Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge
4.5
About
Connecting the Old town with Lesser Town, this popular pedestrian bridge is filled with musicians, painters, vendors and tourists during the summertime.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Charles Bridge
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Praha 1 (City Center)
How to get there
- Old Town • 6 min walk
- Lesser • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,436 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,541 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Russ BAvon, Indiana49 contributionsCrowded landmarkThe walk across the iconic St. Charles Bridge seems to be an expected part of any trip to Prague. I’m glad that I experienced it for myself but it was a Friday evening and was very crowded. There are many vendors on the bridge but it’s a great place to people watch!Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 19, 2023
- Christy JClarksville, Tennessee28 contributionsCharles Bridge is beautiful!This is definitely worth a visit, but make sure you go early in the morning or later in the evening. If you try to walk across it during the day, you may find it difficult to move with so many people there. It's nearly deserted early in the morning, so you have a lot more time to take pictures, look at the statutes, and enjoy the moment!Visited May 2023Written May 21, 2023
- Steven LMinneapolis, Minnesota22 contributionsPapa, Can You Hear Me?Ever since I saw Yentl, I've wanted to visit Prague and cross over the Charles Bridge. I did this by myself, taking photos of all the statues and singing the songs from the movie. It was a magical experience. An acquaintance of mine had fallen from the bridge and drowned the year before, so I also threw a prayer stone into the water and paid tribute to him! The bridge is beautiful and Prague is an enchanting city!Visited July 2022Traveled soloWritten May 21, 2023
- T DPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania3,364 contributionsBeautiful but packed with TouristsBeautiful bridge that connects the Old Town to the Lesser Town. We walked on it a couple of times during our stay. We also went into the Tower and climbed the 138 steps. The Bridge is beautiful but always packed with tourists - mobbed with people! There are also some artists and street vendors on the bridge.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 30, 2023
- AngieK_14108 contributionsAmazing Charles BridgeThe amazing Charles Bridge is truly an integral part of Prague’s charm and beauty. Though it is usually packed with people, it is not to be missed. With all the interesting statues, and the incredible views, it is definitely something you’ll never forget.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 6, 2023
- Ron Hill82 contributionsMust see but busy!Visited this as part of our free tour. Really interesting history (and you really need a guide to explain it)and although we thought it would be fairly quiet in April we were wrong! Suggest you don't go in the peak of summer because it's sometimes to busy to get across!Visited April 2023Written June 10, 2023
- Peter CIsland of Malta, Malta2,545 contributionsIconic Charles Bridge, a must seeCharles Bridge is a renowned world famous landmark in Pague. The bridge crosses the Vltava river with picturesque Towers on either side. It connects the Old Town to Prague Castle. Be sure to walk along the bridge and enjoy the numerous decorative statues and statuaries, together with the beautiful views.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 14, 2023
- MaFi1 contributionCharles Bridge on Vltava in Prague is one of the most amazing things I've ever seenAmazingly beautiful architectual site. Went to see it every day I was in Prague and every time I've seen something I haven't seen the last time. The statues of Saints are contributing to the bridges beauty and are making it even more special and amazing.Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 14, 2023
- 143debramTweed Heads, Australia875 contributionsBeautifulA must see in Prague. Just beautiful. Make sure you don’t go on a weekend or between 9am-9pm. We went at 6.30am and there was still a lot of Instagrammers and fashion shoots going on. It is an absolutely beautiful bridge and would love to see it once it has all been cleaned.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 14, 2023
- mgwisConnecticut766 contributionsMain attractionAs described by everyone else. Beautiful bridge with stunning views. We went on a weekend mid day couldn’t see the beauty due to crowds and honestly didn’t enjoyed it at all. Returned on Monday morning and almost had the bridge to ourselves. Had a nice stroll and enjoyed taking pictures. Sharing pics from both day for reference.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
73,070 reviews
Excellent
47,680
Very good
19,245
Average
5,221
Poor
683
Terrible
241
Fentz
Strandfontein, South Africa16 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Even though the bridge has a depth of history and the statues lined along the rims of it, is worth to see, unfortunately it gets extremely Overcrowded. It is especially not the best time to be there during lunch time rush and over the Christmas period. As it becomes very touristy. I had to literally fight my way through the crowd to get to the other side of the bridge.
We tried to go to the bridge at a second attempt, thus this time later in the day, unfortunately it was still as crowded.
