Welcome to Prague, Czech Republic: one of Europe’s most well-preserved cities. Though many people come for the sleepless nightlife, look up from your beer and you’ll see long forgotten eras with each building you pass. There are plentiful historical places in Prague, but you might find yourself wondering how it’s possible.
I’ve seen the Colosseum and the Louvre, and went to Prague thinking that I knew all about the preservation efforts keeping these places alive. Prague surprised me. I learned that the city had largely been spared from the wreckage of WWII that so many other major cities had to rebuild from.
Its center is largely in-tact, which means Old Town, Lesser Town, and New Town are virtually all original. A walk down the street becomes a trip to a world class museum. These are the places in Prague seeping in the city’s history, and where I recommend any visitor check out.
What’s In This Article
The preservation efforts and Medieval architecture give Prague a uniquely aged feeling to it. Here are 18 essential places to visit for history lovers.
18 Essential Places in Prague for History Lovers
An ancient wood structure here. A Gothic building there. To the left is a Medieval monument. Prague demonstrates its history through its many architectural styles.
These are 18 incredible historical places in Prague, but by far, these five are my favorites. If you visit, you’ll get a pulse on Prague life and the historic evolution of the city.
The essential places to go in Prague are:
- Prague Castle
- Astronomical Clock
- Jewish Quarter
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Klementinum
Explore Prague’s Beer Culture
Pilsner Urquell is the birthplace of the famous Czech-style pilsner and happens to be one of the most popular places in Prague to drink beer.
Beyond the breweries, pubs, and beer gardens that appear in every crevice of the city, the history of Urquell is fascinating. Czech brewing began in the monasteries. Beer brewing began in 993 AD in the Břevnov Monastery. After years of inconsistent quality and ingredients, Josef Groll, a famed Bavarian brewer, formulated the Czech-style pilsner that we know today. His recipe was standardized at Pilsner Urquell.
Taking a tour of this iconic brewery will definitely enrich your visit and teach you a lot about Czech beer culture.
The tour is self-guided, and an audio recording will bring you through the process of brewing pilsner-style beers, plus the history of Czech beer. The tour lasts approximately one hour and ends with a sampling of two beers in their cellar.
Museum of Czech Cubism
Cubism was popularized via Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, but the style of art and design lived its hay-days in the Czech Republic as well.
The Museum of Czech Cubism is inside of the Black Madonna, an early 20th century building in Old Town, and the first architecturally Cubist building in Prague. It was designed by Josef Gočár and remains one of the most unique museums in Prague to this day.
Perhaps the most photographed Cubist structure on display is part of the building itself—the lightbulb shaped staircase.
Prague Castle
Although built in 880, Prague Castle gives the sense that it’s teeming with life. Unlike Versailles or Schönbrunn in Vienna, which are no longer inhabited by Empress Sisi and the royal court of Austria, you’ll find lively energy all through Prague Castle.
That’s because, besides its history as the seat for royal kings of the past, it’s the current residence for the Czech president. Think of it like the equivalent to the White House in Washington D.C.! It’s situated above the Hrad neighborhood in the historical district of Prague, a UNESCO-protected site.
The Royal Garden of Prague Castle
At one point, the Prague Castle settlement was a protected section of the city, complete with medieval stone walls and a moat. While there are no longer drawbridges and armed guards, you still get a sense of regality here. Situated next to the castle are the Royal Gardens.
The gardens remain beautifully manicured year-round. It’s treated less like a historical monument and more with the consistent upkeep of a functioning residence.
Kramář’s Villa
Situated within the Letná panorama where you’ll find Prague Castle and its gardens is yet another essential historical stopping point. The prime minister’s home.
As Prague Castle is the residence for the current Czech president, so is Kramář’s Villa for the prime minister. You can see the exterior of the villa at any time of year, but a tour of the interior is notoriously difficult.
Visitors can only enter during Opening Days, which occur about three times per year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that tours are free and delightfully in-depth. You’ll have the ability to walk through the entire building, take photos, and learn about the fascinating history behind the neo-Baroque villa.
If you’re eager to step foot inside, your best bet is to plan your visit around one of the Opening Days. Find the calendar on Prague’s official website.
