Prague Tourist Attractions: Here are the most beautiful places to visit in the capital of the Czech Republic.
Are you getting ready to visit Prague? Do you want to know what the main tourist attractions in Prague are and the most beautiful places to visit? In this article, you’ll find the most beautiful tourist attractions in Prague that I strongly recommend you to see.
Prague is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And this statement is by no means an exaggeration. It’s a tourist destination in the heart of Central Europe, the capital of the Czech Republic, and the largest city in the country. Its historic center was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
When you come to discover Prague, you’ll be able to visit a multitude of Czech heritage treasures, as well as many architectural wonders that have earned it the nickname of the „City of a Hundred Spires.” But there are also many other unusual and fascinating places.
Here are the most beautiful tourist attractions in Prague and the main places to visit.
Prague Castle
What to visit in Prague first? The first tourist attraction should be Prague Castle, which is visible from any point in the city. It is the largest single-body castle in the world and the most famous national monument in the Czech Republic. Dating back to the year 880, it sits atop one of the nine hills on which the city of Prague is built. Besides visiting the historic buildings, fortifications, and gardens, you can enjoy an absolutely stunning panoramic view from here.
Prague Castle is the most beautiful immersion in the history of the Czech Republic, in the era of kings and emperors. It was the first residence of the kings of Bohemia and today is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle is actually a huge complex consisting of several buildings and monuments.
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Prague is the Charles Bridge. Until 1741, the Charles Bridge was the only way to cross the Vltava River, which flows through Prague. It was named in honor of King Charles IV, to whom Prague owes much of its beauty. It measures 515 meters in length and 20 meters in width. The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s biggest tourist attractions, and you’ll find many street artists, musicians, and „souvenir” vendors here year-round. The atmosphere here is truly unique. It would be a shame not to wander along this colossal baroque monument, often considered the most beautiful in the world.
In any case, nothing is more beautiful than watching the sunset from here. After this sublime spectacle, you’ll certainly understand why painters and photographers are so fascinated by this remarkable bridge.
A Cruise on the Vltava River
You can explore the city of Prague directly from the Vltava River. You’ll be able to admire the city from a different perspective and enjoy the most beautiful view of its iconic landmarks.
Mala Strana and the Infant Jesus of Prague
The rooftops of the houses in this district can be seen from afar. It has the steepest streets, Baroque churches, the most beautiful gardens, and stands out from the Old Town. Near the Church of Our Lady Victorious, you’ll find the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Famous worldwide, this child is believed to possess miraculous powers and can fulfill any wish. Every year, a multitude of believers come here with their wishes and later return to thank Him. The statue is housed in a magnificent, gold-toned sanctuary. The origin of this statue is quite mysterious, but it is known to date back to the 16th century. Mala Strana, which means „Little Quarter,” is the Lower Town of Prague, and it’s one of the most historic districts with splendid architecture and cobblestone streets.
Wallenstein Palace and Gardens in Prague:Prague tourist attractions
Wallenstein Palace was built in the early 18th century by General of the Imperial Armies, Albrecht von Wallenstein. Today, the Wallenstein Palace in the Mala Strana district houses the Senate of the Czech Republic. Although the palace is not open to the public, you can console yourself with a stroll through its magnificent gardens.
Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock in Prague
One thing is certain: Prague has a multitude of unique places highlighted by its history. Among them, we can’t pass by the Old Town Square. When you come to visit Prague, you quickly realize that the heart of the city beats in this mythical square. The square is one of the most important tourist spots in Prague. Here, you can admire numerous significant buildings such as the Church of St. Nicholas, the Kinsky Palace, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the Old Town Hall with the famous Astronomical Clock of Prague. The Prague Astronomical Clock, which has been in operation for over 600 years, presents a complex mechanical system and provides a fairytale-like spectacle every hour. It involves the „Walk of the Apostles,” a show performed by 12 apostle figures. Death, symbolized by a skeleton, rings a bell, and the windows open, revealing the apostles. Later, a golden rooster chimes the exact hour, and the bells start to ring. This performance is accompanied by various other moving figurines. It’s a magic born from perfect mechanics, and the finely detailed characters are truly enchanting, despite the somewhat macabre theme of death, which was quite preoccupying in the Middle Ages.
Golden Lane: In the Footsteps of Alchemists:Prague tourist attractions
The mysterious Golden Lane is located within the Prague Castle complex. It’s called this because legend has it that alchemists once searched for a reaction here to turn ordinary materials into gold. Even in a city with a name like this, it makes you wonder if any actual alchemists ever lived here. The Jewish writer Franz Kafka did, residing in a house on the lane for a couple of years to benefit from the tranquility for his writing.
Municipal House
This is the most beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture in Prague. You can listen to classical music here in the Smetana Hall. The building itself is a true jewel of Art Nouveau architecture.
