Prague Sights

Charles Bridge

#1 of 598 things to do in Prague

#16 of 49063 things to do in Europe

7 reviews | Write a review

Good for: views, amazing views, history, walking, photos

Not good for: Shopping, Spending time with family, solitude

  • Address
    • Karlův most Staré Město
  • Transport
    • 12, 20, 22, 23 to Malostranské náměstí
  • Price
    • tower climbs Kč15.00-Kč30.00
  • Hours
    • 24hr

Correct these details

Lonely Planet review for Charles Bridge

Strolling across Charles Bridge is everybody’s favourite Prague activity. However, by 9am it’s a 500m-long fairground, with an army of tourists squeezing through a gauntlet of hawkers and buskers beneath the impassive gaze of the baroque statues that line the parapets. If you want to experience the bridge at its most atmospheric try to visit it at dawn.

In 1357 Charles IV commissioned Peter Parler (the architect of St Vitus Cathedral) to replace the 12th-century Judith Bridge, which had been washed away by floods in 1342. (You can see the only surviving arch of the Judith Bridge by taking a boat trip with Prague Venice.)

The new bridge was completed around 1400, and took Charles’ name only in the 19th century – before that it was known simply as Kamenný most (Stone Bridge). Despite occasional flood damage, it withstood wheeled traffic for 600 years – thanks, legend says, to eggs mixed into the mortar – until it was made pedestrian-only after WWII.

At the Staré Město end of the bridge, look over the downstream parapet at the retaining wall on the right and you’ll see a carved stone head known as Bradáč (Bearded Man). When the river level rose above this medieval marker, Praguers knew it was time to head for the hills. A blue line on the modern flood gauge nearby shows the level of the 2002 flood, no less than 2m above Bradáč!

In the crush, don’t forget to look at the bridge itself (the bridge towers have great views) and the grand vistas up and down the river. Pickpocket gangs work the bridge day and night, so keep your purse or wallet safe.

 

Traveller reviews for Charles Bridge (7)

  • Avatar
    To write a review sign in, register or   Connect_light_large_long
    Recommend
     
    Add your experience “ ”
    Say more…
  • Avatar

    Great to walk ans see, not so much to shop.

    cefm recommends this,

    This has got to be one of the most unique bridges in Eastern Europe. Not a very long bridge but good. A must see in passing.

    Good for: views, amazing views

    Not good for: Shopping, Spending time with family

    report
  • Avatar

    awesome

    toemess recommends this,

    report
  • Avatar

    Stuffed with tourists, but still charming

    csomakmelinda recommends this,

    report
  • Avatar

    beautiful and classic

    leahsloves recommends this,

    report
  • Avatar

    The Charles Bridge was absolutely beautiful.

    arrrlynnn recommends this,

    report
  • Avatar

    at night when the tourists are gone it is #1 romantic place

    szalas recommends this,

    report
  • Avatar

    One of the world's most beautiful bridges

    remelila recommends this,

    Yes, it's a tourist and tout magnet, but all the bum bags and clicking cameras can't take away from the historic beauty of this span across the Vltava. With the medieval streets of Stare Mesto on one side and the sprawling Prague Castle district on the other, you'll feel like you've been transported to the Old World regardless. If you don't like crowds, go as early in the morning as you can; in the afternoons, however, you can browse through souvenirs and crafts tables or listen to some great Czech jazz musicians busking in the sun.

    Good for: history, walking, photos

    Not good for: solitude

    report