Anyone who’s familiar with East Cambridge will tell you that it’s generally a huge pain to get from East Cambridge to Boston by foot or bike — that is, unless you use the North Bank Bridge.

Opened in 2012, the North Bank Bridge is a godsend to any Bostonians or Cantabrigians who enjoy getting from Point A to Point B by foot or bike. This elevated pedestrian bridge passes over the commuter rail train tracks coming from North Station and under the iconic Zakim Bridge, thus connecting North Point Park in Cambridge to Paul Revere Park in Charlestown. From Paul Revere Park, all you have to do is cross the locks at the Charles River Dam to arrive in Boston’s North End, or Little Italy.

Having commuted many a time between East Cambridge to the North End, I can attest to the fact that taking a stroll through North Point Park, over North Bank Bridge, and onward into the North End is much more pleasant than a ride on the MBTA. I can’t stress enough how much this bridge is a true victory in urban planning.

One of the best parts of the North Bank Bridge is that it offers great viewpoints for taking photos of the Boston skyline, the Charles River, the Museum of Science, and the Zakim Bridge. With beautiful parks and vibrant neighborhoods on either side of the bridge, how could you even consider taking the MBTA?