Charles Bridge joins the Old Town to the Mala Strana that leads up to the Prague Castle. It straddles the Vlatva river that runs through Prague and affords beautiful views of the whole city.

From the west you enter the bridge from the Old Town Bridge Tower, an incredible gothic structure built to herald the entrance to the Old Town/.

The bridge is always packed with hawkers and tourists and can become quite unpleasant when trying to get anywhere in a hurry during the summer. Head out there early for beautiful photos, but make time in the day to experience the romantic charm of the hustle and bustle that presides.

The Karlsbrücke - or Charles Bridge, in English - is a major site in Prague, and can’t really be avoided. Neither should it be, despite the wall-to-wall crowds, souvenirs and buskers you’ll usually find upon it. It’s been there since 1402, and oozes history in an undeniably historical city. The ancient statues placed along it are gothic and captivating. The towers at either end can be scaled for cool views.

See if you can find the bridge locations used in videos (INXS, Linkin Park, Kanye West) and films (Mission:Impossible and XXX).