Prague: The Complete Guide

Prague enchants visitors with its fairytale skyline, lively neighborhoods, and rich artistic atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling across the Charles Bridge at sunrise or sipping coffee in a quiet courtyard off the Old Town Square, the city reveals itself through layers of atmosphere and detail. With its compact layout, the Czech capital is perfect for exploring on foot, from the medieval alleys of Malá Strana to the dynamic energy of Vinohrady and Žižkov.
Though packed with iconic sites, Prague also invites a slower pace—one that allows you to admire Art Nouveau façades, browse design boutiques, and relax with a glass of Moravian wine by the river. It’s an easy city to fall into step with, and one of the most rewarding to revisit.
Prague is split into different areas and we have written a walking tour for each!
Table of Contents
- History of Prague
- Prague in the Early Middle Ages
- Prague in the High Middle Ages
- Prague During the Hussite and Reformation Period
- Renaissance and Baroque Prague
- Prague in the 19th Century
- Prague in the 20th Century
- Prague Since the Velvet Revolution
- 69 Best places to See in Prague
- Prague National Museum
- Wenceslas Square
- New Town Hall, Prague
- Jubilee Synagogue (Jerusalem Synagogue)
- Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí)
- St. Henry’s Tower (Jindřišská Věž)
- Na Příkopě Street
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Powder Gate Tower
- Havel’s Market, Prague
- Municipal House, Prague
- Republic Square, Prague
- Celetná Street
- Dancing House
- 1621 Memorial Crosses
- The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House)
- Marian Colum
- House at the Stone Bell (Dům U Kamenného zvonu)
- Kinský Palace
- The Prague Meridian
- Jan Hus Memorial
- House At The Minute
- Little Square (Malé Náměstí)
- Old Town Hall in Prague
- Žofín Palace
- Karlova Street
- Astronomical Clock, Prague
- Church of Our Lady before Týn
- Old Town Square, Prague
- Church of St. Nicholas (Old Town)
- National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
- New City Hall (Nová radnice)
- Clementinum
- Maisel Synagogue
- High Synagogue, Prague
- Jewish Museum of Prague
- Spanish Synagogue, Prague
- Old Town Bridge Tower
- Pinkas Synagogue - Holocaust Memorial
- Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague
- Ceremonial Hall, Prague
- Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague
- Klausen Synagogue
- Old-New Synagogue, Prague
- Jan Palach Square
- Charles Bridge
- Franz Kafka Museum
- Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague
- Mostecká Street
- Wallenstein Palace & Gardens
- Lesser Town Square
- Villa Richter
- Church of St. Nicholas, Prague
- Lobkowicz Palace
- Belvedere (Royal Summer Palace), Prague
- St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle
- Mirror Maze, Prague
- Golden Lane
- Prague Castle
- Nerudova Street
- Old Royal Palace, Prague
- Petřín Lookout Tower
- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Archbishop’s Palace, Prague
- Schwarzenberg Palace
- Loreta
- Czernin Palace
- Strahov Monastery
- Strahov Monastic Brewery
- 0 Best Day Trips from Prague
- Where to Stay in Prague
- Best Time to Visit Prague
- How to get to Prague
History of Prague
Prague in the Early Middle Ages
Prague’s history begins in the early medieval period, when Slavic tribes established settlements along the Vltava River. By the 9th century, the foundations of Prague Castle were laid by the Přemyslid dynasty, marking the start of the city’s importance as a power center. The castle soon became a residence for Bohemian rulers, and Prague began to grow in prominence as both a political and spiritual hub.
Prague in the High Middle Ages
During the 13th and 14th centuries, Prague experienced rapid development under the rule of King Ottokar II and especially Charles IV, who transformed the city into the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. He founded the New Town (Nové Město), established Charles University in 1348—the first in Central Europe—and commissioned the construction of Charles Bridge and Saint Vitus Cathedral. By the end of the 14th century, Prague was among the most important cities in Europe.
Prague During the Hussite and Reformation Period
The 15th century brought religious and social upheaval. Sparked by the reformist preacher Jan Hus, the Hussite Wars erupted, with Prague at the heart of the movement. The city witnessed fierce internal struggles and played a central role in challenging the dominance of the Catholic Church. This period left a lasting imprint on Prague’s identity, shaping its independent spirit and political activism.
Renaissance and Baroque Prague
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Prague enjoyed a flourishing of art and architecture under the Habsburgs. The Renaissance left behind elegant palaces, while the Baroque era transformed the city’s skyline with elaborate churches and grand facades. Despite the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War, which began in Prague with the famous Defenestration of 1618, the city retained its cultural prestige.
Prague in the 19th Century
The 1800s marked a time of industrialization and national awakening. As factories sprang up and new districts emerged, Prague became a center of Czech nationalism. Cultural institutions flourished, and the Czech language regained prominence. Architectural styles shifted to include Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau, giving the city some of its most beloved buildings.
Prague in the 20th Century
The 20th century was a time of both tragedy and resilience. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prague became the capital of newly independent Czechoslovakia in 1918. The Nazi occupation during World War II brought immense suffering, followed by decades of communist rule under Soviet influence. In 1968, the Prague Spring sought to liberalize the regime, but was crushed by a Soviet invasion.
Prague Since the Velvet Revolution
The Velvet Revolution of 1989 marked a turning point, as peaceful protests led to the end of communist rule. Prague quickly reinvented itself as a modern European capital. Since then, it has undergone significant restoration and renewal, welcoming visitors from around the world while retaining its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Today, Prague is both a living city and a historical monument, offering insight into a millennium of European history.
For a look at the history of Prague through its building have a look at Prague’s Past in Stone: A Journey Through Its Historic Buildings and Monuments.
Visiting Prague for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Prague on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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69 Best places to See in Prague
This complete guide to Prague not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Prague and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Prague National Museum

