About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer, and historian with 30+ years of experience exploring Europe. His work is regularly featured in the BBC, the Guardian and Conde Condé Nast Traveler. He currently lives in Prague.
This is my guide to the Charles Bridge Prague, one of the most famous and beautiful bridges in the world.
It’s an astonishingly beautiful bridge, one of the three absolutely must-see Prague sights. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to live in Prague for over three years, and to have walked across this magical bridge hundreds of times.
The Charles Bridge is no secret – it’s one of the most famous landmarks of Prague, and packed with visitors for much of every day. My Charles Bridge guide is designed to help you appreciate it at its very best.
I give you the full lowdown on the history of the Charles Bridge and some of its remarkable statues. I also tell you the best time to visit the Charles Bridge, and offer tips on photographing it.
I advise you how to get there, the best views of the Bridge other than those on it, and what you see from it. I also suggest places to stay near the Charles Bridge, and some of the best places to eat nearby.
I hope you get to appreciate some of its magic like we have. Enjoy!
Why Visit The Charles Bridge Prague
The Charles Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe and the world. It’s the oldest bridge in Prague, mostly dating from the 14th century, and is lined with a magnificent series of statues from the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Sunrise on the Charles Bridge can be staggeringly beautiful, especially at certain times of year when the rays of the sun throw the statues and spires of the Old Town into silhouette. This is a spectacle to make the hairs on your back stand on end, a few minutes of sheer exultation, something for anyone’s Europe bucket list.
The Charles Bridge is also serene at dusk, as the century-old gas lanterns light the way across this incredibly romantic bridge.
History of Charles Bridge Prague
The Charles Bridge is the oldest existing bridge in Prague. It was built on the orders of Holy Roman Emperor King Charles IV – begun in 1357 and completed in 1402, 24 years after his death.
The Charles Bridge replaced the 12th century Judith Bridge, which was severely damaged during a flood in 1342. It was originally known as the Stone Bridge (Kamenný most) or Prague Bridge (Pražský most) – it wasn’t referred to as the Charles Bridge until around 1870.
It was designed by renowned architect and stonemason Peter Parler who worked on the project until his death in 1399. Known as Petr Parléř in Czech, his astonishing list of accomplishments includes one of the finest churches in Nuremberg, the Frauenkirche, St Vitus Cathedral and the glorious Cathedral of St Barbara Kutná Hora.
Before the Bridge was completed, St John Nepomuk was martyred there in 1393, tortured and thrown into the Vltava River on the orders of King Wenceslas IV.
The Charles Bridge was a vital trade link, helping Prague develop as a major trading centre of Central Europe. It also served a ceremonial purpose, as part of the Royal Route, and processions through the city.
The Charles Bridge was the only bridge in Prague until 1841, when the Emperor Franz Bridge – which was on the site of the present Legion Bridge – was completed.
The Charles Bridge statues we see today are all replicas – many of the originals are held at the Lapidarium, a small branch of the National Museum in Holešovice Prague and the Gorlice in the fortress of Vyšehrad just south of Prague city centre.
Charles Bridge Fun Facts
King Charles IV, who ordered the construction of the Bridge, may well have been rather superstitious – the first stone was laid at 5.31 am on 9th July 1357. This forms the numerical palindrome 5-3-1-9-7-1-3-5-7.
Charles was a keen numerologist, and it was believed that this particular time would be the most auspicious for commencing the building of the Bridge, that this would somehow give the Bridge greater strength.
The Charles Bridge Prague is 515 metres (1,692 feet, or 563 yards) long, and 9.5 metres wide.
It has 16 arches, and each is protected by an ice guard on the southern side of the river.
The Charles Bridge spans the Vltava river in Prague, which also passes through the gorgeous town of Český Krumlov, 172 km (107 miles) to the south. The river eventually flows into the river Elbe at Mělník, an hour north of Prague.
It’s hard to imagine, but cars still used the Charles Bridge until 1965. Buses also used the Charles Bridge until World War 2. Prior to that, a horse tram and electric tram also crossed the Bridge.
You can also reach the Charles Bridge Prague via a staircase from Kampa Island. The grand staircase was completed in 1844, replacing an earlier one from 1785.
The Charles Bridge has featured in many movies, including Spider Man: Far From Home (to the delight of my son and I), Mission: Impossible (1996)and the Bollywood film Rockstar (2011).
What To See On The Charles Bridge Prague
The main things to see on the Charles Bridge are the stunning statues and the Charles Bridge towers at either end. In this section we also briefly outline what you see from the Charles Bridge.
