Prague has become a highly sought-after destination over the past three decades. It used to be a mysterious place for travelers in Europe, but now it attracts approximately 4 million visitors annually. One of the reasons for its popularity is the compact city center, which allows visitors to easily explore all its wonders.
Prague is rich in history and showcases stunning architectural styles ranging from Romanesque and Gothic to Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau. Visitors can marvel at numerous palaces, churches, parks, and squares scattered throughout the city.
Moreover, Prague is known for its delightful Czech beer and delicious local cuisine, all at reasonable prices. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out on the top tourist attractions in Prague. For more information, you can also check out recommendations on where to stay in Prague.
15. Municipal House
The Municipal House is a stunning building located near the Pachovsky Palace and the Powder Tower in the old section of town. In the past, it served as a headquarters for Bohemian Kings and is now used for hosting operas and plays. The entrance of the building is quite impressive, with a curved mural showcasing famous works of art.
Once inside, you can admire sculptures created by highly esteemed artists from previous centuries. Additionally, the building is connected to Prague’s ancient city gate, creating a magnificent sight.
14. Tyn Church
The Church of Our Lady before Tyn is located in the Old Town Square in Prague. It is a famous attraction in the city and its Gothic towers reach a height of 80 meters (260 ft), making them visible from anywhere in Prague.
Originally, the church was built in the 11th century as a Romanesque church for foreign merchants visiting the Tyn Courtyard for trading purposes. However, the present church that we see today was built in the 14th century. Over the years, the roof, towers, and gables were added to the church.
Inside, the Tyn Church is filled with various artworks in different styles like Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. The architects responsible for the design of Our Lady before Tyn were Petr Parler and Matthias of Arras, who were also involved in constructing other Gothic buildings in Prague.
13. Powder Tower
The Powder Tower in Prague is a historic entrance to Old Town. It was first constructed in the 11th century but was later rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 17th century, it served as storage for gunpowder, which is why it was named the Powder Tower.
The tower marks the beginning of the royal route, the path followed by Bohemian kings during their coronations. This route stretched through Old Town, across the Charles Bridge, and up to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, where the kings were crowned.
Connected to the Powder Tower is a covered bridge that leads to what was once King Vladislav II’s palace. This palace, now known as the Municipal House, is still connected to the tower. Inside the tower, there is a spiral staircase with 186 steps that leads to a gallery offering a wonderful view of Old Town.
12. Charles Bridge
Prague’s most famous landmark is the Charles Bridge, a historic bridge that connects the neighborhoods of Old Town and Lesser Town over the River Vltava. It has been standing for over 600 years and was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357. The previous bridge, named Judith Bridge, was destroyed by a flood in 1342.
The Charles Bridge is adorned with 30 Baroque statues and is filled with various stalls, musicians, performers, and beggars. It is always bustling with activity and people, although it is less crowded during dawn or evening. At night, Prague Castle, which stands above the bridge, is beautifully lit and offers a stunning view for visitors.
The Charles Bridge is also accompanied by two towers, each providing a great vantage point for those who climb the steps.
11. Old New Synagogue
In Josefov, Prague’s former Jewish Quarter, you can find the oldest active synagogue in Europe known as the Old-New Synagogue. The synagogue’s walls are believed to have been built with stones from the Second Temple in Jerusalem, brought to Prague by angels.
Completed in 1270, the Old-New Synagogue has been conducting divine services ever since, except during the Nazi occupation from 1942 to 1945. It became the central point of the Jewish Quarter and is also associated with the Prague Golem.
According to legend, in the 16th century, Rabbi Jehud Löwa created a golem out of clay and brought it to life by placing a parchment with instructions in its mouth and breathing into it.
When the golem became uncontrollable and aggressive, the Rabbi deactivated it, stating that it could be reawakened in the future when Jewish people faced hardships once again.
10. Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is a prominent feature in the city of Prague, located on the other side of the river from the old town area. It offers pleasant paths that are perfect for taking a leisurely walk in the afternoon.
These pathways will guide you up the hill, presenting you with breathtaking views of the old town, an observatory for studying celestial bodies, a brewery with a long history, and the Strahov Monastery that boasts a beautiful library. Begin your exploration of Prague by walking up Petrin Hill to gain an understanding of the area’s layout.
To get a panoramic view of the winding streets beneath, climb the 299 steps of the 60-meter (200-foot) Petrin Tower, which was designed after the famous Eiffel Tower in France.
9. Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is located in the middle of old town Prague. You can easily identify it by the large groups of people gathering around its Gothic tower. From 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., every hour, the 12 Apostles appear on the astronomical clock located on the tower.
Although it only lasts for a moment, the crowd applauds enthusiastically for this impressive mechanical display. The building was established in 1338 and used to be the headquarters for the old town administration. You can take a guided tour of the tower and underground areas by paying a small fee.
The Old Town Hall’s astronomical clock, created by a clockmaker and a math professor in 1410, is the third oldest clock in the world and has been maintained for over 600 years. The figures of the Apostles were added in 1865 and can be seen in the two upper windows every hour.
The clock also displays Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time, sidereal time, sunrise and sunset, moon phases, and the sun’s position in the zodiac.
When the clock strikes the hour, bells ring, the Walk of the Apostles begins, the Gothic sculptures move, a rooster crows, and a trumpeter plays, creating an entertaining show that everyone should witness at least once. To experience the most excitement, it is recommended to watch the display at noon or midnight.