Location: National Museum, Wenceslas Square, New Town, Prague, Czechia | Tickets with Audio Guide | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Prague National Museum
Wenceslas Square

Location: Wenceslas Square, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting Wenceslas Square
New Town Hall, Prague

Location: New Town Hall, Charles Square, New Town, Prague, Czechia | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting New Town Hall, Prague
Jubilee Synagogue (Jerusalem Synagogue)

Location: Jerusalem Synagogue, Jeruzalémská, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Jubilee Synagogue (Jerusalem Synagogue)
Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí)

Location: Karlovo náměstí - Hvězda spásy, Charles Square, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí)
St. Henry’s Tower (Jindřišská Věž)

Location: Jindřišská věž, Jindřišská, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting St. Henry’s Tower (Jindřišská Věž)
Na Příkopě Street

Location: Street Trdlo, Na Příkopě, Prague 1-Můstek, Czechia | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Na Příkopě Street
Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral

Location: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, Resslova, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
Powder Gate Tower

Location: Powder Gate, Náměstí Republiky, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: January–March: Daily, 10:00–18:00 April–May: Daily, 10:00–19:00 June–September: Daily, 9:00–20:30 October–November: Daily, 10:00–18:00 December: Daily, 10:00–19:30 | Price: Adults: CZK 200 | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Powder Gate Tower
Havel’s Market, Prague

Location: Havelské tržiště, Havelská, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Havel’s Market, Prague
Municipal House, Prague

Location: Municipal House, Náměstí Republiky, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Municipal House, Prague
Republic Square, Prague

Location: Náměstí Republiky, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Republic Square, Prague
Celetná Street

Location: Celetná, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Celetná Street
Dancing House

Location: Dancing House, Jiráskovo náměstí, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.7km
Visiting Dancing House
1621 Memorial Crosses

Location: Staroměstské nám. 1/3, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting 1621 Memorial Crosses
The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House)

Location: The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House), Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House)
Marian Colum

Location: Prágai Mária-oszlop, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Marian Colum
House at the Stone Bell (Dům U Kamenného zvonu)

