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Prague, Czechia
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Pražský Hrad
The former seat of the King and is now the seat of the Czech president. This is Prague's number one tourist attraction so expect huge crowds and possibly long lines, especially during high tourist season. Your best bet is to come early, as soon as the castle opens. Similar to other royal palaces, there is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony. At noon, the ceremony includes fanfare at a flag ceremony in the first courtyard.
Katedrala svateho Vita
In the center of the castle and the most important cathedral in all of the Czech republic. The oldest parts of the cathedral are from the 14th century, but the cathedral was not completed in the Medieval period. The highest tower was completed in Renaissance and Baroque styles much later, as is clearly obvious. The Western portal and both Western towers are even younger, completed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, the original Medieval plans were used for them and their relatively small age is not obvious. St. Vitus Cathedral was the place of royal coronations and also the location of the remains of several famous Czech Kings (notably Charles IV, of Charles Bridge fame). Go around the cathedral so you not only see the Western portal with the rose window and beautiful gargoyles, but also the original medieval Golden Portal in the south and the stunning Flying Buttresses in the east. Things not to miss inside the cathedral include the stained glass Rose Window in the west portal, the stained glass window by Alfons Mucha, the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk made of pure silver, the Royal Crypt underneath the cathedral (with the graves of Charles IV, his four wives, Wenceslas IV, Ladislas the Posthumous, George of Podebrady, Rudolf II, and Marie Amalie of Austria, the daughter of Maria Theresa of Austria) and the stunning St. Wenceslas Chapel with the relics of the saint and walls decorated with gold and more than 1300 gems. The Czech Coronation Jewels are kept behind the door with the seven locks (seven important people including the Czech President and the Czech Prime Minister keep the keys) in the St. Wenceslas Chapel. If you're willing to hike the 287 stairs to the top of the Bell Tower (the one with Baroque roof) you'll be rewarded with excellent views of the castle and the surrounding area. The Bell Tower holds Zikmund, the biggest bell in the Czech Republic.
Starý královský palác
The original seat of Czech rulers. Visitors first enter the Vladislav hall, the largest high-Gothic vaulted space in Central Europe. Other rooms include the Palace chapel and throne room. At the end of the exhibit is "The Story of Prague Castle" exhibit, which features artificats from the castle's past. The Old Royal Palace is occasionally closed to visitors, so it may be advisable to check this before visiting.
The second oldest church in the castle and features a colorful Baroque facade. The interior is visibly older and is the burial place of the Premyslid family and the first Czech saint, Princess Ludmila.
One of several branches of the National Gallery is located inside this, the first convent in Bohemia. Today it houses the collection of Czech Mannerist and Baroque art.
Zlatá ulička
During the reign of Rudolf II, goldsmiths lived in a lively alleyway filled with tiny workshops, which were also their residence, hence its name. Tiny, cobblestoned walkway filled with brightly-painted little houses, where modern man has a hard time standing with the low ceiling. (It's tough to realize just how tiny our pre-20th-century ancestors were until you go somewhere like this). Franz Kafka occupied No. 22 from 1916 to 1917, and this is why most people visit the Golden Lane. There is also a Renaissance tavern, a castle guard's house including his colorful uniform, and a goldsmith's shop shown as they might have looked during the periods represented, and those are interesting. Otherwise, there really isn't another good reason unless you want to buy some overpriced souvenirs in the small shops now occupying the houses.
Built by Prince Vladislav in 1496, the tower at the far end of the castle is part of a new fortified wall. Its first prisoner was a recalcitrant knight named Dalibor who, according to legend, played his violin very sadly at the wall serenading the castle residents. Though, the thickness of the walls makes that legend a little unlikely. No one would have been able to hear him outside! Today the tower holds a small display of prison and torture techniques used during that time.
Housed in the original castle stables. It contains Renaissance and Baroque art, including parts of the original collection of Rudolph II.
To the east/north-east of the palace is a large park. Aside from its own beauty, it has an excellent view of the east bank of the river. Entrance is free.
