What to see in Prague – 15 places not to be missed

In my opinion, Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic is a city that shines with history, charm and mystery. Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Towers”, it is famous for its picturesque cobbled streets, strong contrasts and architectural facets ranging from Gothic to Baroque.

With a vibrant cultural scene blended with the energy of the nightlife, Prague offers an unforgettable journey through time. Its refined elegance, often compared to the beauty of Vienna, together with the wealth of stories and legends that surround every corner, make Unique and fascinating Prague. And to help you explore this European gem, I have prepared a list of 15 must-see places for anyone visiting Prague for the first time. So let’s immerse ourselves in the heart of this enchanting city.

TIPS – Begin your visit to Prague with a guided tour in Italian. The group tour (confirmed with at least 4 participants) lasts three hours and costs €16. Book it at this link. If you prefer a private visit, take a look at this tour (always with an Italian speaking guide)

Save on entrance fees and see as much as possible
If you intend to visit many of these places in Prague I recommend you buy the Prague Card Buy the Prague Card herewhich includes public transport but also entrance fees to the main attractions of Prague.

Have you found plane tickets? See also on Traveljourn
Read also: 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Czech Republic

The main neighborhoods of Prague

The beauty of Prague lies not only in its iconic monuments, but also in its characteristic neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. The city is divided into different areas (districts), each with a distinct personality that reflects its history and character. Asking yourself what to see in Prague can’t help but consider its cobblestone alleys and medieval towers of Staré Město (Old Town) to the energetic modernity of . It is precisely these that offer a unique experience at every corner. Žižkov and Vinohrady(Piccolo Lato) to the lively cafes and restaurants ofMalá Strana (New Town), from the charming streets of Nové Město

The discovery of Prague necessarily involves the exploration of its neighborhoods. To help you orient yourself and discover the main tourist attractions, here is an in-depth look at what you can expect from each neighbourhood

1. Staré Město (Old Town) – This is the oldest neighborhood in Prague and the most fascinating from a historical point of view. Staré Město is known for its cobbled streets and 11th-century houses. In this neighborhood you will find the Astronomical Clock, the Clementinum, the Powder Tower, and the Týn Church.
2. Nové Město (New Town) – This neighborhood characterized by rich architecture, was founded by Charles IV in 1348. Main attractions include the Powder Tower and the National Theatre.
3. Malá Strana (Little Side) – This neighborhood, located at the foot of Prague Castle, it hosts several structures of the Czech Parliament, and is one of the oldest districts of Prague, full of places of tourist and historical interest.
4. Hradčany (Castle District) – Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral are located in this district.
5. Josefov (Jewish Quarter) – This historic Jewish neighborhood is home to many historic synagogues and the old cemetery Hebrew.
6. Vinohrady – This residential neighborhood, once a wine-growing area of ​​Prague, is now famous for its Art Nouveau buildings and large Havlíčkovy Sady park.
7. Žižkov – Note for the Žižkov Television Tower and the National Uprising Monument of Prague, Žižkov is a vibrant and bohemian neighborhood, full of bars and restaurants.
8. Vyšehrad – This neighborhood is famous for its fortified ruins, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul and the Vyšehrad cemetery, where many famous Czech people are buried.

Places to visit in Prague the first time you go

Prague, sometimes called “the city of a hundred spiers”, is an enchanting metropolis that offers a unique mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Modernism.

Not only does Prague offer an extraordinary journey through different historical eras, but it is also a city shrouded in numerous legends and mystical stories, such as that of the Golem, which add a touch of charm and mystery to its already fascinating aesthetic.

From the impressive Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline, to the cobbled and winding streets of , to places of worship such as the Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogues and cemeteries, Prague gives visitors an endless exploration of fascinating historical, architectural and cultural sites. Here are the main places to visit and not to miss in Prague.Kampa Island, to the quiet paths ofMala Strana neighborhood

Prague Castle

Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is a huge complex covering over 45 hectares. It is one of the largest castles in the world and an icon of the city of Prague, as well as one of the main symbols of the Czech Republic. It is a series of interconnected buildings including palaces, churches, towers, gardens and art galleries.

