Prague’s main sights
The historical part of Prague is compact. One day for a sightseeing walk is the best option. The most famous route is the legendary «Royal Road»: the path along which future Czech rulers walked to their coronation.
Buses, including from the airport, and trains to Prague arrive at the Main Station (Hlavní Nádraží). You can start your walk there or from Prague Castle (Pražský hrad). It is much more convenient to walk down the hill. The route is approximately 3.5 km — 2 hours at a leisurely pace.
Prague Castle
The most striking symbol of the city and the No. 1 attraction. This complex was built in 855. Since 1355 it became the residence of Czech kings, since 1918 the residence of the president. In terms of its importance, the construction is not inferior to the Kremlin in Russia.
The dominant feature of Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic Catholic church. Within its walls was held the coronation rite after the future ruler completed the royal itinerary.
Attractions of the complex:
- Rozmberg Palace;
- The old royal palace;
- St. George’s Basilica;
- Zlata alley (in the Middle Ages it was home to alchemists and magicians, later F. Kafka);
- Viewing platform of St. Vitus Cathedral and the walls of Prague Castle;
- Picture Gallery;
- Historical Exposure.
Some of the attractions are accessible by ticket, which are sold at the entrance. Access by ticket is for two days, so it is not necessary to visit everything on the first day.
- Prague Castle website.
- Open November-March 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., April-October 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri).
- Cost: free admission and visit to the observation wall, ticket price for the exhibitions and the observation room on the cathedral tower.
Nerudova ulice (Nerudova ulice)
This ancient street runs from Prague Castle to the historic Mala Strana district. It is decorated with Baroque houses with colorful portals and stucco decorations. Under King Charles IV, the street became part of the «Royal Road».
It is noteworthy that in Prague houses are numbered and named after a coat of arms or legend. There are many such examples on Nerudova Street. For example, house No. 44 was named «By the Three Black Eagles», No. 47 — «By the Two Suns», No. 49 — «By the White Swan». An important feature of such buildings is the coat of arms above the entrance (fresco or stucco).
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
Prague’s iconic landmark is a record-breaker in many categories:
- The most frequently photographed object in the city;
- it’s wrapped up in the greatest number of legends;
- it’s the most traveled by tourists per day.
The first bridge was built in the 10th century from wood. In 1357, it was rebuilt in stone. Over time, it was widened to 9.5 meters, towers were placed at the bases, and the balustrades were decorated with sculptures.
It’s not just a bridge, but a whole street with artists, photographers and mimes. It is constantly busy with people. Only early in the morning I managed to catch the bridge almost empty, soak up the atmosphere and take photos.
Stare Mesto (Stare Mesto)
The Stare Mesto district is a concentration of historical buildings of different eras and styles. Here you can find Gothic cathedrals, old Baroque or Rococo houses. Despite the diversity, everything looks harmonious. A striking example is Old Town Square and its legendary buildings:
- Týn temple;
- Old Town Hall;
- Church of St. Nicholas;
- Former dwellings with portals and coats of arms.
In summer the square is crowded with vacationers and in winter with visitors to the Christmas fair. In Prague, this event is especially colorful.
Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
The route of the «Royal Road» is marked with silver arrows on the houses. From Old Town Square, the route follows Celetná Street and ends at the Powder Tower. In the Middle Ages it was used to store ammunition, now it is a museum and observation deck.
- Website: Museum.
- Open November-February — 10:00—18:00, March — 10:00—20:00, April-September — 10:00—22:00, October — 10:00—20:00.
- Price: adult ticket — 100 CZK, children’s ticket — 70 CZK.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské námĕstí)
The spacious Wenceslas Square is a walking area and a significant place for the citizens of Prague. In 1348 Charles IV ordered a market to be set up here, but the citizens were used to more than just trading. Sometimes they organized mass meetings and rallies that led to revolution.
The square was rebuilt several times. The modern square is a boulevard with functional buildings. I found everything I needed here — inexpensive cafes, souvenir stores, clothing stores, a bank.
Main station (Hlavní Nádraží)
For many people, getting to know Prague starts at the Main Station. This building is impressive. From the outside, it has a 19th century facade with decorations, stucco and statues, while inside it is a modern structure with a developed infrastructure.
What else is there to see in Prague?
There are many attractions on the Malostranská side. If there is only one day to explore Prague, you can stop at the most interesting and unusual places.
Valdštejnský Palace (Valdštejnská zahrada)
This palace is an attempt to surpass Prague Castle. The ambitious Field Marshal Albrecht von Wallenstein bought up a considerable area and ordered the construction of a palace and park complex with the largest halls and parks.
The result is impressive. Perfect geometry of the buildings, an Italian-style park with sculptures, aviaries with birds, a pond with carp and fountains.
- Senate website.
- Open: The Senate meets in the palace, so access is only on weekends (April-May, October — 10:00—17:00, June-September — 10:00—18:00). The park is open weekdays from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, on Sat-Fri from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Price: visits to the park and palace are free of charge.
Petřín Hill (Petřín)
Petřín Hill is an impressive area with a variety of attractions. There is a church, a monastery, an observation tower, an observatory and a mirror labyrinth, eight gardens and parks with flowering alleys. It can take all day to walk around.
Some of the attractions are free:
- St. Wawrzyniec Church;
- Calvary Chapel;
- Rose Garden (10,000 roses planted);
- The Kinskys' summer castle;
- Hunger Wall;
- Strahov Monastery.
Entrance to the observation deck of the tower is paid, but the view from the top will be remembered for a long time. Only at such a moment you realize that you are lucky to be in the great city of Prague.
The hill is high — 327 meters. You can climb to the top on foot, but it is better to save your strength for a walk. The funicular takes only 5 minutes to the observation tower. The transportation comes from the Újezd stop (Mala Strana).
The funicular operates year-round:
- April-October — 9:00—23:30 (follows every 10 minutes);
- November-March — from 9:00—23:20 (follows every 15 minutes).
A ticket for Prague’s public transportation is suitable for the climb up. You can buy a cable car ticket at the ticket office at the entrance.