The only thing good about the bridge is getting the view from the tower (An above view). I would recommend going up the tower that will cost you 100CKZ which is worth it. In there, you will also find a brief documentary of the bridge.
We tried to go to the bridge at a second attempt, thus this time later in the day, unfortunately it was still as crowded.
The only thing good about the bridge is getting the view from the tower (An above view). I would recommend going up the tower that will cost you 100CKZ which is worth it. In there, you will also find a brief documentary of the bridge.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand20,175 contributions
Dec 2019
At first, the bridge looked like any normal bridge except there are two towers on either end. The most interesting part of the bridge is that it is lined on either side with statues of Saints and other religious events such as the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The statues were really nice to look at and there were quite a few to compare.
The views on the bridge were also quite nice, being able to look out over the river across Prague. The only issues were the large volumes of people and the buskers which hold up the droves of people trying to cross the bridge. Although there are plenty of bridges around, you should cross this one at least once to appreciate all the history carved into the bridge.
The views on the bridge were also quite nice, being able to look out over the river across Prague. The only issues were the large volumes of people and the buskers which hold up the droves of people trying to cross the bridge. Although there are plenty of bridges around, you should cross this one at least once to appreciate all the history carved into the bridge.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turkish_12
Mansfield, UK338 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We strolled across the bridge early in the day, avoiding the crowds that would come later. The bridge allows a slightly distanced look at the building that outline the Old Town as well as views of the river, Castle and Petrin Park, giving a little perspective to your surroundings.
The bridge is lined with artists and musicians, giving a fun and upbeat backdrop to your crossing. It's also lined with statues, some obviously newer than others but all were religious depictions if memory serves.
It really is worth visiting if you can catch it at a quiet time, although if can't avoid the crowds, I'd give it a miss as they absolutely ruin your experience.
The bridge is lined with artists and musicians, giving a fun and upbeat backdrop to your crossing. It's also lined with statues, some obviously newer than others but all were religious depictions if memory serves.
It really is worth visiting if you can catch it at a quiet time, although if can't avoid the crowds, I'd give it a miss as they absolutely ruin your experience.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everywhere Escapes
Middle East832 contributions
Aug 2019
The most impressive and busiest bridge over the river Vltava. The views from the bridge are amazing, especially during the evenings when everything surrounding is lit up. At times it can be chaotic as there are so many people walking up and down across the bridge. The entirety of the bridge is filled with musicians, painters, vendors and tourists. This is a must visit in Prague.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wheels1153
Wimborne Minster, UK42 contributions
Jan 2020
Can you truly say you have been to Prague unless you’ve taken a stroll across this most iconic of bridges? Every stone, cobble, sight and statue has an impressive story to tell. History and religion just ooze out ever inch of this bridge. With visitors, stall holders, street performers and begging souls who are clearly down on their luck littering the length and breathe of the bridge its hard to stop and take a moment to drink in its magnificence. I urge you to pause, take a moment and let the bridges soul wash over you and tell it’s story. Then look up out across the water into the city and take in the riot of cultural heritage the stretches out before you. This bridge has felt the weight of several million footsteps, I implore you to add yours. It won’t disappoint.
SUBNOTE ON WHEELCHAIR ACCESS :
The Charles Bridge is situated at the top of a large slopped cobbled road/pathway which I’m ashamed to say I was unable to push up independently. I’m old and unfit with shoulder of dust but younger stronger wheelers may put me to shame. Once on the bridge it levels out to the standard gentle bridge arc. However the whole bridge is cobbled and most definitely not smooth. If you have a freewheel or power add on for god sake take it with you and use it. It will be handy throughout the whole of Prague as a large majority of the city is cobbles cobbles cobbles!
SUBNOTE ON WHEELCHAIR ACCESS :
The Charles Bridge is situated at the top of a large slopped cobbled road/pathway which I’m ashamed to say I was unable to push up independently. I’m old and unfit with shoulder of dust but younger stronger wheelers may put me to shame. Once on the bridge it levels out to the standard gentle bridge arc. However the whole bridge is cobbled and most definitely not smooth. If you have a freewheel or power add on for god sake take it with you and use it. It will be handy throughout the whole of Prague as a large majority of the city is cobbles cobbles cobbles!
