HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CITY
I was fortunate to spend several days in the beautiful city of Prague, and was super-impressed by the medieval buildings and fairytale sights. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, now the capital of the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, since 1992, when Czechoslovakia dissolved. Today Prague is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Detailed in this guide are 17 popular Prague places to see, highlights of the city, some picturesque and some fascinating, but all captivating. The beautiful historic centre of Prague has been very well-preserved, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as the ‘City of a hundred spires’, the actual count is more than 500. Prague is a vibrant central European city perfect for visiting all year round.
Powder Gate Tower
The Powder Gate has served as the main entrance to the Old Town and the royal route leading to Prague Castle. A stunning Gothic tower built 1475 as part of the fortified walls around the medieval town. Later it is believed to have been a gun powder storage facility, hence the name. A number of Bohemian rulers have statues adorning the tower.
You can climb the tower to admire the views of the Old Town and the river. A ticket is required.
Municipal House
A very beautiful Art-Nouveau building, Municipal House is adjacent to the Powder Gate Tower. It is home to a classical Concert Hall and restaurants. Built early 1900’s, the monument contains exquisite murals and paintings from many local artists and popular with lovers of Art-Nouveau style.
Old Town Square
Step back in time in Prague’s Old Town Square, Staromestske Namesti. The historic centre of the city dates from the 10th century, bursting with medieval charm and fairytale buildings, a rich combination of Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, and Renaissance buildings. It was originally a market place and a hub of trade, then transformed into a cultural centre and is one of the most beautiful squares in the world today. I enjoyed visiting both day time and night time.
Several important cultural buildings sit in the square which are popular attractions:
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall was established in the 1300’s, a Gothic landmark which encompasses the medieval Chapel of the Virgin Mary, old council chambers, and belowground are Romanesque cellars. The standout feature is the Gothic tower, which offers panoramic views of the old district.
You can explore the historic rooms by taking a guided tour of the building with a ticket.
Astronomical Clock
The famous Astronomical Clock, Orloj, is attached to the side of the Old Town Hall Tower and was built more than 600 years ago in 1410, and more impressively, still works. Furthermore, it shows multiple time systems, date, zodiac signs, position of the sun, moon phases and celestial movements on the astronomical dial. The Prague Astronomical Clock is a medieval masterpiece with some of the original parts still in operation. It is an iconic symbol of the city and one of the most popular sites to visit and admire. Each hour features a musical display with the 12 Apostles, attracting a crowd of onlookers, for a very brief show, of 45 seconds!
If you wish to go up the clock tower and visit the inside workings, a ticket is required.
Church of Our Lady Before Tyn
Arguably the most dominant landmark in the square is the beautiful Gothic church established in mid-14th century. The 80 metre twin towers with multiple spires are a standout feature, and they are called Adam and Eve. The interior is designed in Baroque style and houses an extensive gallery of artwork. Interestingly, the front entrance is hidden behind buildings, through a passage in one of the arches.
St Nicholas Church
Prague actually has 2 churches named after the Saint. The Old Town Square church is a white Gothic and Baroque style, with green domes, built in the 1700’s. It is also a classical concert venue.
Kinsky Palace
A Rococo palace built in 1700’s with very intricate stucco on the facade and pink paint work. Below ground there is a cellar with a gothic vault.
Named after the Kinsky noble family who once owned it, now the Kinsky Palace belongs to the National Gallery. Unfortunately, the palace is currently closed.
Old Town Bridge Tower
Old Town Bridge Tower is a Gothic gateway to Charles Bridge, built mid 14th century. Historically, it was used as a grand triumphal arch through which Czech Kings would pass on their coronation processions. An impressive medieval tower with ornamental sculptures on the facade. It stands in the Old Town, directly opposite the Lesser Town Bridge Tower at the other end of the Bridge.
A ticket is required to go up the tower to view the panorama.
Lesser Town Bridge Towers
Lesser Town Bridge Tower, or Mala Strana Bridge Tower, is a medieval gateway in Lesser Town, Mala Strana, on the other end of Charles Bridge, built in the 15th century. Connected by a walkway is a second smaller tower called Judith’s Tower, which is older dating from the 12th century and was once a jail.
You can climb Lesser Town tower to admire the scenery.
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is the main pedestrian bridge crossing the Vltava River which is 650 years old. There are 30 imposing statues of various notable figures lining the length of the bridge, with buskers performing alongside. The atmosphere along the bridge is magical, and the views are stunning, most striking is the Prague Castle seen across the way. The bridge is a very busy part of the city, with people strolling across all day and night.
Vltava River
Flowing through the city is the Vtlava River, the longest river in Czechia. On one side of the river lies Old Town, Jewish Quarter and New Town. On the other, is Lesser Town and Prague Castle.
Cruising the waterway is a lovely way to relax whilst sightseeing, taking in the city landmarks from a different perspective.
Prague Castle
The most outstanding attraction in Prague, in my opinion, is the historic Prague Castle, Prazsky Hrad, a vast complex on the hill of the Castle district, with epic monuments to visit, such as St Vitus Cathedral which is the largest church in the country, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.
Prague Castle is currently the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic, and a massive tourist attraction being the largest castle complex in the world still in use.
