10 Places to Visit in Prague
Wandering the cobbled streets of Prague, with its pastel buildings and bohemian architecture, it's as if you have stepped straight into a fairytale. After spending just over a week in the Czech capital this month it was easy to see how so many are encapsulated by the impossible charm that Prague has to offer. If you aren't immediately won over by the winding alleyways and ornate architecture, the view from the hilltop fairytale castle will be sure to entice you into seeing the sheer beauty that Prague holds. From street food in Old Town and pedal boats on the Vltava River to the beer gardens of Letna Park, Prague has so much to offer for anyone visiting, which is why I brought together all of the highlights in this mini guide.
WHAT TO SEE IN PRAGUE
If you are only in the city for a few days then be sure to visit as many of these as you can however if you find a cobbled street that entices you then see where it takes you. I found so many beautiful places by getting lost and wandering until my feet hurt and I was mildly sunburnt, the list below notes just a handful of my favourite places in Prague.
1. Charles Bridge
Possibly the most iconic landmark in Prague, Charles Bridge is truly beautiful. Not only do you get a glimpse of the gothic castle upon the hill, you get a transfixing panoramic view of the hundreds of vibrant rooftops that have taken over the city. And all of this whilst you are being serenaded by the many buskers located along the bridge, creating an atmosphere that is hard to beat. Visit Charles Bridge at sunset or sunrise for an even more mesmerizing view. (To get to Charles Bridge take the 12, 20 or 22 tram to Malostranské náměstí or the 17, 18 tram to Karlovy lázně)
2. Prague Castle
Although I didn't venture inside of the castle during my stay, the view from the castle grounds is unbeatable. Whether you take the Old Castle Stairs, the Castle Stairs or the steep Nerudova Street, you will end up with a breathtaking view when you reach the top. In fact I endured the steps a second time during my stay just to spend longer looking over the city and it was in this very moment that I realised what a beautiful city Prague truly is. From the castle you can see all the way from Petrin Hill, to Old Town, Charles Bridge, and even over to the Žižkov Television Tower which, if you look closely, features some very interesting giant baby statues! The surrounding area of Prague Castle is also beautiful and filled with cute coffee shops, all with the best view of the city! If you only have time to do one thing in Prague, this is the one for you! (To visit Prague Castle get the tram to Malostranské náměstí for the Castle Steps & Nerudova Street or Malostranská metro station for the Old Castle Steps, alternatively you can get the 22 tram right up to the castle - but nothing beats climbing the steps yourself and watching the views unfold!)
3. Střelecký ostrov
A little off the tourist radar, however perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the city, is Střelecký ostrov - otherwise known as Střelecký Island. Situated half way across the Legion bridge, this little island in the middle of the Vltava River is the perfect place for a romantic stroll, picnic or just some beautiful views of the city! I stumbled across this little island whilst wandering around the city on my own, and ended up loving it so much I brought the friend I was staying with back with me the next day for an ice cream and catch up. Take some friends and some food here for a sunny day relaxing next to the river whilst overlooking the city skyline! (To get to Střelecký Island take the tram to either Národní divadlo or Újezd and then walk half way across the bridge to the stairs / elevator which take you down to the island - you can also walk here from Petrin Hill, Prague Castle or the Dancing House)
4. Old Town
Just a stone's throw from Charles Bridge is Old Town, which acts as a quintessential part of the city. Filled to the brim with narrow cobbled streets and charming architecture, you might as well just pick any direction to wander because the more you get caught up in the 14th century townscape, the more you will truly feel at one with the city. If you're around Old Town Square on the hour, be sure to check out the Astronomical Clock for its hourly show, try some street food (the spiral potatoes on a stick are AMAZING) and of course, just get lost in the hustle and bustle that is Old Town. We wandered every street from the square and found a story at every corner, definitely worth the visit. (You can visit Old Town by walking from Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square or the tram stop at Náměstí Republiky)
