Prague's Must-See Attractions: 15 Essential Experiences in the Golden City

With over a thousand years of history, Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) stands as the largest ancient castle complex in the world, covering an astonishing 70,000 square meters. Once home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and Czech presidents, it remains a powerful symbol of the nation’s freedom and identity. Founded in the late 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Přemyslid Dynasty, the castle has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the Velvet Revolution of 1989, and the transformation of the Czech Republic into a modern democracy. Today, visitors can explore its breathtaking palaces, churches, and gardens while uncovering centuries of fascinating history.

Highlights of Prague Castle

Changing of the Guard Ceremony – Witness this traditional spectacle daily at 12:00 in the first courtyard, with hourly shifts from 9:00 to 18:00 at the castle gates.
St. Vitus Cathedral & Great South Tower – An architectural masterpiece with intricate stained glass, soaring Gothic spires, and a 100-meter-high tower offering panoramic views of Prague.
Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) – A charming row of colorful, historic houses once home to castle guards and goldsmiths. Step inside for a glimpse of medieval life.
St. George's Basilica (Bazilika Sv. Jiří) – A striking Romanesque church dating back to 920, featuring twin stone towers, an impressive Baroque façade, and the tomb of the Přemyslid dynasty.
Old Royal Palace – The former seat of Bohemian rulers, home to the grand Vladislav Hall and the remnants of All Saints Chapel.
Castle Gardens – Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, where fountains, vibrant flower beds, and sweeping city views create a serene escape from the bustling city below.

Prague Castle is more than just a historical site — it's a journey through the heart of Czech history, art, and culture.

Located in Malá Strana, St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláše) is a resplendent church that is famous for being a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. The church has a long and unique history. Originally, the place contains a Gothic church that serves as a house of faith from 1283 until 1743. The constructions and conversion of the place into a Baroque church took around 100 years, but most of the constructions been made during 1704 – 1752. St. Nicholas Church is beautifully decorated and has 20 meters dome and interior that is 57 meters high, which makes it the tallest in the city. Another lovely surprise this Church keeps is the 4,000 pipes organ that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart himself used while visiting Prague.

Charles Bridge is a breathtaking 14th-century landmark connecting Old Town and Malá Strana. Spanning 500 meters, it features 16 arches, two grand towers, and 30 Baroque statues, including St. John of Nepomuk. Stunning at night, its reflections shimmer in the Vltava River.

Imagine walking in a road where ancient kings went before you on their way to be crowned, a majestic way where you can almost hear the wings of History. The Powder Tower (Prašná brána) is the beginning of a royal journey, where Bohemian kings enter the Old Town, starting their coronation while on their way to Prague Castle. The construction of the iconic Gothic Tower start in 1475, and it went through many changes during the years to come by. The Tower reaches the height of 65 meters and the observation deck where you can see a wonderful view of the city, to a height of 44 meters. The place used to be called the “New Tower”, however since the early-18th century, the Tower stores gun-powder and therefore named the Powder Tower.

The Municipal House (Obecní dům) is an Art Nouveau celebration to the eyes. The lavish building which was decorated by fine prominent artists opens its gates in 1911. It includes the music venue Smetana Hall, French (Francouzská) and Pilsen (Plzeňská) restaurants, Café, and American bar. On the second floor of the Municipal House, you may also find lovely exhibitions that add another artistic layer to the visit. To expand and deepen your knowledge about the place architectural style and the place history, guided tours are also available for the public.

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Klementinum is one of Prague’s most breathtaking landmarks. Its magnificent library, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful, feels like a dream come true for book lovers. Founded by Jesuits in 1556, this historic complex near Charles Bridge also features an astronomical tower with stunning city views and a richly adorned chapel. Step inside to admire centuries-old globes, the Vyšehrad Codex (Coronation Gospels), intricate frescoes, and a timeless atmosphere steeped in knowledge and history.

Prague astronomical clock, or orloj as it called by the locals, is one of the popular and bustling attractions in the Czech Republic. The astronomical clock history reaches back to 1410 when it was originally installed on the Old Town City Hall southern Tower wall. Every round hour, from 9:00 AM until 23:00 PM, you will be able to see the show of Twelve Apostles moving to the joyous of the locals and tourists. The clock is exceptional not only due to its beauty, complexity of details, zodiac signs, sculptors, astronomical and calendar dial but also since it is the last operating medieval clock in the world. A relic of a glorious past, Prague Astronomical Clock is a must-see at the Old Town Square.

