Prague Best Sights
Prague is a city with a plethora of incredible sights to see. It’s best to start your Prague itinerary with a guide who can share their knowledge and special insights about the city with you.
One of the most famous sights in the city is the astronomical clock. Dozens of tourists flock to this tower every hour on the hour to see it put on a brief show.
1. Old Town Square
Prague’s main square, known as Old Town Square (Staromestske namesti), is one of the busiest urban spaces in Europe. It’s also home to many events, including street performers, al fresco concerts and political meetings.
The square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn with its Gothic fairytale spires and beautiful vaulted ceilings inside. It’s a great place to stop for a drink and soak up the historic surroundings.
The square is also home to an enormous statue of religious reformer Jan Hus. His beliefs led to the Hussite Wars, which became a turning point in Czech history.
It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of the Czech Republic in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Prague you can rent a car from 15 euros per day, in Carlsbad from 16 euros per day.
2. Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a historical landmark and the main pedestrian bridge connecting the Old Town to Mala Strana.
The bridge is home to over 30 baroque statues lining both sides of it, which lend a certain grandeur to its surroundings. Most of these statues were erected between 1683 and 1714, although most have now been replaced by replicas.
One of the most famous statues on the bridge is that of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr.
The statue features five golden stars around its head and a knight with a golden dog by his side. This is a reminder of the legend that Saint John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river from the bridge in 1393. It is also tradition for people to rub the statue for good luck, which keeps it looking bright.
3. Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square (Czech: Vaclavske namesti) is one of Prague’s main city squares and the center of the business and cultural communities in the New Town. Many historical events took place here and it’s a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations and other public gatherings.
The square’s main features are its equestrian statue of St Wenceslas and the National Museum. It also has a memorial to Jan Palach, who set himself on fire to protest the invasion of the Soviet Union in Czechoslovakia in 1969.
Wenceslas Square is a popular destination for tourists due to its great location in the heart of the New Town, its rich historic and cultural past, and its numerous bars and restaurants. There is also a wide choice of hotels and apartment rentals to choose from. During the wintertime, the area is bustling with Christmas markets.
4. Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a must-see attraction for visitors to the Czech capital. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers a large area, featuring palaces and other buildings of different architectural styles.
Originally founded by Prince Borivoj of the Premyslovci dynasty in the 880s, the complex has undergone extensive restoration and renovation work to keep it intact. The buildings of the castle are a mix of Romanesque and Gothic structures.
Inside the Prague Castle, there are 5 halls, including the Spanish Hall and Vladislav Hall. The former was a place for banquets, coronation parties and knights’ tournaments, while the latter is today reserved for larger public events.
5. Maltese Square
The medieval Knights of Malta once lived in this part of Prague’s Lesser Town (Mala Strana). Today the Church of Our Lady beneath the Chain and a statue of John the Baptist stand at Maltese Square.
This quaint little neighbourhood is a must see. With narrow cobblestone streets, baroque churches and green parks of luxurious palaces it will leave you feeling romantic.
One of the highlights is the Astronomical Clock, which dozens of tourists flock to every hour on the hour. It’s a nice way to pass the time and it also makes for a great photo opportunity.
The square is surrounded by several interesting buildings, including the Nostitz Palace and Joseph Jager’s attractive pink Rococo Turba Palace. You can also stroll around the beautiful Wallenstein Garden, which is home to a tranquil Koi pond and some really sweet statues.
6. Strahov Monastery
The second-oldest monastery in Prague is home to the Premonstratensian monks, a scholarly order closely related to the Jesuits. They built a stunning library that houses one of the most incredible collections in the world, including illuminated manuscripts and first editions.
The Strahov library is divided into two main halls – the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall. Both rooms are gorgeous but the Theological Hall is particularly special thanks to its beautiful Baroque bookcases.
The ceiling in the Philosophical Hall was painted by Franz Anton Maulbertsch and depicts enlightenment, while the Theological Hall is decorated with intricate frescoes. Also worth a look is the Cabinet of Curiosities with rare books and scientific specimens. The library also has a unique xylotek, which is a wooden box bound with bark and wood from an extensive collection of trees.
7. Palac Lucerna
The iconic Lucerna Palace is home to the Great Hall, the Marble Hall, a music bar, a cinema and a prominent pedestrian walkway connecting Stepanska and Vodickova streets. It also features a restaurant, a wine shop and some unique boutiques.
The palatial building was built in the Art Nouveau style and its construction began between 1907 and 1920. The main architect was Vacslav Havel, who later became the President of the Czech Republic.
The Lucerna Palace is full of passages that lead to winding streets, small shops and interesting secret cafes. One of the most interesting is the Lantern passage, which connects Vodickova and Stepanska streets.
8. Rudolfinum
Designed in neo-Renaissance style, Rudolfinum is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Situated on Jan Palach Square and presiding over the Vltava River, it’s home to many art exhibitions and museums.
In the building’s Dvorak Hall, concerts are held regularly. It’s considered one of Prague’s finest concert halls and is renowned for its world-class acoustics.
The building also contains a stylish coffee house, a modern art gallery and a museum. The Galerie Rudolfinum does not have its own collection, but it hosts a series of changing exhibitions focusing on contemporary fine art.
The main Dvorak Hall has a spectacular organ and busts of virtuoso musicians. It’s one of the primary concert venues for the Prague Spring festival.
9. Devil’s Stream
There’s a lot to love about Prague’s Devil’s Stream. It’s the city’s own small Venice, where medieval houses seem to grow right out of the Vltava River.
You can’t miss it on a fairy-tale cruise along the enchanting channel. Take in the incredibly picturesque mills and medieval homes, and get up close to a romantic mill wheel.
In the 14th century, the Knights Hospitaller built a canal to control water flow for the first mills here. Three of them are still standing today, including the Grand Priory Mill with its impressive eight-meter mill wheel.
10. Argondia
Located half-way up Petrin Hill, Argondia is a strange kingdom of art created by the Czech artist Reon. His unique paintings and sculptures cover every wall of the building transforming it into an otherworldly cave-like kingdom.
The walls of this building are adorned with bright, twirling colours and each rocky wall has been covered with decorative roots that look like they could be found in a natural cave system. It is truly a magical place and is definitely worth a visit while in Prague!
The area around Vysehrad also includes a cathedral, cemetery and gallery that are all well worth a visit. It’s a great place to explore on your own with no crowds and it is a good alternative to the more touristy parts of the city.