Prague: A Walk to Charles Bridge
japra | Oct 30, 2007 | Comments 4
We walked a lot in Prague. Well, we walk a lot in general these days! But unless it was raining and really cold, walking was a real pleasure in this beautiful city.
Prague does have cheap public transportation. We took it one day into the newer part of town. But by the time we wanted to go back to our hotel, it was rush hour and the trams were packed. So we ended up strolling back to our hotel.
Up a one lane road from our hotel, turn left onto this little street.
And right onto Nerudova Street. All of the streets and sidewalks, at least in the old parts of Prague, are made of cobblestone. Our driver from the airport flew down these streets. Roxi said the ride was a cross between a standing trot and the video game Simpsons’s Hit and Run.
St. Nicholas Cathedral from the Lesser Town Square. 
Another view of St. Nicholas Cathedral, this time with the dome. We went inside on our last day, and I’ll post those photos soon.
Approaching Charles Bridge, a 14th century stone bridge. It crosses the river Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic. How do you like that “M”? Mr. DJ has a British friend who calls McDonald’s the “American Embassy”. Speaking of embassies, our hotel was near the American and German embassies.
The color of the buildings really surprised me.
And the red tiled roofs are so pretty. I wonder what they’d think of our “composition shingles” back in the USA?
The views from the Charles Bridge are stunning. 
Fall colors and Petrin Hill in the background. We hiked up that hill on our last day.
View toward Old Town.
I like the way they use stone and metal in their statues. This one is located just below the bridge.
I thought this was interesting. It was in the base of one of the statues.
There are 30 statues of saints and patron saints on the bridge. Most of them aren’t original–those are in museums. The originals were put into place in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their modern counterparts were installed over a number of years, starting in the mid-1960s.
Not a statue–he’s real! If you gave him a tip, he’d tip his hat at you in thanks. 
Lots of people on the bridge.
There are also merchants, artists, and musicians. And pickpockets, so watch out!
The other end of the bridge heading into Old Town.
For a small fee, you can climb the stairs in the towers.
King Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor from the mid 14th century. This statue is from 1848.
Filed Under: Blog • Czech Republic • Destinations • Prague
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
I really had no idea that Prague was so gorgeous. J and a blogging friend who is stationed at the South Pole both list it as one of their favorite European cities.
Laurie–The views from the Charles Bridge, Petrin Hill and the castle complex are lovely, lovely, lovely. Old Prague is an old world beauty.
Yes, Prague is gorgeous and Charles bridge is the best place in Prague I think. The renowned Charles Bridge requires no introducing and indisputably also deserves to receive a big tick on the what-to-do-and-see list. Not only is this historical jewel simply beautiful but its statues can make your wishes come true. Do not have any doubts, see it and stay for a while in Prague restaurants on the river bank, once you experience the mystical atmosphere of narrow streets and feel the cobble stones underneath your feet, you will believe that Prague is truly magical.
Lucy–Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Everything you say is true! There is so much to love about Prague.