Prague, mysterious and charming, leaves indescribable impressions in the heart of every visitor. Walking through the historical part of the city, full of centuries-old secrets, is inspiring and exciting. Gothic cathedrals, majestic castles, luxurious palaces and museums attract attention. There is always something new in Prague, even for those who are already familiar with the place. This city has a special charm, and its attractions are real treasures of history.
What to see first in Prague
Prague impresses with its variety of excursion programs, offering guests many options to explore. It is important to prepare for your trip in advance so that it exceeds your expectations. The city is a real open-air museum; every corner of it holds its own treasures. Even a simple walk along the streets is a real adventure. Discover the essence of Prague by following our recommendations.
Charles Bridge
Consider one of the key symbols of Prague - the Charles Bridge, 520 meters long, which crosses the Vltava River. Its history goes back several centuries, starting from the 14th century, and it is rich in memorable events. For example, the bridge was part of the Royal Route, along which Czech monarchs went to their coronation. Today the bridge is a key tourist attraction, connecting two historically significant areas of Prague, where many attractions are located.
Old Town Hall
Let's cancel the fact that when moving from the general to the specific, it is necessary to pay attention to the complex of historical buildings on the Old Town Square, known as the Old Town Hall. These buildings were purchased by the authorities in 1338 and were used for the needs of self-government of the Old Town. Then work began on expanding the town hall, including the purchase and completion of new premises. The crowning achievement of this complex was the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Tower, an outstanding technical feat demonstrating the skill of medieval architects.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the real heart of Prague, located in its center and plays a key role both for public events and as a symbolic landmark of the city. The most important events took place here: the announcement of the end of World War II, the meeting with Yuri Gagarin and the holding of mass rallies. Today the site remains a center of events, where meetings are held and demonstrations take place. The square is surrounded by historical monuments, each of which testifies to significant events that took place here.
Old Town Square
When you're choosing where to go in Prague, don't miss another city square, located in the historical Stare Mesto district. This is Old Town Square, known since the 12th century. Previously, market life was bustling here, many traders, artisans and merchants from all over gathered here. Today it is a place for public events, fairs and festivals. Here you can also buy memorable souvenirs, and from the high tower you can admire the panorama of the city in all its glory.
Tyn Temple
One of Prague's greatest attractions is the Tyn Church, the city's main Catholic church, located in the historical Stare Mesto district. This unique building in the Gothic style with Baroque elements rises above the roofs of old houses with its corner towers, giving it a certain mystical atmosphere. The interior decoration is amazing: 19 altars decorated from the mid-14th century, a tin font and many historical paintings.
Old Royal Palace
Any excursion to Prague, which includes a visit to Prague Castle, must include its main building - the Old Royal Palace. This place was the center of government of the country for centuries, the residence of many Czech monarchs and the site of presidential elections. The history of the architectural development of the palace is amazing: from a simple wooden structure, it has undergone many changes, including Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Today the palace is an extensive museum, presenting a whole collection of historical halls.
Prague Castle
Another ancient symbol of the Czech Republic, reflecting the rich history of the state, is located in the historical district of Hradcany - Prague Castle. This castle complex, one of the most majestic in the world, dates back to the 9th century. Construction reached its peak in the 14th century, and in the 20th century Prague Castle became accessible to the public. The territory includes three palaces: the Giant's Gate - the main entrance, Matthias' Gate - the triumphal arch, and the third courtyard - the oldest and most spacious, where many historical attractions are located.
Queen Anne's Summer Palace
Another significant object at Prague Castle is the romantic summer palace, which was conceived as a gift from King Ferdinand I to his wife Anna. Unfortunately, the construction of the palace was not completed by the time of Anna's death. The building is made in the Renaissance style and is decorated with arcades of 36 Tuscan columns, and the reliefs on their cornices represent scenes from mythology. The beautiful Royal Garden in Baroque style, with fountains, ornamental trees and winding paths, complements this architectural work and creates an atmosphere of exquisite beauty.
Troy Castle
Troy Castle is an exquisite Baroque complex that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Located in the Troja district of Prague, it is not only a country residence, but also a museum with a unique collection of wines, as well as a beautifully designed park. This castle, built by order of Count Sternberg in the 17th century, served for a long time as the residence of the famous Sternberg family. One of its striking architectural masterpieces is the Imperial Hall with magnificent colored frescoes depicting scenes of Ottoman battle.
