In a previous article, we talked about Prague’s must-sees. However, the city has much more to offer than these, and may well surprise you with a host of other unusual, surprising and relaxing monuments.
Charming places, but which, for unexplained reasons, are often pushed aside in favor of the city center. This is your chance to see the Czech Republic from a different angle.
Discover Prague through 10 unusual places!
Known for its magnificent buildings, such as the Charles Bridge, the Czech capital is nonetheless a city with a tendency to surprise.
Between suspended sculpture, well-hidden religious buildings and sometimes lush nature, all you have to do is stray a little from the city center to discover a very different Prague.
But will you dare to venture off the beaten track?
1. Petřín Hill
The Czech Eiffel Tower! Built in 1891 for the Prague World Fair, the Petřín Tower has had several lives, serving as an observation tower before being used as a microwave antenna. Today, it serves no real purpose other than tourism.
Although much smaller than its illustrious Parisian cousin, its position at the top of a hill allows it to reach exactly the same height! An unusual place, off the beaten track, clearly worth the detour.
Discover our complete guide to Prague and make the most of your stay in the Czech capital.
2. Strahov Monastery
The Strahov monastery is best known for its two enormous libraries full of books on philosophy and theology. The famous Strahovská knihovna (Strahov Library) is also furnished with display cases featuring many curious objects straight from the abbey’s cabinet of curiosities. This is located at Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany (downtown district).
The monastery is not necessarily on the list of must-see sights when visiting the Czech Republic. In our opinion, however, it’s well worth a visit. That’s why we’ve decided to include it on our list of unusual sights in Prague!
3. The Prague metronome
The Prague Metronome is a very unusual sculpture that’s well worth a look! Located in Letna Park, overlooking the Vltava River, this imposing sculpture was created in 1991 by artist Vratislav Karl Novak.
It was erected on the very spot where the monument to Stalin was destroyed in 1961. Quite a symbol, then, which makes this magnificent work of art one of Prague’s off-the-beaten-track sights!
It’s also home to a number of beergardens, outdoor bars where you can enjoy a good local beer. Ideal for a refreshing drink, especially when summer rolls around.
4. Wallenstein Gardens
The Wallenstein Palace also serves as the Senate. Built between 1624 and 1630 by the Habsburg family, the palace is most interesting for its magnificent gardens. Fountains, statues, views of St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle.
In short, everything you need for a quiet moment away from all the tourists! The gardens are located at Letenská 123/4, 118 00 Malá Strana (just across the Vltava).
A French-style Baroque garden that you can enjoy to the full (and free of charge). One of the nicest things to do, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists.
5. Vyšehrad
Legend has it that it was at Vyšehrad that Princess Libuše had a premonitory vision of the creation of Prague! Today, the area is home to a gigantic cathedral and a renowned cemetery.
Like Père Lachaise, this cemetery is home to the great Czech names. Alfons Mucha, Karel Čapek and Jan Neruda are all buried here. It is located at V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad.
A simply magnificent church, which once again is not appreciated for its true worth. Often overlooked in favor of buildings directly in the city center, it’s well worth a look.
So we couldn’t leave it out: it had to be on our list of Prague’s unusual places off the beaten track!
6. Náplavka
Náplavka is none other than the small area directly opposite the Vltava River. It’s a simply brilliant, if little-known, spot. Hundreds of people like to gather here, especially in the evenings.
You can enjoy small street bars, hot dog vendors on their boats and breathtaking views of the city’s most beautiful monuments. In summer, concerts are organized – atmosphere guaranteed!
An unusual place in Prague, clearly off the beaten track.
7. Letná
Letná is on our list of the best parks and gardens in Prague. A cool place in which to relax when the warm weather arrives. Close to the Holešovice district, it’s a vast, green, breathtaking place.
Don’t worry, if you get thirsty, you’ll find everything you need, as there are several beer gardens here! And don’t forget your camera for breathtaking views of the old town and river.
8. Cross Club
Only a few hundred meters from the DOX Center for Contemporary Art, the Cross Club is a place that’s hard to describe. It’s a clever mix of bar, café, nightclub and restaurant.
In short, it’s an alternative place. One of the most unusual in Prague. The ideal place to spend a wild evening, to the sound of raggae, drum & bass or dubstep.
The place to be if you’re looking to get away from it all and discover the capital off the beaten track. A museum in itself, a visit is highly recommended.
9. Visit a museum
The Czech capital has a wealth of museums to visit. In our dedicated article, you’ll discover all the museums you can visit. For history, art and architecture buffs, it’s always a good idea to take a step back in time, especially as some visits are accompanied by a guide, such as at the Kafka Museum.
Visit Prague’s incredible Museum of the Senses and be amazed by the many exhibits.
10. The dancing house
The Prague Dancing House was designed by architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. It’s a unique structure, whose shape pays homage to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, the famous dancing duo.
The elegant curves and flowing lines of this modern building contrast with the surrounding architecture, creating a surprising, striking environment.
At the very top, you’ll find a vantage point from which to take beautiful photos, as well as a hotel and even a restaurant. It’s a great way to see Prague from the air!
Discover Prague's most unusual places
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