Praha, most commonly known as Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic shortly called Czechia. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and also the 4th most visited city in Europe after London, Paris, and Rome with over 8 million visitors every year.
The best part of this beautiful city is, it is the most affordable city in the whole of Europe for young fellow travelers, also a great option to relocate. Despite the Czech Republic being a European Country, It uses its own currency “Czech koruna (CZK)”, in English Czech Crown.
Whimsical architecture, Dreamy Castles, Delicious Cuisine, the Best beer, Crazy Nightlife and many can belong only to Prague which makes your travels the most memorable.
Info :
How many days do you need to explore Prague : a stay of 3 days, 2 nights is recommended.
Language spoken in Prague : Czech
Do locals speak English: Very Few, But many native citizens speak manageable English in the tourist Industry.
Currency used : Czech Crown (Kč)
Prague has numbered zones/districts, 22 in total. Prague-1 occupies the old town. Most of the iconic attractions are within or around Prague-1.
These are the top-rated and the best things to do & places to explore in Prague.
Note: The list below is the best way to start exploring the city. I strongly recommend keeping your starting point as “The Powder Tower” and then move ahead to other attractions in the below order .
1. The Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
The Powder Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Prague. It is a dark Gothic styled tower and was one of the 13 gates for the old town of Prague. It was used to store gun powder during the 17th century. Henceforth, known as “The Powder Tower”.
The tower was heavily occupied in the Battle of Prague during the Prussian occupation in 1757 then was renovated.
2. Church of Our Lady before Týn
The Church of Our Lady before Týn was built in the 14th century. It has been a national symbol and the main church of old town since the Hussites.
It is a three-aisled Gothic church and the interior’s furniture is mostly Baroque. The two towers each of 80 m tall, make the church look so fairy.
3. St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church has been described as the most impressive example of Prague Baroque architecture. The construction of the present church in 1704 took over the old Gothic Parish Church, which was also dedicated to Saint Nicholas that dated back from the 13th century till the mid-17th century.
The church is not only stunning for its architecture, but also the decorations on the inside levitra générique prix. The frescoes on the wall Jan Lukas Kracker, especially the one on the 70-meter dome by František Xaver Palko are eye-feasting to the viewers.
4. Old Town Square
The old town of Prague was the location of the medieval settlement. It was separated by a semi-circled wall and moat connected to the river Vltava.
Old Town square is the most visited landmark and the main square in Prague. The square connects most of the touristic attractions in Prague within a walk-able distance.
5. Prague Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock of Prague, commonly known as “The Orloj” is a magnificent combination of Art and Technique. It was first installed in 1410, making it the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world.
The most active dials on the clock shows the position of The Sun and The moon along with zodiacal constellations and other astronomical information.
6. Clementinum (Klementinum in Czech)
The Clementinum is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. It is one of the largest building complexes in Europe. The Clementinum Library is the most beautiful and majestic library in the world. The marvelous Baroque architecture inside the library leaves you in bliss.
Price: The admission to the Clementinum is about 250 CZK (appx. 9 euros) and 150 CZK for students and kids. The tour lets wander through the Baroque library hall, beautifully painted Frescoes, a unique Meridian Hall, 68 meters tall Astronomical tower to observe the beauty of Prague in 360 degrees.
7. Old Town Bridge Tower
The old town bridge tower is a beautiful Gothic architectured building and was one of the gateways for the old town, located by the edge of Charles-Bridge. Its construction began in 1357 during the rule of Emperor Charles IV who was the first King of Bohemia to become Holy Roman Emperor.
For a price of 100CZK (appx. 3.50 euros), You can climb up the tower taking 138 stairs to reach the top, which gives a breath-taking panoramic view of the old town, Vltava River and the rest of Prague.
8. Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is the most historic and important bridge in Prague. It was the only means of connection between Prague Castle and the Old Town. Its construction started in the year 1357 and went on for 45 years replacing the old Judith Bridge.
The bridge lies between the banks of Vltava River. This connection made Prague the most important trade route between Western Europe and Eastern Europe.
