Going to Prague? Here Are 22 Unique Landmarks in the Capital

If you love beer, art, history, great architecture, and music, Prague is the city for you. Luckily, all of the Prague tourist attractions have a bit of everything for the cultural traveler.

While visiting Prague during a 5-day itinerary, I had a chance to see many of the tourist attractions and plenty of hole-in-the-wall hidden gems. What’s most unique about Prague is how well-preserved the city is.

Prague did not endure as much damage as other European capitals during WWII. When you visit Prague, you can see architectural examples of past centuries as you walk through the different neighborhoods.

For that reason, I highly recommend that history enthusiasts and cultural travelers visit Prague. This blog is all about the 22 unique tourist sites you’ll want to check out while you’re visiting the Czech capital.

22 Essential Prague Tourist Attractions & Places You Need to Visit

There are so many cool Prague experiences all over the city, many of which are tucked away in hidden spots. These range from the most well-known attractions, like Prague Castle, to small yet significant monuments found sprinkled on street corners.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery: Czech Beer Culture

Pilsner Urquell is the birthplace of the famous Czech-style pilsner. This brewery has its humble beginnings in Prague and has since grown into one of the world’s most beloved beer brands.

Touring this iconic brewery (even if you don’t like beer) will teach you a lot about Czech culture, and, of course, the Czech love for beer. 

Besides Pilsner Urquell, there are plenty of options all over the city (nay, the country!) where you can experience some fantastic Czech beers. This self-guided tour at the brewery offers a glimpse into the pubs and brews that shaped Prague, and includes a tasting! 

Metronome 

Art meets functionality with this giant working metronome in the center of a park. If this isn’t an ode to the Czech love for music, I don’t know what is. For those who weren’t enrolled in music lessons as a kid, a metronome is a ticking machine that keeps a steady rhythm for musicians.

Analog versions have a physical pendulum that makes an audible ticking sound (like a clock) each time it goes from one side to the other. This is exactly how the Prague Metronome looks, except it’s 75 feet tall and towers into the sky. 

It’s in Letna Park, located in the northern part of the city. If the weather is good on the day you plan to visit, this park is a great area to hang out for an afternoon picnic.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is hard to miss because its hilltop location allows it to tower over the rest of the city. It was originally a castle commissioned by the royal family, but you’ll note how lively the interior is.

There are employees actively working throughout the castle, giving it a sense of its current inhabitants. Unlike former royal castles like Schonbrunn Castle in Vienna, this one is actually a current residence.

That’s because it’s the living space of the Czech President. Consider the Prague Castle like the White House of Prague!

The Astronomical Clock

The world’s oldest astronomical clock has been ticking away since the 14th century. The oldest part of the clock, the mechanical clock and astronomical dial, were constructed around 1410 by horologist Mikuláš and astronomer Jan Šindel. 

However, the astronomical clock has had a series of additions and repairs throughout history. The hourly display of the twelve disciples is what makes the clock most popular to travelers today, but this element was added in the late 18th century.

The Estates Theater Opera House

A little fun fact: Mozart had a huge fan following in Prague. It’s said that Prague locals mourned Mozart’s death for a whole month after his passing.

His most notable works in Prague were the compositions of Don Giovanni and La Clemenza di Tito. Mozart debuted Don Giovanni at the Estates Theater, which became an instant success.

The incredible history makes the Estates Theater one of the essential Prague sites to see, but you can also check out a live performance. The theater still operates to this day, and you can explore it on a guided tour or enjoy a ballet or performance there. 

Prague National Gallery

The National Gallery system in Prague actually has nine locations throughout the city. Each museum houses artworks from different time periods and styles, nodding to Prague’s passion for art and culture.

If you’re checking multiple Prague museums off your list, a visit to one of the national galleries is a great start. Here’s what you can find in each:

• Sternberg Palace: A palace commissioned by Wenzel Adalbert of Sternberg that remains an example of high baroque architecture. 
• Trade Fair Palace: A grand example of Czech functionalist architecture, the Trade Fair is all pointed right angles and industrial perfection. 
• Schwarzenberg Palace: A complex of combined medieval buildings that have passed through royal and military hands over the centuries. 
• Kinsky Palace: An 18th-century construction of multiple buildings with interior courtyards.
• Salm Palace: A prominent, neoclassical structure.
• Waldstein Riding School: Formerly an equestrian riding school, and now houses temporary galleries through the National Gallery.
• Convent of St Agnes of Bohemia: A retired convent and one of the oldest Gothic structures in Prague (alongside the Old-New Synagogue).
• Czech and Slovak Pavilion in Venice: An understated pavilion designed by Otakar Novotný, the father of modern Czech architecture.

The Štefánik Observatory

You could easily spend a full afternoon on Petrin Hill exploring the walking trails, the medieval monastery, and the tucked away monuments. 

My favorite place atop the hill was the Štefánik Observatory, one part operating observatory and one part astronomy museum. 

Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is a monument off a side street that commemorates the life and work of John Lennon, the rhythm guitarist from The Beatles. The wall originally bore lyrics and a visual likeness to Lennon, though now it is mostly covered in graffiti. 

After the assassination of John Lennon in 1981, an unknown artist adorned this unsuspecting wall with a mural celebrating the former Beatle and the artist’s oft-cited call for world peace.

Grébovka (Havlíčkovy sady)

Like so many travelers, I’m dazzled by Italian style and architecture. That meant I was all the more thrilled to come across an Italian Renaissance themed public park in Prague. 

Havlíčkovy sady contains a man-made grotto (Grotta Umělá jeskyně) carved into a stone cliff and the ornate Gröbe Villa open to the public during special events. 

