The Czech capital Prague is the largest city in the country and a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Prague has almost 1.2 million inhabitants and every year more than 6 million tourists visit the popular metropolis. Most of them come from Germany. Among the top sights in Prague are the Prague Castle with St. Vitus, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Hall with its astronomical apostle clock and the Jewish quarter Josefov. We will tell you what you are guaranteed did not know about Prague's attractions:
According to the Guinness Book of Records Prague Castle with its gilded towers is the largest castle in the world. In the 9th century the foundation stone was laid for the castle and since then it has always been the seat of Czech kings and queens and today it is the seat of the president. The exterior has been constantly changed over the centuries through the collaboration of various master builders. The extensive grounds include three castle courtyards, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and numerous towers, palaces and chapels. With 1.42 million visitors a year Prague Castle is the most visited tourist attraction in the Czech Republic making it a true highlight of the city.
The Vltava River is the longest river in the Czech Republic. The picturesque water flows right through the heart of Prague's Old Town. Therefore, the boat tours on the Vltava are recommended and a good alternative to a normal walk through Prague on foot.
The Zizkov Television Tower is the largest tower in Prague and an attraction worth visiting. Prague at night is particularly beautiful to look at from the 9 different viewing platforms at different heights. In total the tower is 216 meters high. Curious: Baby statues crawl up the tower from outside. An alternative is the Petrin observation tower on the mountain of the same name. Round off your tour of Prague with a view over the rooftops of Prague and beyond the city limits. With the Petrin cable car you can save the 299 steps up the mountain.
The small fire lane in Malá Strana measures only about 50cm at its narrowest point. This makes it quite difficult for people to push past each other. A traffic light at both ends therefore regulates pedestrian traffic. By the way the last remaining fire lane leads after the street U lužického to the observation deck of a restaurant in the direction of the Vltava River with a great view of the Kalrsbrücke. By the way, one of the most famous sights in Prague is another alleyway: the Golden Lane at the Prague Castle.
Legends say that raw eggs were added to the mortar for the construction of the Charles Bridge such that the today famous bridge should become more particularly strong and durable. Charles Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge in Prague and one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe. It connects the Old Town with the Malá Strana and for a long time was the only connection between the two banks of the Vltava. Today it is considered a landmark of the city of Prague.
In front of the Franz Kafka Museum in the middle of the Jewish Quarter the artist David Cerny created two bronze statues peeing into a basin shaped like a map of the Czech Republic. The figures' hips and penises are movable so that visitors can determine the direction of the urine on the map. Those who prefer to follow Kafka's footsteps can either visit the museum or go on a guided tour of the Josefov Jewish Quarter with a guide.
The Prague City Hall clock is one of the top sights of the Czech capital. However, the astronomical clock can not only be seen by visitors in Prague. In Seoul tourists can admire a detailed replica which graces a restaurant and a congress centre.
In Vrsovice, in Prague's District 10, tourists can discover a part of the city that is less known today. However, during the last century the largest amusement park in the world was located here - the Eden Pleasure Garden. Today, the stadium of the Prague football club SK Slavia Prague is located here - the Eden Aréna.
After the murder of the famous musician John Lennon a graffiti of a portrait of John Lennon decorated a small piece of wall opposite the French embassy in the Malá Strana quarter. Since then the John Lennon Wall in downtown Prague has always been adorned with fine street art and song lyrics by the artist who was a hero of Czech youth. This place should not be missed on your sightseeing tour because it does not only remember John Lennon but thanks to its history it is a memorial of free speech and peaceful rebellion of the youth against the regime of that time.
Free city tours in Prague
The so-called "Free Walking Tours" are also available in Prague. They are especially popular with young people who like to get their tips from local students, who are often the guides on such tours. The free guided tours are perfect for travelers with a small budget. However, please remember that the tour guides of the free tours also earn their living with it. Consider a tip of about 10€ per person.
Prague on your own
On foot through Prague? The city tour on foot is possible as the city has a lot to offer especially in the centre. A walk along the most beautiful corners is no problem for nimble feet. If you are a bit lazy, want to spare your knees or you are travelling with children, we recommend the tram or the city tour by bike.
Is a private guide worthwhile?
On a guided tour you will get detailed background information on the one hand, but on the other hand you will also get to know the small details of the city of Prague as they are not described in any city guide. With a local guide at your side you will discover corners that are inconspicuously hidden but which hold a secret or two. Those who do not want to dig so deep into their pockets for their city tour can also participate in one of the numerous public tours.
All activities, tours and tickets in Prague See the complete list
