Guide to Charles Bridge Prague

Discover the bridge's history and get valuable tips for your visit.

Charles Bridge in Prague is absolutely incredible. A must-see centerpiece spanning the Vltava river and connecting Old Town to Lesser Town.

This iconic bridge is a historical work of art. So I suggest giving it some time to experience its grandeur properly.

You've got tips and local suggestions on this page to do just that - discover the bridge fully.

Charles bridge looking to Old TownGet off the bridge for more beauty!

A Brief History of Charles Bridge Prague

First, a little history. I promise it will be short and not too boring :)

Prague's famous bridge wasn't the first to span the Vltava River. After the destruction of the original Judith Bridge due to flooding, emperor Charles IV set out to have a new bridge built.

And, legend has it that the bridge's construction began precisely in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at  5:31 am.

Charles IV chose this time so that when written, the date is all odd numbers: 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.

The bridge was supervised by Peter Parler and constructed with sandstone. Another legend insists that egg was used in the original mortar - which is why the bridge has survived so long.

Long been considered a tale, this theory has recently been supported by tests finding organic materials in the bridges mortar.

The first statues were added to the bridge in the 17th century. The current statues are mostly replicas since the city has chosen to preserve the originals from weather elements.

The bridge is now named after Charles IV, but this name wasn't used until 1870.

Wide angle of Charles bridge seen from Manes bridge

5 Tips for Visiting Charles Bridge

If you can't tell already, I'm a bit obsessed with this bridge. Once you see it in person, you'll understand.

Maybe it's the Gothic towers or its 30 statues. Or, the amazing views it offers from its cobbled surface.

Either way it's a magical place.

The following tips will help you discover and see more of Charles Bridge Prague.

1. Get off, go under and go around

Charles bridge from Mala Strana north side

This is my favorite tip!

Because by simply getting off the bridge, you get a wonderful perspective of the bridge's beauty - and you can avoid 90% of the people on it.

I do this from Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Before walking through the bridge tower, I turn left and go down and under the bridge. Here you can see the bridge's wonderful stonework and details that you miss from above.

Then, I walk under the bridge across the Čertovka canal and onto Kampa Island. From here there are plenty of options to just wander and get up-close and personal with the bridge

Walk south on Kampa Island and turn left after the Archibald Hotel. Behind the hotel you can try a riverside restaurant or loop back toward the bridge and pass under it again. If you go this way, there is a particularly fantastic view of the bridge looking toward Old Town.

If you continue walking under the bridge, you'll see a children's playground just ahead. Feel free to enter and walk toward the river for another interesting view. Have a seat on a bench and just soak it all in.

Best of all, the crowds are much thinner here. Considering the thousands of people passing above you on the bridge, this will be a quiet gem. And it will take only 5 minutes of your time.

2. Plan a morning visit to Charles Bridge

Charles bridge facing Old Town hazy morningSpend a morning on the bridge. Unforgettable!

As mentioned, Charles bridge gets crowded. Really crowded. Especially during the day from about 10:00 am. And, weekends in can be even worse.

So, take one day to get up early and visit.

I know, you may be tired from traveling. But seeing the bridge in the morning is transformational.

The sun coming up behind Old Town and awakening the castle with its rays - incredible.

This experience alone can revolutionize your trip. I'm dead serious.

Of course, visiting in the evening is a great option. Keep in mind, in warmer months the bridge stays crowded quite late since we have more daylight. Better yet, take a late night walk across the bridge - stunning!

And, surprise! You don't have to get here before the sun rises.

Try to come at least between 8:00-9:00 AM if you can. I promise, an early morning on this bridge will make all your tired efforts worth it.

The bridge is a totally different place without the crowds. You can breathe easy, relax and take many more photos without the hassle of dodging people.

3. By boat, it's completely different

Charles Bridge Prague with Tour Boat River boat with Charles Bridge - perfect combo

Cruising along the Vltava River is both a wonderful experience and a smart thing to do. Yes, it may seem a bit touristy but boats offer an up-close view that you can't get by any other means.

