There are cities that impress with modern architecture and others that captivate you with the grandeur of their history. But Prague is of another dimension – a place where the past does not merely exist, but comes alive in the most magical way possible! The Czech capital is like an open encyclopedia, in which every facade, every Gothic spire, and every reflection in the Vltava breathes with the spirit of centuries past. From the dramatic silhouette of Prague Castle, perched above the river, to the astronomical clock that dances every hour on the hour – Prague is both majestic and intimate. Get ready to get lost in its cobblestone streets and discover why the “Golden City” is the true, untamed heart of Central Europe!
More about Prague
Prague is one of the oldest and most impressive cities in Central Europe, its history dating back to the 9th century and closely linked to the history of the Czech Republic. For centuries it has been the seat of kings and emperors and an important cultural crossroads. In 1348, Charles University was founded – the first in Central Europe – turning the city into the intellectual center of the empire. Under the reign of Emperor Charles IV, today’s Czech capital became a magnificent city, even larger than Paris and London. Another ruler who left a lasting mark on Prague’s development was the Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II. His passion for art and science brought the spirit of the Renaissance to the city.
Unlike many other European capitals, Prague was spared major destruction during World War II, which preserved its incredible architectural mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau. It is this centuries-old history and the fact that it has been preserved intact that makes every walk here feel like a journey through time.
Where is located and how to get there
Prague is centrally located in the heart of Europe, making it equally accessible for both short city breaks and long road trips. The easiest way to reach the Czech capital is by plane. Vaclav Havel International Airport receives flights from all over Europe, including direct ones from Bulgaria. From there, the city center is easily and cheaply reachable by bus 100 to Zličín metro station or by the Airport Express (HERE) which directly connects the airport to the Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží).
See car rental options in Czech Republic
Prague is excellently connected to the European road network, making it an easily accessible destination for travelers by car as well. We visited it during our trip through Central Europe, which included Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Parking in the central areas is a real challenge… Most of the covered parking lots are very narrow and inconvenient, so perhaps the best place to park is MR.PARKIT – Parking I. P. Pavlova, where you can also make an advance reservation. But still, the safest option is to find accommodation that provides parking for your car, as we did.
Where to stay
To find the best place to stay, think carefully about what type of experience you are looking for! Staré Město (Old Town) is a perfect option if you want to be in the absolute center, within walking distance of all the key sights. But be prepared for higher prices and the unavoidable city noise. In close proximity is Nové Město (New Town), which offers a calmer atmosphere, and access to shopping streets and central metro stations is relatively easy. Both authentic and modern is the residential neighborhood Vinohrady. It is full of beautiful parks, numerous quaint cafes and restaurants, and at the same time is excellently connected by tram and metro.
Our choice fell on the area around the I. P. Pavlova metro station – on the border between Nové Město and Vinohrady. Its advantages over the others were the nearby metro stop and tram junction, lower prices compared to the Old Town, and the fact that it is slightly away from the largest tourist crowds. In reality, it is not a long walk from the center, and we only had to use the metro once (for Prague Castle on the other side of the river).
See more places to stay in Czech Republic
Vyšehrad – The city within the city
We start our visit to Prague with an afternoon walk to a place where, according to legends, Czech statehood began – Vyšehrad! Passing through the imposing gates and fortified walls, we immediately enter a captivatingly calm and mystical atmosphere… Although Prague Castle attracts the most tourists, Vyšehrad is the older of the two fortresses. This is where the first princely residence and the seat of King Vratislav II were located in the 11th century.
Walking along the avenues, there are several must-visit places. The most emblematic of them is undoubtedly the impressive Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, with its high Neo-Gothic towers! In close proximity is the National Cemetery (Vyšehradský hřbitov) – a masterpiece of sculpture and architecture, and the final resting place for significant figures in Czech history, culture, and science. Look also for the small Rotunda of St. Martin (Rotunda sv. Martina), which is one of the oldest surviving Romanesque rotundas in Prague, dating back to the 11th century.
The first orange hues had already enveloped the hill’s vegetation, creating a wonderful autumnal mood. And the dizzying views revealed from the fortress walls are among the most memorable in Prague! Enjoy the sea of tiled roofs, the turbulent waters of the Vltava, all its bridges, and the Prague Castle across the way, located in the distance. This is the ideal spot for photos, especially at sunset, when the light refracts over the city and colors it in the brightest golden hues.
Heading down around the Vltava
We leave the calm atmosphere of Vyšehrad to descend towards the more dynamic urban pulse around the river. Unnoticed, we find ourselves by the third oldest Prague bridge over the Vltava River and the first with tram traffic – Palacký Bridge (Palackého most). Glancing at the surrounding architectural mix, we immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the symmetrical Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance buildings that create the unique feeling of an aristocratic center from the early 20th century.
