The Five Best Things to Do Near Charles Bridge in Prague

Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava River in Prague and is one of the city's iconic sites.

By John Roberts 

If you are visiting Prague, you undoubtedly will be drawn to the Charles Bridge. The stunning stone bridge that spans the Vltava River was completed in 1402 and is one of the most-visited sites in the capital of the Czech Republic. There is good reason for that, too. Charles Bridge (you'll see signs in Prague directing you toward Karluv most) is flanked by large fortified towers on each bank, Lesser Town Bridge Towers and Old Town Bridge Tower. Strolling across from Old Town toward Lesser Town, you pass through the Gothic gateways, sharing the medieval bridge with buskers, artisans and hundreds of tourists. Charles Bridge features 30 statues of saints across its more than 500-meter span, and Prague Castle looms above Lesser Town. 

Here are my five best things to do around Charles Bridge in Prague.

Wander Charles Bridge -- You'll spend time here, of course. The least-crowded times and best for pictures is early morning, but it's irresistible at sunset. This span over the Vltava River is adorned with interesting statuary (a statue of St. John of Nepomuk is the most well-known) and filled with visitors who stroll together hand-in-hand to watch the sun retreat each evening. Charles Bridge also is home to artists, souvenir vendors and buskers playing anything from Bohemian folk music to classical and pop songs. The bridge is the main approach to Prague Castle and the vantage points in this area offer some of the best places to snag the iconic picture of Prague for your trip.

Explore Old Town -- Prague's main tourist hot spot, Old Town is a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, dance clubs and shopping. Old Town Square is the location of Prague's astronomical clock, which was installed in 1410 and is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world. Old Town Square is also the site of the city's annual Christmas Markets.

Prague's pubs offer a true taste of the Czech traditions.

Partake in a Pub Crawl -- You must take some time to sit outside and enjoy Czech beers (the nation is the birthplace of the Pilsen). Beer pubs are everywhere throughout the city, and you can find plenty of spots around Charles Bridge, too. Explore the castle grounds and winding cobbled streets around the Mala Strana neighborhood to find cool spots to settle in. Try Klasterni Pivovar Strahov for its lagers and ales brewed at a monastery. Or check out Lokal U Bile Kuzelky at the foot of Charles Bridge for a cold Pilsner Urquell and traditional Czech food.

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest of most important temple in Prague.

Hike Up to Prague Castle -- Speaking of the castle, you'll want to head up the hill to take in this massive complex. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a mix of architectural styles amid its castle palaces and administrative buildings. It serves as the official residence of the Czech president, and the grounds are filled with gardens. Make sure to explore the galleries and stunning St. Vitus Cathedral. 

Boat tours on the river and canals are a neat way to see a different view of the Charles Bridge neighborhoods.

Relax on a River Cruise -- Tired of walking around Prague all day? A popular diversion is a boat tour on the Vltava River. Outfitters are selling these tours all around the Charles Bridge and Old Town areas, so you can decide on the spur of the moment whether this is something you feel like doing. Some feature a dinner and beers, too. These slow-paced cruises give you a view from the middle of the Vltava, which is the longest river in the Czech Republic. You also can travel through locks and into small canals that venture into Lesser Town. A river cruise offers cools views up to the castle from the middle of the water. 

Have you been to Prague? What are some of your favorite things to do in this incredible city? 
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. 

Happy travels, 
John