Wenceslas Square
It’s a square often compared to the Champs-Élysées in France. It’s a massive square, 750 meters long and 60 meters wide, very lively, with numerous cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Lined with luxury boutiques, grand hotels, and the chicest cafes, this square is a symbolic place, a testament to the grandeur of the country. In November 1989, people gathered here to protest against the communist regime. This movement, later known as the Velvet Revolution, led to the end of communism in Czechoslovakia. Here, you can admire the Europa Hotel, a superb example of Art Nouveau, Koruna Palace with its impressive dome, the statue of St. Wenceslas, and the National Museum.
Powder Tower in Prague
It is one of the towers that best symbolizes the city of Prague, marking the line between the old and the new city. It was built in 1445, a richly carved tower, going hand in hand with the nearby Royal Palace. It got its name because it once stored gunpowder.
John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is named after the famous Beatles member because, after his assassination, it was covered with numerous graffiti paintings by young Czechs who were against the communist regime. The musician was a true idol for them, representing an ideal. A piece of history that must be discovered.
Lapidarium
Many sculptures that you can admire throughout Prague are, in fact, copies. If you want to see the originals, you must come here. The Lapidarium exhibits a multitude of masterpieces, some more beautiful than the others.
Jan Hus Memorial
In the middle of the square in the old town, this magnificent statue stands, evoking the courage and sense of justice that animated Jan Hus. The famous reformer is depicted surrounded by his faithful Czech supporters who were exiled for listening to his sermons. The sculptor Ladislav Saloun took 12 years to complete the work, which was unveiled in July 1915, marking 500 years since Jan Hus’s death.
Museums in Prague
Prague has a multitude of quality museums. History enthusiasts can explore the Cold War at the KGB Museum, while art lovers must visit the National Gallery.
National Museum: This museum tells the story of the Czech Republic through artistic works, historical artifacts, and natural history collections.
KGB Museum: Here, you can discover the history and influence of the famous KGB, the Soviet Union’s secret police. You’ll find a wealth of information and anecdotes about this important organization from the communist era. It’s worth noting that the KGB was not even present in Prague, as Czechoslovakia, the name of the old republic, had its own secret police, the STB.
Torture Museum: This museum has a rather peculiar theme, which is also found in Amsterdam. It presents various medieval torture instruments.
Prague’s National Gallery: It’s worth a visit, especially to discover the Veletrzni Palace, a splendid functionalist building designed in 1928. Inspired by Bauhaus and Soviet Constructivism, this building is the most architecturally interesting one. It holds the most extensive collection of modern and contemporary art across three floors.
Museum of Communism: The objects on display at the Museum of Communism are all explained and translated. Here, you’ll find many exhibits and anecdotes about life under the totalitarian regime in the most neutral way possible.
Karlova Street
It’s a beautiful street in various colors and styles, an ideal place to wander and shop.
House of the Black Madonna
Built in the early 20th century according to the plans of Josef Gočár, the House of the Black Madonna is one of the greatest masterpieces of Cubist architecture in the Czech Republic. It is located in the historic center on the famous Celetná Street.
Dancing House in Prague
Built in 1996, the Dancing House has become one of the symbols of the Czech Republic. It’s the work of the renowned architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry. The building’s architecture is inspired by the mythical dancing couple of Fred Astaire (stone tower) and Ginger Rogers (glass tower). It’s an office building that you can’t visit. However, the bar and restaurant on the rooftop are excellent attractions.
St. Nicholas Church
The Jesuit church is one of many religious buildings in the city. Its dome makes it particularly special. Inside, you can admire incredible ornaments made from intersecting geometric details. As for its fame, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself played here.
Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Known by its real name, Josefov, this district is located in the heart of the Old Town. Its history began with the arrival of a strong Jewish community in Prague in the 13th century. Once you arrive here, you’ll undoubtedly feel the tumultuous history of this place.
Lobkowicz Palace
This is the most beautiful example of 16th-century Baroque architecture. It’s located in the heart of Prague Castle and has a museum that allows tourists to discover superb collections gathered over the centuries by the Lobkowicz family. Here, you’ll find a lot of works by artists such as Canaletto and Brueghel, as well as original scores by Haydn and Beethoven. You can also admire splendid collections of weapons and musical instruments.
Swan Lake
In the city, you can see many swans on the Vltava River, but you can get closer to them on a beach near the Charles Bridge.
Kampa Island
The Vltava River flows gently through Prague, giving rise to several little islands, making this destination one of the most romantic in the world. Kampa Island has a central square and very picturesque little houses. It’s accessible by walking over the Charles Bridge.
Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is the dominating hill in the city. You can climb here on foot or by funicular. In doing so, you’ll pass through various gardens with diverse atmospheres. When visiting Prague, you’ll discover a host of magical towers, fairy tale scenery, and numerous castles where princesses await their prince charming.
The streets seem to be built for the sheer pleasure of the senses, and shop windows are meticulously decorated. The medieval atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But one thing is for sure: a place like this is not easily forgotten. The city of Prague has a magical, almost unreal quality that instantly transports you to another world. In the streets of the Old Town, time seems to stand still. The most romantic capital in Europe is a destination of unique cultural and architectural diversity. Here, you’ll find a multitude of churches, Baroque palaces, medieval castles, as well as masterpieces of Art Nouveau or modern design.