And speaking of architecture, we cannot miss one of the most modern and discussed buildings in Prague – the Dancing House. Designed by the world-famous architect Frank Gehry, it stands as a bold modern sculpture that dances among its historical neighbors. It doesn’t literally dance, of course, but it is conceived to resemble two dancers and has become a mandatory photo stop.
Walking along the bank, we cannot help but notice the three charming river islands. On Slovansky Island (Slovansky Ostrov) is the elegant Žofín Palace, while the other two – Strelecky Island (Strelecky Ostrov) and Children’s Island (Detsky Ostrov) – have been mainly converted into green park spaces, playgrounds, and sports fields for recreation.
Fiery sunset over the Vltava
The sunsets in Prague are legendary, but the one we witnessed left us speechless… The intensity of the experience caught us unprepared – as we moved along the road from Most Legií towards the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), the sky began to turn into a canvas painted with the boldest colors! In a few minutes, everything turned fiery – from deep red, through bright orange, to golden yellow, contrasting with the deep blue of the night. The view of Prague Castle, enveloped in gold, and the reflection of the flames in the Vltava was simply surreal. The atmosphere on the Charles Bridge at that moment is unearthly – the cobblestones fill with people, stopped to take pictures and enjoy this unique show. The sunset over Prague is one of those moments that you deeply imprint in your mind and that turn the city into a truly mystical place!
Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – The emblem of Prague
There is no travelogue about Prague that skips the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) – the true architectural masterpiece and emblem of the city! Its construction began by order of Emperor Charles IV back in 1357, and the legend tells that, in order to be firmly reinforced, eggs, milk, and wine from all over the kingdom were added to the mortar. The bridge is adorned with 30 majestic Baroque statues and connects Lesser Town (Malá Strana) with the Old Town (Staré Město). At its entrance from the Old Town side stands the Old Town Bridge Tower (Staroměstská mostecká věž) – considered one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in Europe, behind which also lies the entrance to the King’s Road.
After the fiery spectacle on our first evening in the city, we headed there again on the second, but we weren’t as lucky… Only faint purple hues decorated the sky above. The truth is that during the day, and especially at sunset, the bridge is overcrowded with people, artists, and street musicians, which often prevents one from feeling its grandeur. To truly enjoy it, visit it early in the morning! I shared its absolute silence only with a small group of Asian tourists and a few other early-bird photographers. Regardless of the crowds, however, the Charles Bridge remains the most magical place in Prague!
Towards the Old Town
Crossing the Charles Bridge, we head down Karlová Street (Karlova ulice) – the most important artery that leads us into the true labyrinth of the Old Town (Staré Město). This is the main path of the Royal Route and is famous for its Baroque facades, as well as the continuous flow of people. It also passes by the impressive Klementinum complex – a former Jesuit college, impressive with its majestic Baroque halls and one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe (unfortunately, we didn’t go inside, but we certainly will on a next visit).
During the day it is noisy and lively here, but we mostly enjoyed the evening walks, especially after dinner, when we inevitably headed to one of the Trdlo locations for the incredible sweet chimney cakes. It is worth diverting from the main flow and getting lost in the network of side streets to discover small secret courtyards and squares! One of these hidden gems is Týnský dvůr (Ungelt) – an elegant, enclosed courtyard dating back to the 12th century, which today offers tranquility, combined with small boutiques and cafes. Another similar place, but relatively busier, is Malém náměstí, home to the oldest fountain in Prague!
The Central Square and the Astronomical clock
Every path in the Old Town inevitably leads to the iconic Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)! Dominated by the imposing Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem), the square is the place that gathers the energy of Prague. Its two Gothic towers have become its distinctive mark since the 14th century, but no less impressive is the colorful series of colorful Baroque houses on its periphery, each with its own name and history – like the House “At the Minute” or the House “At the Stone Bell”.
But the biggest star of the square is undoubtedly the Astronomical Clock “Orloj” – a true technical masterpiece. Its oldest part is the astronomical dial, created by Mikuláš of Kadaň and the mathematics teacher Jan Šindel in 1410, making it the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world. Every hour on the hour, hundreds of people gather to watch the short “dancing” show of the apostles.
💡The most popular city legend tells that it was created by the clockmaker Jan Růže (also called Master Hanuš), and so that he could not build another clock so perfect, the city council of Prague decided to blind him.
I had a great desire to feel the spirit of the historical center and this iconic square before the crowds of tourists took over. In the early hours of the day, you can enjoy the almost deserted streets and the impressive architecture of Prague – it was then that I managed to feel the true grandeur of the old town!
