Prague is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. Spending a few days there is of course more than enough time to discover the must-see sights, even if the city has much more to offer!
Today, we’ll simply focus on those places you absolutely must not miss on your trip. A dozen monuments to visit that are sure to fill your program.
What are Prague's must-sees?
In Prague, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at a culture that’s very different from Western culture, but above all, to enjoy a dozen monuments scattered throughout the city.
Which ones? Without further ado, let’s discover the 10 must-do activities in the Czech capital.
Discover our complete guide to Prague and make the most of your stay in the Czech Republic.
1. Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
This is Prague’s must-see monument. If there’s one place to go, it’s the Charles Bridge, named after King Charles IV, who ruled the Czech Republic from 1346 to 1378.
Linking the Lesser Town district (Malá Strana) to the Old Town (Staré Město), this 516-meter-long bridge is often packed with curious tourists. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we recommend you visit either very early in the morning or very late at night.
2. The Lennon Wall
A symbol of peace and an informal memorial to the former lead singer of the Beatles, the Lennon Wall has been collecting tributes and messages of peace and love in the form of graffiti from all over the world since the late 80s!
In 1988, the Lennon Wall became a source of conflict between Czech youth and the communist regime of Gustáv Husák, who didn’t want to see such messages flourish.
As a result, the wall was constantly cleaned, only to be covered in graffiti again the next day.
3. Stroll through the Staroměstské district
The city district is located in Staroměstské (line A – Staroměstska stop). This district is full of small tourist shops, a few famous museums (including the Sex Museum!) and a few monuments just waiting for you.
Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the Old Town Tower. The view is fantastic, and you’ll realize just how tiny we all can be! This is also where you’ll find the Astronomical Clock.
4. The Astronomical clock
It’s certainly not the most exciting activity in the world, but it’s still one of Prague’s most important and famous works of art! The astronomical clock in the heart of the Staroměstské náměstí district (the historic center of the Old Town) is a model of its kind.
With its first dial made of Roman numerals and its second dial made of the signs of the zodiac, this clock will give you :
- the current time,
- the time in old Czech time,
- the position of the sun in the sky,
- the moon’s position in the sky and the corresponding astrological sign.
A must-see Prague landmark, without a doubt.
5. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)
Situated at the Můstek or Muzeum metro stops, Wenceslas Square is a bit like the modern center of Prague: so many stores and restaurants! It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping.
Situated between Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), the Old Town (Staré Město) and the National Theatre (Národní divadlo), it’s a must-see.
So slow down and spend some quality time in this square, which naturally features on our list of Prague must-sees.
6. Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)
Home to the kings of Bohemia and later to the presidents of the Czechoslovak and Czech republics, Prague Castle is on this list of not-to-be-missed monuments. The castle is visited by a large number of tourists, but don’t let the crowds intimidate you, as it’s quite easy to get around.
So get out there and do it! The palace itself dates back to the 11th century, and has of course been enlarged, changed and modified over the centuries. Its centerpiece, the Vladislav Hall, will leave you breathless. As you leave the castle, you won’t want to miss the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral.
7. St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála svatého Víta)
Saint Vitus’s Cathedral has a long, long history. Begun in 1344, construction of this incredible edifice was not completed until 1929.
Used in turn as a place of coronation – like Reims Cathedral – or as a royal mausoleum – like Saint-Denis – this religious edifice (which has nothing to do with a small church!) is one of the largest and most important in the Czech Republic!
8. The Jewish Cemetery
Founded in 1478, this Jewish cemetery now houses almost 12,000 stelae, and is a symbol of the mystery and chaos that can be associated with the Czech capital. Tangled one on top of the other, in a rather orderly disorder, there’s something very strange and inexplicable about this place.
You enter through the Pinkas synagogue and leave through the Klaus synagogue. To visit, you’ll need to buy a ticket combining the above-mentioned synagogues and the Spanish synagogue.
9. Have a beer in a local bar !
Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it just goes to show how deeply pubs are rooted in Czech culture. One wonders if this isn’t the most visited place in Prague, ahead of all the monuments described above! One of Prague’s must-sees, no doubt about it, although it shouldn’t be your main focus!
10. A cruise on the Vltava
Our final tip is a cruise on the Vltava, Prague’s river. Spend a few hours on a barge and discover the Czech capital in a way you never thought possible. Admire the architecture on a guided tour with commentary. But don’t forget to book your ticket!
Discover Prague through its highlights
Planning to discover Prague? We’d like to warn you right away: you’re going to love it. Don’t hesitate to ask us about the city’s must-do activities. It’s the ideal way to organize your stay in the most relaxed way possible. We also suggest you read our content on off-the-beaten-track activities. You’ll be able to work around a quality schedule!