Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia), is a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Nestled along the banks of the Vltava River, Prague is often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” due to its picturesque skyline dominated by Gothic towers and Baroque domes.
In 2018, I travelled to Prague in and spent a few days discovering the city. This guide lists some of the activities that I did on my trip, and I narrowed it down to the 12 best places to visit in Prague.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- 1. Prague Castle
- 2. St. Vitus Cathedral
- 3. Charles Bridge
- 4. Prague Astronomical Clock
- 5. Old Town Square
- 6. Lesser Town
- 7. Powder Tower
- 8. New Royal Palace
- 9. Wenceslas Square
- 10. Church of Our Lady before Týn
- 11. National Theatre
- 12. Petřín Lookout Tower
General Information
How do I get around in Prague?
Prague is an extremely walkable city. Because I stayed in the city center, I walked everywhere, to everything that I did. Another option is to take the public transit in Prague, which is super reliable and easy to use.
Where should I stay in Prague?
There are many amazing neighbourhoods to stay in Prague. The one that is the most popular due to its proximity to the attractions is in the Old Town. However, the other areas around are also very close in distance, and they can have cheaper options for not being in the popular spot.
Travelling on a budget and looking for cheaper options in Prague? Check out these affordable hostels!
Should I get an eSIM when I go to Prague?
If you do not already have a SIM card that covers data in Prague, I highly recommend getting one. This will provide you a stress-free experience once you land in a new country. A great way is to get an eSIM, which means that you can simply download the SIM instead of swapping it out.
Should I go on tours or explore by myself?
Going on tours or not is a personal preference. Tour guides can provide you more explanation on the history and can help you create a more stress-free travel experience. When I travel, I personally explore by myself because I like not being restricted to a certain time.
1. Prague Castle
Prague Castle is like a grand, ancient fortress that sits high on a hill, overlooking the beautiful city of Prague. It’s not just a castle; it’s a whole complex of buildings, including a stunning cathedral, old palaces, and picturesque gardens. Walking through its massive gates, you feel like you’re stepping back in time, surrounded by centuries of history and architectural wonders. Inside, you can explore ornate halls, admire intricate artwork, and soak in breathtaking views of the city below.
To visit the Prague Castle, you will need an entry ticket. The ticket gives you access to many parts of the Prague Castle, such as the Old Royal Palace, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral. Click here for the updated prices.
2. St. Vitus Cathedral
Situated within the Prague Castle, this Gothic masterpiece is a sight to behold, captivating visitors with its soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and breathtaking stained glass windows. It was constructed primarily as a place of worship and as a symbol of the religious and cultural significance of the Czech people.
To visit the St. Vitus Cathedral, you can buy the package tickets for the Prague Castle, which includes a visit to the St. Vitus Cathedral.
3. Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is bridge that connects the two sides of Prague across the Vltava River. It’s not just any bridge; it’s a beautiful piece of history, with ancient cobblestones and statues of saints lining its sides. Walking across it feels like stepping back in time, with stunning views of the city and the river below.
Anybody can walk across the bridge. I do want to point out that the bridge does get very crowded during the day, so if you would like have the place to yourself to explore or photograph, I recommend coming early in the morning. Although it is crowded in the afternoon, I do find it to be a special energy.
Looking for a unique way to see Charles Bridge? There is an amazing lunch Vltava River Lunch Cruise in an Open-Top Glass Boat that passes under the Charles Bridge, giving a very unique experience.
4. Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock, although might look like a simple clock, actually has very interesting functions. Every hour, crowds gather to witness the clock’s striking performance, as the figures of the Apostles come to life and parade past the windows above the clock face. Meanwhile, below, the astronomical dial displays the positions of the sun and moon, the phases of the moon, and other celestial phenomena with remarkable precision.
I highly recommend going up the Astronomical Clock to get panoramic views of the city, including the lively Old Town Square. This area holds a lot of interesting history, which is why if you are interested, I recommend this tour.
5. Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is Prague’s most lively square. At its center stands the Jan Hus Memorial, a testament to the Czech Republic’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of independence. One of the most iconic landmarks of the Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn pierce the sky. In the square, there are also various markets, and throughout the year, the square plays host to many of events and festivities, from Christmas markets to Easter celebrations.
6. Lesser Town
The Lesser Town of Prague, also known as Malá Strana, is a charming neighborhood. Walking through the Lesser Town feels like stepping back in time, with historic landmarks and hidden treasures around every corner.
I loved exploring this area of Prague because there were not as many people compared to for example the Old Town, which was super crowded. It is a perfect area to stop for food and shops, and it is located right between the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, so it can be added into your itinerary very easily.
7. Powder Tower
The Powder Tower was originally one of the city’s defensive fortifications and served as a ceremonial gateway welcoming visitors to the royal city of Prague. Today, visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top of the Powder Tower, where panoramic views of the city await.
Looking to go inside the Powder Tower? Click here to get your tickets.
8. New Royal Palace
The New Royal Palace was built in the 16th century and served as the seat of power for Bohemian kings and emperors, showcasing the wealth, prestige, and artistic patronage of the era. It is located right next to the Prague Castle, so make sure to come and explore. Although not highly popular for visits, you can explore the New Royal Palace’s storied halls and admire its architectural splendor. I highly recommend passing by when on your way to the Prague Castle!
9. Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is always buzzing with energy. At its center stands the equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas, a beloved symbol of Czech identity and national pride. Throughout the square, street performers entertain passersby with music and dance, while vendors sell traditional Czech snacks and souvenirs. In the evenings, the square comes alive with the glow of neon lights and the sounds of laughter and conversation, as people gather to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
10. Church of Our Lady before Týn
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is located in the Old Town Square of Prague. The church’s history dates back to the 14th century, and its interior features vaulted ceilings, altars, and artworks, including the tomb of the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Fun fact: there is no entrance fee for the Church of Our Lady before Týn!
11. National Theatre
The National Theatre has very special architecture. To me, I loved walking by it while strolling along the Legion Bridge and along the Vltava, the longest river in Czechia. It really struck my eye as I was discovering the city. It also some gorgeous gold details on the roof.
The theatre’s repertoire spans a wide range of performances, from classic operas and ballets to contemporary plays and musicals, showcasing the talent and passion of Czech and international artists. Whether attending a world-class opera production or a captivating theatre performance, visitors are treated to an unforgettable cultural experience that resonates with the spirit of Prague.
Are you a big opera or ballet or musicals lovers? Click here to see all the performances at the National Theatre in Prague.
12. Petřín Lookout Tower
The Petřín Lookout Tower in Prague is like a mini Eiffel Tower atop Petřín Hill, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of Prague’s picturesque skyline, stretching out as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re admiring the Prague Castle, spotting the Charles Bridge in the distance, or simply taking in the city’s charming architecture, the Petřín Lookout Tower offers a bird’s-eye perspective that captures the beauty of Prague. It is also a bit more tucked away in nature, so it is a perfect place to relax.
Jessie Across the World 