Must Visit Places In Prague: “The city of a hundred spires” bisected by river Vltava presents a fairytale beauty within its lanes, buildings, castle, and a clock. The cultural, historical, political, and economic hub of central Europe and the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is a must to visit the place at least once in a lifetime. A spectacular architecture to soothe the eyes and great calming vibes make it a memorable trip. The best time to experience the city is when spring is about to end and fall has just begun.
Wherever your eyes roll down, a never to forget view appears.
To witness the bohemian allure, it’s important to explore the amazing places that Prague offers to visit.
Discover the top 21 must-visit attractions in Prague:
1. Charles Bridge
The glamourous Charles Bridge stands on river Vltava connecting Old Town to the Lesser Town. The oldest bridge in Prague and the second oldest in the Czech Republic was built by the famous German-Czech architect Peter Parler on the orders of Charles IV in 1357 after the previous one collapsed due to flooding. Only since 1870 has the bridge been referred to as “Charles Bridge,” having previously been termed “Stone” or “Prague.” It is one of the Must Visit Places In Prague.
The 16 pillar-supported Charles Bridge is 516 metres long, 9.5 metres wide, and 13 metres high. Additionally, it is a section of the so-called Royal Route.
Charles Bridge stands out due to its rich statute and designer lamps as well as its stunning Gothic bridge towers on either end.
The Statue of St. John of Nepomuk is undoubtedly one of Charles Bridge’s most intriguing monuments. Given that it honours John of Nepomuk, one of the most important Czech saints, it has profound theological significance.
One of the most artistically significant statues on Charles Bridge is the statue of Saints Vincent Ferrer and Procopius. Ferdinand Brokoff, a Czech sculptor and woodcarver, produced it in 1712.
The city is clearly visible from the bridge and the reflection of clouds and nature in the Vltava river makes the view incredible. The best time to visit is at night, less crowded, more comfortable, open 24/7, and with no entry fees.
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2. Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a historical representation of the Czech Republic, its most prominent monument, as well as one of its most significant cultural organisations.
The UNESCO heritage site has a more than 1000-year history.
Prince Boivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Pemyslovci) most likely erected Prague Castle in or about 880. It is made up of a massive assembly of palaces and church structures in a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Romanesque ruins from the 10th century to Gothic alterations from the 14th century. It is one of the most gorgeous and Must Visit Places In Prague.
Since the construction of its original fortifications in the 10th century, the castle has undergone significant change and is now the official presidential residence. As a result, the castle contains a variety of architectural styles. It was once the residence of Bohemian kings and is now.
When the First Republic was in existence, the renowned Slovenian architect Josip Plenik was in charge of carrying out significant modifications (1918-1938). The Prague Castle has undergone extensive and ongoing repairs and renovations since the Velvet Revolution.
Along with the mediaeval towers and gatehouses, old cathedrals and churches, magnificent royal mansions, and their gardens may all be seen by visitors.
With an average width of 130 metres and a length of 570 metres, Prague Castle is recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. Its size alone makes it difficult to navigate. Joining a tour led by a knowledgeable guide is one way to take in the highlights and discover the castle’s lengthy history.
Observing the breathtaking views of the Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, and Prague’s Old City with its numerous beautiful church spires are among Prague Castle’s other top attractions. Try to get a peek of these same views of Prague Castle at night or in the winter for a truly stunning experience.
3. Wenceslas Square
The central square in Prague is Wenceslas Square. But it’s not the kind of square you’d typically see in the Czech capital. Wenceslas Square doesn’t resemble a square shape at all, but rather a boulevard full of shops that specialise in everything from fashion to technology. The square, which is around 700 metres (0.4 miles) long, is very significant to Czech history. While the monuments and shops draw tourists, the area serves as a hub for social meetings for Czechs. As the location of the most significant protests in Czech history, this area serves as a forum for the voice of the people.
The Saint Wenceslas statue is another noteworthy aspect of Wenceslas Square. Josef Vaclav Myslbek created the statue between 1887 and 1927. It depicts the patron of the Czech nation, the Duke of Bohemia, who was brutally murdered by the followers of his younger brother in 935 A.D. Other saint icons, including those of Prokop, Adalbert, Agnes, and Ludmila, are placed beside the statue.
One of Prague’s most well-liked shopping areas is the location. As previously stated, the lower portion of the square is home to numerous large fashion retailers. However, there are shops all around the area, including a few book stores, gift shops, coffee shops, fast food outlets, and restaurants. You can discover a store to purchase anything you need or wish to buy there.
Dum Mody, a 5-floor shopping complex for men and women, is the most well-known shopping destination. If you are in Prague, this is one of the Must Visit Places In Prague!
Additionally, the square serves as the location for all seasonal markets, including those for Christmas, Easter, and farm products. However, you can always find a few small stands selling traditional Czech fare there. After dusk, the area transforms into a hub of nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and pubs.
Since the square is one of Prague’s oldest and has been changing throughout the years, it contains a variety of architectural styles. Since each building is unique, it is wise to take notice of the many architectural styles that are represented by the nearby structures.
