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

Over a thousand years of history unfold before you in Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), a majestic complex that is considered the largest in the world. Approximately 70,000 square meters of spectacular structures and magnificent gardens that today are not the only symbol of historical Prague but of Czech Republic's freedom and future. It is believed that the Castle formed by Prince Bořivoj who was belonged to the Premyslid Dynasty in the previous millennium, during the late-9th century. Home to the antique kings and queens of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents, today Prague Castle serves as the residence of the free Czech Republic presidents. An icon of liberation from the Communist regime that ruled the country for decades until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. After Czech liberation, the Castle underwent massive reconstruction and opened to the public that can now enjoy one of the most splendid royal castles in the world.

What Not to Miss

Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Every day at 12:00 in the in the first courtyard and every round hour between 9:00 to 18:00 at the Castle's gates.

St. Vitus Cathedral the Great South Tower of the Cathedral
A striking cathedral with remarkable architecture and 100 meters high tower that grants you a marvelous view over the city (See the full St. Vitus Cathedral guide for more information)

Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička)
A fetching colorful street containing small houses with a special character and old charm. The lane was built during the 16th century for the castle's servants and guards and was named after the goldsmiths who used to live at this lane during the 17th century.

St. George's Basilica (Bazilika Sv. Jiří)
Romanesque Basilica that was originally constructed in 920 and expended at 973. The Church who was commissioned by Prince Vratislav I, has two stone steeples named Adam and Eve and the stately interior contain a tomb of the Přemyslids dynasty.

Old Royal Palace
The first residence of the royals in the Castle contains the impressive Vladislav Hall and the remains of the All Saints Chapel (See the full Old Royal Palace guide for more information).

Gardens
Prague Castle is abundant with gorgeous gardens that add so much to the splendid view of the palace and churches. Verdant lawns, fountains, flowers in a variety of colors, all magnify the Castle's beauty and elegance.

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.

Captivating bridge, magical and romantic especially in the evenings and nights when it less crowded and the illuminated arches silhouettes are reflected in the river. The bridge, which is one of the most famous and visited monuments in Prague commissioned by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. Connects the Old Town and Malá Strana, the bridge was built during 1357 – 1402, to replace the former bridge (Judith Bridge) that was ruined in 1342 floods. Called Stone Bridge until the end of the 19th century, Charles Bridge is approximately half a kilometre long and 10 meters wide. It includes 16 arches, has a tower at each side, and 30 remarkable baroque statues of saints constructed from 1683 to 1928. The most notable statue is of St John of Nepomuk, the queen’s confessions who was drowned at the river. Today, most of the statues are replicas of the originals due to a need for preservation and fear of time damages and weather.

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.

Every respectable list of "the most beautiful libraries in the world" will never be complete without Klementinum at the top of it. The phenomenal baroque library that seems like is sewn from the wishes of book lovers, is located near Charles Bridge and has a history dating back to the 16th century. Klementinum (also known as Clementinum) was established by the Catholic order Jesuits (Society of Jesus) in 1556.

With the time, the Jesuits start expanding their residence, a process that took place for almost 200 years and engenders a complex that is considered as one of the largest in all Europe. Each of the fantastic architects who were involved in the constructions left their mark on the complex that becomes one of the most stunning places in the whole world. The Jesuits used the place as a school from the start, however, in 1622 the school turned into a university.

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.

Rich in history, monuments, and architectural styles, Staroměstské náměstí, Prague's Old Town Square, is a fantastic way to absorb this stunning city's magical atmosphere. The entrancing 12th century Square includes many of Prague's famous attractions, as the astronomical clock, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, Old Town Hall, Stone Bell House, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and Kinsky Palace. At the Square, you can also find the Jan Hus memorial. A remarkable statue dedicated to the Catholic Church reformer and critic, and the Hussitism movement followers who had to exile from Prague two centuries after Huss was executed over his beliefs in 1415.

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 the two main squares in Prague, second only to the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). It is located in the New Town (Nové Město) that was established in 1348 by Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. The Square is also home to The statue of Saint Wenceslas by Josef Václav Myslbek, the National Museum that resides since 1890 at the top of the Square, Prague State Opera, Letka Palace, Prague Palace and much more. A witness to numerous social and political events, demonstrations, and national celebrations, Wenceslas Square has always been entwined with the city and the country's history.

Today, Wenceslas Square is a bustling shopping and administrative center and abundant with shops, banks, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, hotels, and nightclubs that make it a culture, commerce, and leisure hub.

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.