Charles Bridge Prague

You can experience Charles Bridge in Prague by more ways than one. It's one of Prague's historical gems and deserves lots of attention. My simple tips will help you make the most of this iconic bridge while avoiding the crowds.

But, whatever you do - please don't follow the beaten path that connects Old Town to Charles Bridge to Prague Castle.

Of course, you should cross the bridge, but use my tips to visit the bridge from a different angle.

If you want just the history skip to this part.

Two Sides to Charles Bridge in Prague

Please experience the bridge both while on it and off it.

There's no way around it, you must cross the bridge itself. There's nothing like the views, surrounding spires and 30 baroque statues staring down at you.

But don't be afraid to get off the bridge. Here are a few ways to make the most of the bridge - both on and off. 

From the Bridge...

Get up early / Stay up late.

The bridge is filled with people during the day. But, it's incredibly different in the morning (till 10am) and later in the evening (7pm) and at night. I can't stress this point enough.

Rub the bronze plaque. About halfway down on the north side of the bridge is a statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Legend says that if you rub the plaque you will one day return to Prague.

From the bridge, there are numerous great photo opportunities to capture the numerous spires and sights.

But, the best photo spots are from the two bridge towers that bookend the bridge. Or, take a river cruise to get up close and personal.

Note the metronome. Looking north you can see a large red metronome above the river. The world's largest Stalin statue once stood here.

Get off the Bridge...

It amazes me how few visitors actually get off the bridge and explore - especially the area of Malá Strana below Prague Castle. These ideas prompt a different perspective of the bridge:

Under the bridge and Kampa Island. On the Malá Strana side of the bridge you can get up close and personal with the sandstone blocks that support the bridge. Children can enjoy the nearby playground and feed the swans too.

From here, don't miss Kampa Island. This overlooked island has grassy areas, a great view of Old Town, the modern art of Museum Kampa and two original mill wheels.

Take a river cruise. There are plenty of cruises that crisscross the Vltava. From the smaller boats you can see parts of the original Judith Bridge that was destroyed in 1342. You can find "sailors" offering rides from both ends of the bridge.

Visit Strelecky Island. From Charles Bridge walk south along the river through Kampa Island to the next bridge (Most Legii). Descend this bridge to the island you see in the middle of the Vltava. At the northern end of the island you will find incredible views of Charles Bridge. There are plenty of benches and open spaces to sit and relax too. It amazes me why people don't do this more often.

Rent a pedal or rowboat. These little boats are a fun, romantic and an affordable way to see Charles Bridge in Prague. Rent them by the hour (about 200 CZK) from Slovansky Island near the National Theatre or by the Old Town side of Charles Bridge in Prague is definitely worth seeing from the river.

A Brief History

A little history never hurt anyone. I'm including this brief history or I suggest visiting the Museum of Charles Bridge Prague when you're here. It's located in the square immediately across the bridge on the Old Town side. The museum provides a more intimate look at the bridge's construction and history. It's quite interesting.

After the destruction of the original Judith Bridge due to flooding, Charles IV set out to have a new bridge built.

Legend has it that the bridge's construction began precisely in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at  5:31 am. Charles IV chose this time so that when written, the date is all odd numbers:
1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.

The bridge was supervised by Peter Parler and constructed with sandstone. Another legend insists that egg was used in the original mortar - which is why the bridge has survived so long. Long been considered a tale, this theory has recently been supported by tests finding organic materials in the bridges mortar.

The first statues were added to the bridge in the 17th century. The current statues are mostly replicas since the city has chosen to preserve the sandstone originals.

If you prefer carrying a guidebook while sightseeing, both the Lonely Planet and Everyman Guides offer an in depth look at the bridge and its statues.

Charles Bridge in Prague: (other thoughts)

Unfortuantely, the bridge is nearly always crowded. But it's really a different place when you visit early in the morning or late at night.

Always be mindful of your things on the bridge. Pickpockets like all crowded parts of Prague.

The towers on either end of the bridge are worth the small admittance fee. They both have small exhibitions and the views are grand. No elevators though.