Discover Prague

Discover Prague through its historic urban spaces, distinctive architecture and green spaces.

Historic Squares and Architecture

Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic centre lies on both banks of the Vltava. Its urban layout, pattern and spatial composition have been preserved. Gothic, High Baroque and modernist buildings stand side by side in the centre; this architecture influenced the development of Central European architecture.

Old Town Square grew out of a 10th-century marketplace on European trade routes and was connected to the customs house at Ungelt. Buildings and monuments on the square include the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, St Nicholas Church, the Kinský Palace, the House at the Stone Bell and the Jan Hus Memorial. To experience historic sites in sequence, you can also follow the Prague section of the Way of St James: it begins at the Church of St James the Greater, passes through Ungelt to Old Town Square, and links spiritual and historic stops.

Castle, Gardens and Walks

The permanent exhibition “Story of Prague Castle” covers more than a thousand years of the castle’s history. It presents the complex through its rulers, presidents, artists, builders, architects, scholars, craftspeople and servants. The Bohemian Crown Jewels and the St Vitus Treasure are also housed at Prague Castle; significant Bohemian rulers and saints are buried there as well. Check the exhibition’s availability before visiting.

Below the castle’s southern wall, the South Gardens include a central terrace with views over the city. Hartig Garden is open to the public; access to the gardens may vary by season. A central city walk runs from the Muzeum via Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, then across Charles Bridge to Malá Strana Square, with options to continue to Prague Castle or Petřín. You can also reach the castle by tram 22 or Metro Line A to Malostranská, followed by a walk up the Old Castle Stairs. Other nearby tram stops and short walks are also options. As transport information can change, check current connections before travelling.

Green Spaces and City Trails

Petřín is one of Prague’s largest urban green spaces. Its gardens include the Rose Garden, Nebozízek Garden and Seminar Garden, with more than 2,100 fruit trees. At Petřín, the observation tower offers city views; there is also a hall of mirrors, walking paths, benches and several playgrounds. This brings together different ways to spend time in green surroundings without leaving the city.

Wild Šárka offers a different landscape: the expansive valley features steep rocks, plateaus, groves, meadows and grassland, shaped by the Šárecký Stream. The trails are marked but unpaved. The area is used for hiking, cycling, swimming and family outings. Stromovka, meanwhile, is a large urban green space with mature trees, water, meadows, picnic spots and a network of trails and recreation paths. At Prague Zoo, more than ten kilometres of walking paths wind through themed areas such as Africa House, the Indonesian Jungle, the Valley of the Elephants and Darwin Crater. The design of the exhibition areas may change over time.

Markets and Transport History

For a taste of the local market scene, Heřmaňák Farmers’ Market offers plastic-free shopping, with organic produce, bread, pastries, organic beef and flowers; stalls run by craftspeople or authors occasionally join in. Regular farmers’ markets are also held on the Rašín Embankment and in squares such as Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, where fresh produce is available. The mix of stalls and dates may vary, so it’s worth checking the current market days.

The exhibition at the Prague-Střešovice Tram Depot offers another perspective on the city. It focuses on the history of public transport and includes more than forty historic vehicles, as well as models, photographs, historical documents, tickets and plans. Visiting arrangements may also change; check the latest information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Prague, Hradec Králové, Liberec, South Bohemian Region, Moravian-Silesian Region, Ústí nad Labem, South Moravia, Olomouc.

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