Prague is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.
Prague is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.
Prague is the capital city and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is one of the largest cities of Central Europe and has served as the capital of the historic region of Bohemia for centuries. The city is famous for its unique medieval architecture, the historical centre of Prague is inscribed in the World Heritage List.
The Old Town Hall with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. The winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, which you know from the novels of Franz Kafka, steeped in the legend of the Golem. Cafes enticing you to come and have a seat, boutiques and sight-seeing cruises on the Vltava. The Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town, the most beautiful Baroque church in Prague. The Palace Gardens set away from the bustle of the city, Pet?ín with a lookout tower reminiscent of a small Eiffel Tower and Prague Castle … Each of Prague’s districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. Prague presents itself to you as a changeable city, which likes to alternate styles: it is romantic and successful, ancient and modern, but above all it is a city that is cosmopolitan through and through, and is used to welcoming foreigners. It is time to get acquainted.
10:00am-11:30am : Kostel sv. Mikuláše
An outstanding example of Baroque architecture in Central Europe, Kostel sv. Mikuláše dominates Prague's skyline with its iconic green dome. Constructed in the early decades of the 18th century, the structure replaced a Gothic church also dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The building's star attractions are its frescoes, sculptures, and a 4,000-pipe organ, reportedly played by Mozart in 1787. The ceiling frescoes, created by Johann Lukas Kracker, include an image of a Jesuit monk who, despite repeated injunctions not to do so, hid behind one of the columns and secretly watched the artist at work. Try to spot him by standing directly under the domed ceiling or by climbing to the church's viewing gallery.
12:00pm-1:30pm : Lobkowicz Palace
Home to the same aristocratic family for nearly four centuries, Lobkowicz Palace is part of Prague's World Heritage castle complex. Confiscated by the Nazis and the Communists in the 1940s, this 16th-century palace finally returned to its rightful owners in 2002. Since then, the building has been home to a private museum housing priceless paintings by Piranesi, Canaletto, and Brueghel the Elder. The museum's prized possessions also include original musical scores written by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, who dedicated three symphonies to Joseph Franz Maximilian, the seventh prince Lobkowicz. An audio guide, dictated by current owner William Lobkowicz, brings to life dozens of personal items displayed here, including Lobkowicz family portraits and photo albums.
2:00pm-3:00pm : Wallenstein garden
Take a short breather from your tour of the city with a visit to Wallenstein garden, a sprawling Baroque park on the left bank of the Vltava River. The palace, constructed in the early decades of the 17th century, now houses the country's senate and offers only limited access to visitors. The garden is open to the public daily, so you can stroll along its neat pathways or feed the ducks at its picturesque pond. Be sure to visit the "sala terrena," a richly decorated garden pavilion overlooking a fountain and a row of bronze statues representing figures from Greek mythology.
3:30pm-5:00pm : Staromestske namesti
The heart of old Prague, Staromestske namesti is one of Europe's largest public spaces. The site of the city's main marketplace for nearly a thousand years, the old square features a Gothic cathedral and a Baroque church, as well as a 600-year-old astronomical clock, one of the world's oldest. Tourists and buskers pack around the square's central statue of religious reformer Jan Hus, creating a modern urban atmosphere in the middle of Prague's oldest quarter. The square also includes a memorial to the 27 Protestant leaders beheaded here in 1620. Take a guided tour of the square's landmark churches, and see an ingenious piece of equipment come to life by standing in front of the astronomical clock right on the hour.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Pinkas Synagogue Pinkasova synagoga
At Pinkas Synagogue Pinkasova synagoga, see the moving exhibit of drawings and paintings Jewish orphans created in the ghetto, while they were awaiting transportation to the Auschwitz gas chambers. Aaron M. Horowitz built the synagogue in 1535 between his house and the 15th-century cemetery. The synagogue was turned into a memorial in 1958, but the communists closed it and removed the names of the Holocaust victims in 1967. After the fall of Communism, the 77,297 names were rewritten on every inch of the interior stone walls. The most prominent person buried in the cemetery is the great religious 17th-century scholar Rabbi Loew, who is associated with the legend of the Golem.
10:00am-1:30pm : Walking tours
2:00pm-2:30pm : Moser Sales Gallery
3:00pm-5:30pm : PetÅ™ín
On a clear day, PetÅ™ín offers sweeping views of Prague and beyond. Rising some 130 m (420 ft) above the left bank of the Vltava River, the hill is one of the city's most popular recreational areas for both visitors and natives. The hill's dominant feature is a 62 m (200 ft) high lookout tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Although you can scramble up the hill on foot, the easiest way to access the top is by a century-old funicular railway. Once there, you can climb the lookout tower's 299 steps for a small fee, or picnic in the park for free.
