Do you like travelling and discovering new places? What do you think of going to Prague? Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and the largest city there. It is the 14th largest city in the European Union and is home to many famous cultural attractions. Prague is also called the “City of a Hundred Spires”. In Prague, there are many amazing places to visit and several things to do. You can find historic sites, museums, monuments, statues, churches, cathedrals, parks, gardens, architectural buildings in different designs and styles, galleries, historical exhibits, and religious sites to visit. There are also other things you can enjoy in Prague such as concerts, shows, water tours, and nightlife. You can enjoy Prague more at night as there are various places that become catchier at this time thanks to the artificial lights that make everything look different and more impressive. If you want to discover more about what you can visit in this city, take a look at the following top 10 must-see attractions and places in Prague.
10 Dancing House (Tančící dům)
Are you interested in those weird and non-traditional things? What do you think of going to Prague to enjoy seeing this building? Dancing House is one of the most breathtaking modern architectural creations in the world and not just in Prague. It is located on Rašínovo nábřeží and is also called Fred and Ginger for looking like a pair of dancers. This fascinating building was designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. The construction of this building started in 1992 and was completed in 1996 to finally present to us a creative artwork.
9 Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter)
Strahov Monastery, which is the second oldest monastery in Prague, is a dazzling monastery that is located in Strahov, Prague and dates back to the 12th century as it was founded in 1143. The most important building you need to visit in Strahov Monastery is the Theological Hall that is also called the Theological library. Thanks to adding stucco decorations and paintings, the room is considered to be more than stunning and deserves to be visited. The Strahov Library has more than 200,000 volumes including 1500 first prints and 3000 manuscripts.
8 Municipal House (Obecní dům)
Municipal House, which is located on Náměstí Republiky next to the Powder Gate, allows you to enjoy the Art Nouveau architecture style. The construction of this civic building started in 1905 and it opened in 1912. The building is decorated in various ways through adding allegorical art, mosaic, stained glass windows, paintings and stucco. It houses Smetana Hall that is used as a concert hall and ballroom. In addition, it also has cafes and restaurants. Most of the rooms in this building are closed to the public to allow the guided tours only to enjoy visiting them.
7 Josefov (Jewish Quarter)
Josefov, which is also known as Jewish quarter, is a town quarter that was first called the Jewish ghetto of the town. This historic place is known for its ancient synagogues. There are many historical sites and attractions you can visit in this place such as Franz Kafka’s birthplace, High Synagogue (Vysoká synagoga), Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice), Klaus Synagogue (Klausova synagoga), Pinkas Synagogue (Pinkasova synagoga), Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga), Old Jewish Cemetery (Starý židovský hřbitov), Old New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga), and Jewish Ceremonial Hall (Obřadní síň).
6 St. Nicholas Church (Kostel svatého Mikuláše)
St. Nicholas Church or the Church of Saint Nicholas is a Baroque church that was founded in 1704 and built in 1755. The church is located in the Lesser Town and was dedicated to Saint Nicholas. It features a huge cupola decorated with large Baroque paintings, fascinating 19th-century chandelier, and bell tower.
5 National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
On the banks of Vltava River, you can find the National Theatre waiting for its visitors to allow them to enjoy their time while being in Prague. The theatre consists of three artistic ensembles which are drama, opera, and ballet. Although the theatre was destroyed by fire and closed by the communists, it played a major role in preserving and developing the most important feature of the nation which is the Czech language.
4 St. Vitus Cathedral (katedrála svatého Víta)
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert is a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral that was dedicated to Saint Vitus only and this is why it is now known as just St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral is located in Prague Castle complex and is considered to be the largest church in the Czech Republic. It is known for its Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and St. Wenceslas Chapel with its amazing altar that is encrusted with 1300 precious stones. It also has the tombs of many saints, Holy Roman Emperors and Bohemian kings.
3 Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)
Prague Castle is a castle complex that dates back to the 9th century. It houses several palaces, museums, churches, gardens, towers, and much more. It has a hidden room where the Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept. It is now known as the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic and the First Lady. According to Guinness World Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the whole world and not just in Prague or Czech Republic. This is because the castle occupies a large area of about 70,000 square meters. Prague Castle receives more than 1.8 million visitors every year making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague.
2 Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
It is a historic bridge that was first called Stone Bridge. It is one of the oldest bridges in Europe and is about 621 meters long and 10 meters wide. It was built to cross Vltava River, connect Old Town with Lesser Town, and replace the old Judith Bridge that was destroyed by a flood. The construction of this bridge started in the 14th century (1357) and was finished in the beginning of the 15th century. It is decorated by 30 Baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers. It is a perfect place to find the needed entertainment as it is used by musicians and artists during the day for selling their works such as jewelry and paintings.
1 Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
One of the most important and famous spots you should not miss while being in Prague is Old Town Square. It is a historic square that you can find in the Old Town quarter of Prague and is situated between the Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. It is the historic center of the city since it is home to many historic buildings and monuments. In Old Town Square, you can enjoy the fascinating architecture and visit:
- Jan Hus Memorial at the square’s center.
- Kinský Palace which is now an art museum of the Czech National Gallery.
- Storch House or the mural covered Storch building with mural of King Wenceslas.
- The Old Town Hall which is one of the most interesting historical buildings in Prague.
- The neoclassical theatre Estate Theatre where Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni was performed for the first time.
- The Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn that has been the main church in this part of Prague since the 14th century and its towers are about 80m high.
- Prague Astronomical Clock which is a medieval astronomical clock and is also known as Prague Orloj. It is located on the Old Town Hall and was first installed in 1410. It is the 3rd oldest astronomical clock in the whole world and the oldest one to stay running till now.
Prague is known for its Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau buildings. In addition, it has its rich history that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It attracts over 6.4 million visitors from different countries around the world every year. So, what do you think of paying a visit to this fascinating city?