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4. National Museum
The Prague National Museum, also known as the Národn Muzeum, is the most significant museum in the capital of the Czech Republic and is housed in one of the most well-known structures in the city.
The neo-renaissance structure was built between 1885 and 1891 by Josef Schulz, a prominent architect who also created the State Opera in Prague.
The museum also houses permanent collections that include the Prehistory of Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia; Zoology; Mineralogical and lithological exhibition; Paleontological, Osteology, and Anthropology; and Decorations and Medals of Other European Countries, in addition to the temporary exhibitions that are frequently organised there.
Its exhibitions can be compared to those of major museums in Europe and house a huge collection of historical and natural scientific artefacts. But in our opinion, the building’s magnificent and unexpected interior is where its charm and distinctiveness can be found, making a visit there undoubtedly worthwhile.
5. Clementinum
The Clementinum, also known as the Klementinum in Czech, is the second-largest building complex in Prague after Prague Castle and one of the largest in all of Europe. It has long been a vibrant hub for learning and culture. The National Library, which houses numerous extraordinarily priceless manuscripts and volumes, is among the many historic structures that make up this sizable complex, which is stretched across an area of land that is roughly two hectares. The second-largest historical building complex in Prague is called Clementinum.
The Prague Clementinum is one of the most beautiful sights in the capital of the Czech Republic, spanning across the streets of Karlova and Kovnická and facing Mariánské náměstí square with its main frontispiece. It also holds significant historical, educational, and cultural significance for all Czechs.
Adult admission costs 220 CZK, a family pass costs 500 CZK, students and pensioners pay 140 CZK, and children under the age of seven are admitted free. Visitors who have a Prague Card are eligible for a 25% discount on the entrance price.
Even on weekends, Clementinum is open daily at 10 a.m. In all seasons, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is the ideal time to visit.
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6. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
The southern side of the Old Town Hall Tower is where you’ll find the mediaeval tower clock.
The Old Town Hall was built in 1338 to serve as the administrative hub of the Old Town. The southern wing of the complex’s oldest building is a lovely Gothic tower with a bay chapel and a special astronomical clock, known as the Orloj, where the twelve apostles show on the hour between 9 am and 11 pm. On May 8, 1945, the Prague Uprising resulted in the destruction of the Town Hall’s Gothic Revival eastern wing, which was never reconstructed. The chapel, ancient halls, underground spaces, and the tower are all on the visitor’s path. This is one of the Must Visit Places In Prague that you can’t miss.
7. St. Vitus Cathedral
The ancient Romanesque rotunda was replaced in 1344 by the spectacular St. Vitus Cathedral. The roughly 600-year-long construction of this Gothic cathedral serves the nation of Czech as a whole. It plays a significant role in the history of Prague Castle despite only being built in 1929. The cathedral’s opulent interiors are home to several wonders, including the exquisitely adorned St. Wenceslas Chapel with the saint’s tomb, the crypt where numerous Czech kings are interred, and the Crown Chamber, which houses the crown jewels. Your entry tickets to Prague Castle also grant you access to St. Vitus Cathedral.
8. The Church of Our Lady before Týn
Between the middle of the 14th and the beginning of the 16th century, one of Prague’s most remarkable Gothic religious structures was constructed. Baroque renovations to the inside were made around the end of the 17th century. The cathedral is a vast collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Early Baroque artworks, with the most intriguing pieces being the Tycho Brahe tomb and the altar paintings by Karel Kréta. The oldest organ in Prague is the one that was built in 1673.
9. National Gallery in Prague
The treasures of Czech and worldwide fine art are featured in both permanent and temporary exhibitions in the second-oldest gallery in Europe, after the Louvre. The Convent of St. Agnes of Bohemia, the Kinsk Palace, the Salm Palace, the Schwarzenberg Palace, the Sternberg Palace, the Wallenstein Riding School, and the Trade Fair (Veletržní) Palace are among the historical structures that house its exhibition halls. This is one of the most royal and Must Visit Places In Prague.
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10. Free Art at the Municipal House
This Art Nouveau structure, constructed between 1905 and 1911, is evidence of unmatched aesthetic and craft abilities and excellence. Leading painters and sculptors such Alfons Mucha, Jan Preisler, Ladislav aloun, and others created the interior designs for the café, the French and Pilsner restaurants, the American bar, the Lord Mayor’s Salon, and the Smetana Hall. Art Nouveau enthusiasts can take a tour of the entire structure.
11. Prague Zoo
One of the most stunning zoos in the world is the Prague Zoo. Through such exotic exhibits as the Africa House, the Indonesian rainforest, the Valley of the Elephants, or a recently constructed exhibition devoted to Tasmanian and Australian animals – Darwin Crater – the mountainous terrain offers more than 10 km of walking routes. Families with kids love to visit this lovely area of nature where they may pet and feed the animals at the Children’s Zoo.