10:00am-1:00pm : Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo occupies a wooded area on the right bank of the Vltava River. Home to nearly 5,000 animals from almost 700 different species, the park offers you a chance to come face-to-face with giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, tigers, and red pandas. Although the park shelters over 130 species listed as critically endangered, its most important possession may be a herd of rare Przewalski’s horses, native to the steppes of central Asia. Stop by to see the descendants of the last Przewalski's horse caught in the wild, and discover other highlights of this animal sanctuary by taking a guided ride on the zoo's miniature cable car.
1:30pm-5:30pm : Beer Tastings & Tours
Uncover the true nature of the relationship Czechs have with their brews on a beer-tasting tour of Prague. Follow your knowledgeable guide through the World Heritage-listed medieval Old Town and trendy Zizkov district in search of iconic bars and microbreweries, as you learn about the Bohemian way of living. Depending on the type and duration of the tour, you'll get to visit the legendary Pilsner brewery, the summer residence of Czech presidents, some of the city's oldest monastic breweries, or Nizbor Bohemia glass factory. Although a shorter (2-4 hours) tour will sate the appetite of the thirstiest beer aficionado, a full-day excursion offers a more comprehensive glimpse at Bohemia's rich cultural heritage.
10:00am-10:30am : Kafka House
Kafka House celebrates the influential 20th-century writer on the site where he was born. Although the original building has been torn down, a bust marks the spot where the author was born. Through texts and photographs, the exhibit pieces together a timeline of the author's life for those wishing to learn more on a visit to the city that influenced so much of his writing. As Kafka was Jewish, the museum also addresses Jewish life in the capital.
11:00pm-11:30pm : Prague Astronomical Clock
The square surrounding Prague Astronomical Clock is one of the most crowded spots in all of Prague, attracting tourists eager to synchronize their watches with one of the world's oldest timepieces. The town hall, founded here in the 1330s, houses the old town's main tourist office and has art exhibits on its first two floors. You can take a guided tour of the building to see its council chamber and assembly room, noted for containing exquisite mosaics from the 1930s. Be sure to climb the building's Gothic tower to see the inner workings of the famous astronomical clock, considered one of medieval Europe's major technical achievements. The clock's decorative figures put on a lively show on the hour, so time your visit if possible.
12:00pm-12:30pm : Kostel svatého Jiljí
Take in the gold details and Romanesque columns of Kostel svatého Jiljí, designed in the 1300s and displaying a combination of Baroque and Gothic architecture. Several famous religious figures have preached here since its construction and the renowned artist who painted the ceilings of the church is buried here. Visit the site and consider attending one of its well-known organ recitals. In addition to the excellent acoustics, the concerts provide a good opportunity to gain insight about the church, as the pastor often speaks about its historical and architectural significance before a performance. In a city known for its classical concerts, this site offers you a somewhat more affordable and personal musical experience. Note that the unheated church can get quite cold inside, particularly during winter months, so dress warmly.
1:00pm-1:30pm : Powder Tower
Marking the entry into Prague's historical old town, Powder Tower is one of the original city gates. Constructed in 1475 and intended for ceremonial rather than defensive purposes, the tower played a major role during the coronation parades of kings of Bohemia. Royalty continued to pass through this gate on their way to coronation ceremonies until the 17th century, when the tower became a major gunpowder depository (hence the name). Restored in the middle of the 19th century by architect Josef Mocker, the tower bears statues of several Bohemian kings and symbols of territories that they controlled. For sweeping views over the old town, visit the tower's 44 m (144 ft) high gallery.
2:00pm-3:30pm : NaFilM : National film museum
At NaFilM: National film museum, learn how movies are made. The first of its kind in the country, the museum offers answers to thousands of questions about optical principles of cinema, editing, sound engineering, special effects, and more through hands-on exhibits and workshops. A hidden gem for film enthusiasts, the museum provides a well-rounded experience for both grownups and children. Try your hand at making a movie
4:00pm-4:30pm : Petrin Tower
For a little Czech-flavored taste of Paris, visit Petrin Tower, dominating the surrounding area from its location high above the Vltava River. Built in 1891, this 63 m (206 ft) tall steel structure is a scaled-down copy of Paris' Eiffel Tower. The structure features 299 steps, which run on the inside of the tower and lead to two separate observation platforms. After decades of service as a transmission tower, massive renovations in 1999 turned the structure into a tourist attraction, adding a small cafe, gift shop, and exhibit area to its lower levels. Pay the small fee to access the tower's observation platforms, offering unbeatable views of the entire city.