St. George’s Basilica
St. George was constructed as the second church next to Prague Castle, also located in the Letná panorama. It was built in the 10th century, but had to be rebuilt after a city siege and a massive fire in 1142.
It is now the oldest surviving church building within the Prague Castle complex.
The Astronomical Clock
This is the oldest astronomical clock in the world and dates back to the 14th century. It’s one of the stopping points I recommended in the five-day Prague itinerary, and is often the first place visitors flock to.
The astronomical clock moves the hour based on the alignment of the planets. At the start of every hour, there is a show of the twelve disciples moving around the clock face. Then appears a skeleton, perceived to be the angel of death. It’s a reminder that we all have a ticking clock in the form of our lives, and to not waste the precious time we have.
The Jewish Quarter
Jewish residents moved into this neighborhood nearly 2,000 years ago and left a permanent mark on Prague’s history. This neighborhood is the definition of enduring: here you can find the oldest operating synagogue in Europe complete with its own historical legend that some actually believe.
The ancient Jewish Cemetery is a staggering hilltop where the resting spots of approximately 100,000 people are stacked on top of each other. Despite the German occupation of Prague in the 1940s, this neighborhood wasn’t destroyed in the way that many Jewish neighborhoods around Europe were.
Start by going to the Jewish Museum. Here you can buy a ticket that will include entrance into the 6 most important monuments in the area:
- Maisel Synagogue
- Pinkas Synagogue
- Spanish Synagogue
- Klaus Synagogue
- Ceremonial Hall
- Old Jewish Cemetery
Pro tip: You’ll need a separate ticket to enter the Jewish Old-New Synagogue, but this one is definitely worth the additional expense.
St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the first stopping points for most tourists searching the historical places in Prague. The cathedral sits right next to the Pražský hrad tram stop (trams 22 or 23 will bring you there) and is conveniently located next to Prague Castle.
You can easily stop in for a few minutes before touring the castle, or off to spend a longer time roaming the cathedral. Tours take place in the basement level where there is a crypt. Saint Vitus Cathedral is the final resting place for, you guessed it, Saint Vitus as well as Saint Wenceslas.
Klementinum
Klementinum (Clementinum) is by far one of the most spectacular Prague landmarks I’ve ever set foot in. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets giddy about old books and frescos, well, prepare yourself for Klementinum.
This complex is inside the Astronomical Tower (where the clock is located) and features a Baroque library complex with historical texts, an incredible ceiling mural done by Jan Hiebl, and the Mirror Chapel.
The Klementinum has hosted numerous prominent figures throughout history. Albert Einstein had given lectures in the library. Mozart performed intimate ensembles for a few lucky guests there, too.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online and in advance. They let in small groups at a time so the tickets sell out rather quickly. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to walk into the library, but you can walk through a roped-off section where you’ll be able to see it. This regulation is in place to preserve the books stored there.
Vítkov
Military history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Vítkov, a hilltop memorial commemorating WWI war heroes. While construction finished in 1938, the structure began living a different life in 1948 when Communism took over the Czech Republic and began using the memorial as a promotion for the newly empowered party.
For those who aren’t as intrigued by political and military histories, you can certainly still find enjoyment on the hill. Vítkov has one of the most underrated panoramic views of the city.
Strahov Monastery
Strolling around Petrin Hill, you’ll come across the Strahov monastery. Stop in here to find a frescoed library that rivals the Klementinum in elegance.
While the Klementinum is more popular and perhaps more well-known, you’ll find interiors uniquely characteristic to the medieval time period here, and without the same volume of crowding that you get in the Old Town.
Explore beyond the hot spots in Prague
If you like avoiding crowds, traveling for culture, and exploring deeply, we curated a list of over 100 must-visit spots in Prague.
Rudolfinum
The Rudolfinum was born from a philanthropic move by the Czech Savings Bank in celebration of its 50 years in business. The building was meant to preserve Czech humanities, and be a visitor’s hub where the arts could be enjoyed by all patrons living in the city at the time.
