Top 8 Unforgettable Prague Attractions: Must-See Landmarks & Hidden Gems
Last updated March 17, 2024
A picturesque scene in Prague - A City of Romance
Prague is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Thanks to its famous Charles bridge and the beautiful scenery. The city has a romantic aura that can easily make you feel like you are in special kind of magic.
Each year, Prague attracts millions of tourists to come admire its beautiful architectures which has a stunning blend of different styles, from Gothic spires and Renaissance palaces to Baroque masterpieces and Art Nouveau gems. The Vltava River plays a mesmerizing element, reflecting the city's beauty and creating picturesque scenes that you often see in pictures. So, there is no wonder why many people fall in love with Czech Republic’s capital city including myself. Another great reason why Prague is great is its affordability compared to other European cities. Not only that, Prague is a great city that can be explored by foot.
My friend and I had a splendid time in Prague from exploring to eating. In this blog, we will delve into great attractions which I think you must not miss out. I also have another blog highlighting on what to eat in Prague from day to night and you can also read and incorporate to your lists of things to do in Prague. So without waiting any longer, let’s go explore this magical city together!
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Charles Bridge
Prague Castle
Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
Kampa Island in Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Lennon Wall
Library of Strahov Monastery
Mucha Museum
The Palace Lucerna
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Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Must-See Landmarks & Hidden Gems
1. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a must-see for anyone who dreams of visiting Prague. This medieval bridge, lined with statues of saints, offers stunning views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
The story of Charles Bridge stretches back to 1342. A flood ravaged the city, destroying the existing Judith Bridge. Recognizing the need for a sturdier connection across the Vltava River, King Charles IV ordered the construction of a new bridge in 1357. Designed by the architect Petr Parler, the bridge took nearly 45 years to complete, finally opening its passage in 1402.
Charles Bridge has an amazing design. This Gothic masterpiece is built from sandstone blocks and features 16 majestic arches that span the Vltava River. Throughout its existence, the Charles Bridge has witnessed countless historical events. It played a crucial role as a trade route for centuries and served as a point of entry for kings, armies, and pilgrims.When you cross the bridge, you'll notice many baroque statues depicting various saints. The most famous one is the statue of St. John of Nepomuk.
Tip: For the best view of Charles Bridge, make sure to go up to the Old Town Bridge Tower.
Although it's not technically part of the bridge itself, the Old Town Bridge Tower is a separate structure. However, the architectural styles of the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Charles Bridge complement each other beautifully. So don’t miss it!
2. Prague Castle
Prague Castle holds the title of the largest ancient castle complex in the world. It has been the seat of power for Bohemian rulers, Holy Roman Emperors, and currently the Czech Republic's President. Visiting here is truly like stepping back in time.
The story of Prague Castle began way back in the 9th century. Founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid dynasty, the first Christian prince of Bohemia, it has witnessed centuries of transformation. During the rise of a royal castle (12th-14th centuries), Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century played a pivotal role in shaping its future. He laid the foundation stone for the grand St. Vitus Cathedral, envisioned as a lasting symbol of the empire.
The Old Royal Palace underwent significant expansion and renovations during the 15th-17th centuries. This is also the same time when the iconic Vladislav Hall was built. Fast forward to today, following the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918, Prague Castle became the seat of the president. And the site remains a seat of power and a major tourist attraction, showcasing Prague's rich history.
Prague Castle is also a stunning display of various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. Each building within the complex offers its own unique charm and historical significance. I also suggest strolling down the Golden Lane to experience a quaint street with colorful houses that once housed castle artisans.
A-Must: Don't miss the panoramic views! From the castle grounds, you can admire the Vltava River winding through the city and the picturesque rooftops of Prague, making this one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Take in breathtaking views of the city from the castle grounds.
The Castle from the above. Source (https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors/castle-map)
Go to download the Castle Plan (PDF) for details.
