With ancient cobbled lanes, Baroque architecture, and numerous church towers that give the city its elegant skyline, it is no doubt that Prague is a place that any urban adventurer would love to explore. The city has managed to preserve its rich heritage as well as become one of Europe's finest cities, and because of this, you will never run out of things to do in Prague.
Out of the many attractions in Prague, the Prague Castle is probably the most visited, attracting over 1.8 million visitors annually, and with reason. Built in the 9th century, the castle was and has always been the seat of monarchs, and today the official residence of the Czech president. It holds the Guinness Book of Records as the World’s Largest Palace. With gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral inside the castle walls, Prague Castle is remarkably unlike any.
Charles Bridge is an architectural gem in the city of Prague. This 500m-long stone bridge connects Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town crossing the Vltava river. Commissioned by King Charles IV to replace the damaged Judith Bridge, the new bridge was completed in 1390. Today, crowds frolic and walk across to see stunning views of the castle and old town, check the city’s street artists, gaze upon Baroque statues that line the parapets like St. John of Nepomuk, or to appreciate the city’s beautiful nightscapes.
The Old Town Square is a significant tourist attraction in Prague. Established in the 12th century, this historic square has witnessed numerous events throughout the years. The square shows off beautiful architectural buildings like the Old Town Hall, the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, as well as the medieval astronomical clock tower. Today, the square is brimming with modern restaurants and food stalls, street performers, and is especially popular during December with its festive
Right in the heart of the Old Town Square is the Prague Astronomical Clock, or the Prague Orloj, mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall. This medieval clock was installed in 1410 and is the oldest astronomical clock still operating today. Crowds gather every hour to witness a spectacular show where bells are ringing and the 12 apostles parading. Best to see the show at an earlier time of the day for lesser tourists so you get to appreciate this piece of art even more.
St. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located within Prague Castle. It is one of the most prominent and richly endowed cathedrals in the country, as well as in central Europe. Apart from religious services, coronations of past kings and monarchs also took place here. Inside, you’ll also find tombs and mausoleums of many Bohemian kings and queens, Roman emperors, and several patron saints. Avoid long queues and buy a fast-track ticket to swiftly enter the premises and appreciate this impressive Gothic cathedral.
Cruise down the Vltava river and you’ll notice one very unique building that stands out from the rest of the Baroque and gothic architectural style of Prague, The Dancing House. Designed by architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry in 1996, the building shows off a non-traditional design with its curved lines and narrow-waisted tower. Walk around the building’s gallery or head up to the terrace for some evening drinks. Visit the tower during summer in June for the best views of the sunset.
Formerly a medieval horse market during the Middle ages, today, the Wenceslas Square is Prague’s main city square and is the center for conducting public gatherings and celebrations. Considered as a World Heritage Site, many tourists and locals stroll around this 700m-long road to check out shops or dine-in at restaurants and cafes. Make sure to see the Wenceslas Square Statue at the upper end of the square, just in front of the National Museum.
An image of The Beatles’ John Lennon was painted on the wall after his murder in 1980. Today, the colorful and vibrant Lennon Wall attracts many visitors from across the globe mainly to appreciate the impressive graffiti, read inspiring messages of peace, free speech, and freedom, or to have their pictures taken with the wall as their backdrop.
Visiting the Old Town Square, you will easily be mesmerized at the Staroměstská radnice or Prague’s Old Town Hall. It is one of the largest imposing buildings around with its Baroque-style architecture, Gothic tower, and the stunning Astronomical Clock. It houses the Old Town’s main tourist information office, art exhibitions, as well as Gothic cellars. Your guided tour will take you up to the tower viewing deck for a spectacular 360 degree view of the city.
Built in 1891 and standing at 208ft tall on Petrin Hill in Prague, the Petrin Lookout Tower is a steel-framework that resembles that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Purchase your ticket for a reasonable price and climb up to the top, or take the elevator, for some stunning views of the entire city. On clear days, you can even see all the way beyond the southwest and the forests of Central Bohemia.
Prague is well known for its well-preserved castles, Baroque architecture, medieval squares, hot nightlife spots, and also its expansive art scene. The city holds centuries worth of European history and rich cultural heritage which you can clearly see and feel when you explore around its cobblestone streets.
The best time to visit Prague is just before or after the summer season, in late spring or early fall. Since the city generally has a cold climate throughout the year, it is during the warmer months that an influx of visitors arrive and hotel rates are higher. If you want to have a great sightseeing experience, make sure to visit Prague in April to May, or in September.
Prague is divided into different districts, all of which has its own unique charm. If you want to stay within close proximity of the main tourist attractions in Prague, you can choose to book a hotel at Stare Mesto or Old Town, this district is great for first time visitors, too. Nove Mesto or New Town is where you can find many luxury hotels as well as the Wenceslas Square. The Karlin district is for the budget travelers looking for a rather newer and modern area to stay in.