Charles Bridge is a historic stone crossing over the Vltava River in Prague, connecting Old Town with Lesser Town. Its sculpted balustrade, fortified towers and central position make it a distinctive part of a walk through the city.
- Location: Across the Vltava between Old Town and Lesser Town.
- History: Construction began in 1357 and the bridge was completed in 1402.
- Old Town Bridge Tower: The viewing gallery is reached by climbing 138 steps.
- Seasonal access: Tower hours vary through the year; check the official site before you go.
What makes Charles Bridge distinctive
Charles Bridge is known for its stone structure, sculptural balustrade and towers at both ends. It replaced the Judith Bridge, which floods badly damaged in 1342. Construction of the new bridge began in 1357 under Charles IV, and it was completed in 1402.
The bridge was first known as Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge. The name Charles Bridge has been used since 1870. It measures 515.76 metres long and 9.5 metres wide, resting on 16 vaults.
Thirty statues and sculptural groups line its balustrade. Most date from 1706–1714, while the statue of St John of Nepomuk dates to 1683. The towers at either end—Old Town Bridge Tower and the Lesser Town Bridge Towers—frame the crossing.
How do you walk onto Charles Bridge from either bank?
You can approach the bridge from either side of the Vltava: it connects Old Town with Lesser Town. The crossing itself brings both riverbanks into one walk, with the Old Town Bridge Tower at one end and the Lesser Town Bridge Towers at the other.
Prague Public Transit Company describes a central walking itinerary that starts at Muzeum station, continues down Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square, then crosses Charles Bridge to Lesser Town Square.
The bridge fits naturally into that route through the historic centre. For a wider itinerary, the one-day Prague itinerary from Smíchov offers another way to plan time in the city.
What can you see from the towers and riverbanks?
Both ends of Charles Bridge are marked by fortified towers. At the Old Town end, the tower’s viewing gallery gives you a higher vantage point over the bridge and river; reaching it involves climbing 138 steps.
The Old Town Bridge Tower is open daily, with hours that change by season: 10:00–18:00 in January–March and October–November; 10:00–19:00 in April–May; 9:00–20:30 in June–September; and 10:00–19:30 in December. Holiday hours may differ.
Prague City Tourism is the only official seller of Old Town Bridge Tower tickets, through its ticket offices and the ColosseumTicket sales network online; it warns that tickets from other channels may not be valid. Standard admission is CZK 250, reduced admission is CZK 170, and family admission is CZK 500. Children up to age 5 enter free.
Reduced admission applies to children aged 6–15, seniors over 65 and holders of a ZTP disability card; a separate youth rate for ages 16–26 is CZK 200.
A combined ticket for both bridge towers costs CZK 340 for adults, CZK 230 reduced and CZK 680 for families. For current hours and ticket details, check the official site before you go.
When is a good time to visit Charles Bridge?
The bridge is an outdoor crossing, while the tower has seasonal opening hours. If you plan to climb the Old Town Bridge Tower, check its hours before setting out and allow time for the 138-step ascent.
The Charles Bridge Museum is near the bridge at Křižovnické náměstí 3. It is open daily 10:00–18:00 from October through April, and 10:00–19:00 from May through September. Admission is CZK 220 standard and CZK 110 reduced.
How do you get to Charles Bridge from Smíchov?
Anděl is a Metro Line B station. From a four-star hotel in Smíchov, Prague city centre is about 31 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by car. The bridge lies between the Old Town and Lesser Town; the central walking itinerary from Muzeum station crosses it on the way to Lesser Town Square.
Historic tram line 42 runs daily throughout the year and serves tourist destinations in Prague’s historic centre. Its 24-hour fare is CZK 450, with a discounted fare of CZK 300.
A visit that also takes in the castle can use the Prague Castle route and visit plan from Smíchov.
FAQs
How long is Charles Bridge?
Charles Bridge is 515.76 metres long and 9.5 metres wide.
How many statues are on Charles Bridge?
Its balustrade has 30 statues and sculptural groups.
Can you visit both bridge towers with one ticket?
A combined ticket for the Old Town Bridge Tower and Lesser Town Bridge Tower is available, with adult, reduced and family rates.