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adin
Amsterdam, The Netherlands4 contributions
Feb 2020
There are some nice things to see in Prague, but the cranky people ruin the city and due to that it is TERRIBLE! It happened to me more than 5 times in my 5 days I was in the city that whenever I wanted to buy something, food/ presents/ groceries, people were so unbelievably cranky and rude. Inpatient when you want to order, if they dont understand you because of their lack of English or German they start yelling or sighing. It felt like they hate their lives and their jobs. Wow, this makes the city really aweful. This is the main reason why I dont recommend anyone to visit Prague, my friends family colleagues all agree who have been there.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_ldlisadixon71
Carlisle, UK37 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Central and well signposted. The bridge is a bustling place. Sculptures are fantastic because they are so detailed and imposing. Look for the one half way up (Left hand side walking from centtral Prague) where if you have your hand on the bridge and the other on the monument, I understand it means you will visit again. A few beggars on the bridge, they didnt bother anyone and tended to have dogs or even a cat with them).
The bridge does get really busy and the cobbles can sometimes be a bit uneven ( ok to walk)).
Great photo opportunities of prague and castle. Lennon wall is left about 3 minutes once you get across. This area also has the modern art displays of the three babies) . Castle is up the road to your right as you come qcross the bibridge, bars and shops are plentiful on this side as well.
Would recommend the bridge (closer to the castle) to take panoramic photographs of charles bridge and here you get to see the memorium for the Czechoslovakian armed forces ( really moving to read the plaques).
The bridge does get really busy and the cobbles can sometimes be a bit uneven ( ok to walk)).
Great photo opportunities of prague and castle. Lennon wall is left about 3 minutes once you get across. This area also has the modern art displays of the three babies) . Castle is up the road to your right as you come qcross the bibridge, bars and shops are plentiful on this side as well.
Would recommend the bridge (closer to the castle) to take panoramic photographs of charles bridge and here you get to see the memorium for the Czechoslovakian armed forces ( really moving to read the plaques).
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CCPage90
Reading, UK140 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
One of Prague’s main attractions Karluv Most spans the Vltava river adorned with statues making this picturesque spot the perfect photo op.
Get here early to avoid the crowds and catch that perfect sunrise photo. You’ll find the sun rising behind the Old Town Bridge Tower at one end and the sun illuminated the Lesser Town Tower at the other. You can climb both, for a rounded 100kc each.
Get here early to avoid the crowds and catch that perfect sunrise photo. You’ll find the sun rising behind the Old Town Bridge Tower at one end and the sun illuminated the Lesser Town Tower at the other. You can climb both, for a rounded 100kc each.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanushri N
Baden, Switzerland32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
You get a great view. Its mostly crowded. When we went in December end and in Jan 1, dressed up folks played musical instruments over a tower which the crowd could enjoy from the bridge. Worth visiting daytime and at night.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel&Amy
Rotorua, New Zealand301 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
If you’re in Prague you’ll almost certainly need to cross the Vltava, so make sure you cross via the Charles Bridge - a lively walk filled with the hustle and bustle of tourist exploration. We were lucky enough to spend time watching local bands as they performed in front of the masses - absolutely highlight of the ‘attraction’. You’ll get some brilliant pictures of the river and city if you come equipped with the right gear! Be aware of the steep prices in Praha 1.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nan23
Belfast, UK97 contributions
Is the hop on/off tour recommended?
CZ-Milka
Czech Republic26 contributions
Hop on/off is too expensive and unnecessary. Take metro line A. It is 300 meters from Staroměstská station or about 550 meters from Malostranská station. So just a few minutes walk. You only pay CZK 110 for a full-day (24-hour) ticket. Prague has a dense network of public transport, so you can get everywhere very easy.
Gloria B
Vignola, Italy4 contributions
A che ora del mattino è meglio andare a visitarlo,verso le 9 è molto affollato?