I spent half a day here on a tour with a local guide. They imparted knowledge and interesting information about the castle, as we moved through the various landmarks.
A ticket is required for entry to the Prague Castle Complex.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square, Vaclavske Namesti, is a long wide boulevard leading from the National Museum towards the Old Town, a length of 750 metres. Not a traditional square or plaza, the large avenue is bustling with activity day and night, with shops, offices, restaurants and pedestrians, making it a major commercial, cultural and social precinct.
It was named after the city’s Patron Saint, St Wenceslas who was also Duke of Bohemia. A large equestrian statue of the Saint stands at the top of the square, dated from 1912.
The surrounding buildings feature a mix of Art Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance, and modern style architecture.
Located in the New Town, public gatherings and events often take place here.
National Museum
A grand Neo-Renaissance building from 1891, the interior is very palatial with an imposing staircase showcasing statues of prominent Czech figures and a huge central dome and Pantheon Hall, and large glass ceiling.
You can view Wenceslas Square and the city from the terraces. A very impressive building not to be missed.
The exhibition halls house historical, artistic and natural wonders to explore, all beautifully presented, and I spent a couple of hours wandering through the various parts of the museum.
Located at top of Vaclavske Namesti.
A ticket is required for entry.
Snazzy Trivia: The halls and staircases have appeared in movies such as Mission Impossible and Casino Royale.
Little Venice
The Certovka Canal is a 12th-century artificial channel built to power historic watermills, some of which still stand today. The area is known as Little Venice for the picturesque canal, lined with buildings both sides.
Boat tours are available for a short ride down the canal, departing beneath Charles Bridge.
Henry's Bell Tower
Jindrisska Vez is a well-preserved monument dating from 1500’s with a gallery, restaurant and more. The Gothic tower is a free-standing bell tower which was originally a lookout tower, then bell tower for St Henry’s Church opposite.
Today, the interior has been completely modernised with 10 floors of gallery, shops, restaurant and offers excellent views of the city from the top floor observation deck. Also inside is a set of 10 bronze bells digitally controlled.
Jewish Quarter
Josefov is a small historic Jewish quarter near the Old Town Square, and an interesting part of the city to visit, to reflect on the life and culture here.
The Jewish Town Hall from 1586, built in Renaissance style, has 2 clocks on top, one with roman numerals and one with Hebrew numerals. The Old-New Synagog adjacent is the oldest, still active, in Europe which dates from the 13th century.
Tickets are required to enter the historic buildings.
Franz Kafka Museum
Located in Mala Stana is the Franz Kafka Museum dedicated to his life and work. Kafka, a writer and novelist, born in Prague, is famous for writing strange and bewildering stories, and for representing the city’s complex mix of Czech, German, and Jewish cultures. A ticket is required to enter the museum.
Welcoming you in the courtyard is the bronze ‘Piss’ art installation, by David Cerny, a popular attraction of 2 male peeing statues which can swivel and write messages in the water with the streams of water they urinate. An interesting aspect is the Czech map shaped pond they stand in, a piss-take on Czech humour, perhaps.
Head of Franz Kafka Rotating Sculpture
Located in Quadrio outside the shopping centre is a metallic, rotating sculpture of Franz Kafka’s head, created by artist David Černý. This popular art sculpture attracts a lot of attention, particularly at night with colours changing. The free show lasts a few minutes and happens every hour.
John Lennon Wall
John Lennon Wall is a peace wall in the Mala Strana area, with ever-changing graffiti art, from artists and the general public.
The stone wall became a memorial wall soon after John Lennon’s death and has continued to be used for expressions of freedom and peace. It’s a popular attraction to visit where anyone can contribute.
Located on Grand Priory Square, Velkoprevorske Namesti, the mural is about a 5 minute walk from Charles Bridge.
Parizska Street
Parizska Street, which translates to Paris Street, is Prague’s most prestigious boulevard with luxury brand houses and boutiques. But most notable is the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture lining both sides. The front facades are richly decorated with ornate detailing.
A short distance from Old Town Square, Parizska Street is a stylish and sophisticated avenue, making for a delightful place to stroll, with cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
Where I Stayed In Prague
I stayed 3 nights in a grand Neo-Renaissance palace of the 1890’s, the fabulous NH Collection Prague Carlo IV Hotel, on Senovazne Namesti, which was within easy walking distance to the Old Town Centre, approximately 15 minutes. It was the perfect location with many cafes and restaurants nearby.
The hotel is beautifully renovated and appointed with everything you could want. I enjoyed my time here and made use of the dining facilities. I didn’t get to experience the pool, as I was too busy exploring Prague, day and night. I would be happy to book accommodation here again in the future.
Resources For Visiting Prague
The following are some useful links to help plan your stay:
Go City Prague Pass – all inclusive access to many landmarks and attractions.
Prague Visitor Pass – access to landmarks, guided tours and public transport.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Big Bus Tour – a sightseeing ride around the city with commentary.
Historical Tram – a unique sightseeing experience in a vintage tram.
Prague Airport Bus – transfer to and from the airport and city centre, approximately 45 minutes.
Prague Tourism – check website for local information.
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