9. Lennon Wall
Lennon wall was decorated by love poems and short messages against the regime since 1960s. At the time of John Lennon’s (Singer-songwriter, Peace Activist) assassination an unknown artist painted a single image of Lennon and some lyrics. Then it rose to be a symbol of freedom, western culture, and political struggle. Henceforth, the wall is known as “Lennon Wall“
10. Church of Our Lady Victorious and The Infant Jesus of Prague
Church of Our Lady Victorious is often known as Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague and is famous for the statue of the child Jesus called “The Infant Jesus”. The church was built by German Lutherans between 1611–1613 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It was the first building of Baroque architecture in Prague.
The statue was originally from Spain and donated to the Carmelites by Polyxena of Lobkowicz in 1628. The Infant Jesus has two crowns and about forty-six robes. His vestments are traditionally changed about ten times a year according to the liturgical season.
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI donated a gold crown, decorated with eight shells, pearls, and garnet gemstones to the Infant Jesus, which the statue puts on now.
11. Prague Castle
Prague castle is a beautiful complex of buildings. it attracts over 1.8 million visitors every year, making it one of the most visited landmarks of the Czech Republic. The castle served a seat of power for kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. And is now the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
The Prague castle is the largest ancient castle in the world occupying an area of 70,000 sq. meters (750,000 sq. feet). It also holds a record in the Guinness Book for being the largest.
Price: The best parts of the castle are open to the public. But to access other main parts of castles, you need to buy a ticket. You can find more details at the official website.
12. St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and also the largest and the most important in Czech Republic. The cathedral is a notable example of Gothic architecture. The current cathedral is the third to stand at the same location, and all of them dedicated to Saint Vitus.
The construction of current cathedral began in 1344. It is a part of Prague Castle owned by the Czech government.
13. Petrin Tower
Petrin Tower on the hill named Petrin is often treated as the small version of Eiffel Tower in Paris. With 63.5 meters height, Petrin Tower is a major touristic attraction in Prague.
The construction of Petrin Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. When the members of Czech Tourist Club visited the Eiffel Tower during the World Fair happened in 1889, collected the money and finished constructing the Petrin Tower in within 4 months.
There are two observation decks at different levels. However, you need to take the staircase to climb up. It offers the best panoramic views of Prague with red-roofed buildings and Vtlava river.
Price: You can climb up the Petrin hill by walk, which can be arduous or take the Funicular transport. The entry to go up the tower costs 150 CZK (appx. 5.50 euros).
14. Strahovský klášter(Strahov Monastery)
Strahov Monastery was founded in 1143 by Jindřich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia. It is one of the oldest Premonstratensian monasteries still in existence in the world.
The elegant spires of the basilica, the wonderful period library, the priceless pictures in the gallery and a film set for Hollywood blockbuster movies are the highlights of the monastery. A visit to Strahov Monastery is a must as long as you’re not rushing your travels in Prague.
15. Dancing House
Dancing House is a nickname given to the Nationale-Nederlanden (an insurance and asset management company) building in Prague for its resemblance with a Pair of Dancers . It was designed in 1992 and took 4 years to build, so finished in 1996.
The buildings unconventional design was controversial at the time because the house stands out among the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous. But the former Czech president, Václav Havel had enthusiastically supported this project, hoping that the building would become a center of cultural activity.
16. Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad, meaning “upper castle” in Czech, is a historic fort in Prague. Local legend says Vyšehrad was the location of the first settlement which later became Prague. Its time of construction is uncertain and considered to be built in the 10th century.
Within the fort, there is a Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and a Cemetery containing the remains of many famous people from Czech history such as Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Karel Čapek, and Alphonse Mucha.
It is located in Prague-2 at a distance of 3 km from the old town. The entry into the fort is free.
As beautiful as it is, Prague is a wonderful place to visit all around the year. Especially during the time of Christmas, Prague filled with lights, markets, and crowds, it gives you an immense pleasure of being in the city.
If you have been to Prague already, what is your most favorite part of Prague ? I’d love to know your travel stories of Prague and Czechia.
