Prague, the “City of 100 spires” and the capital of the Czech Republic, is a beautiful city with interesting architecture. We recommend spending at least two days in the city to explore and learn about this interesting city. Below are our top 5 things to see in Prague. Please note that this city is very popular and can be crowded. We recommend starting early in the day when there will be fewer people around.
1. Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is located on a hill in Hradčany on the west side of the River Vltava. The complex is about 17 acres making it the largest castle complex in the world. It was built in the 9th-century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty. The complex consists of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings in various architectural styles from Romanesque-style to 14th-century Gothic additions. It is currently the official office of the President of the Czech Republic and at midday you can watch the ceremonial changing of the guard. The grounds of the castle are free to enter (after a security screening). If you would like to enter any of the buildings there is a fee.
2. St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is part of the Prague Castle complex. We have included it as a separate top thing to see because if you visit Prague Castle is it not something you want to miss. The gothic/neo-gothic cathedral is beautiful and has a stunning golden mosaic of the Last Judgement on the “golden gate.” It took nearly 600 years to build and contains the tombs of St. Wencelas and many Bohemian Kings. The cathedral also has a Crown Chamber where the Crown Jewels are kept.
3. Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge crosses the river Vltava connecting Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town. It is the oldest bridge in Prague and replaced Judith Bridge that was damaged in the 1342 floods. The bridge was named after King Charles IV who began the bridge in 1357. Due to heavy traffic damaging the bridge, it is now only accessible by pedestrians. The bridge is made of sandstone blocks with fortified towers at either end. Between 1683 and 1928 the bridge was decorated with 30 statues of saints. Most of the statues are copies as the originals were damaged by the weather but you can see the originals in the Lapidarium of the National Museum. St. John of Nepomuk statue is the oldest, original standing statue. People touch this statue for good luck.
4. Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock is a unique medieval monument located on the southern side of the Old Town Hall Tower. Every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM the little doors at the top open and statues of the Twelve Apostles parade pass, the skeleton (death) rings the bell, and the other figures (worst human deadly sins) shake their heads side to side. The clock also has an astronomical dial representing the Sun and Moon in the sky and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. The clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world as it was installed in 1410 and is the oldest clock still operating. It can be very crowded so we recommend going a little early to get a spot to see the “Walk of the Apostles.”
5. Old Town Square
The Old Town Square was founded in the 12th-century and is the oldest and most significant square of historical Prague. It was originally a marketplace at the crossroads of European trade routes. The square has been witness to royal processions, executions, riots, and various festivals and gatherings. The notable buildings surrounding the square are the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Baroque St. Nicholas Church, the Old Town Hall, and the art museum of the Czech National Gallery. There are two statues and memorials located in the square: Jan Hus Memorial and 27 crosses (a memorial to the martyrs beheaded during an execution).
Of course, there are many more things to do in Prague than just our top 5. Are you interested in exploring the historic city of Prague? Did you know that you can easily combine a visit to Prague with a Danube River cruise? Contact us today to plan your customized trip!