Charles Bridge: Europe’s Oldest Stone Bridge

Charles Bridge is an iconic landmark in all of Prague attractions that makes you want to prolong your trip to Europe. 

If you wish to travel to a place that makes you feel like you are starring in a movie then out of all the Prague attractions, The Charles Bridge is a clear choice. You must be wondering what it is about Charles Bridge that makes it so popular among locals, well let us take you on a journey through time with the Charles Bridge history and what else the place has to offer, and what makes it the best tourist place in Prague. 

Charles Bridge History

Charles Bridge history dates back to the year 1357. To back up even further in time, the Charles Bridge construction began to replace the Judith Bridge which was badly damaged during floods. The Charles Bridge’s construction came to an end in 1402. 

Earlier the bridge was called the Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge but in the year 1870, the bridge was named Charles Bridge after King Charles IV, and now the bridge stands as a popular tourist place in Prague.

This iconic bridge is built of sandstone blocks, flanked at each end by fortified towers, and features 30 marvellous sculptures of saints to make the bridge a little more attractive, out of which the most popular is the St. John of Nepomuk. 

The Charles Bridge played an important role in the history of Prague, during the Battle of White Mountain in the year 1620. The bridge survived several historical events including the World War II 

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Charles Bridge Prague Design

The Charles Bridge, a popular tourist place in Prague is a stunning masterpiece which features Gothic architecture that goes above the Vltava River. The bridge is 621 meters in length and features around 16 arches and is supported by some 15 pillars with 30 stunning sculptures. 

The Charles Bridge has undergone several restorations to maintain its integrity structure-wise, with the most recent restoration project which began in 2019 and is expected to last for almost 20 years. 

The best part about the Charles Bridge is that you don’t have to worry about vehicular traffic because the bridge is only open to pedestrians. 

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Best Time To Visit Charles Bridge

If you are wondering about the best time to visit Charles Bridge, you should try visiting during sunrise or sunset because that is the time which offers the most stunning views, and you’ll see most of the people visit the Charles Bridge during sunset, and if you want to avoid crowd, you can head to the bridge before sunrise, making it the best time to visit Charles Bridge. 

You can spot vendors selling souvenirs, and despite the crowd on the bridge, it is a must-see Prague attractions. 

Best Season

If you wish to see the Bridge in all its stunning glory, then you can head to the Charles Bridge in January or February, and enjoy the snow. 

Best Day Of The Week

If you wish to avoid chaos and crowd, then Monday to Thursday are the best days for Charles Bridge. Avoid weekends to avoid huge crowd on the bridge.

Best Time Of The Day

You can visit the bridge first thing in the morning or last at night. Imagine walking on the bridge late at night with your friends, or family, or your partner, wouldn’t that be an incredible feeling? No wonder it is the top tourist place in Prague.

Legends Of The Bridge

The Charles Bridge holds great historical, and cultural significance for the people of Prague, and is said to be protected by the guardian angel of Prague and is a site for several legends and superstitions. 

It is believed that touching the statue of St. John of Nepomuk will bring good luck. St. John Nepomuk was martyred in the 14th century. 

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How To Reach Charles Bridge Prague

Wondering how to reach Charles Bridge Prague? Let us help you with that, and tell you about the various forms of public transport you can use to reach the Charles Bridge, the best tourist place in Prague. 

How To Reach Charles Bridge By Car

From the Airport, it is easy to get to the Charles Bridge Prague, so you can drive to the place or hire a cab to reach the place. It will take 17 minutes while covering a distance of 15 km. The cab fare is between 500 to 600 Kc. 

How To Reach Charles Bridge By Bus

You can take a 119 bus to go to the A/Green metro station, and then head to Malostranska station. Then you can walk a little to reach the 22 or 21 tram. After a little walk, you will reach your destination. 

How To Reach Charles Bridge By Tram

Take tram number 17 which will take you to the Charles Bridge from the main city of Prague. The trip will take around 17 minutes, covering a distance of 2.5 km. 

Things To Do Near Charles Bridge

Well there are plenty of things to do near Charles Bridge, let’s check it out: 

1. Stroll Through The Bridge: Strolling through the bridge is an activity of its own, especially when you are strolling at the least crowded time. Take as many pictures as possible, and you can also take pictures of sunset and sunrise.
2. Explore Old Town: You can also go exploring the Old Town, which is full of restaurants, dance clubs, and you can even go shopping in Prague, which is among the best things to do near Charles Bridge. 
3. Visit The Prague Castle: Since you have been wondering about what the Prague castle looks like, then you can definitely visit the place and witness the marvellous architecture and the stunning grandeur of the place, which makes it among the best things to do near Charles Bridge.

Tips On Visiting Charles Bridge Prague

• If you visit the bridge early in the morning, you can avoid crowds and enjoy the bridge to the fullest, and take beautiful pictures. 
• You can go before dawn to take pictures of the bridge, the stunning statues, and Prague Castle. 
• You can shop for souvenirs on the bridge. 
• Each end of the bridge has a tower that offers stunning views of the area and a small exhibition space. 
• You rent a boat and go boating in the Vltava River.