Prague Travel Guide
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movies Shot
4. Iconic Photo Spots
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Pictures and Puns
Itinerary
Day 1
Book the Prague Walking Tour of Old Town, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle through Viator to experience the historical and architectural wonders of Prague. Guided by an expert, you’ll stroll through the city’s most iconic locations, uncovering centuries of fascinating history along the way.
- Wander through Prague’s Enchanting Old Town: Step into a world straight out of a fairy tale as you explore Old Town, where gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and renaissance architecture stand side by side. Along this journey, you’ll encounter notable landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady before Týn, Kinský Palace, the Stone Bell House, Storch House, Dum U Minuty, and the Central Gallery Prague. The Jan Hus Statue, Prague Marian Column, and Prague Meridian are other highlights where you’ll gain deeper insight into the city’s storied past.
- Visit Old Town Hall and Witness the Famous Astronomical Clock: One of the most captivating stops on the tour is the Old Town Hall, featuring the 500-year-old Astronomical Clock. Built in the 1300s in gothic style, the Old Town Hall offers a stunning view of Týn Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church, and Prague Castle from its gallery. The Astronomical Clock itself is a marvel, showcasing the movements of the sun, moon, and zodiac constellations, alongside a procession of apostles that appear through windows every hour, between 9 AM and 11 PM (timing may vary).
- Cross the Iconic Charles Bridge
Spanning the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge is more than just a link between Old Town and Prague Castle—it’s a symbol of the city’s historical significance. This bridge, shrouded in legends, is said to have been strengthened with eggs mixed into its mortar. Along the way, you’ll pass the statue of John of Nepomuk, who was thrown from the bridge for keeping the Queen’s secrets. Tradition holds that touching his statue brings good luck and ensures a return visit to Prague. - Conclude Your Journey at the Majestic Prague Castle
The tour concludes at Prague Castle, where you’ll delve into the rich history of one of the largest castle complexes in the world, making this tour an unforgettable way to experience the heart of Prague.
Day 2: Spend a day getting a more in-depth tour of the Castle through the Prague 3-hour Afternoon Walking Tour on Viator.
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Explore the Magnificence of Prague Castle on a 3-hour Afternoon Walking Tour on viator.
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Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world, spanning over 700,000 square feet and steeped in royal history. This tour, available on Viator, offers an in-depth exploration of the castle, which has served as the residence for numerous kings throughout the centuries. Within its expansive grounds, you will find four stunning churches: St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, All Saints Church, and the Holy Cross Chapel.
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Delve into the intriguing history of the castle, where, in ancient times, those who broke the law faced the notorious punishment of defenestration—being thrown out of the castle’s windows. St. Vitus Cathedral stands as a key landmark, showcasing a breathtaking blend of renaissance and gothic architecture adorned with exquisite stained glass, remarkable artwork, and rich historical significance. The cathedral houses the crown jewels, secured in a chamber protected by seven locks, each requiring a different key. Due to their rarity, the crown jewels are not always on public display. Additionally, St. Vitus Cathedral serves as the final resting place for several former kings, making it a site of both historical and cultural importance.
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Your journey continues at the Spanish Synagogue, an architectural gem featuring Moorish design elements. With its vibrant colors and intricate geometric patterns, this place of worship draws visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Prague’s cultural heritage.
Day 3
- Begin your adventure with a scenic funicular ride up to Petrin Hill. Your first stop will be the Petrin Lookout Tower, an impressive structure that resembles a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower. Unlike its Parisian counterpart, the Petrin Tower features octagonal sections, adding a unique charm to its design. To reach the viewing deck, you’ll ascend approximately 300 stairs, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- After taking in the sights, explore the enchanting Mirror Labyrinth, wander along the historic Hunger Wall, and enjoy the serene beauty of Kvetnice Garden. Don’t miss St. Lawrence Church and the fascinating Stefanik Observatory before making your way back down on the funicular, soaking in more stunning views of Prague.
- Next, immerse yourself in the picturesque atmosphere of the Lesser Town, where you’ll find a delightful mix of beautiful churches, quaint cafés, vibrant restaurants, and charming shops. The area is renowned for its baroque-style architecture, with the Liechtenstein Palace standing out as one of the earliest examples of this style in Prague. This elegant palace serves as a venue for orchestras and classical music concerts, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage. Another highlight is St. Nicholas Church, famous for its stunning baroque design.
- Finally, pay a visit to the iconic John Lennon Wall. This colorful wall commemorates the legendary musician and songwriter, whose work with The Beatles played a significant role in the anti-war movement. Following Lennon’s tragic murder, the wall became a symbol of freedom of speech, world peace, and love. Young admirers express their admiration by adorning it with poems and messages, though the authorities often have to repaint it overnight to keep it from becoming covered with graffiti.
