Free self-guided walk · Prague

The Old Town, Charles Bridge and the Castle

A free self-guided walk from the Powder Tower through the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter, across Charles Bridge and up through Malá Strana to Prague Castle.

Distance
3.5 km
Walking time
47 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsPrague city guide

About this walk

Prague's historic centre survived the 20th century largely intact, and this walk crosses all of it: the Old Town and its square, the old Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, the Baroque streets of Malá Strana and the castle on the hill.

The second half climbs steadily. If you would rather walk downhill, take tram 22 to the castle and do the route in reverse.

  • Terrain: Cobbled almost everywhere, flat in the Old Town, then a long climb up Nerudova street to the castle. Not easy with a pushchair or wheelchair after Charles Bridge.
  • Best time: Early morning, when Charles Bridge is nearly empty. The castle grounds and the view from the top are best in the afternoon light.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Powder Tower

    Start at the Gothic gate that marks the beginning of the old royal route to the castle.

  2. Old Town Square

    The square, with the Astronomical Clock on the town hall and the twin spires of the Týn Church.

  3. Old-New Synagogue

    In the old Jewish Quarter, Josefov, this is Europe's oldest active synagogue, in use for over 700 years.

  4. Charles Bridge

    The 14th-century stone bridge lined with Baroque statues, with the castle ahead across the river.

  5. Malá Strana Square

    The heart of the Lesser Town, dominated by the green dome of St Nicholas Church.

  6. Nerudova street

    Climb this steep street of old houses, many still marked with painted house signs instead of numbers.

  7. Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral

    Finish inside the castle complex at the Gothic cathedral. The grounds are free to walk; the buildings need a ticket. Don't miss the view over the city from the castle ramparts.

Tips

  • The Astronomical Clock performs on the hour, so time your arrival at Old Town Square if you want to see it.
  • Náměstí Republiky metro (line B) is near the start; tram 22 runs from the castle back down to the centre.
  • Restaurants on Old Town Square and Charles Bridge charge a premium; prices drop a street or two away.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-27. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.