Statues On Charles Bridge Prague
The statues on the parapets of Charles Bridge were added long after the original Bridge’s completion, but are perhaps the Bridge’s most famous feature.
There are a total of 30 statues on the Charles Bridge, and most of these were added during the Baroque period.
Some of the statues we see today are replacements of destroyed originals, mainly from the 19th century.
The oldest – and most famous – of the Charles Bridge statues is that of St John Nepomuk (Jan Nepomucky in Czech).
It was placed there in 1683, at the site of his martyrdom. He is widely venerated in the Czech Republic and beyond, and is traditionally depicted with a halo of five stars around his head.
Many people come to pray at the statue and touch the surrounding reliefs, including the small figure of him reclining (pictured) and the dog (just below the main statue).
Touching the five stars with the fingers and thumb of one hand is said to bring good fortune.
The Charles Bridge is one of the first stops for anyone photographing Prague, and over many visits, I’ve found that the statue of St Anthony of Padua – next to that of St John of Nepomuk – is one of the most favourable for composing photos of the Charles Bridge.
Old Town Bridge Tower
The Old Town Bridge Tower was built during the 14th century by Peter Parler, the architect responsible for the entire Charles Bridge construction project.
The Tower served as a ceremonial gateway as part of Prague’s Royal Route, which ran from Prague Castle to the Prasna brana (Powder Tower) on the boundary between Old Town and New Town Prague.
It’s now popular it commands some of the best views of Prague, with the Old Town in one direction and Mala Strana and Prague Castle in the other. It’s one of the best places to watch sunsets in Prague, particularly during the winter months.
Lesser Town Bridge Tower
The Lesser Town Bridge Tower – Malostranské mostecká věž – is very similar in appearance to its Old Town counterpart, but was added several decades later – most likely in the latter part of the 15th century.
It adjoins the Judith Tower, which was originally part of the Judith Bridge. Following a fire in 1524 it was rebuilt in the contemporary Renaissance style, but smaller than the original.
The Tower doesn’t get as many visitors as the Old Town Bridge Tower, but it still offers brilliant views of Prague, including a great view along the Bridge to the Old Town.
You also get a fantastic view over the red rooftops of Kampa Island and Mala Strana.
Views from Charles Bridge Prague
As you stand in the middle of the Charles Bridge, look east towards Prague Old Town. The distinctive Old Town Bridge Tower dominates the scene, with the dome of the church of St Francis of Assisi also prominent.
Between them you see the Church of St Salvator, with its twin spires and lantern through which the sunlight sometimes floods at sunrise.
Just to the left of the dome you can also see the Astronomical Clock of the Klementinum, the extensive complex of buildings across the street from the Bridge.
Further to the left are the Old Town Hall Tower and the Gothic spires of the Týn Church Prague.
To the south of the Charles Bridge, the main landmarks are the Legion Bridge and, to its left, the splendid National Theatre (Narodni divadlo).
To the east of the Charles Bridge, the main landmarks are the Lesser Town Bridge Tower, the adjacent Judith Tower and the Baroque dome and tower of St Nicholas, one of the best churches in Prague to visit.
You’ll also spot the twin spires of the Strahov Monastery on the hill to the left, and the Baroque Church of Our Lady Victorious below.
Further to the right, the dramatic outline of Prague Castle and the Imposing St Vitus Cathedral dominate the skyline of the City of a Hundred Spires.
Immediately to the north of Charles Bridge, you’ll see the Manes Bridge and the ridge of Letna Park Prague behind it. The Baroque Art Nouveau building at the top is the Hanavsky Pavilion, where you can enjoy the superb views with a drink.
The Charles Bridge Calvary – An Anti-Semitic Insult
The Calvary on the north side of Charles Bridge is, unusually, accompanied by an inscription in Hebrew. It translates as ‘Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts.’
These words are part of the kadosh prayer first mentioned in the book of the Prophet Isaiah. In 1696 a Jewish citizen of Prague, Elias Backoffen, was forced to pay for the inscription as punishment for so-called blasphemy.
It is considered an insult to appropriate part of a Jewish prayer to a Christian work of art or monument. It is part of the centuries-old persecution of the Jews, a common trope meant to enforce the supposed superiority of Christianity and Christians.
Accompanying plaques in Czech, Hebrew and English explain the historical context. I’ve often wondered whether it would have been better to simply remove the inscription altogether.
