Destination guides > Europe > Czech Republic > Prague > Sights, museums & tourist attractions
Prague
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)
Prague's biggest attraction consists of a huge cluster of buildings perched high on Hradcany Hill which include palaces, galleries, churches and St Vitus' Cathedral.
Strahovská 20, Prague 1
Metro Malostranská Tram 12, 22, 23
Tel (02) 2437 3368
Website www.hrad.cz
Admission 250-350 Kč; free entry to castle grounds
Open Jan-Mar 6am-11pm daily; Apr-Oct 5am-midnight; Nov-Dec 6am-11pm
St Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Víta)
Located smack, bang in the middle of Prague Castle, this cathedral took 600 years to complete and is considered to be the top cathedral in Bohemia. The cathedral features 21 chapels including the Chapel of St Wenceslas which is built above the tomb of 'Good King' Wenceslas and is the home of the Czech Crown Jewels. There's a great view of the city from the top of the cathedral tower.
Third Courtyard, Prague Castle, Hradcanské námestí, Prague 1
Metro Malostranská Tram 12, 22, 23
Admission 250-350 Kč; included in Prague Castle entrance fee
OpenJan-Mar 6am-11pm daily; Apr-Oct 5am-midnight; Nov-Dec 6am-11pm
Malá Strana
This old neighbourhood located below Hradčany and Prague Castle was once a seedy area although it is now one of the most sought-after peices of real estate in the Czech Republic. This neighbourhood is a popular embassy district and although it is largely a residential area. Malá Strana has loads of atmosphere with beautiful architecture and quiant cobblestone streets and is also home to some top class attractions including the Church of St Nicholas.
Metro Malostranská Tram 12, 22
Church of St Nicholas
This is the most Baroque church in a city of Baroque churches and is worth visiting just to see how flamboyantly opulent any building could possibly get.
Malostranské námestí, Prague 1
Metro Malostranská Tram 12, 22
Website www.psalterium.cz
Admission 70 Kč, students 35 Kč
Open Jan-Feb 9am-4pm daily; Mar-Oct 9am-5pm; Nov-Dec 9am-4pm
Staré Mesto
Prague's old town is a maze of streets filled with impressive monuments and amazing architecture. Although restaurants and bars in this district are overpriced, it is still worth losing yourself in this neighbourhood.
Charles Bridge (Karluv most)
From 1357 to 1941, the Charles Bridge was the only bridge in Prague crossing the Vlatva River and it remains the most popular of the city's bridges and features statues of 30 saints. The bridge is extremely touristy with loads of people trying to sell you crap you don't need, although it is a little quieter early in the morning and late at night which incidently are the best times to visit.
Karluv most, Prague 1
Metro Staromestská Tram 17, 18, 51, 54
Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)
This square is the heart of the old town and many of the district's major attractions are located here.
Metro Staromestská Tram 17, 18
Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Hall is home to Prague's famous Astronomical Clock, although it is also well worth going inside the town hall and climbing the clock tower for an impressive view of the Old Town. Crowds gather in the square below, on the hour between 9am and 9pm to see the clock chime.
Staromestské námestí 1/3, Prague 1
Metro Staromestská Tram 17, 18
Admission 70 Kč
Town Hall open Mon 11am-6pm, Tue-Sun 9am-6pm; tower open Mon 11am-6pm, Tue-Sun 9am-6pm
Jan Hus Memorial
The monument in the Old Town Square represents Jan Hus, the Czech Republic's national hero who led the Hussite uprising against the nation's Roman Catholic leaders in the 15th century. Nowadays most backpackers see the monument as a cool place to hang out, eat, drink and smoke - a bit like a Czech version of Rome's Spanish Steps.
Staromestské, Prague 1
Metro Staromestská Tram 17, 18
Tyn Church (Týnský chrám)
Dating from 1385, this church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is home to the tomb of the astronomer, Tycho de Brahe.
Staromestské 14, Prague 1
Metro Staromestská Tram 17, 18
Nové Mesto
Prague's new town has been around since the 14th century, although it is still a relatively orderly area compared to Staré Mesto and Malá Strana.
Municipal House (Obecní dům)
Prague's greatest Art Nouveau building has played an important part in history as the spot where Czechoslovakia officially became an independent nation in 1918.
Náměstí Republiky 5, Prague 1
Metro Námestí Republiky Tram 5, 14, 26
Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
This wide boulevard is the main street in the new town has played a vital part of most of the revolutions of the past hundred years.
Václavské náměstí, Prague 1
Metro Mustek, Muzeum
