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Grand Canal in Venice. It is known for its arches and the many shops that line the bridge. It is a popular site for tourists.
    Description
    The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic and celebrated bridges in Venice, Italy. It is a stone arch bridge that spans the Grand Canal and connects the districts of San Marco and San Polo.
    • Location: Venice, Italy
    • Construction: Stone arch bridge
    • Span: 48.8 meters
    • Length: 48.7 meters
    • Width: 22.9 meters
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Akashi Strait in Japan. It is the longest suspension bridge in the world, and it is known for its engineering feat and its beautiful views. It is a popular tourist attraction.
    Description
    The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the Pearl Bridge, is a suspension bridge located in Kobe, Japan. It connects the city of Kobe to Iwaya, Awaji Island. The bridge spans the Akashi Strait, which is an important shipping route between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
    • Length: 1,991 meters
    • Main span: 1,991 meters
    • Height: 282.8 meters
    • Width: 39.6 meters
    • Clearance below: 65 meters
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Tagus River in Lisbon. It is the longest bridge in Europe, and it is known for its modern design and engineering feat. It is a popular tourist attraction.
    Description
    The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge located in Lisbon, Portugal. It spans the Tagus River and connects the districts of Parque das Nações and Montijo. The bridge is named after the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, and it serves as one of the main transportation routes in the region.
    • Total length: 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles)
    • Main span length: 420 meters (1,378 feet)
    • Total height: 150 meters (492 feet)
    • Number of lanes: 6
    • Construction started: 1995
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    Nanpu Bridge - Shanghai, China
    kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The Nanpu Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Huangpu River in Shanghai. It is known for its unique spiral design and its beautiful views of the city. It is a popular tourist attraction.

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Ranking factors for popular bridge

  1. Historical and cultural significance
    The history and cultural importance of a bridge can make it more popular among locals and tourists alike. This may include its age, the story behind its construction, or any significant events that took place on or near the bridge.
  2. Architectural design and engineering
    Aesthetically pleasing or innovative designs can contribute to a bridge's popularity. Additionally, the engineering feats required to construct the bridge, such as its length, height, or the materials used, can also make it more well-known.
  3. Landmark status
    If a bridge serves as a recognizable symbol for a city or region, it is likely to be more popular. Landmark bridges often feature in films, photographs, and other popular culture references, further contributing to their fame.
  4. Tourism
    Bridges that attract a significant number of tourists can be considered popular. This can be due to their proximity to other tourist attractions, the views from the bridge, or activities such as bridge climbing or bungee jumping that are available nearby.
  5. Pedestrian and traffic usage
    Bridges that serve as important transportation links can be popular due to the high number of people who use them regularly. This can include locals who cross the bridge for work or leisure, as well as tourists exploring the area.
  6. Media coverage and recognition
    A bridge's popularity can be further solidified through media coverage, such as articles, documentaries, or TV shows featuring the bridge. Additionally, any awards or recognition the bridge may have received can contribute to its fame.
  7. Social media presence
    In the digital age, the popularity of a bridge can be further amplified through social media. Bridges with a strong social media presence, either through official accounts or hashtags, can become more widely recognized, especially if they are frequently featured in user-generated content, such as photographs or videos.
  8. Availability of information
    Popularity can also be influenced by how easy it is for people to learn about the bridge. This can include the availability of informative signage, guided tours, or online resources detailing the history and facts about the bridge.
  9. Personal connections
    People often have personal connections to certain bridges due to their own experiences, such as crossing the bridge regularly or having important life events occur on or around the bridge. These connections can contribute to a bridge's popularity among individuals.
  10. Local pride and identity
    Bridges can serve as a point of pride for local communities or countries, making them popular symbols of regional or national identity. This can be especially true if the bridge is considered a significant engineering accomplishment or represents a unique cultural attribute.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular bridge. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or bridge is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2088 views
  • 210 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each bridge once every 24 hours. The rank of each bridge is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular bridge

Bridges are essential structures that connect people and places, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Over the years, some bridges have become iconic landmarks, attracting tourists from all over the world. But which bridge is the most popular? It's a difficult question to answer, as popularity can be subjective and depends on various factors such as location, history, and design. However, by analyzing data from our StrawPoll community, we can determine which bridges are currently trending and capturing the public's imagination. Join us as we explore the world's most popular bridges and discover what makes them so special.

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