The order of the points to visit in Prague is based solely on their location. We will start with the most central places in the Old Town, the New Town, and the Jewish Quarter. Then we will cross to the Malá Strana neighborhood and the wonderful Prague Castle, ending with other more remote areas such as Petřín Hill and the Vyšehrad fortress.
Old Town Square
Incomparable! There are few adjectives that better define the Old Town Square, undoubtedly the quintessential must-see in Prague. This immense and colorful monumental square impresses like few others. Always bustling with terraces and thousands of tourists, it is also the city’s nerve center and is literally surrounded by charming alleys.
Take it easy and get your camera ready. Throughout its space, it hosts incredible monuments such as the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn (free entrance), the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas (entrance included in the Prague Visitor Pass), and, of course, the Old Town Hall (also included in the Prague Pass) and its Astronomical Clock.
Old Town Hall
Speaking of photos, you are about to discover the most unique clock and viewpoint to visit in Prague. And indeed, within the Old Town Square, there is a building that shines with its own light and requires a good amount of time to explore.
First of all, you need to admire the exterior beauty of this Gothic-style building marked by its wonderful Astronomical Clock. This amazing medieval creation shows in a single device the days, weeks, and months of the year, Central European time, Babylonian time, and stellar time, the zodiac signs, the orbits of the sun and moon, the animated figures of the 12 apostles, and much more.
The animated clock show with the procession of the apostles begins on the hour. Be prepared, because if you want to see it well, you will need to get a spot at least 10 or 15 minutes before.
After the show, it’s time to go inside. Whether you pay the simple entrance fee or use the Prague Visitor Pass (which I will tell you more about later), entering the Old Town Hall is a must. In addition to visiting the Chapel of the Virgin Mary and other municipal rooms, the best part is the climb to the Town Hall Tower. A privileged balcony with breathtaking views over the square.
Clementinum
Peeking into the Baroque library of the Clementinum is like stepping onto the set of a Harry Potter movie. The frescoes on the ceiling, the majesty of its bookshelves filled with ancient books, and its magnificent collection of globes are hard to match. Simply amazing!
The visit includes access to the entrance of the library (you cannot walk inside) and the climb to the Clementinum’s Astronomical Tower. Another beautiful viewpoint over Prague’s historic center.
The paid entrance, included in the Prague Visitor Pass, offers a guided tour at various times throughout the day. Note that they fill up very quickly. It is advisable to go there and reserve a spot in advance.
Powder Tower
Prague is called the city of a hundred towers, and I think it’s easy to understand why. Now we move to this beautiful monumental tower and gateway to the Old Town, which was used as a gunpowder store, hence its name. And we do so through the charming Celetná Street, a fantasy of pastel-toned stately homes.
I have never entered, but you can go up to enjoy the views and an exhibition about Prague and the history of its towers. Although there is an individual entry fee, it is also included in the tourist card.
Municipal House
We move just a few meters to admire the Municipal House, one of the city’s most important buildings in Art Nouveau style. Besides its striking façade, the interior houses a café, restaurants, and a concert hall, among other uses.
I had the fortune of dining here, and it was a fantasy, almost as if I had been transported to the Austrian royal court for a few hours. If you don’t want to spend that much, just having a coffee in its café would be enough.
Jewish Quarter of Prague
Reserve at least an entire afternoon or morning to visit the Jewish Quarter of Prague because you will need it. This beautiful neighborhood, also known as Josefov and adjacent to the Old Town, is literally packed with synagogues and the most spectacular Jewish cemetery I’ve ever seen.
Specifically, thanks to a combined ticket called the Jewish Museum of Prague, you can visit the famous Old Jewish Cemetery with its more than 10,000 stone tombstones and the Maisel, Pinkas, Klausen, High, Old-New Synagogues, and my favorite, the Spanish Synagogue. The sites to visit are scattered throughout the neighborhood at short distances from each other. And I promise you, it’s really worth it.
As always, you can buy the entrance to the complex individually, but it is also included in the Prague Visitor Pass. And why am I so insistent on the tourist card? Because entries like the Jewish Museum are very expensive and, if you do the math, the card can save you a lot of money.
Jerusalem Synagogue
Somewhat distant from the Jewish Quarter, we have the last synagogue to visit in Prague and perhaps the most spectacular, the monumental Jerusalem Synagogue. It is also the largest and most recent and, without a doubt, the most colorful. This Moorish-style Hebrew temple full of Islamic arches is perhaps the most unique building in the city and hides an interior of great beauty.