There is evidence that the Prague Castle area was inhabited thousands of years ago, but recognized history only dates back to the 9th century. The origins of Prague Castle are attributed to Prince Borivoj of the Premyslid dynasty in 880. Initially, the site consisted only of fortifications and the Church of the Virgin Mary. The area gained significance from the 10th century onwards. St. Vitus Cathedral, a much smaller rotunda at the time, was established on the hill. The construction of the Cathedral in its current Gothic style began in the 14th century.

The castle became the stronghold of Czech royalty. Under the reign of Charles IV, the most eminent ruler of the Czech territories, Prague prospered and Prague Castle served as aepicenter of the Holy Roman Empire. After Charles’ death, the castle complex experienced a period of abandonment and deterioration. Each subsequent century introduced new dynasties and the castle witnessed repeated renovations, fires, wars, protests and political changes. In 1918, with the emergence of an independent Czechoslovak Republic, Prague Castle became the presidential seat. Since 1993, it continues to be the official residence of the Czech heads of state.

How to Visit Prague Castle

The castle complex is open every day of the year, with hours that vary slightly depending on the season. Theoretically entry to Prague Castle is free, but this statement is partly correct. You can enter Prague Castle and see notable landmarks from the outside, such as St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica and other buildings, but if you want to enter you have to pay a ticket.

I heard that there are those who say that you can enter the cathedral for free, which is true. But without the ticket you can only take a look inside from the front door. Entry is limited by turnstiles. Il Vicolo d’Oro is another place that you can visit for free outside its official opening hours, as it has free entry after 6pm in summer and from 4pm in winter.

Prague Castle offers a variety of ticket types to choose from.

• The most popular is the ticket for the Circuit B, which includes entry to the Cathedral of San Vito, at the Vicolo d’ 39;Oro, to the Basilica of San Giorgio and the Old Royal Palace. All are incredible sites and worth a visit. Tickets cost 250 CZK if purchased on site. To avoid long queues, consider purchasing your Prague Castle tickets in advance.
• Circuit A allows all the same access as Circuit B, plus adds the History of Prague Castle and Rosenberg Palace exhibition ( cost 350 CZK).
• The Circuit C includes the exhibition The Treasure of St. Vitus and the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle (350 CZK) , or you can opt to visit these two sites separately, thus requiring two tickets.

For an exceptional experience, you may wish to purchase a separate ticket to the Great South Tower of the Cathedral.

Tickets are valid for two days. Remember to inform if you are a family or a student, because you may have discounts.

How to Get to Prague Castle

The castle is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the metro (Line A) to Malostranská station, and then take tram number 22 or 23. There are also tourist buses that stop right in front of the castle.

Places not to be missed at Prague Castle

• St. Vitus Cathedral: This Gothic masterpiece is the most visited place in the castle complex. It is famous for its stained glass windows, the Great South Tower and St. Wenceslas Chapel, where the Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept.
• Old Royal Palace: This historic building was the residence of the kings of Bohemia. Don’t miss the Vladislav Hall, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
• Basilica of St. George: It is the oldest church within the castle complex and an excellent example of Romanesque architecture.
• Vicolo d’Oro: This arcaded street is famous for its small colorful houses, once inhabited by goldsmiths, spindle spinners and alchemists. One of the pastel gold buildings was the home of the writer Franz Kafka.
• Royal Gardens: These gardens offer spectacular views of Prague’s skyline and are a peaceful place to take a break from the crowds.

To enjoy a visit to Prague Castle without stress and crowds, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.. a>

Prague Castle Guided Tour
The area of ​​Prague Castle is very large. For a better understanding I recommend booking a three-hour guided tour (in Italian) which costs €16 per person. The tour does not include entrance fees. Book the guided tour of Prague Castle. For a tour in Italian which also includes entry to the castle buildings, consider this tour .