Located within the Prague Castle complex, there is St. Vitus Cathedral which is the largest and the most important church in Czech Republic. Apart from religious services, coronations of Czech kings and queens also took place here. The cathedral is a place of burial of several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops.
The construction of St. Vitus Cathedral began in 1344 and due to various architectural styles incorporated over time, it took nearly 600 years to complete in 1929. It serves as a Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague.
Its beautiful architecture is a great example of Gothic architecture, with towering spires, stained glass windows, and intricate carvings. The cathedral also features elements of Renaissance and Baroque styles due to its long construction period. Another stunning detail is the stained glass windows and frescoes throughout the cathedral.
3. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) is a central landmark in Prague. Its history stretches back to the 10th century, when it served as a crossroads for European trade routes. As Prague flourished in the 12th century, the square became the heart of the city's commercial activity. Over the centuries, magnificent buildings reflecting different architectural styles adorned the square. These include the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn and the iconic Astronomical Clock.
The Astronomical Clock itself has a fascinating history dating back to 1410. The clockmakers responsible were Mikuláš of Kadaň, a skilled watchmaker, and Jan Šindel, a professor of mathematics and astronomy at Charles University. This makes it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation.
Today, the clock operates continuously throughout the day, displaying the time, astronomical information, and performing its famous hourly show with the Twelve Apostles and other figures. Every hour on the hour, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, the Twelve Apostles parade past the windows accompanied by Death, Greed, Lust, and Vanity.
Throughout the year, the Old Town Square comes alive with various festivals and events. Some of the most notable include the Christmas Markets and Easter Markets. But with or without an event, this is one of the best places to be in Prague!
How to get here
4. Kampa Island in Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
Lesser Town (Malá Strana), a charming neighborhood located below Prague Castle, is known for its Baroque architecture and colorful houses. This area consists of important landmarks such as Kampa Island, Malostranske Square, and the Church of St. Nicholas.
My personal favorite spot is Kampa Island, a small island situated in the city center on the Vltava River. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Here are some ideas for activities:
Stroll through Kampa Park: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park, and admire the lush greenery and sculptures.
People-watch by the Vltava River: Find a bench by the river and relax while watching boats go by and people fishing.
Explore Kampa Island Square: Take in the charming square with its colorful buildings and cafes, and snap some photos.
Visit the Museum Kampa: Immerse yourself in modern European art with a collection featuring works by František Kupka and Otto Gutfreund.
See the David Černý statues: Look for the controversial and thought-provoking sculptures by David Černý, including the Giant Crawling Babies.
Having a picnic in the park is also fun. Or, if you visit during the summer, consider renting a paddle boat or kayak to explore the Vltava River from a different perspective.I feel this area is often overlooked by tourists. Don't miss out on some relaxing fun here!
How to get here
Čertovka or known as Little Prague Venice is a picturesque canal situated in Malá Strana.
5. Lennon Wall
Lennon Wall is also located in the Lesser Town (Malá Strana), not far from Kampa Island.
What makes this Lennon Wall truly interesting are the messages behind it. These messages have evolved over time, from a tribute to John Lennon to a symbol of freedom of speech. The wall's art is constantly changing, reflecting the current social and political climate.
What resonates with many people is the message of peace and love. Lyrics from Lennon's songs and general messages of peace and love became prominent themes, alongside the act of creating art on the wall itself. This artistic expression served as a way to express ideas and frustrations that were not allowed in mainstream media during the communist government.
Today, this colorful wall is covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti and is a popular destination for visitors to take pictures and to learn about history.
How to get here
6. Library of Strahov Monastery
The Strahov Library is part of the Strahov Monastery, a Premonstratensian monastery. This library is one of the most valuable and well-preserved historical libraries in the world, with a collection of approximately 200,000 volumes. The library's collection includes over 3,000 manuscripts and 1,500 first prints stored in a special depository. The Strahov Evangeliary, dating back to the 9th-10th century, is one of the library's most prized possessions.
