HISTORIC SITES

Staroměstské náměstí (the Old Town Square) with the Town Hall and Orloj (the Horologe-Astronomical Clock) (1) form the heart of the hundred-spired city. Schedule your visit for the whole hour when the astronomical clock strikes and you can see the procession of the Apostles in its windows. There are a number of markets in the square, especially charming in the Easter period, and the Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in the world.

From Staroměstské náměstí go along the royal road through Karlův most (Charles Bridge) (2), which was completed in 1402. This will take you from Staré město (the Old Town) on Malá strana (the Small Side) and you will see 30 Baroque statues and sculpture on your path across the Vltava River. Be sure to touch the statue of sv. Jan Nepomucký (St. John of Nepomuk) to summon luck.

After Královská cesta (the Royal Road) continue up to Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) (3), which was founded around the year 800 by Prince Bořivoj. It is the largest castle complex in the world, and here you can enjoy the view of the whole capital city. The castle itself consists of a set of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of various styles. See the courtyard, gardens and the sv.Vít’s (St. Vitus) Cathedral.

In the perspective of Prague Castle to the blooming historical garden, you can choose which one to go to and stop in one of the most picturesque nooks near the castle on the way down – Zlatá ulicka (the Golden Alley) (4), with its small colorful houses looking like out of a fairy tale.

The younger sibling of the Eiffel Tower, Petřínská rozhledna (Petřín Lookout Tower) (5) attracts visits, one of the city landmarks with its height of over 65 meters. It is located at the top of Petřín Hill, a favorite place not only for lovers, on whose summit you can take a cable car. Smell the flowers in the pink set, walk though Křížová cesta (the Cross Way) or visit the Observatory.

Vyšehrad (6) is a magical place in Prague, where you will enjoy both greenery and sculptures in the park and a proper dose of history. This ancient fortified settlement and fortress is situated on the cliff above the right bank of the Vltava River. See the oldest Prague’s Rotunda of St. Martin, the summer theater scene and enjoy the magnificent views of the river.

FAVORITE PLACES

While wandering around, you cannot miss Kampa Park, where Lennon’s Wall (7) will catch your attention at the Maltese Garden on Malá Strana. The painted and described wall refers to John Lennon with inscriptions and paintings from the 1970s symbolizing his grave. It is also a place where people expressed opinions and protests against the Communist regime.

Kampa (8) offers much more interesting places, whether it’s Sovovy Mlýny (the Sova Mills Museum), historic gardens or the Čertovka water channel. This place is nicknamed the Venice of Prague and you can examine it at close range during a boat ride.

Malá strana conceals many treasures. One of them is Vrtbovská zahrada (Vrtba Garden) (9), a baroque terraced garden of the Italian type, which can be reached via Vrtbovský Palace from Karmelitská Street. Along with other baroque gardens – Vratislav, Schönborn and Lobkowicka – situated on the Petřín Hill slope, it is considered one of the most beautiful baroque gardens and offers a perfect haven from the bustle of the big city.

Prague also has its islands. A magnificent neo-Renaissance building - Žofín Palace, a site of cultural events - will impress you at Slovanský ostrov (Slavic Island) (10). You will reach Střelecký ostrov (Shooter’s Island) (11) through Most Legií (Legions Bridge), obtaining sports facilities, restaurants with beautiful views and a park created for walks or festivals.

Set yourself on a journey to Náplavka Riverbank (12), the popular paved quay along the Vltava River, preferably in the morning or in the evening. There are farmers markets - you can taste local delicacies, fresh roasted coffee or just watch the colorful bustle, as well as boats and swans on the Vltava River.

One of the most beautiful views of Prague Castle and the center is from Riegrovy sady (the Rieger’s Orchards) (13) in Vinohrady. The city park with grassy areas, sports facilities, restaurants and cafes is perfect for a picnic and a pleasant stroll in the shade of the trees. You will have the capital at your fingertips from Letenské Sady (14), a large park on the left bank of the Vltava River with views of many monuments and important places. Take a look at Hanavský Pavilion, a metronome, Letenský zámecek, Letenský carousel and walk down the platane alley.

Do you miss the smell of a forest? Michelský les (Kunratice Forest) (15) is suitable for relaxation due to its pleasant forest paths. You can follow the path through the Valley of Kunratický potok (Kunratice Creek), visit the zoo corner or local forest restaurant. And when you are quiet, you might be lucky enough to even see the Mouflons.

INTERESTING PLACES

The National Theater (16)building is a jewel glittering at the river. The neo-Renaissance Theater is one of the most important buildings in the entire country, its foundation stone laid on 16 May 1868, and after a fire in 1881 the whole nation collected the money to reopen the cultural sanctuary.

Tančící dům (the Dancing House) (17) (also called Ginger and Fred) can be found on the right bank of the Vltava River. It was completed in 1996 and named after the two corner towers inspired by the famous dance couple - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Do you admire the Baroque style? Kostel Nejsvětějšího Salvátora (the Church of the Holy Savior) (18) is considered one of the most valuable Baroque monuments in the capital. You will discover it on Křižovnické náměstí (the Křižovnice Square) in the Old Town from the Charles Bridge. The magnificent Chrám sv. Mikuláše (the Temple of St. Nicholas) (19) will impress you on Malostranské náměstí (Malostranske Square), that is, thanks to its demanding workmanship, considered to be the most important artistic Baroque building of Prague. The Interior represents the most opulent baroque interior – the walls are covered with artificial marble, the ceiling with frescoes by famous painters. Mozart himself played the Baroque organ here in 1787.

Obecní dům (the Municipal House) (20) will transfer you with the nobility to the golden times of the Art Nouveau. It is located in the heart of Prague at náměstí Republiky (the Square of the Republic), next to Prašná brána (the Powder Gate), and primarily serves representative purposes. You will immerse yourself in the nobility and atmosphere of distant yesteryear in the French restaurant. Late Gothic Powder Gate (21), attached to the Municipal House, is one of the symbols of Prague. Here begins the first part of the historic Královská cesta (the Royal Route) to Prague Castle.

The upper part of Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) encloses the National Museum (22) and is the monumental neo -Renaissance historical monument from 1891. Rudolfinum (23) at náměstí Jana Palacha (Jan Palach Square) in the Old Town in Prague is another beautiful neo-Renaissance building. In the Dvořák Hall there are held important concerts, e.g. within Pražské jaro (Prague Spring).

Are you interested in literature and legends? The long-term exhibition at the Franz Kafka Museum (24) offers a view of the world of the famous Prague native and one of the most important figures of world literature. Here you can enjoy the first editions of his works, diaries, photographs and audio-visual programs.