For good reason, Prague is known as the “city of a thousand spires”; its 1,100-year-old skyline is dotted with beautiful dome-topped churches and lofty ancient towers that make it one of the architectural wonders of the world.
In stark contrast to the fortress-like mediaeval Prague Castle, the city is filled with beautiful specimens of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Prague
Prague’s charming Old Town has some of Europe’s best-preserved ancient architecture, and its winding alleys lead to stunning squares surrounded by old houses. The magnificent Jewish Quarter with its ancient synagogues and the city’s many historic cathedrals are also not to be missed.
1. Prague Castle
Formerly the seat of the Bohemian kings, Prague Castle (Prask hrad) in the Hradcany district of the city is now the official house of the President of the Czech Republic and a popular tourist destination.
The castle, which was first constructed as a walled fortification about the year 870 AD, has undergone many renovations throughout the centuries and now features examples of several of the most influential architectural styles of the past thousand years.
St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Church, the Powder Tower, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane are just few of the popular tourist attractions that can be found within the castle walls in Prague.
This massive stronghold, the largest in the world, is definitely worth the effort it takes to visit (particularly rewarding are the excellent views over the Vltava River with the old town and its many beautiful spires in the background).
The main hall, the Vladislav Hall, and the staircases in the Old Royal Palace are both spacious enough to accommodate mounted knights during jousting contests. See the Ball Game Pavilion, the Royal Summer Palace with its Singing Fountain, and the Lion’s Court in the Royal Garden, which dates back to 1534 and features a variety of excellent historic buildings.
Finding a decent vantage point from which to take in the castle illuminations, which bathe this beautiful landmark in a rainbow of colours, is a must for any visitor to Prague after dark. In fact, staying in a hotel close to Prague Castle is recommended so that you can easily access the city’s best attractions during both the day and the evening.
2. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) is one of the most famous historic bridges in Europe, and its 621-meter length is lined with 32 different attractions. Superstition has long surrounded the 1357 construction of the bridge, in part because the first stone was put at 5:31 a.m. on July 9. In addition, it was built so that the tomb of St. Vitus faces the setting sun on the equinox.
The bridge is well-known for its collection of exquisite antique statues. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV’s and John of Nepomuk’s tombstones, unveiled in 1683, are two of the most significant (a more recent superstition involves rubbing the plaque at the base of the statue for the granting of a wish).
The magnificent Gothic gates are another remarkable feature of the building, as is the breathtaking panorama of the Vltava River. It is also highly recommended that you see Charles Bridge illuminated at night (an added benefit are the smaller crowds, particularly after the spectacular sunset).
3. Discover Prague Tours
The magnificent Wenceslas Plaza (Václavské námest) in Prague’s New Town (Nové Mesto) neighbourhood, which developed as the city got prosperous, is home to the National Museum and many other architectural masterpieces.
Wenceslas Square, named for the patron saint of Bohemia whose statue stands in the square, was originally built as a horse market by Charles IV in the 14th century and has since evolved into one of the city’s most significant public areas.
One of the best free things to do in Prague, a visit today will also introduce guests to some of the city’s finest dining and restaurant options and fantastic shopping. It’s also where you’ll find Prague’s biggest Christmas Market if you’re there in the month of December.
4. Národní museum
The National Museum (Národn Muzeum) in Prague just reopened after a seven-year makeover. It features various major collections spanning many disciplines, including geology, biology, anthropology, archaeology, the arts, and music.
More than five million individual specimens make up the entomology collection. The museum dates back to the early 1800s and moved to its current location in 1891, making it the oldest in the Czech Republic.
The archaeology display, which includes objects from the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age in addition to Roman antiquities from the 1st and 2nd centuries, is a must-see.
Visit the superb National Technical Museum (Národn technické museum) to learn about the country’s technological history and see examples of machinery and equipment made in the country at various times, from automobiles to aeroplanes.
5. Klementinum
The National Library of the Czech Republic is located in the Clementinum (Klementinum), one of the largest collections of ancient buildings in all of Europe. These stunning Baroque structures were were a part of a Jesuit College and now contain the Karolinum’s and Jesuits’ respective book collections.
After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the library passed into state hands, and in 1782, shortly after being organised as the National Library, the Clementinum opened its doors to the public. The Clementinum has almost six million books, including several copies of every book ever printed in the Czech Republic.
