Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)

Most Prague tours make a stop at the Charles Bridge; although it’s easy to visit independently, tour guides will provide detailed explanations about the statues, which each has its own story. If you’re still craving more information, visit the Charles Bridge Museum on the east bank. Prague river cruises depart from the foot of the Charles Bridge on both sides of the river.

• The Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only footbridge—bikes, Segways, and vehicles are prohibited.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Prague on foot—the city is full of cobblestone streets and hills.

• The bridge is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

The Charles Bridge links the Old Town and Lesser Town over the Vltava River; it’s about a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square or a 15-minute walk from Wenceslas Square. The closest metro station is Staroměstská (Line A) on the east bank of the river, but numerous trams also run along the riverside and stop near the bridge.

It’s almost impossible to avoid the crowds along the Charles Bridge, especially in peak season (July and August), so your best bet is to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. If you’re hoping to capture a dramatic photograph of the bridge, arrive around sunrise, when the lighting is perfect and the views tend to be crowd-free.

The Charles Bridge is ideally situated near Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Start your walking tour in the Old Town, where you can watch the hourly display of the Astronomical Clock, stroll around the historic Jewish Quarter, and admire the Tyn Cathedral. Then cross the Charles Bridge into the Lesser Town and stop at the John Lennon Wall before climbing Castle Hill to visit St. Vitus Cathedral and take in the views from Prague Castle.