Prague Travel Guide
Language: Czech, but basic English gets you by.
Suggested Length of Stay: 3 full days or 2 very busy days. We did it in 2 full days but it was pretty much non-stop!
Ahoj (Hello) ! Prague, a city centre largely untouched by WW2 bombings that crushed other European capitals, Prague is the best preserved large Medieval city in the World. The city is large enough to be impressive, yet cozy enough to feel warm and inviting. With rich architecture, thriving culture, top-notch drinking, an Old World flair, and even an urban castle, Prague is our favourite Medieval city in Europe.
If you love to feel like you’ve gone to another World and an entirely different culture when you travel, then you will love historic Prague. The Western influence on Prague is far less than other European capitals and as a tourist, you’ll notice right away, in a good way. You’ll be stepping back in time into the architecture of Prague’s bridges, towers, castle, and cathedrals.
Our two favourite experiences in Prague are grabbing a drink in one of the Old Town Square’s beer gardens and having a medieval banquet!
Things to do
Stroll St Charles Bridge
Spanning the Vltava River to connect Old Town to the Little Quarter, the St Charles Bridge has been the main thoroughfare into Prague since Medieval times. From its old-world feel to picture-perfect scenery, a stroll on the long stroll bridge is one of the major must do things in town. The early days of Prague the bridge served as an active market selling everything you can imagine. The main highlight of a walk down the St Charles Bridge is its 30 statues that line each side.
Prague’s medieval Charles Bridge is one of our favorite bridges in Europe. The tantalizing Charles Bridge was finished in 1357 replacing Prague’s first stone bridge, the Judith Bridge. Wiped out by flooding in 1342, Judith was a Roman-style bridge originally built in the early 1100s and segments of it can still be seen in the basements of local houses. While the newer Charles Bridge may by pedestrian only now, in the Middle Ages it served as a bustling gateway into Old Town Prague. It was common to see the 1700 foot long cobblestone bridge filled with carriages, gypsies, and colorful merchants selling everything from gingerbread, swords, to sausages. Interestingly, the name Charles Bridge wasn’t added until the 1800s when it was named after the Emperor Charles IV. During his rule of Bohemia in the mid-1300s, Emperor Charles was also elevated to Holy Roman Emperor which brought great power to Prague.
Old Town Square Classic View
While it can be tempting to trot right to the centre of the square like a moth to a light, make sure to take the time to take in the classic view. Old Town Square has been the heart and soul of Prague long before the city was officially founded in 1091 AD. This perfect viewpoint gives you Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock to your left, the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn in the center, and a row of Medieval houses on your right.
Astronomical Clock Tower (Pražský Orloj)
After King John of Luxemburg allowed Prague to form a city council in 1338, work quickly started on the huge town hall complex. The main building and 228-foot-tall bell tower were finished relatively quickly, but the real gem is the Astronomical Clock which was added to the in 1410. Surprisingly the beautiful clock still works making it the oldest operational clock in the World and overall the 3rd oldest astronomical clock. Local folklore says that the city ordered the original clock maker blinded so the beauty of the clock could never be copied anywhere else. The clock was almost silenced forever in 1945 when it was severely damaged during a citizens’ uprising against the Nazis occupying Prague and wasn’t repaired for 3 full years.
One of the biggest treats is going to the top of the 228-foot-tall Bell Tower for an unbeatable view of Old Town Prague. Even if you take the stairs, make sure to check out the modern looking Space Elevator going right up the middle of the bell tower. You can also tour the surprisingly vast Underground of Old Town Hall for a totally different perspective on the building. Here you will find previous Town Hall foundations that have been built over and even a Romanesque Hall room from the 1100s.
Bell Tower Hours: Monday 11am-10pm; Tuesday-Sunday 9am-10pm. Cost is 110 CZK or £3.80 / $5.
Underground Hours: Monday 11am-10pm; Tuesday-Sunday 9am-10pm. Cost is 50 CZK or £2 / $3.
Buy your tickets here
Jan Hus Memorial
Overpowering the center of Prague’s Old Town Square is the large green memorial statue dedicated to local preacher Jan Hus. Born in 1370, Jan Hus quickly became a local religious leader in Prague. He started butting heads with the Vatican in Rome when he began doing Catholic mass in the local language instead of in Latin which started the Protestant movement in Prague called the Hussite Movement in his honour. Finding him guilty of being a heretic by the Catholic church in 1415, Jan Hus was burned alive at the steak and the Protestants were sent on exile from Prague which lasted over 200 years. Roughly 100 years after his death, Jan Hus helped to inspire Martin Luther as he broke his group of followers off into the Lutheran sect of Protestantism.
