Tourist attractions in Prague
There’s nothing like the mist rising up through the silent statues of Charles Bridge to remind you that Prague is a truly atmospheric city. With a “touch of the night” about it, the ancient Bohemian charms of prosperous Prague draw in thousands of visitors every year. As varied as it is goose-pimpling, Prague contains tourist sights of all styles and centuries. Without further ado, we’ve picked out the main attractions in our five-minute Prague travel guide. Ready? Pojďme…
CHARLES BRIDGE – The top (and even better, free!) attraction in our Prague travel guide, Charles Bridge (or “Karlův most”) is possibly the most emblematic tourist attraction of Prague. Anyone walking the streets of this historic city is sure to cross its c. 14th – 15th cobbled stones at some point, under the watchful gaze of the Baroque statues of saints who populate it. By day, you’ll have to filter through sellers and tourist crowds, but at night the Bridge is far more peaceful.
PRAGUE CASTLE – Office space to the Holy Roman emperors and Kings of Bohemia, Prague Castle dates back to the c. 9th. Top Prague tourist attraction St. Vitus’ cathedral, (yes, him of the famous dance) is situated inside the castle complex and rises over the city in Gothic glamour. The Royal Gardens outside are also worth a stroll if the chilling gloom and gargoyles get too much. Where: Radnikè Schody. When: 5 am-12 am April to October (summer); 6 am-11 pm November to March (winter). Some monuments may shut at 6 pm (summer) or 4 pm (winter). Gardens closed during winter. How much: some monuments may charge between CZK 40 – 700.
THE JEWISH QUARTER – Number three in our Prague travel guide, the old Jewish Ghetto is one of the best-preserved examples of (mostly c. 19th) Jewish architecture in Europe. Wander round the museum and the synagogues, and make sure you visit the Jewish Cemetery, a remarkable place filled with layers of gravestones like crooked teeth. Where: Josefov. When: 9 am–6.30 pm (summer) or 4.30 pm (winter). Closed on Saturdays. How much: combined ticket for museum, cemetery and other attractions costs CZK 300 (adults) or CZK 150 (students and under fifteens). Under sixes go free.
THE OLD TOWN SQUARE – The majority of tourist attractions in Prague are found on the right of the Vltava river. Whichever winding street you take here, you’ll find that all the roads end up drawing you back into the Old Town Square. Originally Prague’s marketplace, the Square retains a lively atmosphere, and showcases various centuries’ worth of architecture in a variety of styles.
Attractions
- Our favourite attraction here is the dreaming spires of the Church of our Lady before Tyn. Fairytale St. Nicholas Church and the giant cuckoo-clock-like Astronomical Clock are also worth a gander.
Where: Old Town Square. When and how much: Church of our Lady before Tyn -10 am-1 pm and 3 pm-5 pm; closed on Sundays. Free entrance. St. Nicholas Church – 9 am to 5 pm (summer) and 4 pm (winter). CZK 70 or 50 (concessions).
The Powder Tower, Wenceslas Square, Strahov Monastery, Municipal House… we could go on for hours about the top tourist attractions of Prague. But the best way to see this fascinating city is to book your apartment, jump on a plane and see for yourself. What are you waiting for?
