10 Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It has a long history of over a 1000 years, and much to show for. All of the sites listed here are within the historic center of Prague, which has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The places listed here are all within a walking distance from one another, but if you’re not into walking all day, then the best way to explore the city is using the extensive tramway network (which I mentioned in my post on tram systems worth the ride)

1. Charles Bridge – The most famous feature in Prague is Charles Bridge. This world famous bridge crosses the Vltava river. Construction of the stone Gothic bridge began in 1357 and ended only in the beginning of the 15th century. As it was the only means of crossing the Vltava river, the Charles Bridge was the most important connection between the Old Town and the area around Prague Castle. Today it is one of the most visited sights in Prague, and as you might expect, the areas around and on the bridge itself are always filled with painters, kiosks owners and other traders as well as pickpockets – beware!

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Charles Bridge (source: wiki)

 

2. Old Town Square – Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, Prague’s Old Town Square is one of the world’s most famous city squares, and as such it is always packed with tourists and locals. Featuring various architectural styles including the Gothic Týn Cathedral (see below) and baroque Saint Nicholas Church, the city square is an oasis for travelers tired of the narrow streets of Prague. Most importantly, the square is also the home of the famous Astronomical Clock (see below)

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Charles Bridge: Old Town Square (source: wiki)

 

3. Prague Astronomical Clock – The Prague astronomical clock, or Prague orloj, is the main feature of the famous Old Town Square of Prague. Many tourists arrive to the square and wait to a round hour just to watch the famous moving figures of the beautiful clock. The medieval clock was first installed in the year 1410, making it one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world and the oldest one still in use. I previously mentioned this astronomical clock in my list of the world’s most famous clock towers

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Prague Astronomical Clock

4. Prague Castle – Prague’s castle is not only one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, it is also one of the most beautiful castles. Construction of the castle began as early as the 9th century and it is 570 meters long and around 130 meters wide. The beautiful castle is visible from many points of the city, and it contains a royal palace, a cathedral, several churches, a monastery, defensive towers, royal stables and more. It is also the burial ground of different kings and emperors

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Prague Castle (source: wiki)

 

5. Wenceslas Square – Located in the New Town quarter of the city, Wenceslas Square is everything but new. Wenceslas Square is one of the main squares in Prague and its history dates back to the 14th century, when it was used as a horse market. Today, the square and the boulevard attached to it form the cultural and business center of the city, with lots of shopping and nightlife options, hotels, restaurants and everything you would expect from the heart of a thriving city

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Wenceslas Square (source: Øyvind Holmstad)

 

6. Týn Cathedral – Týn Cathedral or Týnský Cathedral, is the most dominant feature in the skyline of the Old Town quarter and even the entire city. Standing next to the Old Town square, Týn Church was the main church of this area of Prague since the 14th century. The towers of this Gothic church are 80 meters tall (262 ft) and topped with spires. Visitors can climb up the spiral stairway of 189 steps for a great view of the square and Prague

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Týn Cathedral

 

7. Strahov Monastery Library – Strahov Monastery was founded as early as 1143. The library of the monastery is one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, looking more like a museum room than a library. The library holds a collection of more than 200,000 volumes. It is also claimed that the library has two secret passageways that, just like in the movies, are concealed with book shelves. The monastery and the library are open for visitors throughout the year, and guided tours are available as well. Click here for more information in the official site

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Strahov Monastery Library (source: Jorge Royan)

 

8. Powder Tower – The Powder Tower or Powder Gate is one of the original gates into Old Town, and today it marks the border between Old Town quarter and New Town quarter. The gate was originally built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 15th century. Later, in the 17th century it was used for storing gunpowder, which is the source for the gate’s current name. Visitors are welcome to walk up the spiral staircase that includes 186 steps to get a wonderful panoramic view of Old Town

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Powder Tower (source: Tiia Monto)

9. Malá Strana – Malá Strana or Lesser Town is an area on the west bank of the river Vltava, just below Prague Castle. Malá Strana was founded in 1257 and is another historic region of the city. The district is home to palaces, churches, squares, gardens and parks, and surrounded by bars restaurants and shops. The Prague Castle is located above the area and can be reached by an uphill walk through Nerudova Street

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Malá Strana or Lesser Town

 

10. The Jewish Quarter and the Old New Synagogue – Josefov is the Jewish quarter of Prague, and it is home to the oldest active synagogue in Europe, the Old New Synagogue or Altneuschul. The synagogue was completed in 1270 as one of the city’s first Gothic style buildings. The Old New Synagogue is also the home to the legendary Golem of Prague. In Jewish folklore, the Golem is a creature made out of clay and brought to life by a rabbi in the 16th century

Best Attractions In Prague

Best Attractions In Prague: Old New Synagogue (source: Øyvind Holmstad)

   

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