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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Praha 1 (City Center)
How to get there
- Old Town • 6 min walk
- Lesser • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,849 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,405 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
72,836 reviews
Excellent
47,524
Very good
19,184
Average
5,208
Poor
682
Terrible
240
Paula81
Western Ireland, Ireland32 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
A beautiful bridge with views of Prague Castle in the distance if you approach from the direction of the Old Town. It was busy when we visited (mid morning) but not too busy and there was a fantastic live jazz band playing called the Champagne Lovers Band while we there, we bought their fab CD from them. Recommend trying to visit the bridge at a time when it is less busy as, when we passed by at another day around noon, it was absolutely packed with people. Well worth visiting though and beautiful at night when it is lit up.
Written December 27, 2022
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.
Tracy R
Aberdeenshire, UK128 contributions
May 2022
We visited in May 2022, the bridge was very busy and was pedestrian only so a brilliant place to take a walk over. There were various different vendors and performers on the bridge too.
I'd recommend going early in the morning as we found it to have slightly less crowds at this time.
I'd recommend going early in the morning as we found it to have slightly less crowds at this time.
Written June 13, 2022
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.
christinefitzpat2018
Dublin, Ireland8 contributions
Feb 2023
When in Prague you must visit this bridge both by day and by evening, to one side is the OldTown and on the far side is Prague Castle. Many tourists visit this bridge so it can get crowded, but its worth it for the photos. Nearby is Charles Museum (Old town side) and St Salvatore Church which I highly recommend you visit (around 6p.m. in the evening) for Czech Philharmonic Orchestra's 'Vivalids - Four Seasons'.
Written February 13, 2023
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.
TravelerTrecker
Houston805 contributions
Oct 2022
The Charles bridge is iconic! The history is impressive; it was built to resist the flood of the Vltava river. It is a very strong, medieval bridge built with mortar and eggs. Thirty religious statues have been added since 1683 and some are very interesting including the Calvary statue with the Hebrew words "Holy, Holy, Holy" and the first statue, the one of Saint John Nepomuk. The towers are also very nice!
To me the bridge is beautiful but I have to recognize that currently is very difficult to appreciate. I visited Prague in 2006 and to cross the river was easy and relaxing and you could enjoy very much the walk, the towers, the statues. I remember how beautiful the bridge is and how easy to appreciate it was at any time of the day. My second trip was on October of 2022 and although the bridge is the same, it is not possible to appreciate is beauty. It is very crowded and full of large, noisy tour groups. Is it currently possible to appreciate the beauty of bridge? The answer is yes; you have to visit the bridge early in the morning at the sunrise or immediately after the rain when the bridge is usually empty and shiny.
To me the bridge is beautiful but I have to recognize that currently is very difficult to appreciate. I visited Prague in 2006 and to cross the river was easy and relaxing and you could enjoy very much the walk, the towers, the statues. I remember how beautiful the bridge is and how easy to appreciate it was at any time of the day. My second trip was on October of 2022 and although the bridge is the same, it is not possible to appreciate is beauty. It is very crowded and full of large, noisy tour groups. Is it currently possible to appreciate the beauty of bridge? The answer is yes; you have to visit the bridge early in the morning at the sunrise or immediately after the rain when the bridge is usually empty and shiny.
Written January 29, 2023
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.
Bethany98G
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK22 contributions
Apr 2022
As you would have guessed the bridge with all its history is incredibly busy, however don't let that put you off. The bridge is stunning to view with a plethora of statues including the famous statue who is thought to bring you good luck. It is very very busy during the day however we were told that later at night or ealy morning is the best time for photos and to peacefully stroll across the bridge.
Safety wise, we felt very safe, but I would recommend wearing a over shoulder bag in front of you just to be safe.
There are many trades people along the bridge and lots of food places around!
Safety wise, we felt very safe, but I would recommend wearing a over shoulder bag in front of you just to be safe.
There are many trades people along the bridge and lots of food places around!
Written April 19, 2022
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.
Ryan D
Bristol, UK25 contributions
Apr 2022
A must see attraction when visiting Prague, best time to go is early in the morning to miss the crowds to get your Instagram perfect pictures with the castle in the background as it gets very busy, with street performers, artists and trinket sellers lining its length from mid morning. You can cross the bridge on your way to the castle and John Lenin's wall is just the other side. As with all busy tourist locations watch for pick pockets and take in the views
Written May 16, 2022
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.
Lara M
Cornwall, UK272 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
This bridge dates back to 1357 and it has been beautifully maintained. Such a historic monument in Prague.
Very busy however ALL DAY! It is difficult to get decent photos of the bridge when on it due to the amount of people.
