A Guide to the Best Places to Go in Prague

Prague is a city full of history, culture, and beauty, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its stunning architecture, its vibrant nightlife, and its delicious cuisine. In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit in Prague, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, and find out what makes this city so special.

Overview of Prague

Prague is situated on the banks of the Vltava River, and is home to over 1.2 million people. Founded in the 9th century, it is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic. It is a major cultural and economic hub in Central Europe and is often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its stunning skyline and impressive number of churches and cathedrals.

Prague has a rich history, having been ruled by many different powers over the centuries, including the Celts, the Romans, the Bohemian kings, the Habsburgs, and Nazi Germany. The city was heavily damaged during World War II but has since been restored to its former glory, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Prague is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with some of the country’s most renowned musicians, writers, and visual artists hailing from this city. There are plenty of galleries and museums to explore, as well as numerous theatres and music venues. Additionally, Prague is home to a thriving nightlife scene, with plenty of lively bars, clubs, and pubs to explore.

The Iconic Old Town Square

No trip to Prague would be complete without a visit to the iconic Old Town Square. Located at the very heart of the city, this square dates back to the 11th century and is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The square is surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the famous Astronomical Clock which dates back to 1410. The clock puts on an entertaining show every hour on the hour, with figures of the 12 Apostles appearing from behind two doors in the clock’s face.

The square also houses many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a coffee or meal while watching the hustle and bustle of local life. On certain days throughout the year, you can also catch performances from dancers, musicians, and street performers.

The Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1357 by Emperor Charles IV, it spans the Vltava River and links Old Town with Malá Strana (Lesser Town). It is lined with statues of saints on both sides and is one of the most picturesque bridges in Europe. The best time to visit the bridge is at sunrise or sunset when it is less crowded and you can take in the beautiful views of Prague Castle.

The bridge also hosts many street performers such as musicians and artists, offering a unique experience for visitors. If you’d like to see more of Prague’s bridges, consider taking a Bridge Tour, which will take you across famous bridges such as Charles Bridge, Mánes Bridge, and Legion Bridge.

The Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting areas to explore in Prague. It dates back to the 13th century and is home to some of the city’s oldest synagogues and cemeteries. In this area you can learn more about Jewish culture and history, as well as explore some unique shops and cafes.

One of the highlights of this area is the Old Jewish Cemetery which dates back to 1439. This cemetery contains 12 layers of graves which have been stacked on top of each other over time due to lack of space, and is an important reminder of Jewish life in Prague over centuries. You can also visit the Old-New Synagogue which was built in 1270 and is considered one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.

The Petřín Hill Observation Tower

Located on Petřín Hill, the Petřín Observation Tower offers stunning views over Prague. Built in 1891 for an exhibition about Czech history, this tower stands 63 meters tall and has an observation deck at its top where you can take in panoramic views of the city. You can reach the top either by taking an elevator or by climbing 299 steps. If you choose to climb up, you’ll also pass through a “mirror maze” which will give you plenty of opportunities for fun photos!

The Prague Castle Complex

No visit to Prague would be complete without a visit to its most iconic landmark: Prague Castle Complex. This castle was built in 880 AD by Prince Bořivoj and is considered one of the largest castle complexes in Europe. It is home to beautiful gardens, churches, palaces, galleries, and even a prison! This castle complex has been used as a residence for Czech rulers for centuries and offers visitors an insight into Czech history and culture.

One of the highlights of this castle is St Vitus Cathedral which dates back to 1344 AD and was built in Gothic style. This cathedral has stunning stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Czech history as well as ornate interiors which will leave you in awe.

Kampa Island

Kampa Island is a small island located in between Charles Bridge and Vltava River which is popular among both locals and tourists alike. The island was initially used as an industrial center but has been transformed into a cultural hub with art galleries, trendy cafes, and independent shops to explore. This area also has plenty of greenery where you can relax after a day of sightseeing or just wander around admiring the views of Charles Bridge from afar.

Popular Tours Related to Prague

If you’d like to see more of Prague’s hidden gems and learn about its rich history from a local guide, consider taking one of these two popular tours:

Prague Castles Tour

Take a tour of Prague’s iconic castles with a knowledgeable local guide who will take you through centuries’ worth of history. On this Prague Castles Tour, you’ll visit some of Prague’s most famous landmarks such as Hradčany Castle (the former residence of Czech kings), St Vitus Cathedral (the largest church in Prague), and Golden Lane (the street lined with colorful houses). You’ll also get an insight into Czech culture as your guide tells you more about various characters who have lived on these grounds over centuries.

Stare Mesto Walking Tour

Take a walking tour through Prague’s Old Town with a local guide who will take you through centuries’ worth of history. On this Stare Mesto Walking Tour, you’ll visit some of Prague’s most significant landmarks such as Old Town Square (which dates back to 11th century), Charles Bridge (which dates back to 1357), Jewish Quarter (which has been home to Jewish community for centuries) as well as other lesser known jewels such as Klementinum (the largest Baroque library). Throughout this tour your guide will share stories about famous characters who have lived here over centuries giving you an insight into Czech culture and history.

Conclusion

With its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife scene, rich history, and unique culture, it’s no surprise that Prague has become one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems there is something for everyone in this city which has something special waiting around every corner! Whether you’re looking for culture or leisure activities there are plenty of places to explore in this wonderful city so make sure you don’t miss out!