Visegrad Fortress
On the southern hill in Prague there is another historical district - Vysehrad with its fortress. A visit to this fortress is an excellent opportunity to see the historical buildings that have graced Prague for centuries. The fortress was built back in the 10th century and is a significant site, although it is often overlooked in favor of Prague Castle. However, Visegrad also has its own unique attractions: a beautiful neo-Gothic cathedral, a cemetery where hundreds of prominent personalities are buried, an 11th-century rotunda and underground casemates.
Prague Loreta
Pilgrims arriving in Prague often head to Prague Loreta without wondering what to see in the city. This huge complex of impressive architecture attracts believers from all over Europe, recreating the image of the Holy Hut where, according to legend, the Virgin Mary heard of the birth of the Savior. The Prague Loreta was built on the initiative of Katharina, a devoted Czech aristocrat who donated a significant part of her wealth to this sanctuary.
Strahov Monastery
In the heart of Hradcany is the Strahov Monastery, one of the most ancient Christian buildings in the Czech Republic. Its history began in the 12th century with the emergence of the Premonstratensian religious order. The monastery was reconstructed several times and changed its architectural appearance, turning into various buildings, including a library, a museum and even a brewery, where high-quality beer has been produced for several centuries.
St. Vitus Cathedral
In the heart of Prague Castle stands the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the national shrine of the Czech Republic. Its history began in the 10th century with the rotunda of St. Vitus, then converted into a basilica, and in the mid-14th century, King Charles IV began construction of the cathedral. Over the 6 centuries of its construction, many architects gave it a Gothic appearance, but the cathedral finally took its form under the leadership of Camille Gilbert.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The next important aspect of our guide is the Jewish Quarter, also known as the Josefov Quarter. It is located near the famous Old Town Square and has a rich history. This was once the Prague ghetto, where Jews were forced to live behind a wall. Over time, local authorities decided to renovate the area, demolishing old buildings and erecting new ones. However, some national symbols, such as synagogues and the Jewish Museum, have remained intact and continue to attract visitors with their rich collection of Jewish cultural objects.
Wax Museum
Visiting the wax museum in Prague is a unique opportunity to see in reality many historical figures known in world history. Here are collected about sixty figures, recreated from wax with amazing accuracy. Among them are international celebrities, movie stars, politicians, artists and even dictators, for whom there is a separate exhibition.
Toy Museum
A walk through the Prague Toy Museum is a journey into a fairyland, where reality merges with fantasy. On two floors of the museum there is a huge collection of unique toys from different eras, including dolls that are more than two thousand years old! The history of the museum began in 1968 with a small collection collected by film director Ivan Steiger. Initially, the toys were purchased as props for filming, but later ancient exhibits joined them. Each category of toys reflects the characteristics of its era and culture, which makes them even more unique and exciting.
Chocolate Museum
Not far from the Old Town Square is the sweetest attraction in the Czech Republic - the Chocolate Museum. Opened in 2008, it instantly won the hearts of those with a sweet tooth. Visitors are immediately immersed in the world of chocolate, surrounded by its aromas and tastes. The first hall tells the history of the kao drink, the second tells the secrets of chocolate production, and the third presents collections of unique wrappers from different times.
Magical Museum “Spulum Alchemiae”
Many European cities are shrouded in mysticism, and Prague is no exception. Travelers can immerse themselves in the world of the supernatural by visiting Prague's Alchemy Museum. Its history dates back to the 16th century, when the famous master alchemist Edward Kelly came to the city and created laboratories to conduct experiments on the edge of reality. The museum's exhibition includes copies of devices used by the alchemist, as well as items from the magical arsenal: potion jars, flasks, stuffed animals, scrolls. The crowning glory of the exhibition are the wax figures of the magician himself.
Dancing House
The style of deconstructivism, the trends of which are noticeable in various European cities, has left its mark in Prague. A notable example of this is the Dancing House, which symbolizes a famous American dancer couple of the early 20th century. Visitors note that the building really resembles a couple moving in a dance. Today, an international office center is located inside the building, and on the top floor there is a restaurant with magnificent views of the city.
AquaPalace water park
With respect to the long tradition of building palaces, the residents of Prague created a unique water park in the town of Čestlice. This water complex, located near Prague, covers a huge area of 9 thousand square meters, where many water attractions and pools are divided into different zones. Here you can enjoy a variety of water activities, visit a diving center, relax in saunas, visit massage rooms and spas, visit fitness rooms and even stay in your own hotel. This water park will not leave either children or adults indifferent, attracting all lovers of water activities.
John Lennon's Wall
After the death of the famous Beatles composer in 1980, a unique landmark arose in Prague - a wall entirely dedicated to John Lennon. Fans of the musician gradually began to decorate the wall with graffiti and images, creating a symbol of his work. Although Lennon never visited Prague, his legacy lives on this wall, in the hearts of fans around the world.
