Planning Your Visit to the Charles Bridge Statues

Timing is everything when visiting this landmark. The bridge gets very crowded by mid-morning. You should aim to arrive before 8:00 AM for the best experience. This allows you to see the statues without hundreds of other people. You can find more tips in our guide on the best time to visit Charles Bridge for photos.

Most statues on the bridge today are actually copies. The originals are kept in the National Museum. This helps protect the delicate stone from weather and pollution. You can still see the incredible detail in these replicas. They represent the peak of Baroque art in the Czech Republic.

The bridge is about 516 meters long. It is easy to walk across in 10 minutes. However, you should plan for at least an hour. This gives you time to read about the figures. You can also enjoy the views of the Vltava River. Check the official Prague tourism portal for any local event updates.

12 Iconic Figures in Our Charles Bridge Statues Guide

Here are the top statues and experiences you must find. This list includes the most famous saints and the best viewpoints. Use this list to plan your walking route across the bridge.

• Name: St. John of Nepomuk Type: experience Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. Best for: People looking for good luck. Where: North side, near the middle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the middle of the bridge from either side. Tip: You should touch the bronze relief for a wish to come true.
• Name: The Crucifix and Calvary Type: sight Why go: This is the oldest statue group on the bridge. Best for: History buffs and religious art fans. Where: North side, near the Old Town end. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is the third statue from the Old Town side. Tip: Look for the gold Hebrew letters around the cross.
• Name: St. Luthgard Type: sight Why go: Many experts consider this the most beautiful statue. Best for: Art lovers. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Lesser Town side. Tip: Notice the fine details carved by Matthias Braun.
• Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the best view of the statues from above. Best for: Photographers. Where: Old Town entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approximately 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk to the very start of the bridge in Old Town. Tip: Try climbing the tower steps just before sunset.
• Name: St. Anne Type: sight Why go: She is the patron saint of mothers and grandmothers. Best for: Families. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: It is near the Old Town side. Tip: The statue shows Anne holding the infant Jesus.
• Name: St. Francis of Assisi Type: sight Why go: He is the patron of animals and nature. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the figure with two angels. Tip: This statue was a gift from a local count.
• Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: museum Why go: It explains how the bridge was built. Best for: Rainy days. Where: Just off the Old Town side. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located in Krizovnicke Square. Tip: See the model of the bridge's construction.
• Name: Mala Strana Bridge Towers Type: neighborhood Why go: These towers mark the entrance to the Lesser Town. Best for: Exploring neighborhoods. Where: West end of the bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk through. Getting there: Walk all the way across from Old Town. Tip: The smaller tower is much older than the bridge itself.
• Name: St. Anthony of Padua Type: sight Why go: A popular saint often shown with the baby Jesus. Best for: Religious pilgrims. Where: North side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located on the bridge's northern railing. Tip: This is a very peaceful spot for a quick prayer.
• Name: St. Ludmila Type: sight Why go: She was the first Czech saint. Best for: Local history fans. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the Kampa Island stairs. Tip: She is shown teaching her grandson, St. Wenceslas.
• Name: Kampa Island Steps Type: experience Why go: These stairs lead directly to a beautiful park. Best for: A quiet break. Where: South side, near Lesser Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Look for the stairs halfway across the bridge. Tip: Check out our guide on Kampa Island things to do for more ideas.
• Name: St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: He is the patron saint of the main Prague cathedral. Best for: Seeing local icons. Where: South side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Lesser Town side. Tip: Look for the lions at his feet.

How to Use This Charles Bridge Statues Guide Effectively

To get the most out of your walk, start from the Old Town side. This allows you to follow the history in order. Keep your camera ready for the changing light. The statues look very different at dawn than they do at dusk. You can find more photo spots in our list of best viewpoints in Prague.

Watch out for street performers and artists. They add a great atmosphere to the bridge. However, they can also block your view of the statues. Be patient when trying to take a photo of St. John of Nepomuk. There is often a small line of people waiting to touch the bronze.

Stay safe while you explore. The bridge is a popular spot for pickpockets because it is so busy. Keep your bags closed and in front of you. For more travel safety tips, visit the Visit Czechia national tourism board. This ensures your trip remains fun and stress-free.