AlGioMat
Arenzano, Italy50 contributions
Come tutti i monumenti importanti le ore di maggior affollamento sono quelle centrali della giornata, quindi le 9 del mattino sono ideali, come pure il tramonto, molto suggestivo!
lastlydreaming2017
Chicago, IL
Planning to visit in early October and will be pushing baby in a stroller/pram- will it be very crowded or not as bad since its off season?
londonwrites
Houston, TX70 contributions
I agree the crowds probably won't be a bad as summer. But, one thing to keep in mind is that the streets are cobblestone so it might be a little bumpy.
travel-raani
leicester12 contributions
Are pick pockets rife in Prague? From 25 years of travelling in so many different locations, including Europe we’ve never had this misfortune, My husband had £1150 stolen this time! . we were changing over to another hotel after a walking tour around the castle district.. Don’t know if the money was taken from my husbands buttoned pockets near knees on the very busy Charles bridge or on the tube.. Had a few guys standing around him and as we prepared to get off they made out the door was jammed and started to intervene.. they prised the doors open for us! Maybe they were innocent but you can’t trust anyone.. insurance policy will only cover £300.. really gutted!
mkfrey53
Daytona Beach, FL121 contributions
My husband has started wearing a money bag around his waist, under his shirt. I always have a sling (one strap) bag and keep the bag in front of me. Never can be too careful!
Canadiangal46
Bozeman, MT9 contributions
Can one rent a mobility scooter to tour Prague?
Must Love Travel
Wheeling, IL219 contributions
I did not try the scooter but i saw many tourist did, though navigating the cobbled streets will indeed be difficult. I believe they have scooters for rent as well as bikes!
adrianalopez2015
Del Viso, Argentina176 contributions
Mi hija y una amiga planean visitar Praga después de Berlín, el próximo septiembre, tienen 24 años y x comentarios que nos llegaron en Buenos Aires , se dice que es demasiado peligroso visitar Praga en este momento . Sobretodo si van solas. Por favor alguien sabe cuanto de cierto hay en estos rumores? Debería desalentarlas de incluir ese destino?
Elena M
Alcudia, Spain1,185 contributions
Me sentí segura en Praga. Bastante mad que en mi ciudad .hay mucho policía.si que no recomiendan ir por afuera de noche.buscar un hotel al centro mejor opción.hay hostels buenos y hotelitos como Ibis al centro
adrianalopez2015
Del Viso, Argentina176 contributions
Mi hija y una amiga planean visitar Praga después de Berlín, el próximo septiembre, tienen 24 años y x comentarios que nos llegaron en Buenos Aires , se dice que es demasiado peligroso visitar Praga en este momento . Sobretodo si van solas. Por favor alguien sabe cuanto de cierto hay en estos rumores? Debería desalentarlas de incluir ese destino?
Juje47
Pforzheim, Germany150 contributions
We had absolutely no problems, friendly people and easy to go by underground/tube. Also the taxis are cheap!
I am planning to go to Prague for 2or3 days. What are the places we must see and how much time will each place need. Thanks
mossNewross
newross21 contributions
Morning 1, free walking tour for good overview
Afternoon 1, Charles bridge and back towards old town
Evening 1, wander old town aimlessly
Morning 2, St Cyril and Methodius Church, walk past Dancing house over bridge to get funicular up Petrin hill
Afternoon 2, climb the tower on the hill, then walk back down towards Mala Strana area
Evening 2, wander Mala Strana aimlessly
Morning 3, Prague castle and st Vitus cathedral
Afternoon 3, Jewish district
Evening 3, rest at last
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCharles Bridge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Bridge
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Charles Bridge:
- Best of Prague Walking tour and Cruise with Authentic Czech Lunch (From $92.69)
- Prague Castle Walking Tour Including Admission Tickets (From $53.43)
- Evening View Walk in Prague (From $22.90)
- Prague Walking Tour of Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle (From $28.35)
- Prague Castle and Canal River Boat Tour (From $52.34)
- Hotels near Charles Bridge:
- (0.13 mi) Hotel U Zlatych Nuzek
- (0.14 mi) Archibald At The Charles Bridge
- (0.17 mi) Pytloun Kampa Garden Hotel Prague
- (0.15 mi) Hotel U Páva
- (0.18 mi) The Mozart Prague
- Restaurants near Charles Bridge:
- (0.12 mi) Restaurace Mlýnec
- (0.10 mi) BRICK'S Restaurant
- (0.13 mi) Bakeshop Little Bakery
- (0.15 mi) Street Burger Bistro
- (0.15 mi) Kampa Park
- Attractions near Charles Bridge:
- (0.00 mi) Sousoší Sv. Františka Xaverského
- (0.00 mi) Statue St. Cyrill und Methodius (Sousoší sv. Cyrila a Metoděje)
- (0.00 mi) Sculpture of St. Nicolas of Tolentino
- (0.00 mi) Statue of John The Baptist
- (0.00 mi) Sousoší Panny Marie a sv. Bernarda