Best Time To Visit The Charles Bridge Prague
Unquestionably the best time to see the Charles Bridge is at the very beginning or end of the day.
Sunrise is the best time to visit Charles Bridge as it’s when the towers, domes and spires of the Old Town and the statues of Charles Bridge are cast into silhouette. It’s an astonishing sight, and when people tell you Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe (or the world).
LOCAL’S TIP – a Charles Bridge sunrise is an amazing experience at any time of year, but for around three weeks of the year it really does go into the realms of the magical. For around ten days in early March and again in September-October the sun shines through the windows of St Salvator’s Church in the Old Town.
This adds to the drama and spectacle of the sunrise on Charles Bridge and is a wonder to see.
Bear in mind that, for much of the day, the Charles Bridge is packed with people. If you’ve come seeking some medieval magic, you’re in the right place at the wrong time. It’s like this for much of the day, and also into the evening
I also recommend visiting the Charles Bridge around dusk, especially if you’re visiting Prague in springtime or summer. The crowds have usually long since gone by this point, and it’s wonderful to stroll across the Bridge as the gas lights are turned on.
If you’re visiting Prague in winter, the Charles Bridge remains busy until late into the evening, but wrap up and enjoy a walk across the bridge is still one of the best things to do in Prague.
LOCAL’S TIP – During the Advent season (1st to 23rd December) a gentleman in a traditional red cloak lights each of the gas lamps on the Charles Bridge – first one side then the other. It’s a wonderful spectacle and experience, which normally draws a small crowd following every step.
Where Is The Charles Bridge In Prague
The Charles Bridge is in the centre of Prague. It links the historic Old Town (on the east side or right bank) of the river Vltava with Malá Strana, the Lesser Town or Lesser Quarter riverside district below Prague Castle.
How To Get To The Charles Bridge In Prague
The Charles Bridge is easy to reach, with transport options on both sides of the river. All involve a short, roughly 5-minute walk to reach the Charles Bridge.
On the Old Town Prague side of the river, you can get there via tram or Metro.
The main Old Town Metro stop – Staroměstská – is a five-minute walk from the Charles Bridge. The stop is on Line A – the green line on maps.
The stop is located on Kaprova – from there, turn left, then left again and walk along Křižovnická until you reach Křižovnické náměstí, where the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Bridge itself are on your right.
If you’re travelling by tram, you can get to Staroměstská stop on the wonderful Prague tram 17, which also takes you along the Vltava riverfont.
The 2 and 18 services also stop there, as does the useful 194 bus – which is the only service to run through the back streets of the Old Town. The 2, 17 and 18 also stop at Karlovy Lázně, which is a similar distance away from the Bridge.
On the Malá Strana side of the river, the Metro stops at Malostranská, a 5-minute walk downriver from the Charles Bridge Prague. Trams, 2, 12, 15, 20 and 22 also stop there, across the road from the Metro stop.
The same trams also stop at Malostranské náměstí, the main square in Mala Strana Prague. From there, it’s also a 5-minute walk – down Mostecká, one of the prettiest of Prague streets, to the Charles Bridge. The 194 bus also stops on the Square.
Prague Hotels Near Charles Bridge
We stayed at the Hotel Pod Věží Prague, which could not be closer to the Charles Bridge. Its name means ‘hotel under the tower’, and it is next door to the Lesser Town Bridge Tower.
The location is extraordinary, but everything else about the hotel measured up the same – read our Hotel Pod Věží Prague Review here.
There’s another great 4-start option a two-minute walk from Charles Bridge on Kampa Island. Archibald at the Charles Bridge is in a superb location on Na Kampe, the intimate main square on Kampa Island.
Across the river in the Old Town, one of the best hotels near the Charles Bridge is The Mozart Prague. It’s right next to the Karlovy Lázně tram stop, and some rooms offer amazing views of the River and Prague Castle.
Restaurants Near Charles Bridge Prague
The best-known restaurant near Charles Bridge is Kampa Park. It’s just a few metres from the Mala Strana side of the bridge, serves a wide range of international dishes and has a terrace over the river with one of the best views in Prague including the north side of the Charles Bridge.
There are a fair few duds around the Charles Bridge, but we’ve found several good places over the years. The Hotel Pod Věží is a great option, including some traditional classics, while our go-to Italian option in the area is Laboratorio dell Pizza, a five-minute walk away on Maltézské náměstí.
