Prague, the heart of Europe, can be a tourist paradise. Youâll find many interesting places to visit, some of them often overlooked. Let us guide you on your way to making the most of your Prague stay with these special places that you should consider visiting.
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VyĹĄehrad, Prague
VyĹĄehrad (âupper castleâ in Czech) is one of the most known medieval walled enclosures in Bohemia. Itâs located south of the new quarter (Czech NovĂŠ Mesto) of Prague on a hill with a steep slope on the right bank of the Vltava River at the mouth of the Botic River.
This was the second castle founded by the Premyslids during the 10th century and was restored and enlarged during the following centuries. Located on the premises is the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, as well as the cemetery, where many important politicians and artistic figures are buried.
Over time, Vysehrad has become a symbol of the Czech state and the site is a real hidden gem that remains on the fringes of the most popular tourist attractions.
Prague ZOO, Czech Republic
Opened in the Troja district of northern Prague in 1931 with the aim of advancing the study of zoology, wildlife education and its protection, the zoo occupies 45 hectares and is the home to some 4,400 animals representing 670 species from around the world. In 2007 Forbes Traveler magazine ranked the Prague Zoo among the top zoos in the world. A fun day-activity for families, children can also enjoy the Childrenâs Zoo, where they can pet and feed the domestic animals.
Prague Castle PraĹžskĂ˝ Hrad
A sight to behold, Prague Castle is one of the most magnificent fortresses in Europe.
Built in the ninth century, it now houses the Bohemian Crownâs Jewels and has been the residence of major political figures such as the kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, presidents of Czechoslovakia, Reinhard Heydrich who was the protector of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia during the German occupation of World War II, as well as presidents of Czech Republic.
With a total length of 570 meters and 130 meters wide, it is known for being the biggest ancient castle in the world.
Its interior houses the Prague Cathedral, St. Georgeâs Convent featuring Bohemian art, St. Georgeâs Basilica, the Royal Palace, among many other things.
Prague Astronomical Clock, Czech Republic
Located on the south wall of the Town Hall in the Old Town of Prague, the Astronomical Clock is a very popular tourist attraction where you can find people waiting on the hourly mark to watch it in action. It was built by watchmaker Nicholas of Kadan and mathematics and astronomy professor at Charles University in Prague, Jan Ĺ indel. It features very intricate designs and mechanisms and is one of the oldest clocks of its kind that are still in operation.
Watching it in action is very interesting, with an orchestration of levers and movements on the face of the clock, stopping by to get a glimpse of it will be a worthwhile memory.
Petrin Tower, Prague
An observation tower made of a 60-meter-high metal lattice structure located on PetĹĂn Hill in Prague, this current popular attraction was built in 1891 to serve as an observation and radio transmission tower for the Prague National Jubilee Exhibition. Today the tower is a well-visited spot since if the day is clear, it offers an excellent panoramic view of Prague and allows one to see the ĹĂp mountain, the Czech Central Massif and the Giant Mountains.
On the upper level, there is a gift store, a mirror maze and a small cafĂŠ, while on the lower level there is a museum dedicated to JĂĄra Cimrman.
Old Town Square, Prague
This emblematic square can be found between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square and is usually crowded with tourists. Offering various architectural styles such as Gothic in the Church of Our Lady in front of the TĂ˝n and Baroque in the Church of St. Nicholas, the square is an oasis for travelers tired of Pragueâs narrow streets. You can visit the Astronomical Clock here, or check out the panoramic view from Old Town Hall.
In the middle of the square stands a statue of the religious reformer Jan Hus, who was sent to the stake for his ideas and beliefs. This statue is known as the âJan Hus Memorialâ and was erected on July 6th of 1915, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of his death.
Apart from being a popular meeting point, some major celebrations and events take place in it such as New Year, and Christmas and Easterâs famous holiday markets.
Lesser Town, Prague
MalĂĄ Strana (whose literal meaning is âSmall Sideâ, although it is often translated as âSmall
Townâ, âSmall Neighborhoodâ, or âSmall Cityâ) is the original and now also the official name of the area formerly called MenĹĄĂ mÄsto praĹžskĂŠ (âThe Small District of Pragueâ), one of the oldest and most historically represented districts in Prague.
Among other important attractions, the PetĹĂn observation tower is located in MalĂĄ Strana and the famous image of the Infant Jesus of Prague, located inside the Church of Our Lady Victorious.
Kampa Island, Prague
Kampa Island, a small island of the Vltava River located on the edge of Mala Strana is another great sightseeing spot worth your time. Charles Bridge stands at its northern end and is connected to the island by Na KampÄ Street. It is separated from MalĂĄ Strana by a narrow artificial canal to the west called Äertovka (meaning âDevilâs Streamâ) created for watermills that no longer exist.
A very tranquil and relaxed piece of Prague, itâs the perfect place for a stroll and some picture-taking. Itâs considered to be one of the most beautiful city islands in the world and well worth a visit as itâs maybe often overlooked by most tourists.
Dancing House, Prague
The Dancing House is a deconstructivist building by Nationale-Nederlanden. Designed by the architect Vlado MiluniÄ born in Prague and of Croatian descent along with Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The building was first designed in 1992 and its construction -located on the riverfront of the Vltava river- concluded in 1996.
The unique design of the Dancing House was a cause for controversy at the time because it was considered by many to not be a good fit for the Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings of the area. VĂĄclav Havel, the Czech president at the time, lived next to the building for many years and was a fervent supporter of the project in the hope that the building would become a cultural center.
Charles Bridge, Prague
Charles Bridge is the oldest in the second oldest in the Czech capital and spans the Vltava River from Old Town to Lesser Town. With the support of King Charles IV, its construction started in 1357 and continued until 1402. Once finished it became the only way to cross the river at that time and the most important means of communication between Prague Castle and its surrounding areas until 1841.
The tower found at the head of the Old Town is considered to be one of the most stunning constructions of Gothic architecture worldwide. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues located on both sides of the bridge, most of which are baroque style and were sculpted around 1700. You will find it to be a very visited area, and can spot many local and traveling artists selling their art on the bridge itself during the day.
There are hundreds of incredible things to see and do in Prague, these are just some of our favorite, un-missable spots.
Bonus: Boat Tours in Prague is A Unique and Memorable Way to Explore the City
Boat tours in Prague are one of the best things to do in the city, offering a unique and memorable way to explore its historic sites and stunning architecture. From the deck of a boat, visitors can marvel at the iconic Charles Bridge, the majestic Prague Castle, and the colorful buildings lining the Vltava River. The tours are typically accompanied by knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary on the city’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Prague or a seasoned traveler, a boat tour is an excellent way to take in the city’s beauty and charm from a new perspective. With so much to see and experience, it’s no wonder that boat tours have become a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Czech capital.
