Prague Castle
A creation of fairy-tale design and outstanding beauty, Prague castle is the capital’s most popular attraction for good reason. Officially recognised as the largest ancient castle in the world, it towers over the Vltava River as the city’s picture postcard image. A non-optional visit for any tourist; take a trip down to stare, in envy, at the structure the Czech president gets to call home.
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St Vitus Cathedral
Built over six centuries, and tightly squeezed into the Hrad’s third courtyard, St Vitus is one of Europe’s most decadent cathedrals. Housing treasures from 1400 AD, it is an attraction that must be seen in person with a lot of time to spare. With a multitude of looming gothic architecture and art-nouveau stained glass, a photo cannot quite contain its chaotic beauty, and a trip here is worthy of a whole day.
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Old Town Square
Prague's historical epicentre, ‘Staromestske namesti’ holds the title of oldest place in the city. As the capital’s premier public space, the square has embraced its role as a tourist hotspot; swarming with cafes, bars, restaurants, entertainment and attractions, in a cavalcade of over-the-top commercialism it is impossible not to enjoy. At Easter and Christmas, the cobbles play host to the largest market in the Czech Republic, drawing traders from across Europe.
John Lennon Wall
Asked to list their favourite walls, many wouldn’t go beyond ‘Berlin’ and ‘Wailing’, but this peace-preaching tribute to the late Beatles star definitely deserves a shout out. Created in 1980, it was initially a mural to Lennon and the loving messages he preached. Now an ever-evolving public artwork, the original image is lost below layers of Beatles lyrics, personal problems and wishes for world peace. Go down, check them out, and feel free to add your own.
Charles Bridge
Aligned, aesthetically askew, between two Gothic gateways, Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most recognisable attractions. Once the only link between the two halves of Prague, it stretches across the Vltava river; a popular resting spot for tourists and locals alike. Buskers, bands and souvenir sellers, fill the air with a storybook vibe, while the famous baroque statues that punctuate its length stare down with stony indifference.
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Prague Astronomical Clock
Every day, without fail, Prague’s infamous astronomical clock draws in a small sea of chattering tourists. Crammed into Old Town Square, they stand side by side, Nikon camera by Nikon camera, to watch the mysterious timepiece perform its hourly show. In a dance said to be more than 600 years old, its assorted figures move and tick, to the great amusement of the crowd below.
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Mala Strana
Prague's “little side” lies across the bridge, to the left of the Vltava river. Gathered around the Church of sv Mikulas, like many of Prague’s most famous spots it holds an enchanting, fairy-tale vibe. Dominated by quintessentially Czech baroque architecture, the district’s rich and enticing history dates back centuries. While host to many churches, statues and famous former residents, its most alluring feature may be its solitude; hiding a web of urban gardens to escape to when Prague is at it
Wenceslas Square (New Town)
The centre point of modern Prague, Wenceslas Square stretches from Old Town to the National Museum. The huge boulevard has played witness to some of the most critical moments in Czech history; from Nazi demonstrations to the fall of communism, sporting festivals to bloody riots. Today, it remains the focal point for protest and celebration within the city. Come down, and you can dwell in the square’s past or revel in its present, as along with a rich history, its sides are littered with some of
Bohemian-style or Czech-style Absinth(e)
Despite not being invented here, the Czech Republic is home to some of the best absinthe on the planet. Famous for a Bohemian version of the traditional spirit, which is rumored to be hallucinogenic along with an elaborate ritual that involves setting it on fire. You can't visit Prague and not try Absinth.