Location: Stone Bell House, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: Bookstore and Café Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting House at the Stone Bell (Dům U Kamenného zvonu)
Kinský Palace

Location: Goltz-Kinský Palace, Staroměstské náměstí, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: Tue–Sun: 10.00–18.00 | Price: Adults 300 CZK | Website | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Kinský Palace
The Prague Meridian

Location: Prague Meridian, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting The Prague Meridian
Jan Hus Memorial

Location: Jan Hus monument, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Jan Hus Memorial
House At The Minute

Location: The House at the Minute, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting House At The Minute
Little Square (Malé Náměstí)

Location: Malé Náměstí, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Little Square (Malé Náměstí)
Old Town Hall in Prague

Location: Staroměstská radnice, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: From April to December, it is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, January to March, it operates from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Price: 450.00 Kč | Skip the Line Tickets | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Old Town Hall in Prague
Žofín Palace

Location: Žofín Palace, Slovanský ostrov, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Žofín Palace
Karlova Street

Location: Karlova, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Karlova Street
Astronomical Clock, Prague

Location: Prague Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: Winter (October —March) Daily: 9:00—19:00 Summer (April—September) Daily: 9:00—20:00| Price: 380.00 Kč | Website | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Astronomical Clock, Prague
Church of Our Lady before Týn

Location: Church of Our Lady before Týn, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Church of Our Lady before Týn
Old Town Square, Prague

Location: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Old Town Square, Prague
Church of St. Nicholas (Old Town)

Location: Chrám sv. Mikuláše, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Church of St. Nicholas (Old Town)
National Theatre (Národní divadlo)

Location: National Theatre, Národní, New Town, Czechia | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
New City Hall (Nová radnice)

Location: Nová radnice, Mariánské náměstí, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting New City Hall (Nová radnice)
Clementinum

Location: Clementinum, Mariánské náměstí, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: January—March Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:00—19:00 April—September Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:00—20:00 October—December Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:00—19:00 | Price: 380 CZK | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Clementinum
Maisel Synagogue

Location: Židovské muzeum v Praze - Maiselova synagoga Maiselova 10 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia | Distance: 2.0km
Visiting Maisel Synagogue
High Synagogue, Prague

Location: High Synagogue, Červená, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting High Synagogue, Prague
Jewish Museum of Prague

Location: Jewish Museum of Prague, Maiselova, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Jewish Museum of Prague
Spanish Synagogue, Prague

Location: Spanish Synagogue, Vězeňská, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Spanish Synagogue, Prague
Old Town Bridge Tower

Location: Old Town Bridge Tower, Old Town, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Old Town Bridge Tower
Pinkas Synagogue - Holocaust Memorial

Location: Pinkas Synagogue, Široká, Prague 1-Josefov, Czechia | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Pinkas Synagogue - Holocaust Memorial
Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague

Location: Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, 17. listopadu, Old Town, Czechia | Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 10am–6pm Tuesday 10am–8pm Monday closed | Price: CZK 350 | Website | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague
Ceremonial Hall, Prague

Location: The Ceremonial Hall, U Starého Hřbitova, Prague 1-Josefov, Czechia | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Ceremonial Hall, Prague
Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague

Location: Old Jewish Cemetery, Široká, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Old Jewish Cemetery, Prague
Klausen Synagogue

Location: Klausen Synagogue, U Starého Hřbitova, Prague 1-Josefov, Czechia | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Klausen Synagogue
Old-New Synagogue, Prague

Location: Old New Synagogue, Červená, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Old-New Synagogue, Prague
Jan Palach Square

Location: Jan Palach Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.3km
Visiting Jan Palach Square
Charles Bridge

Location: Charles Bridge, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 2.3km
Visiting Charles Bridge
Franz Kafka Museum

Location: Kafka Museum, Cihelná, Malá Strana, Czechia | Price: 220,00 Kč | Website | Tickets | Distance: 2.5km
Visiting Franz Kafka Museum
Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague

Location: Church of Our Lady Victorious and The Infant Jesus of Prague, Malá Strana, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 2.7km
Visiting Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague
Mostecká Street