5:00pm-6:00pm : Strahov Monastery
Although its eye-catching spires rise imposingly over the city's skyline, the main attraction of Strahov Monastery remains its library, containing thousands of editions of the Bible. Established in the 1140s for the Premonstratensian religious order, the monastery functioned until 1950, when the Communist regime closed it down and imprisoned most of its monks. Returned to the order in 1989, the monastery underwent massive architectural restorations to repair damage caused by years of neglect. Inside the monastery's main gate, you can visit a 17th-century church, housing a valuable collection of artworks from the Gothic era, and the famed library's two halls. Linked by an elaborately decorated passage, the two halls contain a collection of nearly 3,000 original manuscripts.
10:00am-11:00am : Infant Jesus of Prague
Inspirational and architecturally significant, Infant Jesus of Prague dates back to the 17th century and remains a fine example of Baroque architecture. Most visitors come to see a waxwork statue of infant Jesus, brought here from Spain in the 1620s. The church's main claim to fame, this figure is said to have protected the city from plague outbreaks and the destruction caused elsewhere by the Thirty Years' War. The focus of worldwide attention, the figure attracts a steady stream of religious travelers, arriving from as far away as Latin America. Don't miss the onsite museum, housing dozens of costumes used to dress up the statue for various religious occasions.
11:30am-12:00pm : The Vrtba Garden
Enjoy one a magnificent baroque landscaping in The Vrtba Garden, a large garden built on the slope of Petrin Hill in Prague. Made up of Italian-style terraces connected by stairs and supported by curved walls, the garden features many exquisite sculptures of Ceres and Bacchus and elaborate rail guards crafted by some of the best artists of the 18th century Habsburg Prague. A circular pool with a statue of sea monster is surrounded by fine labyrinth topiary and live fences. Interior decorations have been well-preserved with fresco paintings and there is an aviary featuring some rare birds maintained by Prague Zoo. Enjoy views of the city from a tranquil spot.
12:30pm-2:00pm : St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague's finest example of Gothic architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral is the resting place of many saints, kings, princes, and archbishops. Located within the city's World Heritage-listed castle complex, the cathedral notably contains 14th-century mosaics and stained glass by artist Alfons Mucha. The biggest and most ornate of the cathedral's many side chapels features medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, as well as a hidden staircase leading to a chamber housing priceless Bohemian crown jewels. You may not be able to see the real jewels, which are famously protected by seven locks, but you can reward yourself with panoramic views of the city from the cathedral's south tower.
2:30pm-3:00pm : Spanish Synagogue
Colorful stained glass and elaborate Oriental motifs decorate the interior of Spanish Synagogue, the newest of the six Jewish synagogues in Prague. Built in the second half of the 19th century and considered the crown jewel of the city's Jewish quarter, the building is an outstanding example of the Moorish Revival architectural style. A pair of domed turrets tops the central section of the building's tripartite facade, making this one of the most recognizable structures in the city. Visit the upper-floor prayer hall to see an exhibit narrating the history of Prague's Jewish community, and containing thousands of items representing the work of many generations of goldsmiths from Bohemia and Moravia.
3:00pm-6:00pm : Jewish Museum in Prague
Jewish Museum in Prague preserves Jewish heritage in the Czech Republic and remains one of the most visited museums in the city. The collection of Judaica is one of the largest in the world, including an archive of Czech and Moravian Jewish community histories.
10:00am-12:00pm : Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
A symbol of Czech statehood, Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument sits on a high promontory overlooking the Vltava River. This "Castle on the Heights," as its name roughly translates, notably contains a neo-Gothic church and an 11th-century rotunda, the oldest one in Prague. The extensive complex of structures also includes a 19th-century cemetery that's the final resting place for many Czech luminaries, including Alfons Mucha, Bedrich Smetana, and Antonin Dvorak. Many of the cemetery's headstones represent examples of outstanding artistic achievement; Dvorak's tombstone counts among the finest works of sculptor Ladislav Saloun, also interred here.