You can buy the individual simple ticket or get a discount if you have the Prague Visitor Pass.
Wenceslas Square
Now we jump to the most important square in the New Town. It is very impressive because of its size and the beauty of its architecture. Although, more than a square, we could talk about a large avenue crowned by the statue of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic, and the National Museum of Prague.
Kafka Statue
Another really curious corner to visit in Prague is the most popular sculpture by David Černý. An irreverent artist with a lot of works scattered around different corners of Prague and the whole country. In this case, we are looking at a sculpture made up of 42 large stainless steel blocks that move every hour. The work is called Metamorphosis, and when you see it in motion, you’ll perfectly understand why.
If you ask my opinion, it’s also worth visiting other sculptures by the same author, such as the sculpture of St. Wenceslas’ horse inside the Lucerna Passage and, especially, the sculpture of the hanging man on Husova Street.
Charles Bridge and Bridge Towers
You were expecting it, weren’t you? It’s the symbol of Prague and, surely, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. The Charles Bridge, with its 500 meters of length, its two Gothic towers, and the 30 statues that adorn it, is perhaps the most beautiful set in the city. Such elegance, harmony, and monumentality…
Crossing the bridge and observing every detail is a great plan to do in Prague in itself, but don’t just stop there. I advise you to climb the Old Town Bridge Tower. The views over the bridge itself, the Malá Strana neighborhood, and Prague Castle are amazing. It’s also included in the Prague Pass.
It’s crowded at all hours of the day
and night. If you want to enjoy it with a bit of tranquility, you’ll have to wake up early with the first light of day. I did it once, and it was well worth it.
Boat Ride on the Vltava River
From one of the banks of Charles Bridge, the one closest to the Old Town, you can catch a beautiful Venetian boat to take a ride on the waters of the Vltava River. It’s a lovely and affordable activity that offers another perspective of the city. Personally, I really enjoyed it.
The boat ride is included in the Prague Visitor Pass, but if you don’t have the card, you can book it through this link from Civitatis. Needless to say, there are more companies that offer boat trips, but these little boats seem the cutest to me, they have an audio guide, and offer a free drink.
Malá Strana Neighborhood
At the other end of Charles Bridge, we find another historic Prague district filled with magnificent Baroque buildings and a certain bohemian touch. This is Malá Strana, and it requires a leisurely stroll. Here are some of the most important spots in the neighborhood: the Church of St. Nicholas, Malostranské Square, the Plague Column, the beautiful Nerudova Street and its adjacent areas, and the Church of the Infant Jesus of Prague.
Another highly visited spot in Malá Strana is the John Lennon Wall. Initially a tribute to the singer’s death, it has evolved into a symbol of peace and freedom of expression, constantly reinventing itself.
Church of St. Nicholas
Here we have the most impressive monument in Malá Strana and another incredible viewpoint to visit in Prague. Besides admiring every detail of this Baroque jewel crowned by an impressive green dome from both the outside and inside, I recommend climbing the bell tower. The ascent of over 200 steps is rewarded with unparalleled views.
Charles Bridge Viewpoint
Undoubtedly, the most spectacular viewpoint to see in Prague. And I say this having seen quite a few. It is a small pier in the Malá Strana neighborhood frequented by ducks, swans, and even beavers. The views of Charles Bridge and the skyline of the Old Town are simply spectacular. And if you combine it with a sunset or sunrise, it’s even more breathtaking.
In reality, it is a natural viewpoint and not signposted. I will leave you the exact location on the map with all the places to see in Prague at the end of the article.
Kampa Island
Attached to the Malá Strana neighborhood and surrounded by the course of the Vltava River, it’s time to discover Kampa Island. The feeling is almost like walking through a small Czech village. Here you will find old mills, charming little bridges, low houses, a very extensive green area, and even another of Černý’s mocking sculptures. It’s a perfect area to disconnect from the tourist hustle and bustle and the noise of the big city.
Prague Castle
They say it is the largest castle in the world, although, to avoid confusion, it is better to define it as a monumental walled complex of gigantic proportions consisting of palaces, museums, and gardens dominated by the profile of St. Vitus Cathedral. All of this is located on a hill that dominates the skyline of Prague’s historic neighborhoods and offers breathtaking views.
