Going to Prague? Here Are the 27 Coolest 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 sights have a little 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 27 unique tourist sites you’ll want to check out while you’re visiting the Czech capital. 

27 Must-Visit Prague Tourist Sights

There are a huge number of Prague tourist sights 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 historical walking tour offers a glimpse into the pubs and brews that shaped Prague, and includes a tasting! 

Prague Castle: The most well-known site to see in Prague

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. By the way, there is a pretty morbid legend behind Prague’s Astronomical Clock. According to the legend, the Astronomical Clock was an instant hit, and its production made the artist who designed it world famous.

Other major cities of the time were keen on commissioning him to create other astronomical clocks around Europe, but the Czech government wouldn’t let it happen.

Instead, they got the artist incredibly drunk and mutilated him so he’d never be able to make another clock again in his lifetime. In true Medieval fashion, I’d say!

Whether or not the legend is true, this clock is iconic all on its own. It also has a small show every hour from 6 am to 11 pm. 

Prague Tourist Sights for Music Lovers: 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 composition 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 9 different 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 tourist sights off your list, a visit to one of the national galleries is a great start. Here’s what you can find in each:

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

By the way, cultural travelers who love local art should check out some of the contemporary museums in Prague. You find exhibits of modern Czech artists and rotating collections from globally-recognized names.

Prague Tourist Sights: 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.

Eryn Gordon | Earth To Editorial

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. 

The Charles Bridge is open to pedestrians around the clock, but note that it can get jam-packed with other visitors in the afternoon. For a truly unencumbered view of the Vltava and a chance to get the bridge all to yourself, I suggest visiting around 7 in the morning. 

Prague sites to see in the summer: 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: a studio of a Prague alchemist from the Middle Ages.

Here you can learn about the groundbreaking science and health of that time. Though you can only participate in group tours that last 30 minutes, stepping into this studio is like time traveling is absolutely worth the visit. 

Jewish Quarter: A Popular Option Among the Prague Tourist Sights

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.

A horrible irony of World War II was that German occupiers of the city actually took over the Jewish Museum during that time. It’s a miracle that the priceless history of the quarter wasn’t completely destroyed. 

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

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

Read more: Did the Golem of Prague Inspire Gollum, Lord of the Rings?

Dox Centre for Contemporary Art

More than just a contemporary art gallery (Prague has an excellent art scene for all genres), 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. 

The alternative to Prague Castle: 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!

Interesting Tours That Cover More Prague Sites to See

Consider taking a Prague foodie tour for a better insight into Czech cuisine and how dining culture shaped the capital. Or, consider this alternative walking tour of Prague that emphasizes contemporary Czech culture and street art in the city!