The Best Sights in Prague
1. Prague Castle
Prague Castle overlooks the city of Prague, and it is a beautiful sight to look up and see as you wander around the city. It is very easy to get to and even before you have reached the Castle gates, you will see the most breath-taking views of the city below you.
It was founded in 880 and is in the Guiness World Book of Records as the largest coherent castle complex in the world. It contains little shops and cafes throughout as well as the stunning architecture and most impressively, St. Vitus Cathedral.
To enter the Castle complex is free, however should you wish to have a guided tour or enter some of the buildings you have several different options of tour circuits you can take which range in price from CZK 350 to CZK 70 (£12.15 to £2.43).
2. St Vitus Cathedral
St Vitus is one of the most richly endowed cathedrals in central Europe. Built over a time span of almost 600 years, it is a prominent example of Gothic architecture. It is actually quite formidable.
I highly recommend going to the top bell tower to see the most stunning views of the whole of Prague - it costs 150 CZK, but be warned there are 297 steps up a winding staircase to the top with no elevator.
3. Charles Bridge
This beautiful and historic bridge crosses the Vltava river and started construction in 1357 under King Charles IV (The King of Bohemia).
For centuries it was the only way to cross the river and is therefore considered an important connection between Prague Castle and Old Town. The famous statues that adorn the bridge are mostly Saints and Patron saints and were sculpted by some of the most prominent Bohemian sculptures of all time.
The bridge attracts a lot of tourist so it gets very busy, however the views of the bridge from the river side are just as spectacular.
4. Veletržnà Palác (The National Gallery)
The architecture of this building is in stark contrast to the gothic Baroque architecture of Old Town Prague. It holds the largest collection of art in the Czech Republic, including works by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh!
Tickets range from 150 CZK / £5.21 - (reduced), 250 CZK / £8.68 - (standard) to 500 CZK / £17.37.
Tuesday- Sunday: 10am – 6pm
(closed Monday)
5. Jewish Museum
The museum is not one site but a collection of buildings in the historic Jewish Quarter of Prague. The ticket is valid for a week and grants you access to several synagogues, the old cemetery and other buildings. If you have a good few hours you can do all of the sites in one as they follow on from one another.
The audio guide gives an explanation of the history, however I would instead suggest doing research before as the monotone voice does not correlate with the awe-inspiring synagogues and cemetery.
Closed on Saturdays.
Tickets:
Adult: 500 CZK / £17.37 (all sites) / 330 CZK (most of the sites)
Child: CZK 340 / £11.81
6. Municipal House
Immerse yourself in the refinement of this era bygone. This Art Nouveau treasure, located in the very heart of Prague, dominates the site of the former Royal Court. It was from here that Bohemian kings ruled the Bohemian Crown lands.
From 1383 until 1485 the King of Bohemia lived in the property. The Municipal House was the location of the Czechoslovak declaration of independence.
Today, the building is used as concert hall, ballroom, civic building, and includes cafes and restaurants. Many of the rooms in the building are closed to the public and open only for guided tours.
7. Church of Our Lady Before Týn
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a gothic church and a dominant feature of the Old Town. It has long considered one of the iconic symbols of Prague. The Old Town Square is so beautiful and the spires of the Church feel like you are in a fairy tale.
The entrance is difficult to find as smaller buildings have been built in front of the entrance however follow the famous spires and you will find it.
Closed Monday.
Optional entrance fee 25CZK