Sounds good, right? To begin with, I advise reserving at least 2 or 3 hours to visit the complex. Entry to the walled interior is free; you only need to pay to access the interiors of the monuments.
In my opinion, it is well worth accessing the interior of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, and the Gothic hall of the Old Royal Palace. You can do this by purchasing a combined ticket on-site or through the Prague Card.
Within the complex, you can also visit the so-called Golden Lane. A narrow street with colorful houses built against the wall that once housed goldsmith artisans and now hosts shops and exhibitions. Access is paid but only during certain hours. In my view, unless you have purchased the tourist card, it is not very worthwhile. Otherwise, I recommend going in the late afternoon during the free hours from 5:00 PM in summer and 4:00 PM in winter.
St. Vitus Cathedral
A special mention deserves one of the most beautiful monuments to see in Prague and also the most important. St. Vitus Cathedral is a stunning Gothic temple with over 7 centuries of history.
I wanted to give it its own section because, besides admiring the elegance of its stained glass windows, the tombs in the Royal Pantheon, the crown jewels, and the St. Wenceslas Chapel, it is well worth climbing to the viewpoint of the south tower. The panorama of Prague is beautiful and very different from what other viewpoints offer. I went up at sunset, and I loved it.
If you decide not to buy the access tickets to the Castle, don’t pass by because you can enter the cathedral’s lobby for free and admire such a work of art without spending a dime.
Strahov Monastery
Continuing our ascent on the same hill that hosts Prague Castle, we encounter another colossal monument, the Strahov Monastery. This pristine white complex holds a great secret inside. If you thought the Baroque library of Clementinum was unique, then you haven’t seen the Strahov Library yet.
I haven’t had the chance to enter yet, but I know firsthand that it’s amazing. Also in Baroque style, with frescoes on the ceiling, 200,000 books, and a beauty that is hard to surpass.
By the way, between the castle and the monastery, there’s an interesting intermediate stop. It’s Loreto Prague, a religious center and famous pilgrimage site where there is a replica of the house where the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary took place.
Petřín Hill
As you can see, we could almost say that the city of Prague is a tremendous natural viewpoint of itself. Wherever you go, you’ll get privileged views of the cityscape. Petřín Hill, a natural haven amidst so many monuments, is one of my favorite spots to visit in Prague.
Why? For its breathtaking views from Petřín Tower, also known as the Czech Eiffel Tower, for its curious mirror maze that kids will love, and for the feeling of walking through a green area away from the hustle and bustle of a big capital.
You can ascend Petřín Hill on foot or by funicular. If you’re coming from Strahov Monastery, I recommend the short 15-minute walk uphill. If walking isn’t your thing or you’re in the lower area of Prague, the best option is to use the Petřín funicular, the city’s oldest. The funicular ride also offers some really cool views.
Entry to the tower, maze, and funicular is included in the Prague Card but can also be purchased individually.
Dancing House
You’ve probably seen images of these twisted buildings many times, and yet I can assure you they are more impressive in person. This is a work by architects Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić from the 1990s. And although it was controversial in its early days, today it is a symbol of Prague.
By the way, they say the two intertwined buildings resemble a dancing couple. In fact, they’ve been nicknamed the Fred & Ginger dancing couple. What do you think?
Vyšehrad Fortress
This is the furthest point on the list of must-see places in Prague. It’s a bit over a half-hour walk from Prague’s historic center or a short tram ride that takes you up to a fortified hilltop overlooking the Vltava River.
The views of the river and the bridges are marvelous. But it doesn’t stop there. Inside the fortified walls, it is well worth visiting the interior of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul (it’s beautiful) and its small cemetery where many Czech personalities are buried. It’s very charming.
Exploring Prague is truly a journey through centuries of history, art, and culture. From the bustling Old Town Square to the serene Petřín Hill, each place offers a unique glimpse into Prague’s rich past and vibrant present. Whether you’re marveling at the intricate architecture of Prague Castle or wandering through the charming streets of Malá Strana, every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered.
With its grand monuments, picturesque landscapes, and hidden gems, Prague captures the hearts of travelers from around the world. As you explore these 21 essential sights, may you uncover the essence of this magnificent city and create memories that will last a lifetime. Prague beckons with its beauty and charm, inviting you to immerse yourself in its captivating history and enchanting atmosphere.