The Jan Hus Memorial in Old Town Square was completed on July 6, 1915 which was the 500th anniversary of his death. The memorial has a statue of an anonymous young woman representing the rebirth of the Czech Nation. The other statue on the monument is of Jan Hus representing moral authority as he chose to give his life rather than give up his beliefs. Hus became a symbol of standing up to the powerful Vatican and by the early-1900s young people of Prague really began to embrace him again as they were standing up to their oppressive Habsburgs rulers.
Church of Our Lady Before Týn
When you think of Prague in all of its Medieval glory and wonder, the image of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn is bound to come to your mind. The church is by far the most iconic building in Prague and easily the most photographed. This Gothic masterpiece, with two imposing 262-foot-tall towers topped with huge spires glares over Old Town Square. There have been churches here since the 11th Century and the current Lady Before Týn (meaning enclosure) dates back to the 1300s. It took over 300 years to complete the giant church so make sure to take extra time to relish in the beauty of its exterior. The inside of the church is a little bit of a let down compared to Europe’s other grand cathedrals, however, the bases of each column have amazing paintings set up in alter-like positions.
Before deciding to enter the Lady Before Týn, make sure to check out the former Týnská School sitting at Old Town Square #14 right in front of the church which now holds a number of shops. The school ran here for 500 years from the 1300-1800s and its entrance forms the oldest Gothic archway in town. While passing under the gallery archways look up among the different floral keystones to find the one depicting a man’s face blowing air while surrounded by leaves called the Green Man. The Green Man was a common symbol in Medieval times signaling Spring and rebirth. We love this unique and beautiful hidden detail which can be easy to overlook otherwise.
House at Stone Bell
The House at Stone Bell is always a photographer favourite and a very easy one for informed tourists to spot. This three-story home with excellent Gothic windows dates back to the early-1400s when it replaced an older home from 1260. The nickname House at Stone Bell was first mentioned in 1413 from a story that says a large bell from the neighbouring Church of Our Lady Before Týn once broke free and crashed into the house. It is unclear if the story is true, but a replica of the famous bell was added protruding out of the corner of the house which makes the folklore even cooler.
Inside the home today is a neat art gallery shop and the backside has a relaxing cafe. If you check out the small art gallery, it also gives you access to the awesome music room on the 3rd floor behind the home’s Gothic windows. Our favorite part about visiting House at the Stone Bell is the amazing Romanesque cellar foundations from 1310 which you can visit below the home.
Stone Bell Address: Old Town Square #13. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm; Closed Monday. Gallery Cost: 120 CKZ or £4 / $5. House Website: Here.
Medieval Spider Bar (Krcmaupavouka) Medieval Banquet
Welcome to the true Medieval times at the amazing Spider Bar. As you enter the old world cave-like establishment the decor and costumed staff make you feel like you’ve stepped back into time. In addition to food, wine, and beer, you’ll also have the chance to be entertained by swordsmen, musicians, flame jugglers, snake charmers, and belly dancers. If you came to Prague to get a feel for its Medieval flair, this will end up being your favourite spot in town. Make sure to do whatever you have to do to fit a dinner at the Spider into your schedule. This was our favourite thing we did in Prague!
The Medieval Banquet can be booked here
For a more in-depth guide click here
Hours: Daily 11am-11:30pm. Dinner Show: Happens nightly 8-10:30pm and for 1190 CZK or £42 / $54 – you get a great seat for the show, a 5-course meal, and all you can drink. Location: Inside the covered walkway just off Celetná, address is Celetná 595/17. Spider Bar Website: (HERE).
Powder Tower (Prašná Brána)
In 1091 Old Town Prague was officially established and it didn’t take long for defensive fortifications to spring up. The first element added was a large moat circling the young Prague following the path where Na Příkopě Street sits today and was followed by a mighty wall just inside the moat. The early Medieval wall was complete with 13 city gates including the important Mountain Tower (Horská brána) known today as the Powder Tower. This gate was important because it was right next to the King’s Royal Court (today’s Municipal House) and also because it was the start of the hilly road to Kutná Hora where the royal silver mines were. The Mountain Tower also marked the start of the Royal Way which stretched West from the Royal Court, down today’s Celetná Lane, through Old Town Square, and up Kaprova Street all the way up to the historic Prague Castle. Re-reading this paragraph after looking at our free Old Town Prague walking tour map will really help you understand the early city’s layout.