Location: Mostecká 18, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia | Distance: 2.7km
Visiting Mostecká Street
Wallenstein Palace & Gardens

Location: Waldstein Palace (Wallenstein Palace), Valdštejnské náměstí, Malá Strana, Czechia | Hours: April—October Mon-Fri 7:00—19:00 Sat & Sun 9:00—19:00| Price: Free | Distance: 2.8km
Visiting Wallenstein Palace & Gardens
Lesser Town Square

Location: Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.8km
Visiting Lesser Town Square
Villa Richter

Location: Villa Richter, Staré zámecké schody, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Website | Distance: 2.9km
Visiting Villa Richter
Church of St. Nicholas, Prague

Location: Chrám sv. Mikuláše, Old Town Square, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 2.9km
Visiting Church of St. Nicholas, Prague
Lobkowicz Palace

Location: Lobkowicz Palace, Jiřská, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Prague Castle and Lobkowicz Palace Entry Tickets | Distance: 3.0km
Visiting Lobkowicz Palace
Belvedere (Royal Summer Palace), Prague

Location: Summer Palace Čínská Restaurace, Celetná, Old Town, Czechia | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Belvedere (Royal Summer Palace), Prague
St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle

Location: St. George's Basilica, Hradčany, Prague 1, Czechia | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle
Mirror Maze, Prague

Location: Mirror Maze in Petrin Park, Petřínské sady, Prague 1, Czechia | Hours: September—May: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00—18:00 June—August: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:00—19:00| Price: 150 CZK | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Mirror Maze, Prague
Golden Lane

Location: Golden Lane, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Golden Lane
Prague Castle

Location: Prague Castle, Hradčany, Prague 1, Czechia | Hours: Castle Grounds Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Historic Buildings Hours: Summer 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Winter 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. | Price: Adult tickets range from 250–350 CZK | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Prague Castle
Nerudova Street

Location: Nerudova, Malá Strana, Czechia | Distance: 3.1km
Visiting Nerudova Street
Old Royal Palace, Prague

Location: Old Royal Palace, Třetí nádvoří Pražského hradu, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Distance: 3.2km
Visiting Old Royal Palace, Prague
Petřín Lookout Tower

Location: Petrin Tower, Petřínské sady, Malá Strana, Czechia | Distance: 3.2km
Visiting Petřín Lookout Tower
St. Vitus Cathedral

Location: St. Vitus Cathedral, III. nádvoří, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Hours: Summer 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Winter Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sunday Noon–4:00 PM. | Price: Tower Add-On: 150 CZK for access. | Distance: 3.2km
Visiting St. Vitus Cathedral
Archbishop’s Palace, Prague

Location: Archbishop Palace, Hradčanské náměstí, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Distance: 3.3km
Visiting Archbishop’s Palace, Prague
Schwarzenberg Palace

Location: Národní galerie Praha – Schwarzenberský palác, Hradčanské náměstí, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Hours: Museum Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Closed Mondays. | Price: Adults 300 CZK | Website | Distance: 3.3km
Visiting Schwarzenberg Palace
Loreta

Location: Loreta, Loretánské náměstí, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Hours: Daily 10am. - 5pm. | Price: Museum CZK 260 | Website | Distance: 3.7km
Visiting Loreta
Czernin Palace

Location: Černín Palace, Loretánské náměstí, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Hours: Interiors are not open to the public | Website | Distance: 3.7km
Visiting Czernin Palace
Strahov Monastery

Location: Strahov Monastery, Strahovské nádvoří, Prague 1-Strahov, Czechia | Hours: Monday - Sunday 9:00-17:00 | Price: 190.00 Kč | Website | Distance: 3.7km
Visiting Strahov Monastery
Strahov Monastic Brewery

Location: Strahov Monastery Brewery, Strahovské nádvoří, Prague 1-Hradčany, Czechia | Hours: Opening hours: Mon. - Sun. 10.00 - 22.00 | Website | Distance: 3.8km
Visiting Strahov Monastic Brewery