Prague is known as the “city of a thousand spires” for a reason: as you look over the city’s 1,100-year-old skyline, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of lovely domed churches and soaring old towers, combining to make Prague one of the world’s architectural gems. Fine examples of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture can be found all over the city, providing a striking contrast to the sturdy old Prague Castle.
The historical streets of Prague lead to fabulous open squares, each of which contains unique historical buildings waiting to be explored. The main things that must be included in these trips are the famous Charles Bridge over the Vltava, the Old Jewish Quarter, and of course, its numerous historic buildings.
With our list of the top attractions in Prague, you can discover the best places to visit in this enchanting city.
1. Prague Castle
The Prague Castle, in the city’s inner district, is home to the president of the Czech Republic and one of the most visited landmarks. Originally built in AD 870, the middle of the 12th century, the castle has seen many styles in the last two centuries. Tourist attractions, including St. George’s Basilica, the Powder Tower, are all located within the castle walls of Prague.
One of the world’s most massive castles, it takes quite a while to see, but it’s worth it. This building’s highlights include the Old Royal Hall, which was built for the Polish kings to joust on. Also, be sure to spend time in the Ball Pavillion dating back to 1534, as well as several other elegant Royal Gardens.
The best way to discover the castle is on a Prague tour. Also, see the castle’s website for current cultural events, such as classical music concerts, talks, and lectures.
One of the most popular evening activities in Prague is to locate a spot where you can view the changing illuminations and view the Castle District Hall building at night, as they turn it into a rainbow of colors. It makes sense to stay near the castle, so you can walk around in the evening and visit the city highlights.
2. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the most noteworthy monuments in Europe, with 32 highly interesting features along its 621-meter length. information and an exact (13753218) time as the foundation stone was put in place on July 9th at 5:31 AM for good luck Lastly, the church was built in perfect alignment with St. Vitus’ tomb as an idealized representation of the setting sun and the equinox
This bridge is particularly known for its many statues of historical figures. Some of the most significant aspects of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV (the Austro-Hungarian Emperor) and Apostle John of Neustria, known as the patron saint of Luxembourg, were uncovered in 1683. Other notable features include breathtaking vistas of the Vltava River and gothic-style iron gates. Nighttime is the best time to see Charles Bridge because of the illuminated artworks on both sides of the river.
3. Wenceslas Square
Prague’s beautiful Wenceslav Square (Wenceslavské námestí hora) is famous for its collection of noteworthy buildings, especially the National Museum, a primary feature of the city’s new town. This space was created in the 14th century as part of Charles IV’s efforts to help agriculture but is now used for commerce and political demonstrations and ceremonies.
The good part of a visit today’s journey is having a number of good food and beverage choices and getting the chance to see the city’s finest shopping. You’ll want to go to Prague’s Christmas Market if you’re planning to visit in December.
4. The National Museum
Following a seven-year renovation, the National Museum (Prague’s National Museum) has extensive holdings for the various disciplines, with literally millions of items, e specimen specimens, and pieces in them. There are more than five million bugs in the entomology collection. Before it was moved to its current location in 1891, the Czech Republic’s oldest museum was established around 1800.
The most enjoyable exhibit in the whole Roman-era section is the extensive collection of 2nd and 1st century Bronze and Iron Age exhibits. Please refer to the website below for a complete list of locations and collections.
Your next recommended must-see location is the excellent National Technical Museum (famous for its vehicles and equipment built in the country), which details the many contributions of Czech technology, from cars to aircraft to airplanes.
5. The Clementinum and the National Library
National Library of the Czech Republic is situated in the Klementinum, one of the world’s (Europe’s) most impressive collections of historical buildings. Originally, these Baroque structures were part of a Jesuit College and now house the Karoliniana Library. The Jesuit Library became the property of the state by this time, and the Clementinum was set up as the National Library in 1782.
The Clementinum’s collection is very large, containing nearly six million books from the Republic of the Czech Republic. The vying architectural highlight is the amazing Baroque Hall of Mirrors, with its beautiful ceiling art, and the superb 68-meter-tall Astronomical Tower in Prague, as well as the attractive surroundings and its sublime interior design. Guided tours of the English countryside are offered, lasting around 50 minutes. For a truly amazing eventful experience, you can also enjoy classical concerts, as well as jazz and blues events at the Clementinum.
6. The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
The Old Town (Staré Mesto), Prague’s historic center, is home to the magnificent Old Town Square (Staromestské námest), one of the city’s best places to start exploring. The Tyn Church and the Clementinum, as well as numerous other fine old churches and magnificent old architecture dating back to the 11th century, can be found here, while the Jewish Quarter, Josefov, is just short walk north.
