Prague (Praha)

Tyn Church, © Can Stock / Anita_Bonita

Visit Prague – Old Town Square

Most people visit Prague to see the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. The Old Town is on the east side of the Vltava River near the Charles Bridge.  You can reach the Old Town Square on metro Line A at the Staromestska station. At the center of the Old Town Square is a memorial to Czech Protestant martyr Jan Hus. Facing the square are the Old Town Hall Tower, the Tyn Church and Kinský Palace.

For a fee, ride by elevator to the top of the Old Town Tower. On the side of the Old Town Hall is the Astronomical Clock, which has been there since the 1400s. The remains of astronomer Tycho Brahe are buried in the Tyn Church. The National Gallery is inside the Kinský Palace.

Astronomical Clock, © Can Stock / Eishier

Royal Route Walking Tour

You can do your own Royal Route Walking Tour when you visit Prague. Start at the Powder Tower, which is beside the Municipal House. Next walk past the cube shaped House of the Black Madonna. Then see the sights at the Old Town Square. After that, head down the Karlova alleyways to the Charles Bridge, which takes you over the Vltava River. Along the way, you will pass the National Library (Clementinum).

The Charles Bridge is very popular with tourists for its statues and towers. After crossing the Charles Bridge to the west bank of the Vltava, take a two block side trip to the John Lennon Wall, where graffiti has been honoring him for decades. Next head to the Lesser Town Square and see St Nicholas Church. Then walk up to the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Prague Castle Hill, © Can Stock / scanrail

Visit Prague Castle Hill

Prague Castle Hill (Hradčany) is an extensive fortification overlooking the city and the Vltava River. The castle hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, Vladislav Hall, All Saints’ Church, Queen Anna’s Villa in the Royal Garden and Geroge’s Basilica. The Lobkowicz Palace on the castle grounds has one of the largest art collections in Europe. It’s very easy to do your own self guided walking tour of Prague – just follow the crowds!

Wenceslas’ Square, © Can Stock / GeorgeDolgikh

Visit Prague – Wenceslas’ Square

Wenceslas’ Square is more like an avenue than a square. It is named after St Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. The National Museum and the Prague State Opera are on Wenceslas’ Square. The square is the site of the 1989 revolt against communism, known as the Velvet Revolution. You can start your tour of Prague by walking from the train station to Wenceslas’ Square and then walk north to the Old Town Square.

Lesser Town, Prague, © Can Stock / interlight

Visit Prague – Lesser Town

The Lesser Town is just below the Prague Castle. The Lesser Town is known for its architecture, especially the street of Nerudova where Mozart lived. St Nicholas’ Church is on Lesser Town Square. Wallenstein Palace, where the Czechis senate meets, is at the foot of the Prague Castle near the Lesser Town Square too. From Lesser Town Square, you can walk up to Prague Castle, south to the funicular to Petřín Hill or east across the Charles Bridge to the Old Town.

City of a Hundred Spires, © Can Stock / MadrugadaVerde

Visit Petřín Hill

Petřín Hill is in the Lesser Town within walking distance south of the Lesser Town Square. At the base of the Petrin Hill, see the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. Then ride the funicular up Petřín Hill. Sights to see includee Petřín Tower, Strahov Stadium and the Stravhov Monastic Library with over a million volumes. Stop for lunch at Nebozízek Restaurant on the first stop of the funicular on the way up.

Vltava River Bridges, © Can Stock / Josefhanus

Vltava River Cruises

Take a Vltava River Lunch Cruise. Cruise past St. Agnes Monastery, the Rudolfinum which hosts the Czech Philharmonic orchestra, the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre and the area of Vysehrad featuring St Peter & Paul Cathedral. Or try a Night Tour and River Vltava Dinner Cruise. During the tourist season, take a steamboat ride on the Vltava River to the Prague Zoo.

Charles Bridge, © Can Stock / bloodua

Visit Prague – Hotels

• Riverview Old Town Apartment
• Grand Hotel Bohemia
• Grandium Prague Hotel