Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

516 metres of medieval stonework arcing over the Vltava — Prague's only river crossing for nearly 500 years and still the most photographed spot in the city. Commissioned by Charles IV to replace the older Judith Bridge (washed out in the 1342 flood), construction ran roughly 50 years and the bridge has stood ever since.

What to look for

• Thirty baroque statues line the parapets, added mostly 1683–1714. Many are replicas now — the originals are in the Lapidarium of the National Museum to protect them from pollution.
• St. John of Nepomuk — the most famous statue, with a brass relief at its base. Czech tradition: rubbing the relief brings good luck and ensures a return to Prague. The brass is polished mirror-bright from centuries of doing it.
• The two Gothic bridge towers — the Old Town Bridge Tower (east end) and Lesser Town Bridge Tower (west end). Both are climbable for terrific views down the bridge and across the city. The Old Town one is the more impressive piece of architecture; the Lesser Town one is the better view.
• The Old Town Bridge Tower is widely considered one of the finest civil Gothic structures in Europe — note Charles IV's enthroned statue on the eastern face.

Practical

• Closed to cars and trams — strictly pedestrian since 1965. Bikes are technically allowed but discouraged.
• It's free and open 24/7. The towers charge admission only if you climb them.
• Crowds. Daytime — especially 11:00 to 18:00 in summer — the bridge is packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Walk it at dawn or after dark for the iconic empty-bridge shot. The lit-up castle behind it at night is unforgettable.
• Buskers, portrait artists, and souvenir hawkers line the bridge in the middle. Cash only for most of them.
• The bridge connects Old Town (eastern end, Karlova street) to the Lesser Town / Malá Strana (western end, leading uphill toward Prague Castle).

Audio tour: Charles Bridge is the finale of Rick Steves' Prague City Walk, a free self-guided audio tour in the library.