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
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Praha 1 (City Center)
How to get there
- Old Town • 6 min walk
- Lesser • 6 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- MaryLSSan Diego, California329 contributionsWorth arising earlyThis is worth watching the sunrise while admiring the statures that line each side of the bridge. Early seems to be when bride photos are taken. By late morning they are gone and the bridge is packed; wall to wall people.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 October 2023
- ThepikToronto, Canada189 contributionsA must see!A must see monument within the city but extremely busy during the day. During the day there are vendors that sell art and other souvenirs across the bridge. I would not recommend attempting to get a photo as it is really crowded. If you are going to attempt to take a photo, the best time is between 6-6:30 in the morning. You can get some sunrise and blue photos with like minded photographers.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- patn03Minneapolis, Minnesota711 contributionsBeautiful views, central, VERY busyThis pedestrian bridge has beautiful views of the city, is conveniently located to many of the tourist attractions, and is free. It's also crawling with other tourists. We still found it to be beautiful and worth it! You likely will cross this bridge naturally in exploring attractions in Prague and will not need to make a special trip.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- gk-lommelLommel, Belgium387 contributionsGreat piece of history, ditch the trinkets!The bridge is amazing but I didné like all the stalls selling cheap trinkets. I think it takes away from the bridge. Ok for the people drawing pictures but no t the loads of plastic souveniers. Itr was very vety crowded so best to get there early in the day.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota6,638 contributionsStunning Experience After Dark but Very Busy Throughout the Day and Early EveningOne of the most historic bridges in Europe, built by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and completed in the 1400s. The bridge is lined with multiple statues and offers great views of the Vltava River. Along the bridge, you will find artists and performers adding to the festive atmosphere. The most magical time to experience the Charles Bridge is after dark when the nearby sights including the bridge towers, churches and Prague Castle are all illuminated. It was a truly stunning sight and as good as any you will find throughout Europe. However, the Bridge was packed with throngs of tourists throughout the day and into the early evening. Luckily, our hotel was nearby. This allowed us to experience the Bridge in the early morning hours and late at night when there was much less people and it was much more enjoyable. Before 9am or between 10p-midnight are the best times. At midnight, all the illuminations of the nearby sights are shut off so not much point of being out there after then.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- raybyerleyMandeville, Louisiana4,698 contributionsCrisp morning walking around old town, then over this scenic bridge 10/17Crowded even on a mid-October Tuesday morning. We started from the old town walking across and back. Several pictures of the bridge, monument/statues along the bridge (including the “make-a-wish spot thd king threw the confessor into the river), and from the bridge looking upstream and downstream are attached.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 17 October 2023
- Anna dVGLeeuwarden, The Netherlands32 contributionsBeautiful bridgeBeautiful. Absolutely gorgeous bridge, one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. During the day but especially during the night Iris is absolutely breathtaking. It is a must-see when visiting Prague, you cannot really say you’ve been to Prague unless you’ve seen this bridge.Visited September 2023Travelled on businessWritten 21 October 2023
- DREW RGlasgow, United Kingdom341 contributionsStunningFrom a distance it just looks like an ordinary bridge over a river. Close up, its amazing. The watchtowers at either end the incredible sculptures dotted along it and the views of Prague and the Vltava make it a must see.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 October 2023
- fobl11Birmingham, United Kingdom718 contributionsOne of Prague's main attractions. Very impressive but VERY! busyMe and my wife visited Charles bridge in the Kate evening, which turned out to be a nice time as the sun was setting. The bridge is no doubt best seen in daylight when you can see all of the statute along the bridge. This is by far the busiest part of Prague we visited. The whole bridge was thick with people. There were also tonnes of stands selling souvenirs or caricatures. Definitely well worth a visit while in Prague, but you won't need much time hereVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 November 2023
- Luke S27 contributionsImpressive place, By day or night & stunning from the water.Beautiful place with lots going on and the history behind it is very impressive. Highly recommend the museums especially the one at the town centre side of the bridge. Also recommend the bridge from a boat and the bridge at night👌Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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5,233
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244
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 19 January 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 Zealand23,747 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 25 February 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, UK341 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 16 January 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 East2,413 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 24 June 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, UK39 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 24 January 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 Netherlands3 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 21 February 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, UK34 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 18 January 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, UK133 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 16 February 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, Switzerland40 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 9 January 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 Zealand309 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 1 February 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.
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.
Written 7 July 2020
A che ora del mattino è meglio andare a visitarlo,verso le 9 è molto affollato?
Written 19 January 2020
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!
Written 30 January 2020
lastlydreaming2017
Chicago, Illinois
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?
Written 13 September 2019
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.
Written 13 September 2019
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!
Written 27 August 2019
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!
Written 29 August 2019
Can one rent a mobility scooter to tour Prague?
Written 14 August 2019
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!
Written 2 September 2019
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?
Written 12 August 2019
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
Written 21 April 2020
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?
Written 12 August 2019
We had absolutely no problems, friendly people and easy to go by underground/tube. Also the taxis are cheap!
Written 13 August 2019
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
Written 29 July 2018
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
Written 7 August 2018
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