The Legend of St. John of Nepomuk

St. John of Nepomuk is the patron saint of the Czech Republic. He was a priest in the 14th century. Legend says he was the confessor of the Queen. The King wanted to know her secrets. John refused to break the seal of confession.

The King became very angry. He ordered John to be thrown off the bridge. He drowned in the Vltava River in 1393. People say five stars appeared over the water. This marked the spot where he died.

Today, his statue is the most popular on the bridge. It was the first statue placed there in 1683. Many believe his spirit still protects the city. Touching the statue is a way to honor his loyalty.

10 Best Sights Near Charles Bridge and Towers

There is so much to see around this iconic landmark. Here are the top picks for your itinerary. These spots are all within a short walk.

1. Name: St. John of Nepomuk Statue Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the primary spot for touching the St John of Nepomuk statue for luck. Best for: Tradition seekers. Where: North side of the bridge, eighth statue from the Old Town side. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the middle of the bridge. Tip: Look for the two bronze plaques at the base.
2. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a stunning bird's-eye view of the entire bridge. Best for: Photographers. Where: Old Town entrance of the bridge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: Try climbing the Old Town Bridge Tower steps just before sunset.
3. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Towers Type: Iconic sight Why go: These two towers mark the entrance to the beautiful Malá Strana district. Best for: History buffs. Where: West side of the bridge. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view, fee for the taller tower. Getting there: Walk across the bridge from Old Town. Tip: The smaller tower is the oldest part of the bridge system.
4. Name: Kampa Island Type: Nature/Park Why go: It is a peaceful island separated by the Devil's Stream. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Just under the Lesser Town side of the bridge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the stairs off the bridge near the towers. Tip: Look for the giant crawling baby statues by David Černý.
5. Name: The Lennon Wall Type: Unique experience Why go: It is a symbol of peace and freedom filled with street art. Best for: Artists and students. Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 5-minute walk from the bridge. Tip: Bring a marker if you want to leave a small message.
6. Name: Franz Kafka Museum Type: Museum Why go: It explores the life of Prague's most famous writer. Best for: Literature fans. Where: Cihelná 2b. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate fee. Getting there: Walk north from the Lesser Town bridge towers. Tip: Don't miss the famous "Piss" sculpture in the courtyard.
7. Name: The Clementinum Type: Indoor/Library Why go: It houses one of the most beautiful baroque libraries in the world. Best for: Book lovers. Where: Mariánské náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Guided tour fee. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the Old Town bridge entrance. Tip: The Meridian Circle in the Astronomical Tower is fascinating.
8. Name: Old Town Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: It is the heart of the city with the famous Astronomical Clock. Best for: Everyone. Where: 500 meters from the bridge. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk straight down Karlova Street. Tip: Read about Old Town Square sights before you go to save time.
9. Name: Charles Bridge Museum Type: Museum Why go: It explains the engineering and history of the stone bridge. Best for: Families. Where: Křižovnické náměstí. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small fee. Getting there: Right next to the Old Town Bridge Tower. Tip: Your ticket often includes a discount for river cruises.
10. Name: Vltava River Cruise Type: Experience Why go: See the bridge and the statue from a different perspective. Best for: Couples. Where: Docks near the bridge. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Various docks are near the bridge towers. Tip: Evening cruises offer the most romantic views of the lit-up castle.

Rules for Touching the St John of Nepomuk Statue for Luck

Many tourists touch the wrong part of the statue. There are two bronze plaques at the base. One shows the saint being thrown off the bridge. The other shows a dog and the Queen. Most people touch the falling saint for good luck.

If you touch the priest, it is said you will return to Prague. If you touch the dog, it represents loyalty and protection. Some people touch both just to be safe. You will notice the bronze is very shiny from millions of hands.

There is another spot nearby with a small cross. It has five stars on a metal grate. This is the exact spot where he was thrown. Touching this cross while making a wish is also a local tradition.

Planning Your Visit to Charles Bridge in 2026

Charles Bridge is very busy during the day. In 2026, expect large crowds between 10 AM and 6 PM. For a quiet experience, visit at sunrise. The morning light is perfect for seeing the best time for photography on the bridge.

Winters in Prague can be very cold and snowy. However, a snow-covered bridge is magical. Summers are hot and humid. Always wear comfortable walking shoes because the cobblestones are uneven. Check the official tourism board for local events.

Public transport is the best way to get around. Use the tram or the metro to reach the bridge area. Walking is also very easy in the historic center. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.