12:30pm-1:30pm : Stary zidovsky Hrbitov
A place as mysterious as it is historically significant, Stary zidovsky Hrbitov is the largest Jewish graveyard in Europe. Founded in the 15th century by King Ottokar II of Bohemia, the cemetery is a major landmark of the city's old Jewish quarter. Although the burial ground contains some 12,000 visible tombstones, the exact number of people buried here remains uncertain, as the cemetery contains as many as 20 layers of graves laid one on top of the other. The oldest preserved tombstone dates back to 1439, and it belongs to a prominent poet and rabbi named Avigdor Kara.
2:00pm-3:00pm : Charles Bridge
Step into the world of medieval Prague with a stroll across pedestrian-friendly Charles Bridge. Completed in 1402, the bridge replaced an older structure and became a major commercial link between eastern and western Europe. For nearly four centuries, this Gothic structure was also the only connection between the city's old town and the growing residential neighborhoods on the other side of the Vltava River. The bridge rests on 16 arches and spans 621 m (2,037 ft), featuring a continuous alley of 30 statues depicting saints venerated at the turn of the 18th century, when they became the structure's main decorative elements.
3:30pm-4:00pm : Kampa Park
Located on an artificial island, Kampa Park is an oasis of tranquility in the middle of a busy city. Locals call this area the "Venice of Prague" because of its picturesque canal lined with well-maintained private houses. Sightsee along the canal by renting a rowboat, or spend the afternoon picnicking on the park's manicured lawn. A few steps from the park you can visit a museum of modern art, housing pieces donated by renowned collector Meda Mladkova. Point your camera at the museum's outdoor exhibits, which include giant crawling babies and a colony of yellow penguins.
4:30pm-5:00pm : Dancing House
Aptly named Dancing House is one of the more unusual buildings in the city center, a modern glass structure surrounded by Gothic and Baroque architecture. Designed by architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, the curvy glass tower appears clutched against a more upright structure, making the combination look like a pair of dancers. Nicknamed the "Fred and Ginger Building" after the celebrated dance duo, the building caused controversy in the 1990s, as some critics felt it did not accord well with the surrounding architectural styles. Visit the top floor, which houses a restaurant and offers views stretching all the way to the city's famous castle.
5:30pm-6:00pm : Vaclavske namEsti
Originally conceived as a medieval horse market, pedestrian-friendly Vaclavske namEsti is now one of modern Prague's major symbols, named in honor of Bohemia's patron saint. More a boulevard than a traditional square, this long space is part of the historical city center, a World Heritage Site. Dominated by a Neoclassical building housing the national museum of natural history, the square covers an area of about 4.5 hectares (11 acres). The square's focal point is an equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas, a popular meeting point for both tourists and natives. A standout among the square's Art Nouveau landmarks is a hotel designed by architect Vaclav Havel, whose grandson became the first president of the Czech Republic.
10:00am-10:30am : Church of Our Lady before Tyn
Boasting a pair of unmistakable spires, Church of Our Lady before Tyn is one of the symbols of the city, dominating the skyline of its old town. Originally built to service primarily foreign merchants visiting the city on business, the church features a Gothic exterior and Baroque interior. You may have to stand far back to fully appreciate the building's 80 m (262 m) high Gothic towers, completed in the early 1500s. Much easier to see from a comfortable perspective, the interior notably includes a Rococo altar and the tomb of Tycho Brahe, a distinguished astronomer and royal consultant.
11:00pm-1:00pm : Lesser Town
Named after its "lesser" position on the left bank of the Vltava, Lesser Town sits on the slopes just below Prague's world-famous castle complex. Linked to the larger and busier neighborhoods on the other side of the river by a medieval bridge, this quarter dates back to the middle of the 13th century. For a good portion of its history, the area housed mostly German artisans and merchants, invited to live and work here by King Ottokar II of Bohemia, the quarter's original founder. Today, the atmospheric quarter serves as home to government offices and foreign embassies. Follow the signposted tourist trail to see the neighborhood's major attractions, including an imposing Baroque church and a 700-year-old beer bar.
1:30pm-5:30pm : Food Tours
Eat your way around tucked-away districts, hidden alleyways, and uncharted local haunts on a guided food tour of Prague. Your fellow foodie guide will take you on a journey through the city's gastronomic heritage, stopping at cafes, gastro pubs, and bars for a taste of lip-smacking cheese-filled pastries, dumplings in sauce, and yummy "chlebicky" (garnished breads) beloved by Czechs. You'll even have an opportunity to chat with local chefs about their culinary traditions while washing down the delectable cold cuts and artisanal cheeses with craft beers or fruity wines. These tours usually last between 2 and 4 hours.
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