Around two of the city towers
One of the most emblematic streets in the old town is Celetná Street – part of the historical Royal Route of Prague. Today, you can find museums, galleries, shops, and much more on it. There is also the House of the Black Madonna (Dům U Černé Matky Boží) – considered one of the most important examples of Czech Cubism worldwide. The name of the corner house comes from the Baroque statue of the Black Madonna, located on its second floor. The building itself also houses the Museum of Czech Cubism.
Walking along it, we imperceptibly reach the Powder Tower (Prašná brána). In its place in the past was one of the 13 city gates, while in the 15th century, King Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary laid the foundation stones for the grandiose “new tower”. Gradually, the building began to lose its noble status and in the 17th and 18th centuries it was mainly used for storing gunpowder, which is where its present-day nickname comes from. It is definitely worth climbing to the top to cast a glance at a part of central Prague.
In close proximity is the Municipal House (Obecní dům) – a magnificent building in the Art Nouveau style, which took the place of the former Royal Court Palace. The interior and concert halls are impressive, and it was in one of them that in 1918 the new independent state of Czechoslovakia was declared. And on the opposite Náměstí Republiky square, there was a small autumn market, offering interesting products.
At a very short distance is the Gothic tower Jindřišská věž – the tallest free-standing belfry in Prague, which also offers a panoramic platform and is a wonderful alternative for a view from above.
From the Wenceslas Square to the Vltava
Due to the location of our apartment, our path repeatedly passed through Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) – more of an impressive boulevard than a traditional square. This is the commercial and cultural center of Prague, which has witnessed significant events in Czech history over the years. Today, it is surrounded by shops, hotels, and offices, and at one end is the majestic building of the National Museum.
There is a secret spot, hidden just a stone’s throw away – the Franciscan Garden (Františkánská Zahrada). It is a true green oasis between the buildings, offering an ideal spot for rest away from the city noise. Originating as a monastery garden in the 14th century, today it is open to the public – with many benches, a playground, a fountain, interesting sculptures, herb beds, and fruit trees.
While walking in the area, do not miss seeing one of the most modern sculptures – the head of Franz Kafka, a work by David Černý. This dynamic, rotating installation, composed of 42 moving mirrored segments, is a strong visual accent that recalls the complex world of the great Prague writer.
We conclude this part of the city by descending one of the busiest shopping streets – Národní třída (Notable street). Distracted by the multitude of shops and the dynamic traffic, we imperceptibly reach its end, where under the arched portico of the magnificent National Theatre (Národní divadlo), we catch sight of the bridges over the Vltava once again…
Prague Castle – The crown of Bohemia
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) reigns over all of Prague – not just one building, but the largest ancient castle complex in the world! It has been the seat of Czech princes, kings, and emperors for more than a thousand years, with its history beginning as early as the 9th century. Today it is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
We managed to catch the morning Changing of the Guard, which takes place every hour on the hour in front of its gates, and at noon it is accompanied by solemn fanfares. More information on opening hours, ticket prices, and the possibility of advance purchase, can be found HERE.
The St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv. Víta) occupies a central place in the complex – the largest and most important temple in Prague, where the coronation ceremonies of Czech kings took place. Originally, there was a Romanesque rotunda on this spot, which was later converted into a basilica. The construction of the current cathedral began in the 14th century, but due to historical upheavals, it remained unfinished for centuries. Its final touches began to be laid only in the mid-19th century in the Neo-Gothic style, completing this architectural masterpiece. Inside it is even more impressive, with many colorful stained-glass windows and rich decorations in the interior.
Despite the impressive cathedral, the oldest surviving church building in the complex is actually the St. George’s Basilica (Bazilika sv. Jiří). Besides it, you can also explore the Old Royal Palace and the only private palace within the castle grounds – Lobkowicz Palace.
Perhaps the most captivating section for tourists is the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), famous for its small colorful houses. They were originally built for the royal guard at the beginning of the 16th century, but about a century later, local goldsmiths settled in them. Legends tell that alchemists lived here, trying to turn base metals into gold. Later, even Franz Kafka himself lived and worked there (in house No. 22). It is worth going inside and peering behind their bright pastel facades to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the fairytale Prague legends.
The atmosphere of Lesser Town
One of the best places for impressive panoramic views in Prague is the terraced gardens below the castle! Descending from Prague Castle, be sure to set aside some time for a pleasant walk through their paths. And then immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Lesser Town (Malá Strana) – a neighborhood known for its Baroque palaces, secret gardens, quaint streets, and soothing silence.
The Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí) occupies a central place within it, dominated by the imposing Bell Tower of St. Nicholas Church (Svatomikulášská městská zvonice). Go inside to immerse yourself in the exquisite Baroque decorations and impressive frescoes, inspired by the late Italian Renaissance. It is also worth visiting the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné), where the world-famous wax figurine of The Infant Jesus of Prague (Pražské Jezulátko) is kept – a pilgrimage site that attracts believers from all over the world.