5. The John Lennon Wall
After John Lennon's murder, he became a pacifist hero for a lot of the Czech youth, who painted an image of him alongside political graffiti and Beatles lyrics on a wall in a secluded square. The Lennon Wall soon became a political focus predominately for Czech youth before attracting tourists, who continued the graffiti until the owners stopped covering it up with whitewash. The wall is now a popular attraction for Beatles fans and tourists in general and at the least provides the perfect backdrop for an impromtu photoshoot (as seen below), definitely worth a visit if you are a fan, want to check out the political graffiti or if you just want some good photos! (Located just along from the Charles Bridge, you can easily walk here from there or get off the tram at Malostranské náměstí)
6. Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is the place to go if you want an incredible view of the city from above, as for a small cost you can climb the Petrin Tower (built as a mini version of the Eiffel Tower), providing you with unbeatable views. Although there are a LOT of stairs, its definitely worth checking out, and the surrounding bohemian gardens of Petrin Hill are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on a sunny day! (You can get to Petrin Hill via the tram from inside the park - closest tram station to the park is Újezd)
7. Letna Hill
Another park worth visiting is Letna Hill, home to the infamous Letna beer garden, and the perfect place to relax with friends on a sunny day! Just a short walk from Malostranská metro station, the park is the perfect spot to overlook the city, partake in a bike ride or to simply do what the Czech's do best, indulge in vast amounts of beer! Well worth a visit if you want a more chilled out afternoon whilst still in the grasps of the city. (You can walk from Malostranská station/tram stop or get off the tram at Čechův most)
8. Wenceslas Square
If you are looking for the social hub of Prague, Wenceslas Square is the place to be. As the home of shops, eateries, hotels, entertainment venues and nightclubs, this 700 meter long and 60 meter wide 'town square' is the tourist meeting point of the city. If you are looking to do some shopping or fancy a Starbucks then this is the place to visit. However if you walk a few blocks west of Wenceslas Square, towards Prague Main Railway Station, wander the streets such as Senovážné Námesti for some beautiful architecture that is out of tourists' way. (To get to Wenceslas Square, either get the tram to Václavské náměstí or the metro to Můstek)
9. Lesser Town
The part of the city to the west of Charles Bridge, and beneath Prague Castle is known as Lesser Town, and features cute cafes, shops full of trinkets and an abundance of photo opportunities. Its the perfect place to get lost in, wander the streets until your feet ache, sip on cocktails under the sun in cobbled side alleys, admire the beauty that is the Baroque Church of St Nicholas and finish your day with THE BEST gelato in Prague from Angelato - located opposite Petrin Hill - they even do a selection of vegan sorbets!! (Lesser Town is fairly vast and ranges from the tram stops of Újezd and Malostranské náměstí to the Malostranské metro station)
10. The Dancing House & Vltava River
Another one of the most iconic, and arguably the most eccentric buildings in Prague is the Dancing House, loved by many and hated by others due to its modern and therefore controversial design. The walk up the Vltava River from Karlovo náměstí towards the Legion Bridge and Střelecký Island is definitely worth doing, as not only do you pass the Dancing House, walking beside the river is incredibly peaceful, and provides some great sights. In the summer the river is filled with pedalo boats, people gathered on the lower paths to relax, share food and have a few drinks in the sun and canal boats are open as restaurants and bars. When I was visiting there was even a vegan festival taking place down by the river! (To walk up the river passed the Dancing House either get the tram to Karlovo náměstí or to Národní divadlo)
I hope you have enjoyed reading this mini guide to Prague and it has inspired you to take a trip to the city yourself! I will be posting a post all about the vegan food I ate in Prague soon so keep your eyes out for that! You can also check out the videos I did about my trip to Prague here. If you have any further questions feel free to email me at positivesoph@gmail.com or ask me over on my tumblr positivesoph.tumblr.com !! Please let me know what european city I should visit next !!
Keep your soul happy - Sophie :)
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