Planning Your Visit to Charles Bridge

Visiting the bridge is free, but the towers require a small fee to climb. Most people visit during the day when the bridge is crowded with artists and musicians. If you want the best photos, you should arrive at sunrise. You can find more advice in our guide on the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photos. The bridge is about 516 meters long and features 30 statues or statuary groups.

• Best overall: Old Town Bridge Tower
• Best for families: St. John of Nepomuk Statue
• Best rainy-day: Museum of Charles Bridge
• Best free: Walking the main bridge span

The bridge is easily accessible by foot from many top sights in Prague. Most statues are replicas of the original Baroque masterpieces. The originals are kept in the National Museum to protect them from weather. This ensures the history of the bridge remains preserved for future generations.

Essential Charles Bridge Statues and Towers

The statues represent various saints and patron figures from religious history. Each one tells a unique story about the city's spiritual past. The towers serve as grand gateways and defensive structures. Here are the 12 most important Charles Bridge statues and towers to visit during your trip.

1. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Tower Why go: It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic gateways in Europe. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Old Town side of the bridge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: You can learn about climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps to see the view.
2. Name: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk Type: Statue Why go: It is the oldest and most famous statue on the bridge. Best for: Good luck seekers. Where: North side, near the middle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Midway across the bridge. Tip: Read the legend of St. John of Nepomuk statue before you touch the bronze plaque.
3. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Tower Why go: These two towers of different heights create a unique silhouette. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Malá Strana side. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: The smaller tower is Romanesque and dates back to the 12th century.
4. Name: The Calvary (Holy Crucifix) Type: Statue Why go: This is one of the most historically significant and oldest groups on the bridge. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Old Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: First major statue on the right from Old Town. Tip: Look for the Hebrew inscription added in the 17th century.
5. Name: Statue of St. Lutgarde Type: Statue Why go: Often cited as the most artistically valuable statue on the bridge. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: South side, near Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Malá Strana end. Tip: It depicts the saint's vision of Christ.
6. Name: Statue of St. Anthony of Padua Type: Statue Why go: A classic Baroque representation of the popular saint. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Middle section of the bridge. Tip: Look for the lilies held by the saint.
7. Name: Statue of St. Augustine Type: Statue Why go: A beautiful depiction of the philosopher and theologian. Best for: History lovers. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the center of the bridge. Tip: He is shown holding a flaming heart.
8. Name: Statue of St. Francis Borgia Type: Statue Why go: Features intricate details of the Jesuit priest. Best for: Photography. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Closer to the Lesser Town side. Tip: The statue is framed by two angels.
9. Name: Statue of St. Christopher Type: Statue Why go: Depicts the patron saint of travelers carrying the Christ child. Best for: Travelers. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Lesser Town end. Tip: It stands on the site of a former guard booth.
10. Name: Statue of St. Vitus Type: Statue Why go: Honors the patron saint of the Czech lands and the cathedral. Best for: Cultural context. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the center. Tip: He is depicted with lions at his feet.
11. Name: Kampa Island Stairs Type: Experience Why go: This grand staircase leads directly from the bridge to the charming Kampa Island. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Lesser Town side of the bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located right next to the Lesser Town towers. Tip: Visit the John Lennon Wall and Kampa area right after descending.
12. Name: Statue of St. Wenceslas Type: Statue Why go: Dedicated to the "Good King" and patron of Bohemia. Best for: Local legends. Where: North side, near Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Last statue on the right before the towers. Tip: It was created by Josef Kamil Führing in 1858.

Hidden Details and Nearby Experiences

Beyond the statues, the bridge offers many hidden details. Look for the small brass cross with five stars on the bridge railing. This marks the spot where St. John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river. Touching it is said to grant a secret wish. You can also see the bridge from a different angle by taking a river cruise. These boats often depart from under the bridge near the Old Town side.

The bridge is a gateway to the Prague Castle complex. After crossing to the Lesser Town, you can walk uphill to the castle gates. This route is one of the most scenic in the city. It offers many of the best scenic viewpoints in Prague. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestones can be uneven.

For more official information, you can check the Prague tourism portal. They provide updates on any restoration work on the statues. Sometimes, individual statues are covered for cleaning. This usually happens in the spring or autumn months. Plan your visit to ensure you see your favorite figures in their full glory.