Prague is a city of spires, legends, and layered history that rewards visitors with a stunning sight around every cobblestone corner. The Czech capital has preserved one of Europe most complete medieval city centres through wars and revolutions. Fifteen sights rise above the rest. Charles Bridge connects Old Town with Mala Strana, lined with baroque statues. Prague Castle crowns the hilltop as the largest ancient castle in the world, housing St Vitus Cathedral. The Old Town Square dazzles with the Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, and colourful baroque facades. The Jewish Quarter preserves poignant history across six synagogues. Vysehrad fortress, Petrin Hill lookout tower, the Dancing House, and Lennon Wall each add their own character to an already extraordinary cityscape.
There are lots of sights and places to visit in Prague so one list is never enough. If you wish to explore Prague it is better to live here for some time.
However I chose 15 places for you and really recommend you to visit all of those places, you should prepare your visit in Prague for at least 4-5 days. However if you are in very good form this can be done within 3 days. At the bottom of the article you can find the map with all the mentioned monuments and attractions.
In This Article
Prague Castle and Charles Bridge: The Heart of the City
Prague Castle, the symbol of Czech statehood, is according to the Guinness Book of World Records the largest coherent castle complex in the world, covering almost 70,000 square metres and registered on the UNESCO World heritage List. You can get to the castle from Charles Bridge through either new or old castle stairs or through the severe Neruda Street. The castle complex contains St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece from the 11th century, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane, a charming street of tiny colourful houses that is probably the most romantic and most visited tourist part of the castle. Charles Bridge, built by King Charles IV, is one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe at 516 metres long and nearly 10 metres wide, standing on 16 pillars built of sandstone blocks. It is decorated with 30 beautiful baroque sculptures and fortified with towers on both sides, and during the day you can meet lots of artists and musicians here.
Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Jewish Quarter
Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), the oldest and most important square of the historic centre of Prague, was formed since the 10th century as a marketplace at the crossroads of European trade routes. Here you can find the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj), Tyn Church, the monument to Jan Hus, Old Town Hall, and the Kinsky Palace. Wenceslas Square was created by Charles IV in 1348 and is 750 metres long. Originally called Horse Market for selling horses and agricultural products, it now houses the National Museum at its top end and the statue of Saint Wenceslas on horseback. Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, preserves the Old-New Synagogue which is the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe, along with several other synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The area was largely demolished in the 1890s due to sanitary concerns, but the most important buildings were preserved as a testament to centuries of Jewish life in Prague.
Beyond the Main Sights: Parks, Views, and hidden Gems
Petrin Hill, 327 metres high, is the largest green area in Prague located between Mala Strana and Strahov. At the top you can visit a watchtower with a great view of the whole city, accessible by a cabin lift from Ujezd. Letna Park offers another beautiful panorama of Prague, especially of the Vltava river and all the bridges, and during summer you can taste some of the best Czech beers in the garden pubs. Vysehrad fortress, built in the 10th century, keeps a secret and magical atmosphere with one of the most beautiful panoramas overlooking the city. Kampa is a large green park with a beautiful square in the centre of Prague just near Charles Bridge, offering great views and a place for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The Municipal House, one of the most significant Art Nouveau buildings in Prague, and the Powder Tower, a 65-metre high Gothic tower with a watching platform at 44 metres, are located next to each other in the heart of the city. The Wallenstein Garden, created by Albrecht von Wallenstein in the 17th century, features a stunning loggia with frescoes and stucco by Italian architect Baccio del Bianco. Prague Zoo, ranked the 7th best zoo in the world by Forbes, deserves at least a full day of exploration.
All pictures in this article were taken by Claire (Europe Explored).
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