Things at the Mountain Tower changed a lot in 1348 when King Charles IV established New Town making the moat and wall around Old Town unnecessary. By the early 1400s locals started calling the tower the Shabby Tower as it and other landmarks started to fall into disrepair. The crumbling monuments started getting facelifts when King Vladislaus II took over including a complete rebuild of Mountain Tower in 1475. The new tower was a whopping 213 feet tall and covered in tons of decorative statues showing Prague’s power. The King didn’t stop there as he also greatly renovated Prague Castle and in 1488 permanently the Royal Court up to the remolded castle. Just two years later Vladislaus II was also crowned King of Greece and Hungary where he spent the rest of his days. With Prague’s Royal Court move to the castle, the empty Mountain Tower was used to store random stuff until it became one of Prague’s main gunpowder storage units in the early 1700s which led to the name Powder Tower.
The Prussian Army saw how important the power storage tower was and heavily damaged it with gunfire during a failed attack in 1757 ruining most of the statues. It took over 100 years for repairs to be made to the tower when it finally got its current Gothic look in the 1880s. During the restoration, they were able to save a number of the original sculptures including 4 representing past Bohemian Kings including Charles IV surrounded symbols from the region they ruled. If you have time take the 186 steps 144 feet up to the former gunpowder storeroom for some great views of Old Town Prague and a permanent exhibit about the Tower’s history. Before leaving the Powder Tower, make sure to check out the beautifully painted facade of the neighboring Municipal House (website) which was built as an exhibition hall on the site of the former Royal Court in 1905. Today Municipal House hosts a lot of events from plays to concerts and its exterior murals are very photogenic.
Powder Tour Hours: Daily April-September 10am-10pm; Closes at 8pm in October & March; November-February closes at 6pm. Powder Tower Cost: Entrance is 90 CZK or £3.50 / $4 Municipal House Tours: 1 hour guided tours are 290 CZK or £10 / $13.
Nuclear Bunker Tour
One of those relics from the Cold War era: a former bunker built in the 1950s for people to take shelter in in case of nuclear war. Today it’s accessible for tourists as a quirky dark attraction off the beaten Prague tourist trail, but only on guided tours. Part of the bunker is a museum of sorts, stuffed full to the brim with all manner of communist-era memorabilia, gas masks and such like.
Book via our recommended partner here
We really enjoyed this tour! For a more in-depth guide click here
Details: The only way to see this bunker is as part of a longer guided walking tour entitled “Communism and Nuclear Bunker Tour” offered by the company aptly named “Prague Special Tours” – as described above (see www.prague-communism-tour.com). The only alternative to this is to make your own special arrangements with the bunker directly (check www.prague-nuclear-bunker.com).
Devil’s Stream (Čertovka)
While crossing Kampa Island on Charles Bridge, the view to the South over the canal called Devil’s Stream is a favorite among photographers. The brightly colored houses cling to the edge of the curved canal before disappearing around the corner. Legend has it that the man-made canal got its name from a mean lady who lived on it in the 1600s. Local kids thought she was wicked and they painted 6 devil figures on her door. The house then became known as At the Seven Devils with 6 devils on the door and the mean lady being the 7th.
Photos of the Devil’s Stream are amazing from Charles Bridge at dusk right when the street lamps start to reflect on the water. There are a bunch of ghost walking and boat tours that highlight different ghosts said to haunt the stream after dark.
Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad)
In 870 the first Duke of Bohemia, Bořivoj I, started the groundwork of today’s huge Prague Castle complex with a protected Royal residence. Inside the defensive wooden walls, the Duke built the Church of the Virgin Mary in 884 as the 2nd oldest church in Bohemia behind the Church of Saint Clement in nearby Levý Hradec. The Church of the Virgin Mary was ruined in the 1200s, but parts of the foundation are still visible below some of the castle offices. Other churches including Saint Vitus and Saint George were established by the Duke’s grandson and still remain today, we will visit them next on this Prague Castle walking tour. The churches in Prague Castle were an important part of the establishment of Christianity in early day Bohemia. It was here that the Duke’s sainted wife Ludmila thought their grandson from the bible which drastic shaped Prague.
Over the centuries the complex making up Prague Castle got stone defenses and grew into the largest castle grounds in the world. The walled fortress was a mini city with multiple courtyards which were home to not only the Royal family but also their guards, alchemists, and handcrafters. The growth of the castle also led to the growth of the neighbourhood below it which was officially founded in 1252.
While roaming the Prague Castle grounds make sure not to miss the Powder Tower or the Old Royal Palace building. In the 1300s the Palace was built out of stone as the new Royal dwelling complete with Gothic vaulted ceilings. There is even an unusually wide and flat stairwell in the Old Palace where the King would ride in on his horse. You’ll see mixes of Romanesque and Gothic styles plus the distinct Habsburg touch as you take our Prague Castle walking tour. It may not look like a traditional fairy tale fortress, but Prague Castle is a Medieval wonder with a with many memorable elements.
