🌉 What to see on Charles bridge: towers, sculptures and prices

Charles Bridge spans the Vltava in the very center of Prague. Tens of thousands of people cross it every day, and access remains free. The 14th-century stone arch connected the Old Town and Malá Strana and still serves as the main pedestrian route through the historic center.

This is not just a crossing, but an open-air gallery. It features Baroque sculptures, viewing towers, and one of the best views of Prague Castle. Below you will find the bridge's history and legends, tower hours and prices, the main sculptures, wish-making spots, and the route from the metro.

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History and construction of Charles Bridge

💡 In short:

Charles Bridge is open to pedestrians around the clock, admission is free.
The Old Town Bridge Tower is reached by 138 steps, there is no elevator, and the ticket costs 250 CZK (as of 09/2026, climb fare).
Tower hours and prices: 09/2026, verified on the official Prague tourism website.

Charles Bridge is considered the oldest bridge in Prague. Before it, a wooden crossing stood on this spot, washed away by a flood in the 12th century. King Vladislaus II ordered the wood to be replaced with stone, and in the second half of the 12th century the Judith Bridge was built across the Vltava.

Charles Bridge over the Vltava at sunset in Prague

The Judith Bridge was named after Queen Judith, the king's wife. It stood for almost two centuries, and its fragments are still shown near the Malá Strana bridge towers and in the basement of a neighboring house. The collapse of the old crossing was a real disaster for the city.

The first stone of the new bridge was laid by Charles IV himself. On the advice of astrologers, this was done on July 9, 1357 at 5:31 a.m. (according to the article about the bridge). If you write the year, day, month, and time in sequence, you get 135797531. This number reads the same in both directions, and magical power was attributed to it.

The construction was led by Peter Parler. He was 27 at the time, and by then he was already working on St. Vitus Cathedral (according to Wikipedia). Construction was completed in the early 15th century.

The bridge was built from sandstone: 516 meters long, almost 10 meters wide, 16 arches with ice breakers (according to structural data). The strength of the stone is explained in various ways.

Beautiful legends are tied to the bridge's sturdiness. It is said that eggs, milk, and wine were added to the mortar to make the stones hold more firmly. There is also a story about the devil: the architect supposedly promised him the soul of the first pedestrian, but slipped him a black rooster instead.

The bridge survived wars, sieges, and floods. The Hussites marched across it, townspeople fought off the Swedes at its walls, and the tower held barricades during the European revolution. A catastrophic flood damaged the piers, and restoration took two years.

Originally the crossing was called the Stone Bridge, then the Prague Bridge. It received the name Charles Bridge in 1870 (according to the history of the renaming). A horse-drawn tram ran across it, then an electric tram, and in 1974 traffic was closed and the bridge was given over to pedestrians. You will see traces of all these eras right on the bridge.

Czech kings rode across the bridge along the Royal Route on their way to Prague Castle. The strategic importance of the crossing was recognized throughout Europe, so it was fortified and guarded.

Old town bridge tower

The approach to the bridge from the east is closed off by the Old town bridge tower. It was built on a bridge pier to a design by Peter Parler. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in Europe: coronation processions of Czech kings passed through it, and the facade is decorated with the coats of arms of the lands of the empire.

138 steps lead to the top, and the tower has no elevator (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). From the gallery you will see Malá Strana, Prague Castle and the Lesser town bridge towers on the other bank.

Inside, sculptures of Saints Vitus, Adalbert and Sigismund have survived, as well as figures of Kings Charles IV and Wenceslaus IV. The tower used to have two prisons. Ordinary prisoners were kept in the basement, and noble ones higher up. The Gothic roof with oriel windows and spires is visible from both banks of the river.

Local beliefs are also tied to the tower. They say you must not hear the cry of a little owl flying over it, otherwise a fire will break out in your house. Praguers also tell of a water sprite who lives under the base of one of the bridge arches. And in the pointed arch stands a frozen figure of a kingfisher.

In summer the climb is worth it. From the top you see the entire line of the bridge and the tiled roofs of Malá Strana. Come at opening time, before there is a line at the ticket office.

Lesser town bridge towers

From the west the bridge is guarded by the Lesser town bridge towers. These are two structures of different ages, connected by a gate. The low Romanesque tower has stood here since the 12th century, while the tall late Gothic one was built in 1464 in the Parler style (according to a review of the Lesser Town towers).

The low tower received its Renaissance appearance in the late 16th century and for some time served as a prison for dangerous criminals. The gate between the towers was closed by massive oak leaves with iron bars. The crenellations along the edges and the hanging coats of arms long served as decoration for both structures.

A staircase leads to the upper level of the tall tower, and there is no elevator here either. From the gallery you will see Prague Castle, the cathedrals and the city TV tower. This angle is considered the most favorable for photographing the bridge. Right behind the towers begin the restaurants and cafes of Malá Strana, where it is convenient to have lunch after a walk.

Charles Bridge sculptures

Baroque statues on Charles Bridge in Prague

The bridge parapets are decorated with 30 sculptural groups. They were installed from 1683 to 1714, and today copies stand on the bridge. The originals have been kept in the National Museum since the 20th century (according to the list of sculptures). The gallery is open around the clock together with the bridge.

