Thirty years ago, Prague was a mystery to
travelers in Europe; now, however, it is one
of the most popular destinations on the continent,
drawing about 4 million visitors each year.
Prague offers a compact city center, a fascinating
centuries-long history with splendid examples
of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance
and Art Nouveau architecture.
There are also scores of palaces, churches
and squares in Prague, delicious local Czech
beer and food for reasonable prices.
Here’s a look at the top tourist attractions
in Prague:
Number 10.
Municipal House
The Municipal House is a beautifully ornate
building right next to the Powder Tower in
the old part of town.
Bohemian Kings used to rule the countryside
from this art nouveau classic where operas
and plays are now held.
The building has a dramatic entrance with
a concave mural depicting classic works of
art.
Inside, you’ll find sculptures from some
of the most renowned artists of past centuries.
Number 9.
Powder Tower.
One of the original gates into Old Town, this
tower was first built in the 11th century.
During the 17th century, the tower was used
for storing gunpowder, which is where it gets
its name.
The royal route, the coronation route of the
Bohemian kings, started at the tower.
Inside the tower is a spiral staircase with
186 steps leading up to the gallery where
visitors can get a great view of Old Town.
Number 8.
Dancing House.
Prague is known for its centuries-long span
of architectural styles, with the end of the
20th century exemplified by the deconstructivist
building Dancing House.
This remarkable structure contains both dynamic
and static elements, and resembles a female
dancer swaying in the arms of her male partner.
Located on the bank of the Vltava River, Dancing
House is a private office building except
for a restaurant on the 7th floor, the Celeste,
which is open to the public.
Number 7.
Tyn Church.
The Church of Our Lady before Tyn graces the
Old Town Square.
Among the most well-known attractions in Prague,
the church’s Gothic towers soar 260 feet
into the sky and can be seen from all parts
of the city.
Like many other Prague churches, the site’s
original building was an 11th century Romanesque
church built for foreign merchants who came
to Tyn Courtyard for trade.
The present church was constructed in the
14th century, although the roof, towers and
gables came years later.
Number 6.
Mala Strana.
On the other end of Charles Bridge from Old
Town Square lies the Malá Strana or Lesser
Town district.
Baroque architecture is the rule in Malá
Strana, although its history dates back to
1257 when it was founded as a royal town.
The Baroque St. Nicholas Church and the extensive
Wallenstein Palace dominate the area.
Surrounding Lesser Town Square are pubs, shops,
restaurants and international embassies, housed
in grand old Baroque buildings.
Towering over Malá Strana is Prague Castle,
which can be reached by a hike up a picturesque
street.
Number 5.
Wenceslas Square.
One of Prague’s two main squares, Wenceslas
Square is a shopper’s paradise.
Set off as Prague’s horse market by Charles
IV in 1348, Wenceslas Square is more of a
boulevard than a traditional square.
Much of Czech’s 20th century history happened
in Wenceslas Square as political movements
and gatherings met at the statue of St. Wenceslas
to parade down the square.
The place is central to most of Prague, as
Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are but
a five-minute walk away, and all three metro
lines meet in the square.
The square is home to the grand National Museum
and the Prague State Opera.
Number 4.
Old Town Hall.
You can find the Old Town Hall right in the
heart of old town Prague.
You’ll know you’ve found it by the gathering
crowds at the base of its gothic tower where
every hour between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. the
12 Apostles appear on the astronomical clock.
The appearance only lasts a moment, but the
crowd will roar with applause for the amazing
mechanical show.
It’s made all the more impressive by the
fact that this building was first established
back in 1338 and served as the seat of the
old town administration.
Number 3.
Prague Castle.
Towering above the city is Prague Castle,
more of a sprawling complex than a single
defensive building.
The castle buildings span centuries and consists
of a royal palace, several churches, defensive
towers, royal stables and magnificent gardens.
Prague Castle began as a wooden fortress with
earthen bulwarks.
By the 11th century, it included a royal palace
and the 14th century saw the beginning of
St. Vitus Cathedral.
The cathedral in the castle complex is a jewel
in Prague’s crown, a superb example of Gothic
architecture.
Number 2.
Old Town Square.
Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles
Bridge, Prague’s Old Town Square is often
bursting with tourists and locals in the summer.
Czech’s long history is exemplified in the
medley of architectural styles in the superb
buildings around the square.
Soaring Gothic towers that rise from Tyn Cathedral
contrasts with the Baroque style of St. Nicholas.
Entranced visitors wander through the square,
stopping for a spot of people-watching at
one of the outdoor cafes or studying the square’s
central statue of Jan Hus, church reformer
and martyr.
Number 1.
Charles Bridge.
Connecting Old Town and Lesser Town over the
River Vltava is the 600 year-old Charles Bridge,
Prague’s most iconic landmark.
King Charles IV commissioned the bridge in
1357, replacing an older bridge which was
destroyed by a flood in 1342.
Thirty Baroque statues line the sides of the
pedestrian bridge along with vendor’s stalls,
musicians and performance artists.
A bustling, busy area, the bridge is almost
never empty of people, although seeing it
at dawn or in the evening will mean fewer
crowds.
Prague Castle, looming above, is lit at night,
and provides a dramatic vista that enchants
all visitors.