Open to the public two days of the year, as they are mostly used exclusively by the President. Contact the Castle Information office for more details.
Karlův Most
connects the Old Town with Lesser Town. Commissioned by Czech king and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and constructed between 1357 and 1402, it is one of the most interesting historical stone bridges in Europe. It is 516 meters long with 16 arches. Baroque statues (a total of 30) began to be placed here in the 17th century. The best time to visit the bridge is in the quiet morning or in the evening at sunset, when one can enjoy a view of the fully lit Prague Castle.
This historic graffiti wall, near a Venetian-like canal with water wheel and close to the Charles Bridge, used to be a source of irritation to the communist regime. a wall in Prague, Czechia. After the 1980 murder of John Lennon, a mural of John Lennon was painted by an unknown artist. As more people expanded upon it, the wall became a place for free expression of then communist Czechoslovakia. It is now an open-air gallery, with restricted space for marking with pencils, markers, or chalk.
This image of Christ, known also as the Holy Infant of Prague, is among the most widespread religious images in the world. The statue was brought from Spain in the 16th century and given to the Carmelites in 1628. It is 47 cm high and represents Jesus as a Child and King. The statue is carved out of wood and the surface is modeled in coloured wax. The entrance to the church is free of charge.
Due to a housing crunch, most young Czechs don't move out of their parents' house until they marry (sometimes long after!) This lack of privacy leads to some very public displays of affection – what you see on the metro or trams won't compare to what you’re likely to encounter on Petřín Hill. This hillside slopes down from the Castle and Strahov Monastery to Malá Strana and Malostranské náměstí metro station. It affords an amazing view of the city on a clear day, and in springtime the trees are all in bloom. This is possibly the nicest place to kick back with a bottle of wine and your significant other to watch the sun set over the city. Just be careful not to trip over the modesty-lacking couples who will probably already be there. In a city filled with apartment buildings and only a handful of single family houses (almost all in the diplomats' favoured housing area, Dejvice, and priced far above the average Czech family's wage) parks take on a greater importance. The most famous "inhabitant" of the park is a statue of poet Karel Hynek Mácha, at whose feet lovers leave wreaths every spring in honour of his romantic poem Máj.
Petřínská rozhledna'
A smaller version of the Eiffel Tower on the top of Petrin Hill overlooking Prague. The grounds near the tower contain a formal rose garden which is free to walk around. With a height of just under 60 m, it is about 1/5th scale of the Paris Eiffel tower, and was constructed shortly after its Parisian counterpart at the end of the 19th century. The tower has 2 viewing platforms, one about halfway, and one at the top. A complete ascent takes about 220 steps. Strong winds (which are common in Prague) make the tower wobble, which can be felt on the upper deck and can induce motion sickness in some visitors.
A beautiful Baroque convent in the Lesser Town.
A monastery on the mountain. Worth a visit for both its picture gallery and its notable Renaissance library.
Influences, life and works of the German language writer.
A nice Baroque palace with garden, it houses the Senate of the Czech Republic.
Pedagogické muzeum
A museum documenting the writings of the Czech Renaissance erudite, centering around the legacy of J.A. Comenius: traditions and challenges of the Czech culture and education. The story starts in the 9th century with early Christian literacy, detailing the role of Prague and its university in the European and international context. The Golden Age of humanism lays the foundations of modern pedagogy, with are explained to visitors with numerous displays and original artifacts. Plan enough time for your visit, because a complete tour takes at least 2 - 3 hours, and keeping in mind that the museum closes relatively early.
Art museum near Prague Castle. Houses the original manuscript for Beethoven's famous 5th symphony, and many other interesting artifacts.
A museum of modern Central European art.
Schwarzenberg Palace, Sternberg Palace
The Old Masters collection of the National Gallery, covering paintings from the 15th to 18th centuries, is divided between two mansions on Hradčanské Square, the Renaissance Schwarzenberg Palace and the Baroque Sternberg Palace.