8. Dancing House
Prague is famous for its diverse architectural styles that have developed over many centuries. One remarkable example is the Dancing House, designed by Czech architect Valdo Milunic and Canadian Frank Gehry in the late 20th century.
This unique building combines both dynamic and static elements, resembling a female dancer being swayed by her male partner, similar to the legendary dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Dancing House is situated on the bank of the Vltava River and Resslova Street.
It primarily functions as a private office building, but also features a restaurant called Celeste on its 7th floor, which is open to the public. The Dancing House stands out in stark contrast to the surrounding classical architecture found in styles such as Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Baroque.
Due to its ultra-modern design, it attracted public criticism and controversy during its construction. However, as time passed, Prague has become proud to showcase its magnificent Dancing House.
7. Old Town Square
In the summer, Prague’s Old Town Square, located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, is always filled with lots of tourists and locals. The square displays Czech’s rich history through various architectural styles like Romanesque, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic, and Renaissance.
The Tyn Cathedral has striking Gothic towers, which contrast with the Baroque style of St. Nicholas. The Old Town Hall is made up of Gothic and Renaissance buildings.
Visitors are captivated as they stroll through the square, take breaks to people-watch at outdoor cafes, and observe the central statue of Jan Hus, an influential church reformer and martyr.
6. Mala Strana
The district of Malá Strana, located on the opposite end of Charles Bridge from Old Town Square, is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture. It dates back to 1257 when it was established as a royal town. The main attractions in the area are the Baroque St. Nicholas Church and the impressive Wallenstein Palace.
In addition to these, there are also palaces, churches, squares, parks, gardens, and many other things to see. The surrounding area of Lesser Town Square offers a variety of pubs, shops, restaurants, and even international embassies, all housed in grand, historic Baroque buildings.
Above Malá Strana stands Prague Castle, which is accessible by a scenic walk up Nerudova Street. The houses on this street are adorned with symbols such as the White Swan, the Golden Horseshoe, and the Red Eagle. Visitors looking for a peaceful stroll in a park can visit Vojan Park or Petrin Hill.
5. St. Vitus Cathedral
The cathedral in Prague Castle took 600 years to build and is considered one of the most opulent churches in Europe. Located at the top of a steep walkway with ancient stones, it is an impressive sight. St Vitus Cathedral is still used as the main church for the Archbishop of Prague.
Inside, visitors can view the elaborate baroque silver tomb of St John of Nepomuck, beautiful art nouveau stained glass, a 14th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement, and the tombs of Saint Wenceslas and Charles IV.
A helpful tip: instead of entering the castle directly, take a leisurely walk to the left of the main gate and explore a garden with panoramic views of the city. Along the way, pass by a cherub fountain and you’ll discover stairs on the right.
Climb these stairs, which cut through the castle wall, and be prepared for a breathtaking view of the cathedral.
4. Prague Castle
Prague Castle stands tall above the city and is not just one building, but a large complex. It has various structures including a royal palace, cathedral, churches, basilica, monastery, defensive towers, stables, a lane for craftsmen, and splendid gardens. Originally, in the 9th century, the castle was made of wood with earthen walls.
However, in the 11th century, a royal palace was added, and in the 14th century, St. Vitus Cathedral was constructed. This cathedral is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and is considered a treasure of Prague. Additionally, many kings and emperors have been laid to rest here.
3. Prague Zoo
When you think of Prague, you might not immediately think of exotic animals. However, surprisingly, Prague has one of the top zoos in Europe. Located near the Troja Castle and along the river Vltava, this zoo offers a wide variety of animals. It is even ranked as the fifth best zoo in the world.
Here, you can have a unique experience and get close to rare animals, such as the Galapagos Giant Tortoise that has an astonishing lifespan of 100 years. Furthermore, the zoo is home to elephants, rhinos, and giraffes that roam the vast grounds.
2. Spanish Synagogue
Located in the Jewish Quarter, the Spanish Synagogue is a prominent structure in Prague’s old town. Constructed in 1868, this synagogue is not only the city’s first Jewish House of Worship but is also famous for its exceptional beauty across Europe.
The building showcases exquisite stained glass windows, intricate handpainted Islamic designs on the walls, and exquisite gold tilework. However, it is the awe-inspiring interior of the large central dome that truly captivates visitors.
With galleries adorning the dome, there is ample opportunity to explore and appreciate the splendor of this highly esteemed building in Prague.
1. Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square, one of the two main squares in Prague, is a popular place for shoppers and those seeking a peaceful haven. It was originally established as a horse market by Charles IV in 1348, but now it resembles more of a busy boulevard than a typical square.
Situated in the New Town area, the square offers a wide range of amenities including bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, shops, and banks. This makes it the hub for entertainment, nightlife, and commercial activities in the city.
Throughout Czech’s history in the 20th century, Wenceslas Square has played a significant role, serving as a meeting place for political movements and gatherings. The square’s statue of St. Wenceslas has been a focal point for parades down the square. What’s great about Wenceslas Square is that it is centrally located in Prague.
For instance, Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are just a short five-minute walk away. Additionally, all three metro lines intersect in this square. Notably, Wenceslas Square is home to the magnificent National Museum and the Prague State Opera.