Old Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) is one of the most memorable monuments at the Old Town Square. Founded in 1338, and originally was in used of the Old Town administration. It includes the remarkable Prague astronomical clock (orloj) that can be seen from the outside. A Gothic chapel with beautiful stained glass that enlightens the chapel during sunny days and grants a direct view to the clock's apostles. More, the Gothic tower of the Old Town Hall is rising to a height of approximately 70 meters and as such is a wonderful vantage point. The place also has upper and underground halls and is impressively decorated with art, ornamentation, paintings, statues and mosaics that create a colorful, and exquisite space.

Step into the heart of Prague’s history at Staroměstské náměstí, the enchanting Old Town Square. Surrounded by centuries-old architecture, this iconic landmark is a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak in the city’s fairy-tale charm. Dating back to the 12th century, the square is home to some of Prague’s most famous attractions: the mesmerizing Astronomical Clock, the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the elegant Kinsky Palace.

At the center of the square stands the Jan Hus Memorial, honoring the reformer whose beliefs shaped Czech history. Whether you're admiring the intricate facades, exploring the Stone Bell House, or watching the lively street performances, Old Town Square is a timeless blend of history, culture, and breathtaking architecture - a true jewel of Prague.

The Dancing House (Tančící dům) is a charming deconstructive style building with two towers that simulate a dancing couple. The building is also known as Fred and Ginger, after the world-famous American dances Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It was designed by Vlado Milunić together with Frank Gehry and opened in 1996. The Dancing House's distinctive look attracts many tourists from around the world and quickly becomes a popular selfie spot.

The Head of Franz Kafka (Hlava Franze Kafky) is a spectacular kinetic statue by the Czech sculpture, David Černý. The statue wishes to honor the late author of "The Metamorphosis", "The Trial" and "The Castle", Franz Kafka, who was born and raised in Prague. Remarkably impressive technically, the statue is 11 meters high and consists of 42 steel panels that each is turning around and together they produce and dismantle the head of Kafka, Simultaneously. Reflecting the inner-world turmoil in Kafka's mind and novels, the Head of Franz Kafka is an exceptionally beauteous tribute to one of the most famous writers who lived and created in the City of a Hundred Spires.

Take a short break to wander around Kampa Park with its charming green lawns, marvelous Grand Priory Mill Wheel, art museum, eye-catching statues and the Devil’s Stream canal under Charles Bridge. The Park, which located on an island, is a perfect spot to lay back near the Vltava River, have a picnic, enjoy the quiet, and gather strength before you'll continue your travel in the splendid city of a hundred spires.

A must to any Beatles fan, the Lennon Wall is a magnificent tribute to the legendary musician, John Lennon. Alongside his prolific breach-boundaries musical activity, Lennon uses his fame and influence to promote peace in the world. When he was murdered in 1980, the wall becomes a spontaneous memorial to Lennon, but more than that, to a symbol of the Czechs resistance to the communist regime. Covered by graffiti and poetry of Lennon and the Beatles together with political activism messages, the wall is a living reminder to all, that freedom ideas flourish even under the most difficult regimes and circumstances.

Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is one of Prague’s two major squares, second only to Old Town Square. Nestled in the historic New Town (Nové Město) founded in 1348 by Charles IV, this vibrant plaza is steeped in centuries of history and culture. Home to iconic landmarks such as Josef Václav Myslbek’s statue of Saint Wenceslas, the majestic National Museum (established in 1890), Prague State Opera, Letka Palace, and Prague Palace, the Square has witnessed pivotal national events and celebrations. Today, it buzzes with life as a dynamic center of culture and commerce, lined with shops, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, hotels, and nightclubs. Whether you’re exploring its rich heritage or enjoying modern-day delights, Wenceslas Square is an essential destination that captures the enduring spirit of Prague.

Even in a 'City of Hundred Spires' the twin spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem) managed to stand out in Prague's skyline. Located in the Old Town, the church was built during the 14th-16th centuries in a Gothic Style while the spectacular interior was revamped in a Baroque style at the end of the following century. The Baroque Style grants the interior a golden-shimmering look and bold colors that make this church to unforgettable and among the top of the must-see list in Prague.