Philadelphia is surrounded by rivers and canals, from Manayunk to the mighty Delaware to the scenic Schuylkill. There are so many historic and impressive bridges that cross these waterways, and Philadelphians pass by these bridges every day. Next time you happen to be on or nearby one of these bridges in Philadelphia, take a few minutes to appreciate their architecture and history.
- Falls Bridge
Flickr / Garen Meguerian Falls Bridge is a gorgeous steel bridge that crosses the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. It’s a favorite place for cyclists due to the pretty view.
- Ben Franklin Bridge
Flickr / Jason Murphy Philadelphia’s most iconic bridge opened as the Delaware River Bridge on July 1, 1926, three days ahead of schedule. Local legend states that nothing involving the BFB was completed ahead of schedule ever again.
- Wissahickon Covered Bridge
Flickr / John Delacy The bright red covered bridge in Wissahickon Park was built in 1737, and it’s the only remaining covered bridge in the park.
- Manayunk Bridge
Flickr / PW Baker You’ll have to walk or pedal across the historic Manayunk Viaduct between Bala Cynwyd in and Manayunk, but the view is worth the effort.
- Girard Point Bridge
Flickr / kisforkate This double decker truss bridge caries I-95 over the Schuylkill River.
- Walt Whitman Bridge
Flickr/ Laura Pontiggia The Walt Whitman Bridge, spanning from Camden to South Philly, opened in May of 1957. It’s one of the largest bridges on the East Coast.
- South Street Bridge
Flickr / Terry Robinson One of the best views of Philadelphia’s skyline comes from the South Street Bridge - it’s a favorite spot for morning joggers to take a short rest.
- Market Street Bridge
Flickr / Peter Miller Enjoy a pretty view of historic 30th Street Station when you cross the Market Street Bridge. If you’re driving, you’ll probably have plenty of time to enjoy the view. Traffic here can be intense!
- Tacony-Palmyra Bridge
Flickr / Peter Miller. The Tacony-Palmyra bridge is so interesting to me. For one, signs for the bridge start as far away as Ocean County! Also, it’s a major river crossing bridge, but it still occasionally halts traffic to open up for large ships. It’s definitely unique when compared to the other major Delaware River bridges.
- Strawberry Mansion Bridge
Flickr / Michael W. Murphy The historic Strawberry Mansion bridge is always a sight to see, especially at night. From the crossing, you’ll find beautiful views of Philadelphia.
- Betsy Ross Bridge
Wikimedia Commons The Betsy Ross Bridge crossing the Delaware River opened during America’s bicentennial year in 1976, and was named for the famous seamstress that made many of the flags carried by the Revolutionary Army. It was the first automotive bridge named for a woman in America.
You’ll catch impressive views of the skyline or neighborhood from any of the above spots. After all, these bridges are all Philadelphia landmarks, much like these 12 Iconic Places Every True Philadelphian Will Instantly Recognize.
Flickr / Garen Meguerian
Falls Bridge is a gorgeous steel bridge that crosses the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. It’s a favorite place for cyclists due to the pretty view.
Flickr / Jason Murphy
Philadelphia’s most iconic bridge opened as the Delaware River Bridge on July 1, 1926, three days ahead of schedule. Local legend states that nothing involving the BFB was completed ahead of schedule ever again.
Flickr / John Delacy
The bright red covered bridge in Wissahickon Park was built in 1737, and it’s the only remaining covered bridge in the park.
Flickr / PW Baker
You’ll have to walk or pedal across the historic Manayunk Viaduct between Bala Cynwyd in and Manayunk, but the view is worth the effort.
Flickr / kisforkate
This double decker truss bridge caries I-95 over the Schuylkill River.
Flickr/ Laura Pontiggia
The Walt Whitman Bridge, spanning from Camden to South Philly, opened in May of 1957. It’s one of the largest bridges on the East Coast.
Flickr / Terry Robinson
One of the best views of Philadelphia’s skyline comes from the South Street Bridge - it’s a favorite spot for morning joggers to take a short rest.
Flickr / Peter Miller
Enjoy a pretty view of historic 30th Street Station when you cross the Market Street Bridge. If you’re driving, you’ll probably have plenty of time to enjoy the view. Traffic here can be intense!
Flickr / Peter Miller.
The Tacony-Palmyra bridge is so interesting to me. For one, signs for the bridge start as far away as Ocean County! Also, it’s a major river crossing bridge, but it still occasionally halts traffic to open up for large ships. It’s definitely unique when compared to the other major Delaware River bridges.
Flickr / Michael W. Murphy
The historic Strawberry Mansion bridge is always a sight to see, especially at night. From the crossing, you’ll find beautiful views of Philadelphia.
Wikimedia Commons
The Betsy Ross Bridge crossing the Delaware River opened during America’s bicentennial year in 1976, and was named for the famous seamstress that made many of the flags carried by the Revolutionary Army. It was the first automotive bridge named for a woman in America.
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