Top 10 Highlights for Your Charles Bridge Statues Walking Guide

Walking across the bridge is like visiting an open-air museum. Most statues are replicas of the 17th-century originals. You can find the real ones in the National Museum or the Gorlice at Vysehrad. This guide focuses on the figures you see today. Use these quick picks to plan your visit:

• Best overall: Saint John of Nepomuk
• Best for luck: The bronze plaques at Nepomuk's base
• Best for families: Saint Christopher
• Best free activity: Walking the bridge at sunrise

1. Name: Saint John of Nepomuk Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous statue on the bridge. It marks where the saint was thrown into the river. People touch the plaques for good luck. Best for: History buffs and luck seekers. Where: Middle of the bridge, north side. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town or Lesser Town. Tip: Rub the dog or the falling priest for a wish.
2. Name: Crucifix and Calvary Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the oldest monuments here. It features a gilded bronze cross. The Hebrew inscription has a unique and complex history. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start your walk from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Look for the gold letters that shine in the sun.
3. Name: Saint Luthgard Type: Experience Why go: Many experts call this the most beautiful statue. It was carved by Matthias Braun in 1710. It shows a powerful vision of the saint. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Lesser Town side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Malostranska side. Tip: Notice the detailed expressions on the faces.
4. Name: Saints Cyril and Methodius Type: Sight Why go: These brothers brought Christianity to the Slavs. The statue is newer than most. It replaced a statue lost in a flood. Best for: Cultural history. Where: Closer to the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible via any bridge entrance. Tip: Check out the official Visit Czechia site for more on Slavic history.
5. Name: Saint Augustine Type: Sight Why go: He is shown holding a burning heart. He is also treading on heretical books. It is a classic piece of Baroque drama. Best for: Philosophy fans. Where: South side, near the middle. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Look for the small shell at his feet.
6. Name: Saint Francis Borgia Type: Sight Why go: This statue is very elaborate. It includes two angels and a skull. It represents the Jesuit influence in Prague. Best for: Baroque art fans. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near the middle of the span. Tip: The skull symbolizes the vanity of life.
7. Name: Saint Christopher Type: Experience Why go: He is the patron saint of travelers. He is shown carrying the Christ child. This is a great spot for a family photo. Best for: Families and travelers. Where: North side, near Lesser Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Lesser Town side. Tip: This statue offers a great view of the river below.
8. Name: Saint Anthony of Padua Type: Sight Why go: Anthony is the patron of lost things. The statue shows him with the infant Jesus. It is a peaceful and popular figure. Best for: Spiritual reflection. Where: South side of the bridge. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town side. Tip: Many people leave small tokens here.
9. Name: Saint Ivo Type: Sight Why go: He is the patron saint of lawyers. He is shown with a widow and a child. It represents justice and mercy. Best for: Legal professionals. Where: First statue on the north side from Old Town. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: This is a very complex and large group of figures.
10. Name: Saint John de Matha, Saint Felix of Valois, and Saint Ivan Type: Sight Why go: This is the largest statue group. It shows saints who ransomed Christians from captivity. There is a Turk guarding a prison cell at the base. Best for: Unique storytelling. Where: South side, near Lesser Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk toward the Lesser Town end. Tip: Look for the prisoner peering through the bars at the bottom.

Essential Tips for Your Charles Bridge Statues Walking Guide Tour

Timing is everything when visiting this bridge. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws millions. To enjoy the statues, arrive before 8:00 AM. The morning light is perfect for photos. You will also avoid the heavy crowds and street vendors. By midday, the bridge becomes very packed.

Wear comfortable shoes for your walk. The bridge is made of cobblestones. These can be slippery when wet. If you have mobility concerns, check our accessibility guide. Most of the bridge is flat and easy to navigate. However, the approach ramps have a slight incline.

Keep an eye on your belongings. Like many busy tourist spots, pickpockets may operate here. Keep your bags closed and in front of you. Stay aware while you are looking up at the statues. This ensures your 2026 trip remains stress-free and fun. Don't forget to look at the river views too.

Exploring Beyond the Bridge in Prague

Once you finish the bridge, more history awaits. You can walk into the Lesser Town streets. This area features beautiful Baroque palaces and gardens. It is much quieter than the Old Town side. You can find many hidden cafes and small art galleries here.

Alternatively, head back toward the Old Town Square. This is the heart of historic Prague. You can see the Astronomical Clock and the Tyn Church. The walk from the bridge to the square takes about ten minutes. It is a very scenic route through narrow alleys.

For more information, visit the official city tourism portal. They offer maps and event schedules for 2026. You can also find details about the bridge museum. This museum is located near the Old Town Bridge Tower. It explains how the bridge was built in 1357. It is a great indoor activity for rainy days.