Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek
A historic and intricately designed pedestrian bridge over the Vltava River, connecting the Lesser Town on the west with the Old Town in the east.

For centuries past, the famous Charles Bridge (Karlův Most) was the only route available to anyone crossing between the east and west of Prague.

Since it was first constructed, it has served the city as a busy thoroughfare. Today, it’s a popular bridge for pedestrians who flock here to journey between the two halves of the city as well as to admire the great views of the Vltava River and the rest of the cityscape.

Take a walk from the Lesser Town to the Old Town and you will be following in the footsteps of historic Bohemian kings who once used the bridge as part of the Royal Route. Or if you wander from the east to the west, you’ll see a sublime view of the Prague Castle. You’ll find yourself returning here frequently on your visit to Prague as it connects many of the city’s major attractions.

Almost 600 metres in length, the bridge is about 10 metres wide and held up in place by some 16 stone arches that are anchored deep in the Vltava River. You’ll see photographers eagerly snapping the 30 statues that line the bridge. These eye-catching figures have been replaced with replicas, but the originals date back around 500 years. Some people even touch them for luck.

Visit throughout the day and you’ll find performers, artists and street merchants all over, giving the bridge a tremendous buzz. Come here at sunrise if you want to enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere. It is a picturesque sight and couples in particular can often be seen wandering here together.

You can reach the Charles Bridge by tram from the New Town. However, if you’re coming from the Old Town and the Lesser Town it is best accessed on foot. Some years ago, cars were allowed to cross the bridge, but have since been banned. It is free to cross and open all through the year.

Reviews of Charles Bridge

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
776
" "5 - Excellent 60.53042121684867%
4 - Good
443
" "4 - Good 34.55538221528861%
3 - Okay
58
" "3 - Okay 4.5241809672386895%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.39001560062402496%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Feb 2020

Gets crowded, less so early and late. Go back in the evening when the river and towers are lit up. Climb the towers for a brilliant view.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Feb 2020

Watch your belongings as it can get very very packed here.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Jan 2020

Very busy bridge but worth visiting

5/5 - Excellent

GJackson
16 Dec 2019

Take a free tour of the town and bridge

4/5 - Good

Nick
12 Dec 2019

If you walk over the bridge, once on the other side, take a right and walk down the small street. Loads of really nice restaurants that you wouldn't even see.

2/5 - Disappointing

Mike
8 Dec 2019

Watch out for crowds, especially those people more concerned with selfies than the bridge.

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