Prague is a hidden gem and full of beautiful buildings, long narrow cobbled streets and busy market squares. Do not underestimate the number of tourists who will visit this city, and do not just stick to the main tourist areas either. There are so many lovely things to see further away from the tourist hub.

We stayed at the Hotel Golden Star which was located just below Prague Castle and about a 10 minute walk from Charles Bridge. Even though there are probably more modern options in Prague for accommodation, we found this hotel well located and the people very friendly and helpful.

We think a visit to Prague will be full of surprises, so don’t miss visiting some of the following.

  1. Prague Castle – within the walls of the castle are a series of historic buildings, museums and galleries. There is a security check to enter the grounds, but once inside there is so much to see and do.
  2. Matthias Gate – the first of two gates leading into Prague Castle, the Matthias Gate forms part of the group of buildings in the first courtyard, and was named after Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor.
  3. St Vitus Cathedral – located within the walls of the Prague Castle the Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. This beautiful gothic building is worth a visit, not just to take in the grandeur of the building itself, but to see the wonderful treasures inside.
  4. The Golden Lane – also located inside Prague Castle the Golden Lane is worth a visit. You will have to pay an additional fee to enter, but it is rich in history. The houses in the lane were originally built for the Castle marksmen, and then later used by artists, footmen and both rich and poor people. Today they showcase different periods of time and some have been turned into small souvenir shops.
  5. Charles Bridge – one of the most famous landmarks in Prague as it crosses the Vitava River. There is no good time to go as the crowds mill on it all day, but the views are spectacular as you look towards the Castle. Don’t forget to take in all the monuments on the bridge, but good luck if you want to get photos standing in front of them! This bridge has also featured in several movies over the years.
  6. Old Town Square – just located near the Astronomical Clock the square is full of lovely shops, cafes and a variety of architetural buildings. A great place to take a break and buy some unique souvenirs.
  7. Astronomical Clock – you had best read about the history behind the clock to get some understanding of its purpose. The crowds gather on the hour to watch the clock’s performance, which has 12 apostles appearing as it chimes away. We thought it a little underwhelming as we were expecting some marvellous show. However it is a masterpiece of craftsmanship so definitely worth hanging around to watch.
  8. Dum U Minuty – located next to the Old Town Hall the facade of this beautiful building is decorated with scenes from biblical and mythalogical stories. It is quite unique and dominates the square with its unique facade.
  9. Old Town Hall Tower – you can’t miss the Old Town Hall as it is where the Astronomical Clock lives. Housed inside are historic halls, a tower and the underground.
  10. Wenceslas Square – located more in the busy hub of the city it is a modern square surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants. Make sure you travel further into the winding streets at the end of the square, as there are plenty of great bespoke shops to be found and you will eventually wind your way to the Charles Bridge.
  11. John Lennon Wall – even though John Lennon never visited Prague, after his death the youth of the city painted his picture and Beatle lyrics along with graffiti on the wall expressing their own feelings and dreams. It has become a major attraction but you need to look for it, as it is in the side streets behind Nerudova Street.
  12. Nerudova Street – the street leading up to the Castle is full of restaurants, shops and embassies. But it is more famous for its house signs which you see adorning the buildings. There is much history in these signs so well worth the read to find out more about the significance of them.
  13. St Nicholas Church – situated right at the edge of the Old Town Square this historical Church is just beautiful inside. Its green baroque towers and dome can be seen throughout the city making it one of the most popular sights for tourists to visit. It is closed on Sundays for regular services to take place.

Travel Tips

  • Look up often as some of the buildings are quite spectacular in their architecture.
  • Be prepared for plenty of tourists, especially on the Charles Bridge. Photo opportunities are difficult to find.

Travel Alerts

  • It is a very safe city, but as always we suggest you keep your personal belongings close to you. Just because a city feels safe, doesn’t mean there are not people who will try and steal from you.

Travel Adventures

  • If you are a little brave and don’t mind going up and down hills then you should try a segway ride. It was loads of fun and gave us great photos overlooking the city. It went for a good couple of hours and was a great way to see some of the major tourist attractions. We used Prague on Segway and they are easy to find because they locate themselves just near the Charles Bridge to entice customers to participate. They will even give you a go on a segway to make sure you are comfortable using it before you book your tickets.
  • There are so many different things to do and see in Prague, that it would take too long to mention them all.  Therefore to help you do your research follow this link for all major sightseeing opportunities.