And boat trips don't have to take a lot of time.

Most boats start just north of the bridge and head upstream, but you can also find the small Prague Venice boats on the canal. These offer short, more intimate rides with smaller boats.

The larger boats will offer various types of excursions and lengths, including some that provide dinner.

But I recommend booking in advance. You'll have more options and less stress during your visit.

4. Climb a Tower!

View of Charles Bridge from Old Town Tower

The towers on either end of the bridge are open to visitors. Each offers a small historical exhibition.

But, the splendid views will be your focal point.

I can honestly say that visiting these are one of my favorite things to do in Prague. The endless photo opportunities and a bird's eye views are unmatched.

Sorry, the towers don't have elevators and the walk to the top can be a little narrow, especially in the Old Town Tower. But it's well worth the adventure.

If you can't visit both, I would go with the Old Town side. It's exhibition focuses more on the bridge and includes historical details that are very interesting. And, it has a  spectacular rooftop view of the bridge and Prague Castle. More information

5. Beauty from a distance

Charles Bridge at Sunset with Old Town spires

To give Charles Bridge the full attention it deserves, we need to go one step further - away from the bridge.

Getting some distance between you and the bridge will give you much more appreciation for its architecture and historical signficance. You can also see its arches and length from these viewpoints.

I've labeled them on this map and added descriptions down below.

  1. From the norther tip of Střelecký Ostrov (Shooter's Island). At the northern end of the island you will find a little sandy 'beach' with incredible views of Charles Bridge in Prague. It's amazing that people don't visit this point more often. You can find a video and more here.
  2. The next bridge to the north, Manes Bridge, offers the best view to see the arches and length.
  3. Just below Manes Bridge is a little park that was recently renovated and has benches and a lovely viewpoint.
  4. Head up to Letna Park for one of Prague's famous viewpoints. From Hanavsky Pavilion you can see a number of bridges spanning the Vltava.
  5. From Old Town, there are wonderful views all along the river embankment south of the bridge. But, there's a particular spot at Karlovy Lazne where you can get close for an incredible view. Look for the Bedrich Smetana statue. 

What to see on Charles Bridge?

Charles bridge plaque

Walking across the bridge is a visual treat. But here are a few thoughts to keep in mind that might make your experience richer.

  • Rub the plaque. About halfway down on the north side of the bridge is a statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Legend says that if you rub the plaque (see above) you will one day return to Prague.
  • 30 Statues - Obviously you want to see the statues, but look for the numerous hidden symbols and figures among them. Some of the statues are loaded with details.
  • Mill wheel - Near the Mala Strana side, you will cross over a canal (Certovka). Up the southern side you can still see an original mill wheel.
  • Lesser known spots - The main attractions will be obvious from the bridge - Old Town, the National Theatre, and Prague Castle to name a few. But what about other sights? Don't miss the giant metronome 'ticks' from Letna Park above the river north of the bridge. The world's largest Stalin statue once stood there. Or, catch a glimpse of penguin statues lined up beside Kampa Museum of Art.
Charles bridge paddle boats

Oh, I almost forgot!

A fun way to see the bridge is by renting a pedal or row boat.

Great for kids or romantic couples, highly recommended.

Rent them by the hour (about 300 CZK) from Slovanský Island near the National Theatre.

Final thoughts on Charles Bridge Prague

The bridge is much more than a footpath between two points. It's a work of art with immense history

And it holds significant symbolic and practical importance to Prague's history.

So why not imagine other ways you can experience it?

For me, I love the physicality of the bridge. I still marvel at its large stonework and structure that has stood the test of floods and wars. So, I find ways to get up-close and personal with the bridge.

What about you?

What if you couldn't cross the bridge, how would you experience it?

Yes, the bridge can get crowded.

But don't give up. There's so much awesomeness here.

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