St. Vitus Cathedral

The St. Vitus Cathedral is an iconic church in Prague, and is one of the most significant symbols of the city and the entire Czech Republic, both for its history and as an artistic memorial. It is located inside Prague Castle, designed byGerman architect Peter Parler and built in 1344.

The cathedral beautifully combines Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, which is evidenced in its elaborate spiers, pointed arches and its stained glass windows. Inside the cathedral there are 19 decorated altars, each with a unique story.

One of the most impressive features of St. Vitus Cathedral are its stained glass windows, which depict various biblical scenes and saints, which can be particularly spectacular when the sunlight passes through them. The cathedral also houses the tombs of various kings, queens and saints and an important relic of Christianity: the head of Saint Luke the Evangelist. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of Prague from the Great South Tower.

Palazzo Wallenstein (Mala Strana)

The Wallenstein Palace, (Valdštejnský palác) is an elegant historic building located in the small Malá Strana district. The palace is known for being the first secular baroque building in the city. It originally served as the residence for Imperial Generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein and now houses the Senate of the Czech Republic.

The palace is a huge complex consisting of two-story buildings, residential areas, courtyards, gardens, a lake, an aviary, and other structures. Among the palace’s main attractions are thewonderful Wallenstein Palace Gardens, with their baroque design, splendid statues, fountains and a striking artificially made cave wall designed.

The palace is open to the public and can be visited for free. We recommend checking the opening hours on official website before your visit, as they may vary depending on the season or special events.

Carlo bridge

The Charles Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Prague. This historic bridge spans the Vltava River, connecting the Prague Castle district to the Old Town. It is named after Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, who laid the foundation stone in 1357.

The Charles Bridge is a architectural wonder of the Gothic era, designed by the renowned architect Petr Parléř. A distinctive feature of the Charles Bridge is the collection of 30 Baroque style statues and statuary depicting saints and patrons, which line both sides of the bridge. The original statues, now held in the National Museum, were replaced by replicas in the 20th century to reduce damage caused by the elements.

A walk along the 516 meter bridge offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque cityscape, with Prague Castle and Prague Cathedral San Vito on one side, and the peaked roofs and alleys of the Old Town on the other.

The bridge offers an enchanting atmosphere at any time of the day, pulsating with the energy of local artists, musicians and souvenir vendors during the day, and offers a serene and romantic stroll under the stars at night. I recommend going at sunrise when the crowds are thinner and you can see the sky transform over the spiers and towers of Prague.

Good luck charms in Prague
Charles Bridge is free to visit and is always open, although it can get crowded during peak tourist season. While on the bridge, try to locate the plaque with the depiction of St. John of Nepomuk, who was supposedly thrown from the bridge. It is believed that touching the plaque brings good luck.

The Old Town Square, the City Hall and the Astronomical Clock

The Old Town Squarea is the beating heart of Prague and is considered the oldest and most important square in the city. It is surrounded by architectural buildings from various eras, from Gothic and Baroque masterpieces to Renaissance palaces, which reflect the city’s rich history. Walking through the square, you will notice several historical details set in the pavement.

The highlight of the square is undoubtedly the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, mounted on the south side of the Old Town Hall and considered one of the things to see in Prague and not to be missed. The Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is a medieval masterpiece installed at the turn of the 15th century, a full 200 years before the discovery of the Earth’s rotation around the sun. It indicates not only Central European time, Czech time, but also Babylonian time.

Skip the line to visit the Astronomical Clock and the City Hall
The City Hall and the Astronomical Clock are probably the two most famous and popular things to see in Prague . For this reason I recommend booking your ticket in advance, you will have to choose a time, which includes access to both attractions, including the Town Hall, the dome, the astronomical clock and the medieval underground part. The historic interiors can be visited via a self-guided tour or guided tour (bookable at the “priority” counter). Guided tours are offered in various languages. Last guided tour starts at 5pm. Tours in English start at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm :00 Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays, the first tour in English starts at 12:00 Book your ticket (16) to plan your visit.