One of the best Czech restaurants near Charles Bridge is U Parlamentu, a minute’s walk from the Staroměstská Metro station on Valentinska.
We haven’t eaten at Kozlovna Apropos yet, but I have dined at another Kozlovna restaurant (serving the excellent Kozel beer) which I can strongly recommend.
Where To Find The Best Views Of Charles Bridge In Prague
I think you need to be on the Charles Bridge to truly appreciate it. From a distance, it’s a very impressive stone arched bridge, but you need to be on the bridge, surrounded by the statues, to soak in the magic.
That said, you can get some fine Charles Bridge views from some surrounding locations, and here are a few of the best.
We’ll run clockwise, north, east, south and then west and north-west.
The view from the next bridge downstream, the Manes Bridge, is a beauty. This was shot just after sunrise on a summer morning.
We also love the classic view from the Karlovy Lázně tram stop on the east side of the river. We rate this spot one of the best viewpoints in Prague.
From here you see much of the length of the Charles Bridge with the unforgettable skyline of Prague Castle. It’s especially beautiful at dusk.
You also get some wonderful views of the Charles Bridge Prague from the next bridge and island upstream. Legii Most – Legion Bridge – is another of the most beautiful bridges in Prague, an elegant early 20th century crossing which also passes over Shooters Island (Střelecký Ostrov).
The Island is one of the best places in Prague to enjoy the river Vltava, with a park, playground and café. The northern tip of the island offers a fine uninterrupted panorama of the Charles Bridge, and some swans may join you for the view.
This island is especially beautiful if you’re visiting Prague in autumn.
Another way to see the Charles Bridge is to take a ride on Prague tram 22 (or 9) across the Legion Bridge.
Keep walking along the shore of the river and you’ll come to Kampa Park, part of Kampa Island, where you’ll find a few great vantage points of the Charles Bridge and Old Town Bridge Tower.
You also get two bird’s eye views of the Charles Bridge by climbing two of the best towers in Prague. The famous Eiffel Tower of Prague, the Petřin Tower, is located at the summit of Petřin Hill, and from there you get extraordinary views of the city.
The Great South Tower of St Vitus Cathedral – within Prague Castle – is another superb Prague viewpoint, albeit less crowded than some of the other Prague towers. It also offers a great elevated view of the Charles Bridge and the surrounding towers and spires of the Old Town and Mala Strana.
Finally, back on the shore of the river, there’s a great view of the Charles Bridge and Old Town skyline from the riverfront a short walk south of the Manes Bridge.
What To See Near The Charles Bridge Prague
On the Old Town side of the Charles Bridge, take a walk through one of the most beautiful Prague squares, Křižovnické náměstí, which is bordered by the churches of St Francis of Assisi and St Salvator.
Also stop to admire the statue of Charles IV, one of the most impressive Prague statues.
From there, cross the street and continue to Karlova. Continue along this street, and on to Staroměstské náměstí, Old Town Square Prague. It’s one of the most magnificent squares in Europe, and home to several Prague landmarks including the Tyn Church and Old Town Hall.
On the Mala Strana side, you’re within a five-minute walk of three of the best Prague gardens.
The Vrtba Garden is a gorgeous terraced Baroque garden, ingeniously built into the steep slope of the hill.
In the opposite direction, Vojanovy Sady Prague is one of the best hidden gems in Prague, a large former monastic garden hidden from view by a high wall.
It’s only a two-minute walk from there to the Wallenstein Gardens Prague, another Baroque masterpiece adjoining the Palace of the same name, which is now home to the Czech Senate.
The Charles Bridge is also close to two of the best Baroque churches in Prague – St Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Lady Victorious, which houses the famous Infant Jesus of Prague statue.
Two other Prague attractions are within a short walk of the Charles Bridge – the tranquil streets and park of Kampa Island to the south and the Franz Kafka Museum, dedicated to the city’s most celebrated author, to the north.
Charles Bridge Prague – Final Words
Along with the sunrise in Venice and a Santorini sunset, seeing the Charles Bridge at sunrise is one of the best European travel experiences you’ll ever have. Miss a night’s sleep if you have to – you’ll never forget it.
Check out more of our articles on bridges in Europe here:
Visiting the Bastei Bridge in Germany – complete guide to the stunning bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Pont Alexandre III Paris – the most exuberant and ornate bridge in Paris, with Eiffel Tower views too
Famous Paris Bridges – 15 stunning bridges along the Seine
Bridges in London – 18 famous bridges along the Thames in London
David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.