The library consists of two halls: the Baroque Theological Hall, built between 1671 and 1674, and the main Classicist vaults of the Philosophical Hall, dating from 1794. Both halls are adorned with beautiful ceiling frescoes by artists Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch.
Unfortunately, visitors cannot enter the halls themselves due to the need to maintain a specific microclimate to protect the books. However, you can still peek through the doors and admire the halls' interiors and stunning frescoes.
Tip: After your visit here, I recommend taking the exit from the back and walking down the hill to the main street. While you stroll, you can catch a nice view of Prague. I find this route to be very relaxing, and I think you'll love it too!
7. Mucha Museum
If you are not familiar with Art Nouveau, visiting Mucha Museum will surely educate you on this art style. In my humble opinion, this style of art is the beginning of the famous trend, aesthetic that we see on social media. Art Nuouveau is a captivating artistic movement characterized by organic forms, flowing lines, and vibrant colors.
The Mucha collection serves as a prime example of the movement's aesthetic and its impact on art and design. And this museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the world-acclaimed Czech Art Nouveau icon, Alphonse Mucha (1860 - 1939). At this museum, you will find a comprehensive collection of his posters, paintings, decorative arts, photographs, and personal belongings, offering a deep dive into his life.
Don’t forget to check out his masterpieces, like the iconic Gismonda and Sarah Bernhardt posters, showcasing the essence of his style and influence on Art Nouveau. His works became famous because his art appear on many commercial posters which had a wide audience. This museum can be easily explored because it is located within the city’s main tourist area and it is relatively small, so it will be a relaxed experience.
8. The Palace Lucerna
The Palace Lucerna showcases Prague's quirky and fun side. Checking out the Upside-Down Horse and immersing yourself in the Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture can be a fun afternoon activity.
The Palace Lucerna was built between 1907 and 1920 by Václav Havel, an engineer and entrepreneur. This well-known entertainment and shopping complex became one of the most interesting examples of modern architecture, blending Art Nouveau and functionalist styles.
Wondering about the Upside-Down Horse? This satirical sculpture by David Černý features a dead horse hanging from the Lucerna Palace passage ceiling, near the famous Statue of St. Wenceslas by Myslbek. It depicts St. Wenceslas sitting on the horse's belly, but in a dead and irreverent way. The sculpture, with its tongue sticking out, is a popular attraction for tourists. Beyond the Upside-Down Horse, the Palace Lucerna offers a variety of attractions, including the Lucerna Cinema, cafes, and shops.
In addition to the attractions listed above, there are other places that you can consider include in your itinerary such as The National Theatre, Charles Bridge Museum, Old Jewish Cemetery, Dancing House and more!
For more suggestions, you can visit Prague City Tourism.
Where to stay?
The Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague is housed in a beautifully restored 1889 townhouse. Perfect for travelers seeking the best of both worlds, the hotel offers the history and charm of Prague's Old Town alongside the modern amenities and luxury of a high-end hotel.
The hotel's rooms and suites have a contemporary style. Additionally, the hotel offers a fitness center, a sauna, and an acclaimed restaurant. Just a short walk from some of Prague's most popular attractions, including the Old Town Square and the Palladium shopping mall, the Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague is super convenient!
For our stay, we opted for a Deluxe Room, which proved to be comfortable throughout our visit. My friend and I were very happy with the hotel, its location, and the service. If you're unsure where to stay in Prague, we highly recommend the Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague!
Beyond the picturesque scenery and architecture, what makes Prague truly special goes beyond these visual delights. The friendly locals, vibrant culture, and delicious food create a complete sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression. It was definitely one of my most memorable trips.
Prague may exude a romantic aura, perfect for couples. However, it's a fantastic destination for friends and families as well. The city offers lots of activities and exciting things to do, ensuring everyone has a chance to create lasting memories. My friend and I truly enjoyed our time there, and I am sure that you will also have an unforgettable experiences.
I hope this blog has been helpful and informative for you. I can't wait to travel there again and share more great travel tips with you in the future!