An essential element of the visit to the town hall and the Astronomical Clock is the possibility of climbing the tower overlooking the square. Since 1805, the tower has been equipped with a gallery that offers a magnificent view over the entire Old City.

Other main attractions in Old Town Square are:

• The Old Town Hall: Together with the astronomical clock, the Town Hall tower offers breathtaking views of the square and the city. It’s worth queuing to get to the top.
• Jan Hus Monument: This impressive bronze monument in the center of the square commemorates one of the most important Czech religious reformers, who died a century before Martin Luther.
• Church of Our Lady before Tyn: With its Gothic spiers soaring over the square, it is one of the most important places of worship in Prague and cannot be missed. a>
• The historic houses of Prague: Around the square there are several historic houses with colorful and unique facades, including the House of the White Lamb, the House of the Bell of Pietra and the Casa alla Bella Stella.
• Christmas Market: If you visit during the winter months, the Christmas market is an unmissable attraction, with its stalls full of food, drink and unique artisan gifts.

Church of St. Mary before Tyn

The Church of St. Mary Before Tyn is one of the most beautiful churches in Prague’s Gothic heritage . Its imposing Gothic spiers dominate the picturesque Old Town Square and represent one of the city’s most recognizable icons.

As the largest and most important church in the Old Town, St. Mary of Tyn has always been considered the spiritual heart of Prague. Its significant symbolic significance transcends the role of a simple parish church.

The interior of the Church of St. Mary Before Tyn houses a vast collection of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque works of art. Among the most notable are the altarpieces made by Karel Škréta and the tomb of the astronomer Tycho Brahe. Furthermore, the church organ, dating back to 1673, is theoldest in Prague. The church is easily visible from various parts of the city, but is particularly breathtaking when viewed from the Old Town Square.

Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

With its old Jewish cemetery and historic synagogues, Josefov represents an important historical and cultural heritage. Josefov is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River.

The troubled history of the ancient Jewish ghetto began in the 13th century, when the Jewish population was ordered to leave their homes scattered in various areas and settle in this specific neighborhood. In the following centuries, with the expulsion of Jews from other areas of Prague and the arrival of new inhabitants from Moravia, Germany, Austria and Spain, the population density in the neighborhood continued to increase. increase.

In addition to this, the inhabitants of the ghetto were forced to undergo structural changes according to the whims of the emperor or ruler who had control over them at the time. The last of these changes occurred between 1893 and 1913, when numerous buildings were demolished and street layouts remodeled. Most of the significant historic buildings were saved from destruction a> and remain today a testimony to the history of the Jews in Prague and constitute the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in Europe.

The Jewish Quarter includes: six synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue and the Old-New Synagogue; the Jewish Ceremonial Hall and the Ancient Jewish Cemetery. These monuments also survived the Nazi occupation of the 20th century. Adolf Hitler intended to preserve Prague’s Jewish Quarter as a “Museum of an Extinct Race”. To this end, the Nazis looted Jewish artifacts from other occupied territories and brought them to Prague to be part of the museum.

Today, the most significant historical monuments of the Jewish Quarter, with the exception of the Old-New Synagogue, constitute the Jewish Museum of Prague.

For the Old-New Synagogue you need a separate ticket, which you can purchase on the same day, or, if you are in a tour, can be organized by the guide. The Jewish Quarter is also the birthplace of the famous Jewish writer Franz Kafka, to whom a statue is dedicated in Dusni Street.

The synagogues to visit in the Jewish quarter of Prague

Prague is home to one of the oldest documented Jewish settlements in Europe. Jewish inhabitants have been part of the city since 970 AD, with a substantial community established by the end of the 11th century. Despite having to endure various phases of oppression, the Jewish group in Prague has maintained its continuity, exerting a notable impact on the city’s culture and customs.

