Historic Essentials You Can't Miss

These three locations form the historic core of the city. They are the primary reason why Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You should tackle these early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. Most visitors start here to get a feel for the city's scale and beauty.

1. Name: Prague Castle Type: Historic landmark Why go: It is officially the largest ancient castle complex in the world. The stunning St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the skyline with its gothic spires. You can explore royal palaces, ancient defense towers, and the picturesque Golden Lane. Best for: History buffs and first-time visitors. Where: Hradčany district (Castle District). Time: 3–4 hours. Cost: Grounds are free; interiors require a ticket (~450 CZK). Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad stop. Tip: Read our guide on visiting the Prague Castle complex to skip the ticket lines.
2. Name: Charles Bridge Type: Historic bridge/viewpoint Why go: This 14th-century stone bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town. It is lined with 30 baroque statues of saints. The atmosphere at sunrise is moody and magical. Best for: Romantic strolls and photography. Where: Between Old Town and Malá Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Learn about the legends behind the stone figures in our article on Charles Bridge statues and towers.
3. Name: Old Town Square Type: Public square Why go: This is the beating heart of Prague. The main draw is the 600-year-old Astronomical Clock, which puts on a show every hour. You will also see the gothic Týn Church towers looming over the square. Best for: People watching and architecture. Where: Old Town (Staré Město). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (Clock Tower climb is paid). Getting there: Metro line A to Staroměstská. Tip: Find the best photo angles by checking our guide to Old Town Square sights.

Cultural Sights and Museums

Once you have seen the main outdoor sights, dive deeper into Prague's rich culture. The city hosts incredible museums and sacred spaces that reflect its complex past. These attractions offer a quieter experience compared to the busy bridge. They are perfect for rainy days or afternoon exploration.

• Name: Jewish Quarter (Josefov) Type: Historic district/Museum Why go: This area preserves centuries of Jewish history in Central Europe. The Jewish Museum manages several synagogues and the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery. The Spanish Synagogue is famous for its breathtaking Moorish interior design. Best for: Deep history and reflection. Where: Josefov (near Old Town Square). Time: 2.5 hours. Cost: Combined ticket usually ~550 CZK. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Plan your route with our overview of Jewish Quarter attractions.
• Name: Klementinum Type: Library/Tower Why go: The Baroque Library Hall is frequently voted one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. It features incredible ceiling frescoes and historical globes. The tour also includes a climb up the Astronomical Tower for 360-degree views. Best for: Book lovers and architecture fans. Where: Near Charles Bridge (Old Town side). Time: 1 hour (guided tour only). Cost: ~380 CZK. Getting there: Tram to Staroměstská. Tip: Compare this with other historic halls in our guide to Prague's baroque libraries.
• Name: National Museum Type: Natural history/History Why go: The recently renovated main building dominates Wenceslas Square. The interior pantheon and grand staircase are works of art themselves. Exhibits cover everything from minerals and meteorites to 20th-century Czech political history. Best for: Rainy days and families. Where: Top of Wenceslas Square. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: ~280 CZK. Getting there: Metro line A or C to Muzeum. Tip: Don't miss the connecting tunnel to the new building.

Best Viewpoints and Parks for 2026

Prague is known as the city of a hundred spires. To truly appreciate this nickname, you need to get above the rooftops. The city has several hills that offer green escape and stunning panoramas. These spots are popular with locals for jogging and sunset picnics.

• Name: Petřín Hill Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: It features a lookout tower that resembles a mini Eiffel Tower. The climb rewards you with arguably the best view of the Castle and river. The surrounding gardens are rose-filled and peaceful. Best for: Nature walks and sunsets. Where: Malá Strana district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Park is free; tower entry ~220 CZK. Getting there: Funicular from Újezd street. Tip: See what else to do there in our Petřín Hill attractions guide.
• Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: Fort/Park Why go: This is the ancient rival to Prague Castle, located further south on the river. It contains a stunning neo-Gothic church and a cemetery where famous Czechs like Dvořák are buried. It is far less crowded than the city center. Best for: Quiet walks and local vibes. Where: Vyšehrad metro station. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free grounds. Getting there: Metro line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Read more about the legends here in our post on Vyšehrad Fortress and cemetery.
• Name: Letná Park Type: Park/Beer Garden Why go: Famous for the giant Metronome that replaced a Stalin statue. The beer garden here offers iconic views of the bridges crossing the Vltava River. It is the perfect spot to end a summer day. Best for: Relaxing with a drink and a view. Where: Holešovice district. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free; beer is cheap. Getting there: Tram to Sparta or Čechův most. Tip: Bring cash for the beer kiosk.

Modern Landmarks and Unique Spots

Not everything in Prague is medieval. The city has a quirky modern side that contrasts sharply with the Gothic architecture. These final picks add variety to your itinerary. They are great for photos and unique memories.

• Name: Lennon Wall Type: Street art Why go: Once a symbol of resistance against communism, this wall is covered in Beatles lyrics and graffiti. It changes strictly every day as visitors add new layers. It is a colorful backdrop for photos. Best for: Instagram shots and music fans. Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí (Little Quarter). Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: Learn the political context in our article on the Lennon Wall location and history.
• Name: Dancing House Type: Modern architecture Why go: Designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, this building looks like a pair of dancers. It stands out among the Art Nouveau buildings along the riverfront. There is a rooftop bar with a nice terrace view. Best for: Architecture geeks. Where: Rašínovo nábřeží. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: View is free if you buy a drink. Getting there: Tram 17 to Jiráskovo náměstí. Tip: The top floor serves good coffee.
• Name: Prague Zoo Type: Zoo/Activity Why go: It is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the world. The terrain is rugged and scenic, and the enclosures are spacious and modern. You can even take a boat from the center to get there. Best for: Families and animal lovers. Where: Troja district. Time: 4–5 hours. Cost: ~330 CZK. Getting there: Bus 112 from Nádraží Holešovice. Tip: Combine your trip with the nearby palace mentioned in our Prague Zoo and Troja Chateau guide.