Prague is a spectacular fairy-tale city known as the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Having escaped the heavy bombings of World War II, its historic core remains remarkably intact, featuring a beautiful tapestry of Gothic churches, Baroque palaces, and narrow cobblestone alleys that wind around the Vltava River.
To experience the magic of the Czech capital, you must explore its historic districts on foot, crossing the ancient stone bridge that links the old merchant quarters with the castle heights. This guide details six essential Prague locations, complete with decimal coordinates and stay recommendations.
1. Charles Bridge (Karlův Most), Czech Republic
Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in 1357, the Charles Bridge is a magnificent medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River. The bridge is framed by Gothic tower gates and lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints, most notably the statue of St. John of Nepomuk.
Walk the bridge at sunrise to experience the mist rising off the river without the crowds, enjoying the views of Prague Castle rising above the west bank. During the day, the bridge is filled with street musicians, painters, and souvenir vendors.
Take Metro Line A to Staroměstská Station, then walk west for 5 minutes down Křižovnická street.
Stay in Staré Město for historic old-town hotels, Malá Strana for baroque castle-side boutique, or the Nové Město for convenient modern hotels.
2. Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad), Czech Republic
Dominating the city skyline, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Founded in the 9th century, it has served as the seat of Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents, and contains royal palaces and historic churches.
Inside the castle gates sits the magnificent Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, featuring stained-glass windows designed by Alfons Mucha. Stroll through the Golden Lane, a historic street of tiny colorful houses built for castle guards and goldsmiths, where author Franz Kafka once lived.
Take Tram 22 up the hill to the Pražský Hrad stop, or climb the Old Castle Stairs from Malostranská Station.
Stay in Malá Strana for quiet Baroque alley hotels, Hradčany for exclusive castle-district inns, or the Staré Město for central old-town lodging.
3. Old Town Square (Staroměstské Náměstí), Czech Republic
The Old Town Square is the historic heart of Prague. This spacious plaza is surrounded by beautiful Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the twin-towered Gothic Týn Church and the Old Town Hall, which features the famous Astronomical Clock built in 1410.
Gather in front of the clock tower on the hour to watch the 'Walk of the Apostles', a animated parade of wooden figures that appears from behind the clock face. Afterward, relax at an outdoor cafe with a local Czech beer and admire the central Jan Hus memorial.
Old Town Square (Staroměstské Náměstí), Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50.0878, 14.4207
Take Metro Line A directly to Staroměstská Station, exiting 2 blocks west of the square.
Stay in Staré Město for central historic hotels, Josefov for upscale Jewish Quarter stays, or the Nové Město for lively modern shopping hotels.
4. Wenceslas Square (Václavské Náměstí), Czech Republic
Wenceslas Square is the bustling commercial and cultural center of Prague's New Town (Nové Město). More like a wide boulevard than a traditional square, this 750-meter-long plaza is topped by the grand facade of the National Museum and a bronze statue of Saint Wenceslas.
The square has served as the historic backdrop for many major political demonstrations, including the protests of the Velvet Revolution in 1989. Today, it is lined with department stores, historic passages, cinema halls, restaurants, and busy hotel suites.
Wenceslas Square (Václavské Náměstí), Czech Republic
Coordinates: 50.0813, 14.4278
Take the Metro to Můstek (Lines A/B) or Muzeum (Lines A/C) stations, situated at either end of the square.
Stay in Nové Město for lively shopping street hotels, Vinohrady for leafy residential cafes, or the Staré Město for historic old-town suites.
5. Vyšehrad Fortress, Czech Republic
Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Vltava River south of the New Town, Vyšehrad is a historic fort established in the 10th century. It features massive brick ramparts, the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and a historic cemetery where famous Czechs like Dvořák are buried.
Wander the quiet parkland paths inside the fortress walls, which are far less crowded than the castle heights. Walk the ramparts to enjoy spectacular, panoramic views of the river, the city bridges, and the red rooftops of Prague below.
Take Metro Line C to Vyšehrad Station, then walk west through the fortress gates for 10 minutes.
Stay in Vyšehrad for quiet residential neighborhood, Podolí for relaxed riverside apartments, or the Nové Město for lively city center hotels.
6. Letná Park (Letenské Sady), Czech Republic
Situated on a high hill overlooking the Vltava River directly opposite the Old Town, Letná Park is a popular public park. It features shady paved paths, lawns, a massive kinetic metronome, and the city's most famous outdoor beer garden.
Walk the paths to the Hanavský Pavilion, a historic cast-iron building that offers the ultimate postcard view of Prague's bridges arching across the river. In the evening, join locals at the outdoor beer garden to enjoy a Czech pilsner looking out over the city lights.
Take Tram 15 or 17 to Čechův Most stop, then climb the stairs up the wooded hillside to the park.
Stay in Holešovice for creative hipster warehouse district, Malá Strana for quiet historic castle alley stays, or the Staré Město for central old-town hotels.
Planning Your Prague Trip
- Avoid Tourist Currency Booths: Many old-town exchange booths charge massive hidden commissions. Use bank ATMs for local Czech Koruna.
- Buy a Public Transit Ticket: Buy a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket at any metro station for unlimited travel on trams, metros, and buses.
- Bargain Outside the Center: Dine in the neighborhoods of Vinohrady or Karlín for authentic Czech food at a fraction of old-town prices.
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