The Old Town Hall (Staromestská radnice), which houses the wonderful early 15th-century Astronomical Clock (orloj), is a must-see. It comes to life every hour as the 12 Apostles and other figures appear and parade across the clock face in procession. The Gothic doorway leading to the splendid interior with its art exhibits and displays, a chapel built in 1381, and an old prison are also highlights of the Old Town Hall. Make the ascent to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower (by stairs or elevator) for spectacular views of Prague.
7. St. Vitus Cathedral
It is the largest and most prominent of all Czech churches in the country, the Roman Catholic St. Vitus Cathedral (Situated within the Castle grounds, St. Vitus’ Cathedral) Prague also contains the mausoleum of numerous saints and the final resting places of three rulers. a mix of Neo-Gothic and late Gothic and Renaissance styles was brought to the site by the subsequent construction (be sure to keep an eye out for the impressive gargoyles adorning the exterior of the cathedral).
The most noteworthy features of the interior are the Holy Trinity stained glass windows, a 1370th-era mosaic of St. Wences Chapel (the St. Wenceslav Altar), and a dazzling thousand-and-stone floor mosaic. Additionally, but seldom shown, the Czech crown jewels are of note. Have a look at the 97-meter tower in Prague to see if you can get great views.
8. The Church of Our Lady before Týn
One of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in Prague is the Church of Our Lady before Týn. For centuries, it has been regarded as the most significant parish in the area, with respect to its significance for the city’s heart. The Cathedral was built on an older site that predestined its position in the middle of the 14th century. The cathedral was built behind the older houses on the square because of the abundance of space available in front of that site. Nevertheless, the outcome was beautiful. As you can see, the church spires run off to the towers in the distance to the left and right.
9. The National Gallery in Prague
The National Gallery in Prague, for the most part, contains Europe’s most significant works of art. The bulk of the collection is located in Veletrzní Palacio, a relatively new building constructed in 1925 with works from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Whilst strong focus is placed on Czech artists, there are other types of art, such as photography, fashion, the arts, and sculpture, as well as foreign artists such as Monet and Picasso.
The Kinsky Palace (Palác Kinskych), home to Asian art, ancient art, Baroque collections, and the Convent of St. Agnes in Bohemia, which houses European art from the medieval period, also houses other notable works.
The Sternberg Palace of the 17th century contains some of the most famous works in the Gallery that focus on European art from the Classical era to the end of the Baroque period and include significant ancient Greek and Roman artworks; Italian masterpieces from the 14th to 16th centuries; artists like El Greco, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and others, from the 16th to 18th centuries;
10. The Municipal House
The Municipal House of Prague (Obecní dum) is one of the best examples of the New Age in the town. Built in 1912, this magnificent civic structure also houses Smetana Hall, one of Prague’s most important (and largest) concert venues. It has a number of striking features, including a sumptuous façade with a large mural on the arch above the second-floor balcony, as well as a large dome that rests behind and above the arch.
The interior is just as impressive, with many beautiful stained glass windows and significant paintings. While English-language guided tours are available (including access to otherwise closed ceremonial rooms), attending a concert or sampling the landmark’s café, restaurants, and luxury boutique shops are among the best ways to enjoy it.
11. Prague Zoo
The superb Prague Zoo (Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy) opened in 1931, and is not just one of the city’s top tourist attractions; it is also one of the top zoos in the world. This 140 sq ft attraction is located in the suburbs of Troja just a few steps north of the center of the city and is a particularly fun experience for children. A fun petting zoo that offers pony tours and animal feeding opportunities and a large adventure playground are the highlights for young children.
In addition to its 4,200 species of animals, including many near extinction, the zoo is notable for its role in the preservation of the Przewalski’s native (and endangered) horse. A chairlift with fantastic views over many of the animal boxes, a large Giraffe showroom, the beautiful salamander display, and the steaming tropical indoor jungle are all of the features. Check the website of the zoo for more information, including feeding times. Guided tours and workshops in English are offered. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop available on site.
12. Josefov: The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish quarter of Prague was originally located in the Castle District, but it spread into the Josefov district in the 120s and has been considered a ghetto for centuries. In the late 1800s, when large parts were demolished to allow for the Art Nouveau apartment buildings, its transformation into one of the city’s most important and interesting districts. The Jewish Museum in Prague, an important attraction that includes Maisel, the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinka Synagogue, a Ceremonial Hall as also the Klaus Synagogue, makes Josefov a pleasant spot to walk around and it includes Prague’s Jewish Museum. The Old Jewish Cemetery, which is remarkable for its weathered tombstones, many of which lean on disorderly fashions due to their age, is one of the best free things to do. Josefov’s great Kosher restaurants are also popular.