Golden Lane
The Prague Fortress has been famous for its many attractions since ancient times, but Golden Lane deserves special attention. This narrow alley with colorful houses built into the fortress walls has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when the Czech king expanded the fortress walls by adding houses for the guards. However, before this time, there was a street in this place where jewelry workshops were located, which determined its name - Golden Street.
Vinarna Chertovka
A few steps from Charles Bridge there is one unique place that is easy to miss if you don't know about it. This is Vinarna Čertovka - the narrowest street in Prague, the width of which does not exceed 0.7 meters. This narrow passage, only 10 meters long, was originally intended for firefighting purposes. To ensure the passage of two people walking in the opposite direction, traffic lights are installed on the street. Going down the stone steps of the stairs located in the passage, you will immediately find yourself on the terrace of the famous winery with the same name.
National Museum of Prague
Among the many museums in Prague, the National Museum, founded in 1818, occupies a special place. At first he focused on natural science exhibits, but later his collection expanded to include historical artifacts, cultural objects from other countries, as well as a library and a section dedicated to national music. The museum impresses with its majestic interior: spacious halls, luxurious staircases, wall decorations with sculptures and frescoes create a special atmosphere.
National Theater of Prague
When getting to know the theatrical world of Prague, the first step is to visit its main pride - the National Theater, which is a symbol not only of the city, but of the entire country. The history of this cultural site began in the 1870s, when the Society was created to build a theater. Over the course of 16 years, a majestic neo-Renaissance building was built, lavishly decorated with decorative elements, including excerpts from Czech works of art. Initially, the theater was conceived as a platform for Czech works, but over time, works from around the world appeared in its repertoire.
Sights of Prague: what else to visit in Prague?
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Prague, it is recommended to start with the main attractions mentioned above. They represent the very essence of this historic city and the entire Czech Republic as a whole. However, besides them, there are other unique places that convey the color and spirit of this beautiful city. For example, it is worth paying attention to little-known attractions that also deserve attention and a visit.
Franz Kafka Museum
Prague is a city with many facets, each of which leaves its mark on the heart of every visitor. A visit to the Kafka Museum is an opportunity to plunge into the world of this great writer, who loved and at the same time hated his hometown, experiencing an internal drama throughout his short life. The museum's exhibition is divided into two parts. The first gives a detailed idea of how Prague influenced the writer's life, his environment, correspondence, early works and drawings. The second part allows you to see Prague through the eyes of the author himself, where each place, although not directly named, is recognizable by its description.
Havel Market
Another attraction that deserves the attention of tourists is the Havel Market. This is a great place to purchase original souvenirs and gifts for loved ones. The market also offers honey, jam, flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables. The history of this place goes back more than a century: starting from the 13th century, there was a fruit market here, and then other goods were gradually added, including folk crafts.
Beer Museum
The Beer Museum in Prague provides an opportunity not only to learn about the history of brewing in the Czech Republic, but also to enjoy tasting one of thirty types of high-quality drink. In a cozy environment, decorated in a modest style with retro lanterns, everyone can taste traditional beers and exclusive options such as cherry or chocolate. Due to high demand for the bar, advance reservations are recommended.
Krizhikov Fountains
For almost a century, fountains in Prague have been leaders in water and light shows around the world. They are located in the huge Vystavst park complex and were designed by the famous Czech engineer Frantisek Krizik. Its pumps, created in 1891, set world records for the volume of water pumped. After renovation in 1991, the fountains were improved and turned into a magnificent combination of water jets, music and light show. From time to time, the performances are complemented by performances by ballet dancers and dance groups of the country.
Prague Zoo
One of the largest zoos in Europe, occupying 600 thousand square meters on the outskirts of Prague, is among the best in the world. Prague Zoo is recognized as one of the best zoos for its efforts to preserve and restore endangered species. Consists of three large pavilions for exotic animals and plants, as well as smaller pavilions housing large and small animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, turtles, penguins and reptiles.
Prague, one of the most popular cities in Europe, attracts its guests with a wealth of attractions and mysterious legends that have already become an integral part of its mystical atmosphere. When traveling to Prague, do not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of the city through tours from the TurPoisk Travel Agency. Majestic Gothic buildings and works of literature associated with the Czech lands give this place a special charm. The developed tourist infrastructure makes a stay in Prague even more exciting. Wander around the Old Town, admire Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, visit the famous Eagle Palace and enjoy the views from the Petrin Tower. Create your own unique route with TourPoisk and plunge into the magic of Prague.
