The capital of the Czech Republic is steeped in history and you can discover it through its most emblematic sites. We have put together a route so that you don’t miss anything.
From the historic Old Town to the imposing Castle, Prague is a fashionable destination, with a wealth of architectural gems and a wealth of culture. It has so much to offer that in recent years it has become one of the most visited cities in Europe. Here is a list of the places you must visit if you travel to the capital of the Czech Republic.
1. Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)
The heart of the city’s oldest quarter is a good starting point for discovering Prague. The Old Town Square is surrounded by interesting narrow streets that can be easily explored on foot on your own or accompanied by a guide. Around it are concentrated emblematic buildings such as the Old Town Hall, the rococo Kinsky Palace (home to the National Gallery), the Church of Our Lady of Tyn – the most iconic Gothic church in Prague, the neo-Renaissance Storch House and the Stone Bell House, an example of civil Gothic architecture.
2. Astronomical Clock
Another great symbol of the city is the Astronomical Clock. This mechanical jewel, located since 1410 on the south façade of the Old Town Hall, repeats every hour on the hour a spectacle that you should not miss, the Walk of the Apostles (from 9.00 to 23.00), a ritual in which 12 mechanical figures come to life and parade on the top of the Tower. But that’s not all, because this medieval clock has several dials showing four types of time: Central European, Babylonian, Czech and astral.
3. Clementinum: not to miss the baroque library
The second largest building complex in the Czech capital, after Prague Castle, is located very close to the historic centre. There are plenty of reasons to visit it. The Clementinum was originally a Jesuit university and today the tour of this complex of beautiful Baroque halls is divided into three sections. Not to be missed:
- The Baroque Library. It is one of the most beautiful corners of the Clementinum, not in vain has it been recognised as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It is a huge room with more than 27,000 books, large globes of great historical value and spectacular frescoes with artistic and scientific motifs. Entering here is a journey into the past, especially if you are a book lover.
- The Chapel of Mirrors. A huge hall covered with mirrors where you can see an original 18th century organ, played by the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Meridian room. It was formerly used as a giant camera obscura, and a rope was pulled to determine noon. You can see original instruments used for astronomical calculations.
- The Astronomical Tower. It is 68 metres high and offers a magnificent view of the centre of Prague, as well as housing an exhibition of historical measuring instruments.
♦ Practical information: Opening times and tickets here
4. Prague Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is the most important spiritual symbol of the Czech state, built on the site of a Romanesque rotunda. The Golden Gate is its main entrance and it features an 80-metre mosaic of the Last Judgement. Its interior is impressive and holds great treasures such as the Crown Jewels, which are displayed in the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. It has also been the setting for the coronation, weddings and funerals of the kings and emperors of Bohemia.
5. Carlos Bridge
It offers the visitor a unique sight amidst street vendors, cartoonists and street musicians who liven up the promenade. It is currently used for pedestrian traffic and since 1357 it has connected the Old Town with the Malá Strana district. The Charles Bridge has a defence tower at each end and is flanked by some thirty Baroque statues of prominent figures from the city’s history and saints. The most famous is that of St. John of Nepomuk, the Czech saint and patron saint of the Infantry of the Spanish Navy, who was thrown into the river by order of Wenceslas IV in 1393. It is said that anyone who makes a wish by placing their left hand on the representation of his martyrdom (at the base of the statue) will have it granted.
6. Malá Strana
This charming neighbourhood, one of Prague’s most historic districts, is located at the foot of the castle and is worth a stroll through its streets while admiring the brightly coloured façades that still retain that old-fashioned tinge. The best access is via Charles Bridge. Don’t miss the Church of St. Nicholas or the Church of Our Lady of Victory, inside which you will find the small and highly venerated sculpture of the Infant Jesus of Prague, whose dress is changed several times throughout the year. It even has a museum where these costumes are exhibited. You can also admire the John Lennon Wall in the Grand Priory Square, a symbol of love and peace.
7. Mount Petrin
Another place to put on your list is Mount Petrin, not only because it offers a spectacular panoramic view of much of Prague, but also because you can enjoy a range of cultural and scientific activities. This famous viewpoint is located at an altitude of over 300 metres in the Malá Strana district and can be reached by funicular or on foot. Here you can visit the curious labyrinth of mirrors, the Petřín Tower, which is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or enjoy a centuries-old beer garden.
8. Prague Castle and Hill
This fortified architectural complex on top of Hradcany Hill, with an area of almost 70,000 m², is the largest castle complex in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Prague Castle is like a miniature city and dates back to the 9th century. It consists of museums, the Royal Palace and the picturesque Golden Alley, also known as the Alchemists’ Alley, where the famous writer Franz Kafka lived. It is also the ideal destination to admire the panoramic views of the Czech capital, not for nothing has it been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Jewish Quarter and Cemetery
Prague’s old Jewish district, also known as the Josefov quarter, still preserves representative sites, among them the Old Jewish Cemetery founded in the 15th century, an awe-inspiring site as it was the only place where members of that community were allowed to be buried for three centuries. A few metres away you can visit the Vienna, New and Spanish synagogues, with their beautiful interior mosaic.
10. Havelská Market
Prague’s flea markets are not only a must-see at Christmas, but at any time of the year. One of the oldest is the Havelská Market, which dates back to no less than 1232. Today it is not only a market for vegetables and local products, but also the best place in Prague to buy wooden objects, such as the famous puppets, souvenirs and typical Czech cuisine.
♦ Practical information: Find out how to get there here
CONCLUSION
Strolling through the most emblematic places in Prague is a real pleasure. The Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock or discovering one of the most beautiful libraries in the world will allow you to travel to another world, romantic and historical at the same time. Not forgetting that your list should include a pleasant walk across the charming Charles Bridge at any time of the day or discovering Malá Strana, Petrín Hill, Prague Castle or the Jewish Quarter. And why not go shopping at the Havelská Market, one of the oldest in the city.
