If you’re like most people you probably cross some type of bridge almost every day of your life. Some are simple – allowing us to cross over highways and creeks – while others are massive works of art. A bridge is a bridge, you say? Not so! Many of today’s modern bridges are works of pure architectural and engineering genius. They’re not only functional but aesthetically beautiful and, in many cases, they represent a lifetime of work for a group of artists or architects. So where are some of the coolest bridges in the world located?

10. Coalbrookdale Bridge – Coalbrookdale, England

The Coalbrookdale Bridge in England was originally completed in 1779 and was the very first cast-iron bridge built in the world. The 100 foot long bridge crosses the River Severn and was at one point an industrial icon. Despite its age, the Structural Expressionist style used to create the bridge is as eye appealing today as ever before.

9. Bixby Bridge – Big Sur, California

The stunning Bixby Bridge opened to the public in 1932 and has been a fixture in Big Sur ever since. Travelers love crossing the bridge because of the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean below. This one isn’t for the faint of heart, though. It’s an impressive 714 feet long and stands more than 280 feet high – enough to give anyone with a fear of heights cause for pause.

8. Kintai Bridge – Iwakuni, Japan

The gorgeous arch bridge known as the Kintai Bridge in Japan was built in 1953. The original bridge was built in 1673 but was destroyed in a typhoon in 1950. The bridge, located in Iwakuni, is an exact replica of the original and gracefully guides travelers over the Nishiki River.

7. Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney, Australia

Perhaps one of the most visibly recognized bridges in the world, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is comprised of a single arch carrying visitors 3,770 feet across the harbor, connecting Sydney’s business district with the North Shore. The bridge is open to pedestrians, vehicles, and trains – and if you’re daring enough you can even make arrangements to climb its 440 foot height.

6. Ponte Vecchio – Florence, Italy

Known as the oldest bridge in Florence, it is believe that Ponte Vecchio was built in the mid 1350’s. A bridge existed in its place before then but was swept away in a damaging flood and miraculously was the only bridge the Nazi troops didn’t blow up during WW2. The bridge, crossing the Arno River, runs through the center of historic Florence and is still lined with little shops. This and many other Florence attractions are with minutes of nearly any of the beautiful hotels in Florence.

5. Ponte Dom Luis – Porto, Portugal

The city of Porto in Portugal is, in many circles, considered the “City of Bridges.” The Ponte Dom Luis bridge towers over the River Duoro and is one of the most well-known bridges in the city. The 1,264 foot long bridge stands 146 feet high. Completed in 1886, the Ponte Dom Luis is one of the most beautiful arch bridges in the city.

4. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge – Boston, Massachusetts

The Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge in Boston is an amazing cable-stayed bridge carrying traffic on Interstate 93 across the Charles River. The bridge was the brainchild of Swiss designer Christian Menn who imagined the bridge as a complement to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. The bridge is growing to be one of Boston’s most modern cultural icons.

3. Vasco da Gama Bridge – Lisbon, Portugal

The Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon Portugal is renowned for being the largest bridge in all of Europe. The bridge, which opened in March of 1998, can carry 6 lanes of traffic along its 10.7 miles of length. It is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the entire length of the Tagus River and is a beautiful addition to the area’s stunning skyline.

2. Brooklyn Bridge – New York City, New York

The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City was the first suspension bridge built in the world, designed with steel cable wire by architect John Roebling. Roebling, sadly, didn’t live to see the bridge open in 1883. Connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan, the bridge allows tourists to travel freely between their New York City hotels and the rest of Manhattan and the surrounding areas.

1. Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge in California was completed in 1937 and has been a San Francisco icon ever since. With towers standing almost 750 feet high, the orange-painted bridge is difficult to miss. While it’s not the only or longest suspension bridge in the world, it represents international unity and is certainly one of the most popular. The bright color makes it easy for passing ships to see the bridge coming – even in the densest San Francisco fog.

Make sure you take the time to visit these bridges if you’re ever in the area. Seeing these amazing engineering wonders up close and personal will leave you absolutely breathless!