13. The Strahov Monastery and Library
The Strahov Monastery and library date back to the 12th century. While the imposing gateway and churches are impressive, the two beautifully decorated Baroque libraries are the most important structures. The furnishings in the library, along with an exquisite ceiling mural by Franz Roubili has a wide range of rare, fantastic ideas
The second library has a magnificent Baroque-of-of-length mural on the back wall painted by Siard-Neucky Monk and gilded stucco decor. Rare volumes and manuscripts are found in the cellars alongside St. Norbert, who was the founder of the Premonstratensian Order.
Also noteworthy are the cloisters, which house a repository of religious artifacts and a stunningly extensive collection of historical curiosities. Tours in English are offered. To prolong your visit, You can dine at the Great Monastery or participate in one of the masses.
14. The Petrín Lookout Tower
The 63.5-meter-high Petrin Lookout Tower (Petrnská rozhledna), named after the hill on which it stands, is a smaller version of Paris’ Eiffel Tower and offers panoramic views of Prague. Despite being only a fifth the size of its French counterpart, the tower’s elevation gives the impression that it is much larger.
Built from disused railway tracks for the 1891 Prague Exhibition, it was later relocated to Petrin Hill in the 1930s, where it became one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can now either climb the Petrin hill to the base of the tower in 30 minutes or take a leisurely ride on the funicular railway before tackling the structure’s 299 steps to the top (there is also an elevator and a café). Visit the nearby Mirror Maze, a fun diversion built in 1891 as well.
15. The Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall in Prague, perhaps one of the city’s most unlikely attractions, has stood since the 1980s as a tribute to former Beatle and peace activist John Lennon. Fans began painting pictures, lyrics, and slogans attributed to the singer almost immediately after his murder in 1980, when this otherwise unassuming wall near the Charles Bridge became a place for fans to express their grief by painting pictures, lyrics, and slogans attributed to the star.
Despite police efforts to remove the graffiti—Czechoslovakia was still under communist rule at the time—the memorial wall resurfaced, and the site became a symbol of hope and peace for the city’s residents. Tourists can frequently be seen adding their sentiments to the wall, which is a tradition that continues to this day, along with gatherings on the anniversary of Lennon’s death.
16. St. Nicholas Church
One of Prague’s newer churches, St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláe), is located on the picturesque Little Quarter Square in the Old Town area. The 19th-century chandelier and large paintings by Czech artist Karel Skreta illustrate its interior architecture, which was constructed by the order of the Jesuits. The church’s two historic organs, the oldest of which was built in 1745, are particularly noteworthy.
The church also has a bell tower that visitors are welcome to climb, with spectacular views of the church’s massive dome and the old city from the top. Try to time your visit to coincide with one of the regular organ concerts, which feature Mozart’s Requiem and other well-known classical works. Guided tours in English are available.
17. The National Theatre
Located on the banks of the Vltava River, it is a must-see for theater fans. Home to the country’s top opera and theater performances, which opened in 1881, was the theater’s symbol of Czech national identity and support for Czech culture. The somewhat checkered history of the building and its is closed by the communists have resulted in extensive renovations. Excursions in English are available.
Of note is another theatre, the Estates Theatre, which Mozart preferred for the premiere of his Don Giovanni, having been built in the late-18th century in an eclectic style.
18. The Dancing House
Dancing House is located by the Vltava River in the beautiful city of Prague. It stands out in the city for being unique and particularly noticeable due to being constructed in the historic center.
The DANCING HOUSE was built between 1992-1996. because of its wavy lines, the building is nicknamed “Fred and Ginger Building” by its designers Vlado Milunic and American Frank Owen Gehry.
There is only one story in Dancing House that is open to the public and is full of top-notch restaurants: the Ginger & Fred Restaurant.
The Ginger & Fred menu is harmonized by magnificent views of Prague. Diners have a panoramic view of the Vlatava River and Prague Castle to gaze upon.
19. The Hilltop Fortress: Vyšehrad
The Vyšehrad fortress, also known as the “Upper Castle,” or “Castle on the Heights” stands high above the Vltava River, overlooking Prague, and looks like something out of a fairy tale. It has long been the subject of myth and legend, including an ancient princess foretelling the rise of a great city around it. It is thought to have existed as early as the 10th century. Vyehrad was once the royal residence of Vratislav II, and it was also a stop on the original Royal Route, which led from Vyehrad to Hradcany, and was used by kings about to be crowned to pay tribute to their forefathers.
Despite the fact that it is now mostly in ruins, the fortress is a great place for a walk or a picnic, and it provides spectacular views of the city. During the summer, musical and theatrical performances are held at the attraction’s open-air theater. It is possible to arrange for English-speaking guided tours.
