Charles Bridge spans the Vltava River linking Prague Castle with the center of the city. It’s 516 meters long and 10 meters wide and was built in the 1400s, replacing a stone bridge built in 1170, that was destroyed by floods in 1342.

The bridge, a pedestrian link between two other tourists sites, Prague castle and Old Town, is a major tourist attraction itself. Evenly spaced along the bridge are 30 sculptural tableaux, most of them dark with age with various religious motifs. The bridge is so popular, artists and craftsmen arrayed along its length vie for tourist dollars. Thieves and pickpockets likewise ply their trade here, so beware.

But the main attraction of the bridge are the excellent views of the city, the Castle, and the riverscape. You can also get great views if you climb up the Old Town Bridge Tower (in photo on right).