Attractions/What to See

Here we list some of the attractions and sights of Prague. The list is certainly not complete, and it’s simply not possible to see everything, even if you stay a week.

Attractions which you have to visit are:
Charles Bridge, Old Town Square including Astronomical Clock, Prague Castle and possibly Jewish Quarter. Also worth consideration is the wonderful art nouveau confection, Municipal House with the largest concert hall in Prague. If you don’t visit them, you can’t honestly say you have been in Prague! All the other possible tourist sights can be considered based on your personal preference and time.

See Prague with a guide: guided walking tour.

Do not forget to read article: Prague Historical Quarters.

Our pick: a cruise on the Vltava River. The view of Prague from the river is a unique experience, as the historical centre is visible from a different perspective, presenting unusual prospects to the watcher.

Romance: the second most romantic spot after Charles Bridge is Vysehrad. It is the place to relax. It is quiet; you don’t see many tourists there because it is not in the centre. You can visit the cemetery or the church or just walk in the park and enjoy the views. For a romantic evening you must attend a show at the Estates’ Theatre — it is so beautiful and well-preserved! And because it’s relatively small, you’ll feel as if you’re inside the most amazing music box.

Tip: Krizikova fountain - great water and light show, or attend some great Mozart Operas.

  • Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. This is the largest medieval castle in the world – the jewel of the Czech capital - and an enchanting large Cathedral. The castle contains an exhibition of Czech history and a collection of Bohemian art; the Prague Castle Gallery, Toy Museum, Powder Tower and Golden Lane are some of the places to see. Allow at least half a day.
  • Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock - in the heart of the Old Town surrounded by charming baroque, Gothic and rococo architecture, Old Town Square is a great place to hang around, have lunch at one of its many cafes, hire a horse or buggy, browse at market stalls or just look at the Astronomical Clock.
  • Charles Bridge - dating back to 1357 this bridge was built to replace Judith's Bridge from the 12th century; now it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Prague, vibrant by day or night, scattered with vendors and entertainers. It offers some magnificent views especially early in the morning and around sunset.
  • The Jewish Quarter Josefov (Museum and Old-New Synagogue) - the oldest Jewish settlement in Europe, named after Emperor Josef II, consists of beautiful historic buildings comprising six synagogues. Discover the tragic part of Jewish history at the Jewish Museum.
  • Municipal House - art nouveau palace built between 1905 and 1912 and the biggest concert hall in town (Smetanova Hall). Also don't miss coffee at the fabulous Municipal House Kavárna.
  • Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana) - this beautiful area was developed in the 13th century by merchants who set up shops at the base of the castle. Today the area is filled with restaurants, shops and foreign embassies. Visit St. Nicholas Church, which dates from the baroque period, or attend a concert, which usually starts at 17:00.
  • Petřín Hill and Funicular - escape to the green, peaceful grounds of Petrin; visit the Petrin Observation Tower, the Observatory or just enjoy great views of the city.
  • Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) - symbol of modern Prague, shopping, art nouveau Cafe Evropa, St. Wenceslas Monument.
  • Strahov Monastery - this imposing monastery was established in 1140 for the Premonstratensians. Visit the library, the baroque double-storey Philosophy Hall and Strahov Gallery. The Loreta is nearby - a pilgrimage site established by B.B. Katherina von Lobkwicz in 1626 (see replica of Santa Casa).
  • Vyšehrad - once it was a forbidding fortress and now it is a popular place for locals during weekends. Visit the city's oldest Romanesque rotunda, St. Martin, the Church of St. Peter and Paul. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the gardens.
  • National Museum - the oldest museum in the Czech Republic has been hosting a vast natural history collection since 1891; exquisite interior. Don't miss great views of Wenceslas Square from the upper floors.
  • Rudolfinum - an imposing neo-Renaissance Czech concert hall hosting various programmes and festivals (Czech Philharmonic Orchestra).

Dalejske and Prokopske Valley

Set out on a walk through the valley of the Dalejský and Prokopský Stream, which runs between the Prague sections of Řeporyje, Jinonice and Hlubočepy.

Parks and open spaces in Prague

Once you get tired of walking in the bustling city you might just wish to head to some of the relaxing parks. Here we offer you some of the best suggestions:

Průhonice Park and Chateau

Průhonice Park offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty. Stretching to the south of Průhonice Chateau in the Botiče Valley, the park features over 1500 indigenous and exotic tree species. Visitors will find numerous quiet retreats, waterfalls, rocks and meadows with wonderful views of the landscape, chateau and 8000 rhododendron bushes.

Stromovka

Stromovka covers 95 hectares and is located near the Výstaviště Prague Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice district.

Divoká Šárka

The valley of the Šárecký potok is Prague's very popular nature park. It is named after the legendary warrior Šárka, who is said to have thrown herself off a cliff here.

Kobilisy Anti-Fascist Resistance Memorial

This grassy quadrangle of earthen embankments, ringed by trees and overlooked by old apartment blocks, was once the Kobylisy Rifle Range.

National Memorial to the Victims of Heydrich Terror

In 1942 seven Czech paratroopers who were involved in the assassination of Reichs-protektor Reinhardt Heydrich hid in the crypt of the Church of St Cyril and Methodius for three weeks after the killing, until their hiding place was betrayed by the Czech traitor Čurda.

Ctenice Castle

Originally a Gothic citadel, this was founded in the middle of the 14th century, and now after general reconstruction is open to the public.

Maroldovo Panorama

The Maroldovo Panorama is an impressive 360-degree diorama, 11 metres high and 95 metres long.

Peček Palace

This dark neo-Renaissance palace served as the wartime headquarters of the Gestapo.