The museum was named after Crown Prince Rudolf, a Habsburg who lived in Bohemia during the family’s reign. Now you can take tours and catch a performance by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
Waldstein Palace and Garden
The Waldstein Palace and Garden were built together in the 17th century for the wealthiest nobleman in Prague at the time, Albrecht Waldstein. Now it is the seat for the Czech Senate.
The garden was designed with geometric patterns, with maze-like hedges trimmed around pebbled foot paths. It is the second largest garden in the city, second only to the Prague Castle Gardens.
Pro Tip: Waldstein Palace is in Malá Strana, one of the coolest neighborhoods. It has a huge selection of underrated restaurants where you can grab lunch or an afternoon drink after your visit to the palace.
Wenceslas Square
Gazing down from the top of the National Museum, Saint Wenceslas overlooks the Prague plaza bearing his name.
Wenceslas Square is the commercial heart of the city, and its rectangular stone pedestrian pathway seems to have been built with multi-story storefronts in mind. Yet, this plaza has been around a lot longer than fridge magnets and department stores.
Wenceslas Square was first founded in 1348, announced by Charles IV along with the establishment of New Town. In more recent history, it was the protest site where thousands gathered during the Velvet Revolution, officially marking the end of Czech communism.
National Gallery in Prague
Under the National Gallery umbrella, there are actually nine different buildings scattered throughout Prague, each one housing collections from different eras.
For a well-rounded experience, I suggest either the Sternberg Palace (Pałac Sternbergów) or the Schwarzenberg Palace (Schwarzenberský Palác). Here’s where to find in each:
Sternberg Palace has quite a few religious collections from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century, plus ancient Greek and Italian artwork.
Schwarzenberg Palace has an impressive armory on the top floor with a nice selection of statues and Baroque paintings.
Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius
A must visit for historical travelers exploring Prague, the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius has two sides to its heart: one is spiritual and the other is resistance.
During WWII, a faction of Czech resistance fighters involved in the assassination of Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich hid in the cathedral’s crypt. During a bloody shootout, two of the Czech soldiers were killed.
The outside walls of the cathedral still bear the bullet holes from the final stand.
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is hard to miss because you’ll recognize it immediately from just about every postcard and souvenir shop in Prague. The Charles Bridge was constructed in 1357 under King Charles IV. As the only bridge crossing the Vltava River until 1841, it made an essential connection between the Prague Castle and the Old Town.
The Charles Bridge has seen its fair share of historical events, natural disasters, and battles while managing to stay intact. It’s one of the most important infrastructural projects in the city.
Bonus: Day trip to Kutna Hora
Take a day trip to Kutna Hora, a UNESCO-listed town known for minting Bohemian coins in the 14th century. This town is seeped in history and has a large cluster of significant sights within a short distance of each other. Start with the Sedlec Ossuary, a church adorned by human skulls (literally referred to as Bone Church), and then go to St. Barbara’s Church.
There’s a great silver-mining museum in Kutna Hora, and you can also walk around the Italian Court, a palace that had once been the seat of the city’s minting process.
I took this private tour with a local and thought it was well worth the expense. The day trip was immersive, but the guide also incredibly knowledgable and gave plenty of contextual information about the significance of Kutna Hora.
Getting there: Go to the Prague Main Railway Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and buy a ticket for approximately 12-15 euros. Some trains will take you directly there in one hour, but if your train stops in the town of Kolin, the journey will take 1.5 hours.
Some Things You Should Know About Prague
Is Prague worth visiting?
In my opinion, Prague is definitely worth visiting! But don’t make the mistake of just coming here for bar crawls and cheap beer. Prague gets a reputation as Eastern Europe’s party city, but there is so much history, art, and culture to uncover here.
Is Prague safe for solo travelers?
Prague is generally safe for solo travelers. The neighborhoods in Prague are quite residential and become very quiet in the evenings. The Old Town is the primary place for nightlife, but the biggest risk is that you may encounter drunk college students.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is generally not expensive when compared to other capital cities in Europe. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around 10-15 euros. However, there are certainly pricier experiences, restaurants, and shopping spots.
How many days do you need in Prague?
Four days in Prague will give you plenty of time to experience the unique sides of the city and get your fair share of attraction chasing. A 3-day trip to Prague could be sufficient if you choose a handful of attractions.