The elegant Baroque Library Hall with its wonderful ceiling artwork, the 68-meter-tall Astronomical Tower with its breathtaking views of Prague, and the magnificent Mirror Chapel with its superb furnishings are all highlights. Tours are offered in English and typically last for 50 minutes.
6. Prague Astronomical Clock
The magnificent Old Town Plaza (Staromestské námest) is located in the historic centre of Prague, known as the Old Town (Staré Mesto). The Jewish Quarter, Josefov, is just a short walk to the north, and the Tyn Church and Clementinum, among many other excellent old churches, are located here.
Some of the buildings here date back to the 11th century. The magnificent Astronomical Clock, dating back to the early 15th century, may be seen in the Old Town Hall (Staromestská radnice) (orloj). The 12 Apostles and other figures materialise and march across the clock face on the hour.
In addition to the Gothic entranceway, the superb interior of the Old Town Hall, which houses art exhibits and displays, a chapel constructed in 1381, and a former prison, are among noteworthy features. Make the trip up the Old Town Hall Tower (either by foot or by lift) to take in the breathtaking panorama of Prague.
7. St. Vitus Cathedral
The Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrala St. Vita) is the largest and most significant Christian church in the Czech Republic and is located within the grounds of Prague Castle. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and contains the remains of many holy people as well as those of three Bohemian kings.
The construction of the cathedral, which began in 1344 and continued for over 525 years, began on the site of a Romanesque rotunda constructed in AD 925 and resulted in a fusion of current Neo-Gothic and 14th-century Gothic styles, along with Baroque and Renaissance influences (be sure to keep an eye out for the impressive gargoyles adorning the exterior of the cathedral).
Stain glass windows representing the Holy Trinity and a mosaic of the Last Judgment from 1370 are among the features of the interior. The altar of the St. Wenceslas Chapel (Svatovaclavska kaple) is studded with more than 1,300 precious stones.
The Czech crown jewels are also worth mentioning, despite the fact that they are only put on display around once every eight years. Climb the 97-meter main tower of the cathedral for breathtaking views of the city. Attending a liturgy in the cathedral is also an option for guests.
8. Church of Our Lady before Týn
The Church of Our Lady before Tn (Kostel Matky Bo pred Tnem), often known as Tn Church, is one of the most famous landmarks in Prague. Although its twin 80-meter-tall spires (which each hold four smaller spires) make it instantly recognisable, the building’s main entrance is hidden behind a row of residences.
While interior renovations are still in progress, visitors can still see many notable features, such as numerous fine tombs, the superb Gothic northern portal with its Crucifixion sculpture, early Baroque altarpiece paintings dating from 1649, and one of Europe’s finest 17th-century pipe organs.
Construction on the church began in the 15th century, but it has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries as the city’s allegiances shifted. The 11th-century Ungelt Courtyard, located behind the church, is home to numerous high-quality dining options. The Baroque Church of the Virgin Mary is another beautiful historic church that is still a popular pilgrimage site due to a statue of the baby Jesus that is credited with performing miracles.
9. Municipal House
One of the best specimens of Art Nouveau in Prague is the Municipal House (Obecn dum). Smetana Hall, one of Prague’s most important and largest concert venues, is located in this magnificent civic building, which was constructed in 1912.
The building’s sumptuous façade features a large mural on the arch above the second floor balcony, and the large dome that rests behind and above the arch is another striking feature. The interior is just as beautiful, with several stained glass windows and priceless artworks.
While there are guided tours available in English (which allow access to normally off-limits ceremonial rooms), one of the greatest ways to see this monument is by attending a concert or dining at one of the many restaurants or shopping at the upscale boutiques.
10. Prague Zoo
The world-class Prague Zoo (Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy), which opened in 1931, is not only one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations but also one of the best zoos in the world. This 140-acre attraction in the Troja suburbs just north of the city centre is a great place for families to spend a day.
For the little ones, there’s a large adventure playground and a petting zoo with pony rides and animal feeding. The zoo is well-known for its involvement in conserving the native (and endangered) Przewalski’s horse in addition to its 4,200 animals representing over 650 species, including many considered close to extinction.
The massive giraffe exhibit, the spectacular salamander show, and the steamy indoor tropical jungle are just a few of the highlights that visitors can enjoy while at the zoo. The website of the zoo should be consulted for more information, including as feeding times.
Tours and seminars are offered in English for anyone interested in learning more. Several restaurants and businesses selling souvenirs can be found within the complex.