12. Streets of Josefov: The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter once thought of as a Jewish ghetto, is now a fascinating area with many tourist attractions.
The Jewish Quarter, which was formerly thought of as a slum neighbourhood inhabited by Jews in the 1200s, was confined to the Castle District. Later, it grew to include the Josefov neighbourhood and developed into one of Prague’s most attractive tourist destinations. The area now contains Art Nouveau residential structures that have been given a retro makeover. The Jewish Museum, which includes six different historic sites and is open to anyone with a single admission, is the area’s main draw, though. Six stunning historical structures are housed on the museum grounds—the Maisel Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Klaus Synagogue—each highlight a distinct facet of Prague’s past.
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13. Strahov Monastery and Library
One of the most priceless and well-preserved mediaeval libraries is the Premonstratensian monastic library in Strahov, which houses a collection of almost 200,000 books. The Baroque Theological Hall, the oldest section of the library, was built between 1671 and 1674; the Philosophical Hall’s two-story main Classicist vaults date from 1794. Siard Noseck and Anton Maulbertsch’s ceiling frescoes dominate both halls.
14. Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall, a vibrant wall covered in street art, is viewed as a representation of freedom, love, and peace. It is one of Prague’s well-known attractions.
Since the passing of Beatles member John Lennon in 1980, the wall has been covered in countless messages and pieces of graffiti, becoming a part of Prague history. These used to be largely critical of the government and seeking freedom, but now they emphasise peace and love more than anything else.
Over time and even now, fresh graffiti and inscriptions have been continuously added to the existing ones. The John Lennon image that served as the basis for the Wall’s narrative has been heavily painted over for a very long time.
15. Petrín Lookout Tower
One of Prague’s most notable structures, the Petn Lookout Tower, was constructed in 1891 as a rough replica of the Eiffel Tower for the Jubilee Exhibition (at a ratio of 1:5). Its pinnacle, which is 58.70 metres high and has 299 steps, is located at the same elevation as the actual Eiffel Tower. On a clear day, you can see almost all of Bohemia from the top, where you can also see the entire city.
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16. St. Nicholas Church
One of the most priceless Baroque structures north of the Alps is the most well-known Baroque church in Prague. The dome is the highest interior in Prague and has an impressive 20 m diameter. Additionally, it is a superb illustration of high Baroque ornamentation. The church hosts concerts all year long on its antique 18th-century organ. It is one of the most gorgeous and Must Visit Places In Prague!
17. National Theatre
The National Theatre, the representative stage of the Czech Republic, was constructed with funds from a national collection and opened for the first time in 1881 before reopening in 1883 following a disastrous fire. Artworks by 19th-century Czech painters Ale, Eniek, Hynais, Myslbek, and others make up the magnificent exterior and interior design, which is lavishly adorned with gold. Visit ballet, opera, and theatrical performances in stunning settings for a memorable theatre experience.
18. Dancing House
In 1996, this Prague landmark of modern design “danced” onto the Ranovo Embankment. The project was conceptualised by world-famous architects Frank O. Gehry and Vlado Miluni. The famed movie couple’s dancing prowess served as inspiration for the design; Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are represented by the stone tower and the glass tower, respectively. In the Dancing House, there is a gallery and a café with a terrace that provides a 360-degree view of Prague. It is one of the most loved and Must Visit Places In Prague!
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19. Hilltop Fortress: Vyšehrad
Although the local settlement was founded in the middle of the tenth century, historical tales claim that Vyehrad is the oldest residence of Czech princes. The park area contains hidden architectural treasures, such as the rare Romanesque Rotunda of St. Martin, and the neo-Gothic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the national cemetery Slavn, and the underground casements housing some of the original Baroque statues from the Charles Bridge. It is located on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River and offers breathtaking views of the city.
20. Kampa Island
One of the most romantic and scenic spots in the city is this park, an island between the Vltava River and its side branch, Ertovka, where you can see the enormous mill wheel of the ancient Grand Priory Mill from the 15th century. Unsurprisingly, it was ranked as the second most beautiful city island in the world by the respected traveller’s website VirtualTourist. Picnics and relaxation are frequently held in the island’s grassy regions.
21. Olšany Cemetery
Prague’s expansive Olany Cemetery is a superbly organised public construction, especially considering that it was built during the frenetic panic of a plague epidemic.
A sizable cemetery was established in 1680 specifically for the purpose of burying plague dead because it was deemed unsanitary in the 17th century to do so inside city limits. A century later, when the plague struck once more, Emperor Joseph II implemented several sanitation changes and made Olsany the official cemetery of the city. It was continuously used until the 20th century when several ornate art nouveau burial monuments turned the cemetery into a destination for tourists as well as those in need of funeral services.
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Where to stay in Prague?
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, Hotel Residence Agnes, Four Seasons Hotel Prague, Questenberk, and B&B Hotel Prague City are a few amazing highly rated hotel options where you would love to stay during your trip to Prague.
So, make the most out of your trip and make sure to visit these Must Visit Places In Prague!
