It has been a few years since Adam and I visited Prague, but we talk about that trip all the time. We reminisce about walking around early in the morning before the tourists swarmed the city’s main attractions, feeling a little better about succumbing to jetlag and falling asleep early the night before. We talk about the food, the beer, and the beautiful weather. Mostly, though, we talk about the sightseeing.
It says something when a city stays with you long after you leave, and that’s true about Prague. I just have to close my eyes to see the colors of the Astronomical Clock and hear the laughter of fellow travelers enjoying a day in the city. Vacations should be memorable and full of experiences you enjoy reliving, and that’s why we’re excited to share the highlights from the days we spent in Prague. Whether you have just two days like us or a whole week to explore the city, there is a lot to love about the Czech Republic’s capital city. Here are 12 of the highlights we loved the most during our vacation in Prague.
Charles Bridge
Perhaps the most notable statue is the tribute to St. John of Nepomuk, who was martyred when he refused to betray the Queen of Bohemia’s confession to King Wenceslas. At the base of the statue are two plaques: one featuring the Queen with a dog, and a second that depicts St. John before he was thrown off the Charles Bridge. Legend has it that visitors who rub their hand on the St. John plaque will have a wish granted and will return to Prague. Although many people also rub the Queen’s image (including me!), the legend is hazy on what will happen: some say you will get good luck, some say bad luck, and some say nothing will happen at all. Years later I can say life has been very good to me, so I’m a believer that only good luck will come to those who visit the Charles Bridge.
Klementinum
If you’re looking for a great panorama shot of Prague’s skyline, don’t miss the Klementinum’s Astronomical Tower. The view from the top of the Klementinum can be seen in the photo at the top of this page. The Klementinum’s Astronomical Tower was used as an observatory until about 100 years ago, and we thought it provided the best views of the city.
Public Sculptures in Prague
As you walk through Prague, there’s a good chance a surprising—maybe even offensive—statue will catch your eye. David Cerny’s public sculptures dot the cityscape, and many of them walk the line between amusing and distasteful. Cerny is controversial, but he is also the Czech Republic’s most famous sculptor. One of his more famous works is “Tower Babies,” where huge, alien-like infants are poised in crawling positions. “UnUtero,” a soaring metallic pregnant woman, caught our eye. Jaroslav Róna’s Kafka statue is worth seeking out as well. It shows Kafka riding on the shoulders of a headless man, a scene out of his short story “Description of a Struggle.” Art is everywhere in Prague, and we loved how it surprised and challenged us.
Prague Castle Complex
The Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it boasts more than 1,000 years of history while simultaneously holding the distinction of being the largest ancient castle in the world. It’s very first building was erected in 870! The castle is fascinating because, largely due to its age, it represents almost every major architectural style. During the centuries the castle sustained damages from wars and fires, and it was rebuilt and extended until it reached the size and scale it represents today. Comprised of churches, palaces, and towers, it’s a remarkable sight to see and a great stop to make on your tour of Prague.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Extending into the skyline, St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Prague. It is a Roman Catholic church that still holds regular services, and you will find it within the Prague Castle complex. The cathedral’s construction began even before the Charles Bridge (in fact, progress was delayed when work on the Charles Bridge began). St. Wenceslas Chapel is widely regarded as the cathedral’s main highlight. Although the public cannot directly enter the room, it is possible to look in and see the massive murals and Gothic statue of St. Wenceslas above the alter. From the outside, St. Vitus Cathedral is a defining structure and often confused for the castle itself. Whether you walk through the interior or simply admire it from afar, it’s an impressive piece of history and architecture.
Golden Lane
Wenceslas Square
If you are hoping to combine history with shopping, Wenceslas Square in the new town (Nové Město) is a good place to include on your Prague itinerary. The most important point of interest is the statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback, flanked by Bohemia’s patron saints Prokop, Adalbert, Agnes and Ludmila. You’ll also find the National Museum and a memorial to Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc, who are remembered for immolating themselves in protest of the Czech Republic’s response to its communist takeover. Today communism is certainly a thing of the past; Wenceslas Square is one of the main shopping districts in Prague, and it is a popular tourist spot for that reason.
Astronomical Clock
The clock also features an astronomical dial and a calendar dial. Legend states that the city will suffer if the clock ever falls into disrepair, so it comes as no surprise that the clock is meticulously maintained and remains a highlight for any visit to Prague. Because the “Walk of the Apostles” begins at the top of each hour from 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a front row spot for the show.
Old Town Square
One of the most beautiful town squares in the world greets tourists in Prague, where the old town (Staré Město) is still the center of the action. The square first came into existence in the 12th century as a market, and that is what you will find almost 1,000 years later. In addition to historic structures and winding roads, dozens of vendors and restaurants serve meals and local beer. Grabbing a seat outside provides the perfect spot for people watching and simply soaking in the atmosphere, which felt joyful and carefree every time we walked through. The Old Town Hall, Týn Church (with its unmistakable spires), and the Powder Gate are just a few of the attractions you won’t want to miss when visiting the Old Town Square.
Dancing House
The Dancing House is certainly worthwhile to stop by for a few photos and to admire the nontraditional design made even more surprising against a backdrop of some of the oldest buildings in the world.
Where we stayed in Prague
► Exe City Park Hotel
We stayed at the Exe City Park Hotel during our two days in Prague and we were very happy with the experience. The location was perfect for us; it was close to the train station yet still an easy walk to Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and plenty of restaurants.
More Information: Booking.com/Exe-City-Park-Hotel
If you are looking for more hotel options for your trip to Prague, you may want to consider some of these deals:
Prague Day Trip Ideas
► Karlstejn Castle
► Kutna Hora
If visiting suburban Prague is of interest to you, another great town is Kutna Hora. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of restaurants, churches, and historic buildings to enjoy, but the main attraction is the Sedlec Ossuary, or the Bone Church. If you are planning to visit Kutna Hora, our overview of the Bone Church will give you some great history and thoughts about what your experience might be like!
More Information: Sedlec Ossuary: Visiting the Bone Church of Kutna Hora
Enjoy Prague!
We already know we want to return to Prague one day. There is so much left to explore, and we look forward to seeing our favorite spots one more time. Even though there are plenty of new places to explore, there is a certain charm to revisiting a favorite place, and Prague is certainly on our list of favorite cities around the world.
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