Medieval Tavern
Tavern opened daily since 1375, recreating the ambient of 14th century Medieval Prague. Includes Medieval furniture and wall decorations, traditional food, and live entertainment by bards and sword fighters. Reservations recommended. An all-in evening package costs 1200 Kč.
one of the very few restaurants in the tourist area of Prague with a quirky atmosphere that isn't excessively touristy. Offering food at reasonable prices and serving good, modest food. A great place to have lunch while exploring Hradčany and Petrin Park, it's conveniently located in the middle between these two tourist attractions.
At the Golder Scissors
offers a wide selection of Czech and international cuisine including first-class Moravian wines. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of calmness in the centre of Prague with its beautiful view of the Charles Bridge and enjoy the garden in front of the hotel during the summer season (May-October). The restaurant is suitable for family gatherings, company events and wedding celebrations.
An excellent little restaurant located near the Charles Bridge, but tucked behind a couple of other buildings. It's a typical Spanish restaurant, has a very friendly atmosphere, good prices and isn't crowded. Also, it doesn't have any hidden charges such as service taxes which are common in Prague. English menus and takeout available.
Traditional Czech cuisine. Sometimes you get a hand written bill with a service charge. Do not pay it. Tip only as much as you like.
Traditional food serving tourists, tables outside in pedestrian area.
Vegan restaurant serving local Czech dishes and international cuisine.
Cozy restaurant with Czech and American cuisine, next to the KGB Museum. Suitable for small groups or families with children. Reservations usually not necessary. Their home made ice tea is worth a visit.
High quality (and price) restaurant with excellent view of the Charles bridge and river.
Terrace provide a nice place to sit and drink and admire the view over the river.
Classic Czech pub, serving some of the best and cheapest beer in Malá Strana, normally one of the most expensive areas of the city.
American-owned bar with live jazz downstairs nightly. See video of this bar.
Cosy cafe near Kampa with nice atmosphere, small garden and variety of small snacks and hot drinks. The cafe is located behind a newsstand (in Czech - trafika).
Kind of an odd bar in Mala Strana. Interesting art on the walls and ceilings. Even more interesting clientele. Cheap beer and a great place for groups.
All 30 rooms are equipped with TV/SAT, high speed Internet connection, direct dial telephone and safe deposit box. Public PC desk with Internet access and printer is available at the reception. Some rooms offer a wonderful view of the historical parts of Prague. There is a parking lot in front of the hotel for those coming by car.
Boutique hotel with one of the most beautiful views in Prague and restaurant terrace leading directly to Prague Castle.
Romantic, baroque-style, 17th century hotel. Each of the Single, Double, Deluxe Double rooms and the three Royal apartments are originally furnished and equipped with TV, WiFi, phone, safe, and minibar.
Facilities include a kitchen, laundry and personal lockers. There's also a roof top terrace overlooking the city. Free breakfast, linens and internet access. There's no curfew.
Josefska 1; Romantic 4-star hotel near to the Charles Bridge. Some rooms have antique wooden painted ceilings. Rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with safe, satellite tv, phone and minibar. Each room has private bathroom and free WiFi.
4-star vintage design hotel. Every room or suite has an original appearance: design of the 1970s, furniture of the 1950s or 1960s.
All apartments are fully furnished in standard way. A spacious living room includes a fully equipped kitchenette and a dinette. Maid service twice per week. Prices vary according to the season and type of apartment, from €50 for one bedroom apartment to €150 for large three bedroom apartment.
The main house is a cute green building dating from 1572. Rooms and suites there start from 1500 kc for a single. The flat, which sleeps up to 4, is a great value for backpackers at 1800 Kč/night. It has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and is located on Karmelitska, a main thoroughfare in Lesser Town.
Very luxurious, and rather expensive hotel located across the street from the U.S. Embassy.
Part of the Mandarin Oriental chain. Very expensive.
Authentically decorated hotel evokes the splendour of the 17th century and welcomes its guests with wonderful internal architecture and pleasant hotel comfort.
Modern short term accommodation in fully serviced apartments.
Public transport is the preferred way. To reach the Prague Castle, use station of line A {{station|Malostranská|A}} or {{station|Hradčanská|A}}.
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