Rudolfinum

The Rudolfinum is one of the most culturally relevant city attractions in Prague. Now home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (you can catch a performance there on select evenings), the it was originally commissioned by the Czech Public Bank. 

On the bank’s 50th anniversary, it donated a sizable sum into preserving the arts in Prague. The Rudolfinum opened to the public for all purveyors of music, art, and culture. 

Franz Kafka Museum 

Although the Czech Republic has produced numerous luminaries in contemporary literature, arguably the most famous is Franz Kafka. 

Kafka’s literary style centered on surrealness, existentialism, and the absurd. 

Franz Kafka Statues  

Beyond the Franz Kafka Museum, you’ll come across statues of the famed Czech writer all throughout the city. 

My favorite was the Róna Statue (Man on Man), located on Dušní Street in Prague’s Jewish Quarter. The sculptor Jaroslav Róna had been inspired by Kafka’s Description of a Struggle, an erected the surreal statue in 2003. 

Dancing House

Although most people know this building next to the edge of Vltava River as Dancing House, it’s actually the Nationale-Nederlanden building. Does the curvature of the exterior remind you of anything?

It was nicknamed the Dancing House (or Ginger and Fred) for the way it resembles two people dancing together. 

I went to the top of the Dancing House, where there is a rooftop view and a restaurant. I didn’t sit down for a meal here, but I did buy a mulled wine for access to the rooftop. 

The Alfonse Mucha Museum

When you stay to watch the show of characters at the astronomical clock, you can easily check this other Prague tourist sight off your list. After the start of the new hour, turn to your right and walk straight.

At the far end of the plaza is a museum that has a collection of artwork from Alfonse Mucha and Salvador Dali. This museum is located in the northeastern corner of the Plaza, facing the astronomical clock.

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is Prague’s historical jewel and was built in 1357. Despite several natural disasters, including floods that nearly destroyed the bridge, it remained an essential transportation means connecting the two sides of Prague. 

In fact, there was no other alternative bridge until 1841. The Charles Bridge is pedestrian foot traffic only, so you can easily walk from one side to the other. I personally loved the bridge in the late evening when the stones shimmered under the moonlight and the bridge carried a characteristically ancient feel.

Petrín Hill 

Petrín Hill is the city’s essential scenic viewpoint. If you want an active experience, bring your flat shoes (sole grip is necessary) and hike to the top. There are plenty of great lookout points on your way up, plus Hunger Wall, the medieval wall built to protect the neighborhoods below.  

Want something a little easier on the feet? The funicular will bring you to the top, while public bus #XX will bring you part of the way up. 

The Observation Deck is a bit like the Prague version of the Eiffel Tower; they look almost identical. For 360-degree city views at the top and a cheap – if not free – experience, this is a great option for Prague places to go. 

Read Next: The essential 3-day itinerary of Prague

Riegrovy Sady Park

Reserve Riegrovy Sady Park for the warmer days; it’s not as fun having to trudge through heavy snowfall in order to enjoy some city views. In the spring and summer, when the evenings are bearable, all types of residents and visitors of Prague come to this hilly park for the sunset.

Here you’ll find lots of people hanging out in the grass, either with a picnic or playing games. 

Eryn Gordon | Earth To Editorial

Speculum Alchimae Alchemist Museum 

Situated in an unassuming block of cafes and shops is a dimly lit studio that could look like it could be part of a movie set. Inside, you’ll find test tubes, glass beakers, grinding stones, and other tools of a medieval scientist. Speculum Alchimae is exactly that: an alchemist’s laboratory from the Middle Ages.

Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is another well-preserved slice of history. Jewish settlers built this section of the city over 2,000 years ago and left some incredible monuments to check out.

The Old-New Synagogue in Prague is the oldest operating synagogue in Europe one of the most popular Prague sites

You should visit these Prague tourist sights in the Jewish Quarter: 

• New-Old Synagogue
• Maisel Synagogue
• Pinkas Synagogue
• Spanish Synagogue
• Klaus Synagogue
• Ceremonial Hall
• Old Jewish Cemetery

Dox Centre for Contemporary Art

More than just a contemporary art gallery (Prague has an excellent art scene for all enthusiasts), the DOX Centre bridges the gap between music, art, literature, and architecture.

Opened to the public in 2008, the DOX Centre is a multipurpose space for those who love art and appreciate open conversation surrounding art’s place in society.

Conde Nast likened the DOX to London’s Tate Modern. The space occupies a renovated factory building and has a unique industrial feel to it. There’s even a giant metal zeppelin out front. 

Vysehrad

Head to Vysehrad, a historic fortress offering a quieter alternative to Prague Castle. Visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and enjoy the peaceful Vysehrad Cemetery.

If walking leaves you hungry, there are a few great food options in this area, including a vegan spot that made it into my Prague restaurant guide!

Žižkov Tower

Žižkov TV Tower is an example of Brutalist architecture. All rigid pillars made of metal. Designer David Černý was tasked to make this imposing 708 foot (216 meter) structure to look less intimidating, and his solution was both hilarious and a little unorthodox. 

Černý’s adorned the sides of Žižkov Tower with crawling babies. You can go to the observation deck at the top of  Žižkov Tower for a view of the city and an exhibit on the World Federation of Great Towers. 

Cover the Best Tourist Attractions in Prague on Foot

As you may already know, I always take a walking tour on the first day in any new place. When I  came to Prague for the first time, I booked this free tour through GuruWalk, which started at the Rudolfinum and ended in the Old Town. 

I can’t think of a better way to spend a first morning somewhere—walking tours are a chance to see the major attractions on day one, but also get a feel for my surrounding area. By the second day in a new city, I already feel like I’ve got my bearings and recognized landmarks.

Burning Questions About Prague