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Thinking about a trip to Prague? There is so much to do and see in this historic city that it can become overwhelming when planning an itinerary. We recently spent 5 nights in Prague exploring all the city has to offer. I have put together this list of the top things you need to see in Prague to help take a little of the stress out of planning and to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Why Visit Prague
Prague is truly a fairytale city. Stepping into Old Town feels like stepping back in time. From the history to the architecture, you will be surrounded by Prague’s medieval beauty.
History
To fully appreciate this centuries old city, you need to know a little about its storied history. Prague was founded in the 8th century and currently serves as the capital to the Czech Republic. It was important in the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If you enjoy history, you will be interested in the role Prague played in the Bohemian and Protestant Reformations as well as the Thirty Years War. To understand Prague and its people you need to know where they came from and what they have endured over the years.
Pro Tip– A guided tour is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city while learning about the history of Prague. This is especially beneficial if you only have a couple of days to spend exploring.
Here is one that is perfect for an introduction to Prague.
Top Things to See
Castles
We might as well start big and what is bigger than a castle? There are 2 castle complexes that you should visit. One if VERY well-known and the other is a bit of a hidden gem.
Prague Castle
More than just a castle, this is an entire complex. In fact, it’s the largest castle complex in the world. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Romanesque and Gothic style buildings represented here.
There are several historical buildings you can visit, so you will want to allow plenty of time to explore each one. The ones we visited are:
Old Royal Palace
See what palace life was like back in the 12th century. Our audio guide took us on a tour of several rooms with stories of palace life from past centuries. The Vladislav Hall is used for inaugurations and a copy of the Czech crown can be seen in one of the rooms.
St. Vitus Cathedral
A stunning example of Gothic architecture, St. Vitus dates back to 925 when the rotunda was founded. It wasn’t until 1344 when Charles IV began construction of the Gothic cathedral. St. Vitus has an impressive main nave lined with chapels along the sides. Each of the chapels have beautiful stained-glass windows that are worthy of a visit.
St. George’s Basilica
St. George’s Basilica is the oldest church inside of the Prague Castle complex dating back to 920. Beautiful in its own right, St. George’s has a much more intimate feel than the other buildings in the complex. The remaining frescoes in some of the rooms are simply beautiful and reminder of the craftsmanship of the artists centuries ago. While many of the colors have faded, some retain their vibrance.
Golden Lane
Golden Lane is a street inside of the castle complex that was built in the 16th century. It was originally built as homes for the castle guards. It now holds cute shops that have been painted in bright colors.
I highly recommend going to all of these sites. Each one is beautiful, interesting and unique. Due to the different areas you can visit, there are multiple ticket options to choose from. Visit here to select the ticket option that is best for you.
If you prefer a guided tour of the castle, this tour might be perfect for you.
Vysehrad Castle
Often overlooked Vysehrad Castle is one of the top places to visit in Prague. Enjoy fewer crowds while walking the grounds of this historic fort. Like Prague Castle, there is more to see than just the castle. The Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, a beautiful Neo-Gothic church is a must visit. You can’t miss the twin spires as you look south along the Vltava River.
Beyond the basilica is the Vysehrad Cemetery. Catch a glimpse of those who came before us as you wander through the cemetery and read the headstones. Even if you aren’t one to visit cemeteries, take a little time to walk through this one. The monuments are amazing works of art.
For ticket information, you can visit their website.
Landmarks
Charles Bridge
If there is a symbol of Prague, it would have to be the Charles Bridge. Until 1841 this stone bridge was the only way to reach Old Town from Prague Castle. The bridge is lined with 30 Baroque style statues that depict different saints and patron saints. Most notably, you will find a statue of the Holy Crucifix and Calvary.
Pro Tip– If you want to have a truly special time at Charles Bridge, go early in the morning. Sunrise is best if you are an early morning person. Due to jet lag, we woke up early our first morning in Prague so we decided to head out to Old Town to beat the crowds. It was the best decision! The bridge was empty except for a few photographers wanting to catch the sunrise.
As an added bonus, you will be able to walk through Old Town without the crowds. This is particularly wonderful for those of us who enjoy taking pictures, but don’t like the throngs of people in all of our photos. Early morning Prague is one of my absolute favorite memories of our stay.
Old Town Square
Speaking of Old Town, the square is at the top of places in Prague you need to visit. More than just a square, this historical location is home to the Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Church of St. Nicolas. In addition, there are a multitude of important buildings lining the square. Prague.eu has a list, complete with building numbers and the history of each building that you can use as a walking guide.
Astronomical Clock
While you are in Old Town, you can’t miss the Astronomical Clock. Just look for the crowd of people all standing together at the top of the hour. They are all waiting see the “walk of the apostles.” Along with the apostles, look for the skeleton ringing a bell. He represents the passing of time and inevitable death. The clock dates back to 1410 and is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world.
Note– the clock only chimes between 9:00am and 9:00pm.
Parks
Letna Park
If we are being honest, Prague can be a busy, tourist filled city. Sometimes you need to get away from the crowds. Letna Park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and Bustle. Sitting high atop Letna Hill, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Vltava River and Old Town. We spent the afternoon walking the park, admiring the views and enjoying a beer at the beer garden. We were there in the fall so it was a much slower pace, but absolutely beautiful. Don’t overlook going in the fall; you will be rewarded with stunning fall colors. Food options were very limited when we visited, so keep that in mind for when you are there.
Note– If you are planning on visiting in the fall, I have a packing guide for Prague for the fall and winter that you can read here.
Petrin Hill
If you look high above the Vltava River and you can’t miss the Petrin Lookout Tower. Bearing a strong resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Lookout Tower sits on Petrin Hill. Covered with lush green parks, Petrin Hill is a favorite hangout of the locals when the weather is nice.
More than just a park, you can visit Stefanik’s Observatory, the Hunger Wall, St. Lawrence Cathedral and of course, the Lookout Tower. You can reach the top of the hill by walking up or taking a ride up on the Petrin Funicular.
Conclusion
There is so much to see in Prague and this list of the top things to see in Prague only scratches the surface. Prague isn’t a city to be rushed through and one of the best ways to spend part of a day is by wandering through the cobblestone streets. You never know what you will find.