One of the significant contributions of this community to Prague is the‘establishment of synagogues, which have now become iconic architectural structures and repositories of historical treasures. If your travels take you to Prague, be sure to take time to explore these historic buildings. There are 6 synagogues in Prague and they are these:

1. Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga, Červená): This is the oldest active synagogue in Europe. Known for its Gothic architecture, it houses the Holy Ark with the Torah scrolls.
2. Maiselova Synagogue (Maiselova synagoga, Maiselova 10): Originally built in 1592, it now preserves ancient Jewish manuscripts and historical maps of Jewish settlements in Prague.
3. Klausen Synagogue (Klausová synagoga, U Starého Hřbitova 1): The largest synagogue in the former Jewish ghetto, this site hosts exhibits that focus on Jewish customs and traditions .
4. Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga, Široká 3) *** : Initially a private chapel for the Horowitz family, it is now a memorial to Jews who died during the Holocaust . The names of more than 77,000 victims are engraved on the walls. In my opinion it is the most particular, also from here you can access the Jewish cemetery.
5. Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga, Dušní 12): Inspired by Islamic and Spanish styles, this neo-Renaissance structure is part of the Jewish Museum and shows the history of Jews in Czechoslovakia in the last two centuries.
6. High Synagogue – Built in the 16th century thanks to the financing of Mordechai Maisel, the High Synagogue is on two levels. On the upper floor, visitors can admire a collection of fabrics, drapes and silver artefacts. A single access ticket allows visits to all six synagogues of Josefov and also includes entry to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Upon purchasing the ticket, visitors are provided with a practical and easy-to-consult map to facilitate reaching the different synagogues.

Note: Please note that these sites are closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays and can be visited on other days of the week. Some of them allow booking for visits.

How to visit the synagogues of Prague
To visit the synagogues of Prague you must purchase a combined ticket . You can find different tickets at different costs depending on how many structures you want to visit. The full entrance ticket is valid for the six synagogues of Josefov and also includes an entrance ticket for the Old Jewish Cemetery(550 CZK). The ticket includes a small and useful map to reach the various synagogues which are very close to each other.

Guided Tours of Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Since things can be quite complex, I suggest an expert guide to discover the Josefov Jewish Quarter. I recommend booking online in advance (duration approximately 2.5 hours), given that available places are limited. The cost of the tour also includes entrance fees to the Synagogues.  Book the guided tour of the Jewish quarter of Prague.
Thanks to the advantageous Prague Card, access to Jewish attractions is free. The Prague Card is a tourist pass that offers free entry to many Prague attractions and much more.

Mount Petrin and the Observatory Tower

Petrin is a wooded hill located in Prague’s Lesser Quarter, known for sights such as the< a i=3>Petrin Tower, the observatory and various viewpoints. At 318 metres, Petrin Hill, also known as Laurenzi Hill, is the highest hill in Prague. It is located on the left bank of the Vltava River, west of the city center, and is mainly known for its unique panorama and vast green areas.

Petrin, boasting numerous points of interest and attractions, is one of the most visited sites in Prague. Petrin Hill, close to Prague Castle, is a very popular destination and is consideredone of the most romantic places in Prague, particularly in spring. Positioned in the heart of the city, it offers an idyllic retreat with its parks and gardens, and is very popular with both tourists and locals.

In addition to the green areas, consisting of the Rose Garden, the Kinský Garden, the Strahov Garden and the Seminary Garden, you can expect to see many attractions on the hill including:

