Before you set off to explore the surrounding area, it goes without saying that a visit to the Charles Bridge is a must. Whether in the winter fog (as in the video for ” Never Tear Us Apart ” by Australian band INXS) or in the solitude and mist of the early morning (which is what I prefer).
The Charles Bridge is an important part of your stay in Prague
If you’re not an early riser (or a late sleeper…), you’ll probably be wandering through an endless stream of tourists slowed down by portrait artists, musicians and other street vendors. In any case, whatever the time of day, make a point of stopping in front of the statue of Saint John Nepomuk, who was thrown off the bridge at the same spot in 1393. On the bronze pedestal, touching the little figure toppling into the river or the royal dog will bring you happiness!
TO VISIT NEAR PONT CHARLES
Kampa Museum
U Sovových mlýnů 2
You’ll reach this beautiful building on the island of Kampa (mills beautifully transformed in 2002 to house a private museum), by taking Na Kampě street as soon as you leave Charles Bridge. Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the Kampa Museum ‘s collections showcase works censored under Communism. Gathered in Washington by the Mládek couple, these works were donated to the city of Prague after the Revolution. And if you prefer to know everything about the history of the Charles Bridge, you have of course at the foot of the bridge on the Old Town side, the Charles Bridge Museum!
The Clementinum, Prague’s national library
Mariánskě nám. 5
On the right bank, a stone’s throw from Charles Bridge, the Clementinum has housed the national library since 1781. Covering an area of two hectares, it is the largest building in Prague after the Castle. Don’t miss the Baroque library and the astronomical tower.
2 WALKS BESIDE THE CHARLES BRIDGE
Cool off with a pedal-boat ride
For a more refreshing view of the Charles Bridge, and even more so on a hot day, don’t hesitate to hire a pedalo. An increasingly popular and very, very fun activity! To find a boat, go to the quays below Smetanovo nábřeží or go upstream to the rental companies on the pleasant Slovanský Island (also known as Žofín), a little upstream from the National Theater. You can even rent a swan-shaped boat or a car! And if you’re lazy, take a cruise on this pretty Vltava River!
Walk along the river under the Charles Bridge
Another pleasant walk takes you along the right bank of the river, from the Charles Bridge to the Rudolfinum. All along the way, you can take beautiful photos of the Castle and the opposite bank. And why not stop off on the quayside at Marina Ristorante (Alšovo nábřeží)? This pizzeria, located in what was once a cargo ship, offers top-quality Italian cuisine and lets you eat as close to the water as possible. If you want to enjoy the terrace or be well-placed, prefer off-peak hours (in Prague, the vast majority of restaurants operate non-stop).
DINING AT PONT CHARLES
Trdelník & Coffee, try the trdelník!
U Starého Hřbitova 42
Some locals will tell you, it’s not very “local”. No matter! For a few years now, everyone in Prague has been feasting on “trdelník”, a cylindrical Slovak pastry (the dough is wrapped around a wooden skewer before baking over embers). You’ll find it just about everywhere (look for the giant “trdelník” prominently displayed above the stalls offering it) in squares and markets. Recently, an address in the Jewish quarter, a stone’s throw from the Charles Bridge, has been creating a buzz since Trdelník & Coffee offers perhaps the best cake in the city. Result: the one topped with strawberries goes very quickly!
Lehká Hlava, a friendly vegetarian restaurant
Boršov 2
In an alleyway, one of the city’s best vegetarian restaurants, called “La tête légère”. Warm atmosphere, charming staff, tempting menu. You’ll even find “tofoie gras” made with tofu, of course! Try to settle in at the top of the little stone staircase… At lunchtime, a very inexpensive menu. A good place to stop if you’re looking for peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of the Charles Bridge.
Pod mostem, Pilsen, goulash and sausages
Sazká 1
“Under the bridge”… This little bar is nestled precisely under the arch of the Charles Bridge. Whether indoors by the fireplace in winter or on the terrace overlooking the river in summer, you’ll enjoy a quiet moment just a few meters from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Pilsen beer, goulash and sausages..
Kavárna Mlýnská, an old mill turned café
Všehrdova 14
In the charming park of Kampa, an old watermill has been transformed into a café. To get there, a small bridge spans the Devil’s Canal (Čertovka). Whatever the season, you’ll find a regular clientele and the warmest atmosphere. You might even bump into the ubiquitous Prague artist David Černý..
ACCOMMODATION
If you want to stay at the foot of the Charles Bridge, but really at the foot, there’s one address you can’t miss: Hotel U 3 Pstrosu, a magnificent 18-room Renaissance hotel. It’s a popular hotel, and reservations should be made well in advance to ensure a room on the date of your stay. Alternatively, see this page for a list of nearby establishments, particularly in the superb Malá Strana district. Hotel Pod Věží is also a popular hotel (literally “Hotel under the bridge”). Visitors are always very happy with it, especially since it is one of the Prague hotels with a good restaurant.
GOING OUT
Blue Light
Josefská 1
On the left bank of the Vltava, a dimly lit bar with floor-to-ceiling walls covered in graffiti and inscriptions of all kinds. Local clientele in their thirties. A nice place with good cocktails, loud music and a great atmosphere!
Duende
Karoliny Světlé 30
On the right bank of the Vltava this time (the right bank is much more festive), a heterogeneously decorated bar that’s very lively in the evening. Slightly nerdy clientele of expats and locals, friendly team, late closing. A sure bet in the neighborhood for many years.
Karlovy lázně
Smetanovo nábřeží 1
Central Europe’s biggest nightclub! That’s the main (and only?) argument for this huge Prague dance club, located in a former public bath a few meters from Charles Bridge. Five levels and five different moods (mainstream, dance music, oldies, hip hop, chill out) bring tourists and very young people together every day until 5 a.m.! If you leave the club that late, you’ll be able to cross the Charles Bridge in peace (on sunny days, the sun rises very early over Prague…)