Iconic Towers of Charles Bridge

The towers at each end of the bridge are grand gateways. They were built to protect the city from invaders. Today, they serve as beautiful viewpoints for tourists. You can see the entire city from the top. The architecture is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Climbing these towers is a highlight for many visitors. The stairs are narrow but the reward is worth it. You can see the Vltava River and the castle clearly. Make sure to bring your camera for these views. Here are the main towers you should explore.

1. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: This is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. You can climb the Old Town Bridge Tower stairs for amazing views. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Old Town side entrance. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Take the tram to Staroměstská station. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting over the river.
2. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: viewpoint Why go: These are two different towers connected by a gate. The taller one offers a great view of the bridge length. Best for: Panoramic city views. Where: Malá Strana side of the bridge. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the taller tower. Getting there: Walk from the Malostranské náměstí tram stop. Tip: Look for the differences in style between the two towers.

Must-See Charles Bridge Statues and Towers

There are 30 statues lining the bridge. Most of them are in the Baroque style. They represent various saints and patron figures. These charles bridge statues and towers tell the story of the city’s faith. Many are copies of the originals to protect them from weather.

Walking past these figures feels like being in an open-air museum. Each statue has a unique story and artistic detail. You can find more quirky statues and art installations throughout Prague. However, the ones on the bridge remain the most iconic. Here are the top statues to find.

1. Name: Statue of St. John of Nepomuk Type: iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. People touch it for good luck and a return to Prague. Learn about the history of St. John of Nepomuk statue before you go. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Middle of the bridge. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the center of the bridge. Tip: Look for the shiny bronze parts that people rub for luck.
2. Name: The Calvary (Holy Cross) Type: iconic sight Why go: This is one of the oldest statue groups here. It features a large bronze crucifix with golden Hebrew letters. Best for: Religious history buffs. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: The golden letters were paid for by a fine in the 17th century.
3. Name: Statue of St. Luthgard Type: sight Why go: Many experts consider this the most artistically valuable statue. It shows the saint having a vision of Christ. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Closer to the Lesser Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Malá Strana end. Tip: Notice the soft, emotional expressions carved in the stone.
4. Name: Statue of St. Augustine Type: sight Why go: He is shown holding a burning heart and stepping on heretical books. It is a very dramatic Baroque piece. Best for: Fans of dramatic sculpture. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the right if walking toward the castle. Tip: Check the base for the symbol of the Augustinian order.
5. Name: Statue of St. Ivo Type: sight Why go: St. Ivo is the patron saint of lawyers. The statue shows him helping the poor and widows. Best for: History of law fans. Where: Near the Old Town entrance. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: First statue on the left from Old Town. Tip: This is a copy; the original is in the National Museum.
6. Name: Statue of St. Ludmila Type: sight Why go: She was the first Czech Christian martyr. The statue shows her teaching her grandson, St. Wenceslas. Best for: Learning about Czech history. Where: Near the Lesser Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Malostranská side. Tip: She is often depicted with the veil used to strangle her.
7. Name: Statue of St. Christopher Type: sight Why go: This saint is the patron of travelers. It is a fitting statue for a bridge full of tourists. Best for: All travelers. Where: Lesser Town side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Malostranská metro station. Tip: Look for the detailed carvings of the Christ child on his shoulder.

Unique Experiences and Sights Near the Bridge

The area around the bridge is full of life. You can find quiet parks and busy museums just steps away. Exploring these spots adds more depth to your trip. Many people miss the hidden gems right under the bridge. Take some time to step off the main path.

The river itself offers a great way to see the bridge. You can view the statues from a different angle. It is also a good way to escape the crowds. Use the official city tourism portal for the latest event info. Here are three things to do near the bridge.

1. Name: Kampa Island Type: neighborhood Why go: This peaceful island sits right under the bridge. It features a lovely park and modern art. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: Beneath the Lesser Town end of the bridge. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to enter the park. Getting there: Take the stairs down from the bridge. Tip: Visit the giant baby statues by David Černý nearby.
2. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: museum Why go: It explains how the medieval bridge was built. You can see models of the bridge through history. Best for: Families and students. Where: Klementinum side, near the Old Town entrance. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: The ticket often includes a small boat ride or a snack.
3. Name: Vltava River Cruise Type: experience Why go: Seeing the bridge from the water is a unique experience. You get a different perspective of the statues. You can book many Vltava river cruises and islands tours nearby. Best for: Relaxing and sightseeing. Where: Docks near the Old Town side. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Moderate price for tickets. Getting there: Walk down to the river from the bridge. Tip: Choose an evening cruise to see the bridge lit up.

Planning Your Charles Bridge Visit

Timing is everything when visiting this popular spot. During the day, the bridge is very crowded. Street performers and artists fill the space. If you want peace, you must go early. The sunrise view is world-famous for a reason.

Check the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photography before you go. This will help you get those perfect empty-bridge shots. Most people then continue to the Prague Castle complex for the afternoon. For more national travel info, visit the Visit Czechia website. Plan for at least two hours to see everything properly.