Two Sides of Charles Bridge in Prague

Last updated July 5th, 2024

Catching up on Prague journals! When I was researching Prague, the Charles Bridge or Karluv Most was touted as its most famous and picturesque bridge, and one of the touristy must-sees of the city.

So imagine my horror on my very first morning in Prague exploring the city’s sights, when I was greeted by this sight:

The visibility was SHIT. When you stood on the bridge and looked out, you could barely see the banks, least to say the castle and town in the distance!

Was I doomed to be walking in autumn shrouds of fog and missing out on all the so-called beauty of Prague? Man was I disappointed!

I did get to admire the statues along the sides of the bridge as well as the intricate ceiling of the tower archway. Naturally because of the low visibility, it was not too crowded.

But then I went off for a city tour with Sandeman Free Walking Tours which took us around the Prague old city, then I headed up to Prague Castle for a gander. When I came back down, Charles Bridge was looking much more inviting (and also had a proportionate increase in the number of milling tourists on it)

It was late afternoon by the time I came back to the bridge, and it was much more bustling than it was earlier today. There were artists sketching caricatures, people selling random knick-knacks, and buskers charming the crowds with their tunes. Also, I found that you could actually climb up the Old Town Bridge Tower. Since the weather was looking pretty good, I decided to do exactly that.

The entry for the tower was 75 CZK. After spiraling your way up the old stone stairs, you finally end up at the roof level, an open air spot where you can walk around the 4 sides of the tower and look out at the city below. I’ll let the pictures do the talking:

Reluctantly, I finally climbed down the tower. Look at the stark difference between this picture near sunset and my early morning picture at roughly the same angle. Almost like two different seasons altogether!

I headed in the direction of the new town down the river as I returned to my hostel for a quick break before dinner. The river Vltava was very peaceful, and I stopped to take more pictures, sketch a little and just enjoy the peaceful beautiful evening.

Tourist Info

Cost: Prague bridge is free for all to access, but to climb up either the Old Town Bridge Tower (that I did) or the Lesser Town Bridge Tower (on the other end of the bridge) requires an admission fee of 75CZK, though there are discounted rates available.

Opening Hours: The towers open at 10am, and depending on the time of year, close at 6pm, 8pm or 10pm.

Find out more here.

Read more about my Prague adventures, including me drinking all the Pilsner Beer and taking a day trip to Kutna Hora to see the bone church and more.