Hours: The castle grounds are open from 6am-10pm and the historic buildings are open from 9am-5pm (4pm in Winter). Entrance Cost: Outside of special exhibits which range from 70-300 CZK or £3-£10 / $5-$14, general admission varies based on which of the main sights you want to see. Most combos are 250-350 CZK or £8-£10 / $10-$14 for Adults; 125-175 CZK or £4-6 / $5-$7 for Kids 6-16 years old; Kids under 6 are Free; deep discounts for family tickets. Bonus Day: All tickets are valid the days of purchase plus the following day. Castle Website: Here.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets via our partner here
Witness the old Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish quarter, also known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town and the Vltava River. Its history began in the 13th century when Jews living in Prague were ordered to vacate their homes and settle in this one area. The Jews were banned from living anywhere else in the city and were joined by fellow exiled Jews from other European countries. To add to their hardship, many buildings in the area were destroyed in the late 19th century when the cities layout was remodeled. Fortunately, many significant historical buildings remain including six synagogues and are well worth a visit.
See the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus cathedral is one of the attractions located in the castle grounds. It is visible from all around the city of Prague. Although the cathedral looks many hundreds of years old, it was in fact completed in 1929. Many treasures await visitors including the tomb of St John of Nepomunk, the splendid Chapel of St Wenceslas and the magnificent art nouveau stained glass.
Golden Lane
Also located within the grounds of the castle is the mysterious Golden Lane, so called because, according to legends, alchemists had to look on this street to find a reaction to turn ordinary materials into gold. Despite the streets name, it is debated whether alchemists ever worked or lived here. Czech-Jewish writer Franz Kafka used a house on the street for around two years as he enjoyed the peaceful environment it provided whilst writing.
Spot a Seven Foot Tall Sigmund Freud
Walk through the sublime urban area of Stare Mesto within the Old Town of Prague and look to the sky. You will be surprised to find a seven foot tall sculpture of the world famous psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud hanging from a metal beam above the cobbled streets at your feet. The unusual artwork has proven so popular that it has been exhibited in cities all over the world including Chicago, London and Berlin. Often mistaken for a suicide attempt, the sculpture has also been responsible for several calls to the emergency services since its creation.
Admire the Lennon Wall
Although Prague is a long way from Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, fans should certainly check out this shrine to one of the most famous bands of all time. The wall has been covered in John Lennon and The Beatles graffiti, lyrics and quotations since the 1980s and is very popular among tourists and young fans wishing to pay homage to the group.
Petrin Tower
Petrin is a hill on the left bank of the Vltava River, it offers great views of the city and is one of the greenest spaces in Prague. It is a pleasant walk to the top of the hill and there are plenty of benches to rest your legs on whilst admiring the view on the way up. Alternatively, you can ride the funicular railway from the lesser quarter all the way to the top of Petrin Hill. At the summit, you will find a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, landscaped gardens and the unusual Church of St Michael, a wooden building relocated from Ukraine
Where to stay
We stayed at Hotel Amadeus on our Prague trip in May 2019. This hotel is located outside the city centre in a quiet area near the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill.
We really enjoyed this place because it felt homely. It had its own living room, kitchen area, and 2 bedrooms. Although dated, it was a home away from home.
It was a 20 minute walk to The Powder Tower Gate.
For more information on this hotel or to book click here
Getting To Prague From The Airport
Bus 119/Green Subway: 1.50€ and 38 minutes
Night Bus 510/Tram 51: 1.50€ and 45 minutes
Train Station Expres Bus: 2.5€ and 33 minutes
Taxi: 25€ and also 35 minutes (little cheaper with Uber)
Airport Shuttle: 7€ and 40-45 minutes – ( our recommended shuttle : click here)
By far the best option to get to central Prague from the airport for 99% of visitors are going to be by bus followed by a transfer to the subway. This option takes the same amount of time as a taxi, but is WAY cheaper. There is also no chance of getting ripped off by a shady cab driver which happens even to seasoned tourists who put there guard down. If you happen to be bypassing central Prague for to get to the Train Station there is a handy express bus we touch on below as well some options if you are traveling in the middle of the night. Overall, getting from the airport to Prague is very straightforward, easy, and fast
Bus: Bus 91 > Divoká Šárka Stop (11 Mintues) > Night Tram #91 > Dlouhá třída Stop (25 Minutes) > 10 minute walk to Old Town Square.
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