If you were asked to guess which city in the world has the most bridges, your might immediately drift to the romantic, winding canals of Venice, Italy. However, as of 2026, the real heavyweight champion of the world isn't in Europe, it’s right here in the United States.
Which City is Known as the "City of Bridges"?
The crown belongs to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was affectionately nicknamed the "City of Bridges," and Pittsburgh officially boasts a staggering 446 bridges within its city limits.
To put that into perspective, that is actually more than Venice, which has around 400.
Whether you are looking at massive steel spans crossing wide rivers or small pedestrian walkways tucked into the hills, Pittsburgh’s skyline is defined by its yellow-painted steel and architectural variety.
Why Does Pittsburgh Have So Many Bridges?
It isn't just for show. Pittsburgh’s geography practically demands a high volume of crossings. The city is defined by the "Point," where three major rivers meet, the Allegheny, the Monongahela, and the Ohio.
It is combined with incredibly steep, hilly terrain and deep ravines, the city would be almost impossible to navigate without its bridges. They serve as the vital connective tissue between the city’s 90 distinct neighbourhoods.
Does Pittsburgh Really Have More Bridges Than Venice?
This is a favourite bit of trivia for locals. While Venice is famous for its bridges, many of theirs are small, ornamental, and strictly for foot traffic.
Pittsburgh’s count includes massive, heavy-duty roadway spans that carry thousands of cars daily. In terms of pure numbers and structural scale, Pittsburgh takes the win.
Which are the Other Cities with the most bridges in the U.S.?
While Pittsburgh holds the official title for bridges within city limits, other cities often enter the conversation depending on how you define a "bridge."
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New York City: It is often cited for its iconic structures like the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC has over 2,000 bridges and tunnels in its total infrastructure, but many of these are managed by different authorities or fall outside the "city limits" definition used for Pittsburgh's record.
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Houston, Texas: If you count every elevated roadway and culvert in a massive metropolitan area, Houston ranks very high. However, in terms of traditional spans over water and valleys, Pittsburgh remains the clear leader.
| City | Estimated Bridge Count | Key Feature |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 446 | Most within city limits worldwide. |
| New York City, NY | 789+ | Home to massive, iconic suspension spans. |
| Chicago, IL | 300+ | Famous for movable bascule bridges. |
Source: Heinz History Center & City of Pittsburgh (DOMI)
Check Out: 7 Interesting Facts about the Great Lakes
So, if you are looking for the true "City of Bridges," you must look for only the Steel City. Pittsburgh’s 446 bridges are more than just transit routesas they are historical monuments that prove how human engineering can conquer even the most rugged river terrain.
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