From there, we head towards the John Lennon Wall, which has become an emblem of peace and free speech during communism. The wall spontaneously began to take shape after Lennon’s murder, when a fictional tomb for the singer was created there, and drawings and texts from his life and work began to appear on the wall. Seeing a hidden rebellion in them, the Communist regime tried to erase them and, to some extent, thus encouraged people to continue expressing their distinct opinions.
Try to also find the narrowest street in Prague (Nejužší pražská ulička), which is so narrow that a traffic light for pedestrians has been installed for its passage, so that two people do not meet.
The romantic Kampa Island
Connected to Lesser Town by narrow bridges, Kampa Island is often called Prague’s Venice because of the network of water channels that surround it. The island was once home to gardens and vineyards, and today it is better known for its charming colorful houses that are reflected in the waters of the Čertovka channel. Romantic boat rides are even offered along it!
In fact, the island was artificially created after the appearance of several mills and the construction of the channels, so that they could be powered by water. There are still places where you can spot large wooden water wheels. Passing through its streets, look at the facade of The Wall Pub, where the level of the catastrophic floods in 2002 is marked – a grim reminder of the Vltava’s power.
Kampa Island is a great choice for relaxing walks, because a wonderful, calm park occupies a central place on it, ideal for a rest away from the crowds of the center. And in pursuit of perfect shots, I welcomed the first sunbeams on a small metal pier, with a direct view of the Charles Bridge. The scene of the most emblematic Prague bridge, enveloped in the morning light while the city is barely waking up, is a moment of perfect tranquility… as if the city was just for me!
Petřín Tower or the little Eiffel Tower
There is more to see from Lesser Town… We head towards Petřín – the green hill that rises above the neighborhood and offers the best panorama of Prague. Reaching the top can be done in two ways: by steeply climbing the lush park paths, or by using the funicular (lanová dráha), which starts from the Újezd district and is an attraction in itself.
The entire hill is covered by the Petřín Gardens (Petřínské sady) – a maze of paths, fruit trees, and flower beds, ideal for relaxation. But the main highlight is the Petřín Tower (Petřínská rozhledna)! It was built in 1891 and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, erected for the World Exhibition in Paris two years earlier. This is also why the Prague tower is often called its “smaller sister”.
Although it is only about 60 meters high, due to the hill’s location itself, the tower offers a view from the highest point in the city. The ascent of the metal structure is done via 299 steps, and even a lighter wind easily shakes the entire tower. And from the top… Prague is revealed as one giant red-and-white model – all the bridges over the Vltava, Prague Castle, and the endless roofs of the city are visible…
Rudolfinum and the View from Letná
For an elegant conclusion to the walk through the city center, we head back to the bank of the Vltava and Jan Palach Square, where the Rudolfinum stands. This majestic concert and exhibition hall in the Neo-Renaissance style is one of the most important cultural centers of the Czech Republic and the home of the Czech Philharmonic. Even its exterior appearance alone, with the columns and rich decoration, offers a wonderful backdrop for photos!
In pursuit of more panoramic views, we cross the bridge over the river and head towards Letná Park (Letná Park)! It is situated on an elevation and offers vast green spaces, ideal for relaxation. It is mainly full of young people, so you can often see large and noisy groups. In its highest part, there was once a massive monument to Stalin, which today is replaced by the Prague Metronome.
Do not miss the small viewing platform HERE, where one of the most stunning views of Prague is revealed! From above, all the bridges over the Vltava line up before our eyes, from the Charles Bridge to the modern structures, the entire panorama of the Old Town and Prague Castle. This is another ideal option to feel the scale and beauty of the city!
Czech cuisine and plenty of beer
A walk through Prague is unthinkable without immersing oneself in the local culinary culture! The city is world-famous for its beer, and a visit to a traditional Prague pub (Hospoda) is mandatory to try the famous Czech Pilsner, garnished with delicious local food like pork knuckle or ribs. However, you should bear in mind that many of the restaurants in the central part are more tourist-oriented than authentic… Sometimes it is better to move a few blocks away from the main squares.
Besides traditional dishes, Prague also offers a huge variety of interesting cafes and bakeries that are often hidden in the quiet streets. Let’s not forget the famous sweet chimney cakes, which we already mentioned and which became our favorite dessert! In the detailed article Places to eat in Prague, you can find more detailed information about the places we visited.
For a final
Prague is a city that appeals to all the senses! It doesn’t need filters to be beautiful… It simply stands there – eternal, majestic, and slightly mysterious. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the narrow streets and feel the spirit of its centuries-old history, to create your own unforgettable memories. If you are looking for a destination that offers centuries-old heritage, culture, and magic all in one, Golden Prague is the ideal choice!