The main figure, John of Nepomuk, appeared first, in 1683 (according to the encyclopedia).

On the right side, Bernard of Clairvaux with the Madonna, the Crucifixion with an inscription in Hebrew, and Saints Cyril and Methodius stand out. The most touching scene is dedicated to Ludmila, who teaches her grandson Wenceslaus to read. Both are considered the main saints of Bohemia.

Among other figures worth naming are the Lamentation of Christ by John the Evangelist and Mary Magdalene, Saints Barbara, Elizabeth and Margaret with the dragon's head at her feet, as well as Christopher carrying the infant Christ across the Vltava. These scenes are familiar to every Czech schoolchild.

On the left stand Wenceslaus, Adalbert and Francis of Assisi. The most popular group tells of Saint Ivan, John of Matha and Felix of Valois. Many figures can only be seen up close, so walk slowly and watch your step.

Where people make wishes

Gilded relief of John of Nepomuk on Charles Bridge

The main bridge tradition is dedicated to John of Nepomuk. The priest was thrown from the bridge into the Vltava because he refused to reveal the secret of the queen's confession. At the place where he fell into the water, a cross with five stars is set into the stonework. On the north side, a bronze relief of the saint is set into the parapet. It is believed that a wish will come true if you place your palm on it, and there is almost always a line at the relief.

Lovers kiss on the bridge, and visitors to the city touch any sculpture they like. A neo-Gothic staircase, paved with stone in the 19th century, descends from the bridge to Kampa Island. Street musicians often play near the relief, and artists work there.

How to get to the bridge

You can approach the bridge from both banks of the Vltava. In Malá Strana, the nearest metro station is called Malostranská, on green line A. Trams stop nearby at Malostranské náměstí.

From the Old Town side, get off at Staroměstská station. The tram stops Karlovy lázně, Národní divadlo and Staroměstská also work. They are less than a kilometer from the bridge, a short walk on foot.

It’s more convenient to start the route from the Old Town side in the morning. That way you’ll cross the bridge all the way through and end up in Malá Strana at the foot of Prague Castle.

Tickets and tower hours

Access to Charles Bridge itself is free and open 24/7, you pay nothing here. You only pay to climb the viewing towers, which are managed by Prague City Tourism.

The Old Town Bridge Tower operates seasonally: January through March and October through November from 10:00 to 18:00, April through May until 19:00, June through September from 9:00 to 20:30, and December until 19:30 (as of 09/2026, current tower prices). An adult ticket costs 250 CZK, a reduced ticket 170 CZK, and a family ticket 500 CZK (as of 09/2026, Prague City Tourism). During the first hour after opening, there is a 50% discount. Children under 5 enter free.

The Lesser Town Bridge Tower follows the same schedule. A combined ticket for both towers costs 340 CZK for adults (as of 09/2026, combined ticket for both towers).

The catch: in summer there can be a line at the tower ticket office, and there is no elevator. The Old Town Bridge Tower has 138 steps.

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Charles Bridge on the map

The bridge connects Křižovnické náměstí and Malostranské náměstí in the very center of Prague. Below is an interactive map, which makes it easy to plan a route from your hotel or from the metro.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Charles Bridge?

The bridge itself is free and open 24/7; you only pay to climb the towers. Ticket prices are listed in the tower section above. Children under 5 enter free, and there is a discount during the first hour of operation.

Can you go up to the viewing platform?

Yes, both towers have viewing galleries, but there is no elevator. In summer the towers are open until 20:30, in winter until 18:00. From the top you will see Prague Castle, the Vltava, and Malá Strana.

Which sculpture grants wishes?

You make a wish at the bronze relief of John of Nepomuk on the north side of the bridge. The priest was executed in the 14th century for refusing to reveal the queen's confession. Tourists place their palm on the relief, and it has long been polished to a shine. There is almost always a line here, so come in the morning.

How much time do you need to see the bridge?

Half an hour is enough for a walk across the bridge, but it gets crowded in the middle of the day. If you plan to climb the tower, allow one and a half to two hours. Come early in the morning: before nine o'clock the sculptures are almost unobstructed by crowds, and you can take your time looking at everything.

When did the bridge become pedestrian-only?

The tram was removed from the bridge in the 1970s, and it has been pedestrian-only ever since. That is convenient for you: you can stop anywhere and examine the sculptures. Cyclists are not allowed to ride across the bridge, and access remains open 24/7.

In short: what is worth booking

You do not need a ticket for the bridge itself; it is open at any time of day. If you plan to climb a tower, come in the first hour after opening: there is a ticket discount. The sculptures and the view of Prague Castle are best seen in the morning, while there are few people on the bridge.

If this is your first time in Prague: get the combined ticket for both towers.
If you want to save money: go up in the first hour after opening.
If you are with children: choose the family rate.

It is convenient to plan your walk through the Old Town in advance: browse tours on GetYourGuide.

Charles Bridge in Prague: where to make a wish and how to climb the tower