Lots of local painters on the bridge and there was an accordion player there when we visited.
This bridge looks amazing at night from the river as well - definitely recommend a river cruise to see it.
Cross over the bridge from the old town to Prague castle side, turn left down some steps and walk along the river bank. Here we watched the boats go by and a beaver.
Very busy however ALL DAY! It is difficult to get decent photos of the bridge when on it due to the amount of people.
Lots of local painters on the bridge and there was an accordion player there when we visited.
This bridge looks amazing at night from the river as well - definitely recommend a river cruise to see it.
Cross over the bridge from the old town to Prague castle side, turn left down some steps and walk along the river bank. Here we watched the boats go by and a beaver.
Written October 30, 2022
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.
Jay B
Fairhope, AL912 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
During our visit to Prague, we found the walk over this bridge to be among the highlights. This ancient and historically important bridge is arguably the most famous site in Prague. You will see many great sculptures and statues, most of which have quite a story to tell. You will also encounter numerous local artists displaying their wares, as well as musicians playing all kinds of music. Note that the crowds here can be quite oppressive, so plan accordingly. If you go very early or at night, the crowds will likely be not as bad.
Written April 24, 2023
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.
starlightShanghai
Victoria, Canada3,642 contributions
Mar 2022
Certainly compared to many of the other bridges crossing the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge is by far the most interesting: its history; its beautiful stone structure and stunning supporting arches; its many lovely religious sculptures; its towers at either end - Old Town and Lesser Town; its pedestrian-only feature, all make it unique.
On the other hand, with that uniqueness come thousands of tourists, and with those tourists come the usual hundreds of buskers, beggars and touts, all trying to make a buck. Being able to admire the statuary along the way is a challenge to say the least because of the endless streams of narcissists wrapped around some part of the statues, taking selfies.
I found that early morning has the fewest number of people milling about.
Not in a million years would I be bothered to visit the Charles Bridge during the height of tourist season!
On the other hand, with that uniqueness come thousands of tourists, and with those tourists come the usual hundreds of buskers, beggars and touts, all trying to make a buck. Being able to admire the statuary along the way is a challenge to say the least because of the endless streams of narcissists wrapped around some part of the statues, taking selfies.
I found that early morning has the fewest number of people milling about.
Not in a million years would I be bothered to visit the Charles Bridge during the height of tourist season!
Written March 9, 2022
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.
ColMoschin96
East Midlands, UK252 contributions
Feb 2023
The great bridge, went once and there were not many people at all, went again and it was packed even on a cold Februarys day. Be sure to visit it at night to see the views lit up. Glad its pedestrianized. The Museum under the bridge tell you how it was made, you get free entry to the museum if you purchase a boat tour from Venice Prague Boat Trips. A must visit if in Prague
Written February 19, 2023
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.
sadie1952
Lurgan, UK77 contributions
Is the hop on/off tour recommended?
CZ-Milka
Czech Republic23 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
leicester10 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, Spain1,159 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, Germany149 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
Charles Bridge (Prague) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Bridge
- We recommend booking Charles Bridge tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 262 Charles Bridge tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Charles Bridge:
- Best of Prague: City Walking Tour, Boat Cruise, and Typical Czech Lunch (From $82.79)
- Prague Castle Walking Tour Including Admission Tickets (From $38.64)
- Evening View Walk in Prague (From $23.18)
- Prague Evening Cruise with Buffet-Style Dinner (From $44.15)
- Prague Walking Tour of Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle (From $28.70)
- Hotels near Charles Bridge:
- (0.12 mi) Archibald At The Charles Bridge
- (0.13 mi) Hotel U Zlatych Nuzek
- (0.17 mi) Four Seasons Hotel Prague
- (0.14 mi) Hotel Čertovka
- (0.17 mi) Kampa Garden Hotel
- Restaurants near Charles Bridge:
- (0.12 mi) Restaurace Mlýnec
- (0.13 mi) Bakeshop Little Bakery
- (0.15 mi) Street Burger Bistro
- (0.10 mi) BRICK'S Restaurant
- (0.15 mi) Kampa Park
- Attractions near Charles Bridge:
- (0.00 mi) Statue St. Cyrill und Methodius (Sousoší sv. Cyrila a Metoděje)
- (0.00 mi) Sousoší Sv. Františka Xaverského
- (0.00 mi) Sculpture of St. Philip Benicius
- (0.00 mi) Sousoší Madona, Sv. Dominik a Tomáš Akvinský
- (0.00 mi) Sousoší Panny Marie a sv. Bernarda
Charles Bridge Information
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Very Good Reviews | 19,170 |
Charles Bridge Photos | 46,343 |