1. Petrin Tower: The top of the hill is dominated by the 63.5 meter high Petrin Tower. It is a small-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is the highest observation point in Prague a>. In the tower, in addition to an observation platform located 51 meters high, there is a café, a souvenir shop and a small exhibition on the history of the observation tower and the hill. To visit the observation tower, you need to purchase an entrance ticket. A summary of current entry fees can be found here.
2. Observatory: the Štefánik Observatory, built in 1928, allows you to observe the starry sky. The observatory, named after the Slovakian astronomer Milan Rastislav Štefánik, has three domes containing the main telescopes that allow you to observe the starry sky. Furthermore, there is a permanent exhibition on astronomy.
3. Funicular to the Hill: the funicular, inaugurated in 1891, travels a distance of 510 meters to Petrin Hill. The journey in the glass cabin at a height of 130 meters is already a special experience thanks to the magnificent panorama.
4. Observation Deck: In addition to the observation platform in the Petrin Tower, there is another observation platform on the southeast part of the hill.< /span>
5. Monument to the Victims of Communism: still at the foot of the hill, not far from the departure station of the funicular in Újezd, is the Monument to the Victims of Communism. The sculptural group of seven bronze figures commemorating the victims of the communist era in Czechoslovakia was created by the sculptor Olbram Zoubek.
6. Mirror Maze: A mirror maze near the observation tower offers fun and entertainment, especially for children. It is a favorite for family outings. Visits to the Mirror Labyrinth are possible by purchasing a single or combined ticket. The current price can be found here.
7. Wall of Hunger: on the edge of the Kinský Garden you will find the ancient Wall of Hunger. It is a 14th century city fortification, built during a famine by order of Charles IV.
8. Church of San Lorenzo: the baroque church dates back to the 10th century and is dedicated to San Lorenzo.
9. Church of St. Michael the Archangel on Mount Petrin: The 18th-century wooden church originally comes from what is now Ukraine and was brought to its current location only in 1929. Entrance, Tickets and Guided Tours

Dancing House

This jewel of modern architecture in Prague appeared on the Rašín Embankment in 1996. The project, created by the famous architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry, and was influenced by the dance skills of the legendary film duo – the stone tower represents Fred Astaire, while the glass tower illustrates his partner Ginger Rogers. Inside the Dancing House there is a gallery and a restaurant with a terrace offering a breathtaking 360° view of Prague.

Built between 1992 and 1996, the Dancing House replaced a building that was destroyed during the American bombing of Prague on 14 February 1945. In 1992, the Dutch insurance company Nationale Nederlanden purchased the land. They chose the building project of architect Vlado Milunić and invited the world-famous architect and designer Frank O. Gehry to collaborate.

The collaboration gave life to an extraordinary deconstructivist building with plastic elements that harmonize with the surrounding structures. This building, known metaphorically as the Dancing House or Ginger and Fred, is one of the few buildings in Prague that interacts dynamically with street space.

Kampa Island

Kampa Island can be seen immediately after crossing the river, near the exit of the Charles Bridge. This channel separates from the Vltava river and joins it a few hundred meters further on, thus forming a small artificial island. It is a picturesque and peaceful corner that you might risk missing. It is a romantic and peaceful area famous for its picturesque canal called “the little Venice of Prague”.

The canal still hosts some old millstones, evidence of the ancient vegetable gardens that once existed in this area. The most famous is the Great Priory Millstone, with a diameter of 8 metres. As time passed, this area was chosen as a residence by nobles connected to the castle, located in the upper part of Malá Strana, who enriched the area with a considerable noble inheritance. Kampa Island is also home to the Kafka Museum, with a vast collection of personal objects of the Bohemian writer, the Lover’s Bridgei – known for its numerous padlocks – and Vinárna Čertovka, the narrowest street in Prague (and perhaps the world) with a width of only 50 cm, equipped with a pedestrian traffic light that regulates passage.

Powder Tower

Prague has always played a fundamental role in the most important historical events in Bohemia. For example, Czechoslovakian kings were crowned here. The coronation processions entered the Old City through the imposing Powder Toweri, a monument of great importance in late Gothic style. 

This monumental entrance, through which processions of Czechoslovakian kings entered the Old Town, is one of the most significant monuments of late-Gothic Prague. Completed in 1475, the Tower of the Powder Gate, formerly used as a gunpowder depot, still represents today the starting point for the Strada dell’ 39;coronation or Royal Road which runs through the historic center of Prague and connects the ancient Royal Court with Prague Castle.

