Prague, the "city of a hundred spires", is one of Europe's best-preserved historic cities, where medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture has survived almost intact. Spread across the two banks of the Vltava river, the Czech capital showcases countless styles, from Gothic Prague Castle to Art Nouveau cafés, while offering one of the world's finest beer cultures. The birthplace of Franz Kafka, Antonín Dvořák and Václav Havel is still an inspiring, vibrant place, here are the 10 best Prague sights.
1. Prague Castle (Hradčany)
One of the world's largest connected castle complexes has been the seat of Czech power since the 9th century, and enthroned on the hill above the Vltava it dominates the city's panorama. Within the castle complex stands St Vitus Cathedral, whose Gothic towers and stained-glass windows designed by Alfons Mucha are breathtaking. In the castle you can see the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), where Kafka also worked, and the Basilica of St George. It's worth arriving early in the morning, at opening time, as from 10 am the crowds grow significantly.
2. Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
Built on the orders of Charles IV in the 14th century, this stone bridge is Prague's most iconic sight, arching 516 metres over the Vltava. The two sides of the bridge are decorated with 30 Baroque statues of saints, the most famous is the statue of St John of Nepomuk, whose pedestal tourists rub shiny in hope of good luck. At sunrise the bridge is almost empty, and the light filtering through the mist with the silhouette of the castle complex offers an unparalleled photo opportunity. By day it's populated by buskers, painters and portraitists, so for the true atmosphere the early-morning or late-evening hours are ideal.
3. Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) and the Orloj
Prague's historic heart has been a marketplace since the 12th century, framed by Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings. The square's main attraction is the 15th-century astronomical clock (Orloj) on the Old Town Hall tower, every hour on the hour, the figures of the apostles come to life on the dial. Climbing the tower, a panorama opens over the hundred-spired city, and the view shows a different face of Prague in every season. On the square stand the two distinctive 80-metre towers of the Týn Church and the Jan Hus Memorial.
4. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
One of Europe's oldest Jewish quarters has existed since the 10th century, and its ensemble consists of six synagogues, the old Jewish cemetery and the Jewish Museum. The Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga) was built in 1270 and still functions as an active place of prayer, Europe's oldest synagogue in use. In the old Jewish cemetery, 12,000 gravestones are crowded on top of one another, because for centuries the area could not be expanded. On the walls of the Pinkas Synagogue the names of 77,297 Czech Holocaust victims can be read, a deeply moving memorial.
5. Petřín Hill
Rising at the western edge of the city centre, this 327-metre hill is Prague's green lung, reached conveniently by the funicular (lanová dráha). At the summit stands the Petřín Lookout Tower, a scaled-down copy of the Eiffel Tower, built in 1891, the 63.5-metre tower offers a 360-degree panorama of Prague and, on a clear day, all the way to the Sudetes. On the hill, a rose garden, a mirror maze and quiet paths await those wishing to rest. In spring the path is especially romantic among the blossoming fruit trees, while in autumn the golden canopy creates a picturesque mood.
6. Lennon Wall (Lennonova zeď)
A few minutes from Charles Bridge, in the Malá Strana district, this colourful wall has been a symbol of freedom and peace since the 1980s. During the Communist regime, young people secretly painted John Lennon quotes and Beatles lyrics on the wall, the authorities painted over it in vain, the graffiti always returned. Today the wall changes constantly: anyone can draw or paint on it, so it shows a different picture at every visit. The surrounding Kampa Park and the Čertovka canal provide a romantic backdrop for photos.
7. Vyšehrad fortress
Standing atop the rocky hill above the Vltava, this 10th-century fortress is one of Prague's less touristy but all the more atmospheric sights. From the legendary fortress an unparalleled panorama opens over the river and the city's silhouette, Prague Castle is almost within touching distance here. In the Vyšehrad Cemetery rest the Czech Republic's greatest artists: Dvořák, Smetana, Mucha and Kafka all found their final resting place here. The park's quiet paths and the neo-Gothic Basilica of St Peter and St Paul offer a pleasant contrast to the bustle of the city centre.
8. Kampa Island
Lying between the Vltava and the Čertovka canal (also known as "Devil's Stream"), this artificial island is one of Prague's most romantic spots. The Kampa Museum's collection of modern Central European art, including David Černý's huge yellow penguin sculptures, is located at the southern end of the island. In the northern part, the old mill wheel and the cobbled little squares evoke a medieval atmosphere. From the island, Charles Bridge can be admired from below too, this perspective is less well known but extremely photogenic.
9. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
The central stage of Prague's modern history is in fact not a square but a 750-metre-long, wide boulevard, closed off by the neo-Renaissance building of the National Museum. On this square the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in 1918, and the events of the 1968 Prague Spring and the 1989 Velvet Revolution took place here. Today, along its elegant hotels, shops and restaurants, it functions as the city's pulsating commercial centre. The National Museum's interior, renovated in 2018, is worth a visit on its own, the grand staircase and the Pantheon Hall are stunning.
10. Czech beer culture
The Czech Republic is the world's biggest per-capita beer consumer, and Czech beer culture can be experienced most authentically in Prague. Besides Pilsner Urquell and Budějovický Budvar, countless microbreweries offer fresh brews, the Strahov Monastic Brewery next to the castle is a place with a special atmosphere. The U Fleků beer hall has operated since 1499, making it Prague's oldest brewery, where alongside its own dark beer Czech cuisine is served too. It's worth getting to know the "hospoda" (pub) culture too: at local haunts a half-litre of draught beer costs 40–60 CZK (about €1.5–2.5), and svíčková (roast beef with a creamy sauce) is the perfect beer companion.
Practical tips
- Weather: Prague's summers are warm (25–30 °C) and winters cold (–5 to 5 °C). The transitional months, April–May and September–October, are ideal for sightseeing, with moderate crowds and pleasant temperatures.
- Transport: The city centre is easily walkable, but the tram (especially line 22) is a great way to explore the city, as it runs past the main sights. Night trams and buses operate until dawn.
- Money-saving option: The Czech koruna (CZK) is the country's official currency, in the centre many places accept euros too, but the exchange rate is usually unfavourable, so it's worth paying in koruna. Restaurant prices outside the centre can be half as much.
- eSIM tip: The Czech Republic is an EU member, so with an EU subscription roaming is free under EU rules. For heavier data use, a local eSIM plan is also available at a discounted price.
- Tourist traps: In the centre, avoid the currency-exchange kiosks, bank ATMs offer a much better rate. In restaurants, always ask for a menu with prices and check your bill, as touristy spots sometimes add a "couvert" (cover charge).