The Powder Tower serves as a gate that separates the New Town of Prague from the Old Town. Until the 11th century, it was one of the 13 gates through which citizens of Prague could access the Old Town. Inside the tower, it is possible, for example, to watch a short film about the history of the Charles Bridge and its astronomical and astrological aspects. You can also visit the viewing gallery, which is located at a height of 44 metres. To climb the tower you need to purchase an entrance ticket (included in the Prague card or which you can buy individually here)

Narodni Muzeum (National Museum of Prague)

The National Museum in Prague is the most famous museum in the Czech Republic. The museum is located at the top of Wenceslas Square. The exterior is stunning, but it’s what you discover inside that makes this the most famous museum in the Czech Republic. Around 14 million different items are on display inside, from medieval jewelery to 18th century paintings century.

If you would like to take a step back in time, you can spend a few hours exploring the many exhibits found within the museum. Don’t miss the park located right behind the museum, an ideal place to rest on sunny days before returning to discover Prague.

Inside the museum, there is an elevator that, for 50 CZK ($2), will take you up to the dome where you can admire a spectacular view of Wenceslas Square. Purchasing a ticket for the National Museum gives you access to both the New and Old museums. There is an underground tunnel that connects the two museums. It is therefore not necessary to go out and walk to the main entrance of the other museum.

The Lennon Wall

John Lennon never visited Prague. However, one of the most photographed places in the Czech capital is the John Lennon Wall. But if Lennon was never in Prague, why dedicate a wall to him?

John Lennon has been a symbol of the peace movement since the 1970s. His untimely death only strengthened his image during the tumultuous period of the Cold War. And Prague, capital of the former Czechoslovakia, was no exception.

It all began with the death of the former Beatle, murdered in 1980 at the entrance to the Dakota building in New York. The whole world was moved by this tragic event and a portrait of the musician appeared on this remote Prague wall along with various slogans critical of the government. Like any other graffiti-covered wall, the John Lennon Wall continues its story with new paintings, quotes and artistic expressions of all kinds.

In 2014, during the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, a group of art students painted the wall white with the single slogan “Wall is over”; this act almost came close to criminal charges. On Earth Day, April 22, 2019, the eco-group Extinction Rebellion painted the wall with slogans about climate change, including a large skull.

The John Lennon Wall is located on Velkopřevorské Náměstí Street in Malá Strana, the bohemian neighborhood of Prague located west of the Vltava River. Crossing the Charles Bridge from the Old Town, the narrow streets on the left lead to a small internal square where the wall is located, opposite the Buquoy Palace, home of the French Embassy.

The Municipal House

The Municipal House in Prague is undoubtedly one of Prague’s Art Nouveau architectural jewels. Nestled among the outskirts of the Old City, a stone’s throw from the bustling main square, this place of interest definitely deserves a place on your travel itinerary.

This historic building occupies the site once known as the King’s Court, a royal residence commissioned by King Wenceslas IV, complete with fortifications to safeguard Prague. A relic of these ancient barriers, the Dust Tower sits alongside the Municipal House, creating a striking contrast.

Despite the obvious differences, both buildings are worth exploring. The two buildings were originally physically connected. It is fascinating to see the transformation of the Obecní Dům from the King’s Court into its contemporary form. It finally opened in 1912.

The building we see today is the extraordinary result of a collaborative effort by many talented artists of that era. Renowned Czech artists such as Alfons Mucha and Mikulas Ales have left their artistic imprints on this masterpiece. To truly appreciate the Municipal House and absorb all its aesthetics, taking a guided tour is highly recommended, especially if you are an art lover. 

Tickets can only be purchased at the ticket office of the Municipal House (10:00 – 19:00) and online on the website www.obecnidum.cz. Individual discounts cannot be combined with each other. The maximum number of people in a group is 35.

Kafka head

Located in a bustling shopping center in the Czech capital, this dynamic and thoughtful work of art, representing the face of writer Franz Kafka , is the most recent creation of the controversial artist David Černý. Opened in 2014, the impressive mirrored bust is made up of 42 individually actuated stainless steel levels and weighs a whopping 45 tons. The work impeccably illustrates Kafka’s complex personality and the nagging insecurity that distressed him throughout his existence . The layering of elements is a recurring theme in the works of Černý, who created another similar rotating head, which also acts as a fountain, entitled Metalmorphosis.

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