Day 4
- Start your exploration at Letna Park, a vibrant green space that offers stunning views of Prague’s Old Town. This park is not only home to beautiful gardens and bars but is also a popular gathering spot for skateboarders and sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to relax with a refreshing beer or engage in some outdoor activities, Letna Park is the perfect spot. Notably, it hosted Michael Jackson’s HIStory World Tour, drawing a crowd of over 100,000 fans.
- Next, marvel at the rotating head of Franz Kafka, a remarkable stainless steel sculpture standing over 10 meters tall and weighing more than 35 tons. Composed of over forty layers, the head rotates in different directions, powered by kinetic energy. This striking piece symbolizes Kafka’s complex mind, reflecting the themes of fear, anxiety, and insomnia that permeated his work. Although he struggled with self-confidence and personality disorders, Kafka is widely regarded as an intellectually brilliant novelist who masterfully blended elements of fantasy and realism in his writing.
- Continuing your journey, visit the thought-provoking statue titled “Man Hanging Out,” which depicts the renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud suspended from the edge of a building, with one hand gripping the top. This installation represents Freud’s own experiences with phobias, as he spent years studying the subject while grappling with his fears, particularly his anxiety surrounding death.
- Finally, don’t miss the iconic Dancing House, a unique architectural marvel that was originally an apartment building destroyed during a bombing in Prague. Designed in a deconstructivist style, this building is intended to symbolize the dynamic movement of a famous film couple dancing. Constructed primarily from steel and glass, its undulating shape and strategically placed windows create a captivating three-dimensional effect. Be sure to visit the rooftop bar on the top floor for a delightful drink while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Day 5
- Be sure to secure your tickets for the Prague zoo through TripAdvisor, where you can explore a captivating world featuring over 5,000 animals. The zoo has a variety of engaging exhibits, perfect for visitors of all ages. Highlights include the Bororo Reserve, which is especially enjoyable for children, as well as the Giant Salamander House and Elephant Valley. Don’t miss the Hippo House, Gorilla Pavilion, and the immersive Indonesian Jungle, where you can experience exotic wildlife up close.
- Other attractions include the African House, African Savanna, and the Fur Seal Exhibit, alongside the Pavilion of Penguins and Water World. For those traveling with children, The Children’s Zoo offers interactive experiences, while Bird World showcases a stunning array of avian species. With so many fascinating exhibits to discover, a visit to the Prague Zoo promises to be an unforgettable adventure!
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movie Shot
4. Do it for the Gram
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Puns and Pictures
fun facts
- Prague is often affectionately referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires” or the “Golden City.” These nicknames highlight the stunning architecture of its skyline, particularly during sunset when many buildings take on a warm, golden hue.
- Renowned for its beer culture, Prague boasts over 50 breweries, making it a paradise for beer lovers. For a unique experience, visitors can even indulge in a beer spa, where they can bathe in the soothing benefits of beer.
- The Czech Republic holds the title for the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, showcasing the locals’ deep appreciation for this beloved beverage.
- The famous Pilsner-style lagers originated in the Czech Republic, further solidifying the country’s status as a brewing hotspot.
- It is said that the builder of Prague’s Astronomical Clock was blinded with a hot iron to prevent him from creating another masterpiece like it elsewhere in the world
Movies Shot
Iconic Photo Spots
- Charles Bridge at Sunrise – Capture the beauty of the iconic bridge when the crowds are few and the morning light creates a serene atmosphere.
- Petrin Hill at Sunset or During Fall – Enjoy breathtaking views of Prague, especially when the fall colors enhance the landscape.
- Terasa U Prince Restaurant – Savor a delicious meal while getting a picture-perfect view of Old Town Prague in the background.
- Chloe Café – Pose with a coffee or dessert in front of this charming café
- Municipal Library of Prague – Pose in front of the stunning column made of 8,000 books for a unique and literary-inspired photo.
- Starbucks at Hradčanské Náměstí 186/1A – Enjoy coffee with a view and capture the beauty of the city from this scenic spot.
- Czernin Palace and Gardens – Explore the historic palace and gardens for a mix of architecture and nature in your photos.
- John Lennon Wall – Visit this colorful wall filled with street art and messages of peace and creativity.
- Swans by the Mánes Bridge and Vltava River – Take a picturesque shot with graceful swans and the backdrop of the river.
- Ke Hradu Road – Walk along this road for panoramic views of Prague’s stunning skyline.
- Golden Lane at Prague Castle – Stroll through this charming street with small, colorful houses for an idyllic photo-op.
- Deer Moat Pedestrian Tunnel and Walking Path – Close to Prague Castle, this peaceful spot is perfect for nature photography.
Places to Stay
Personal Blog
I’ve always envisioned Prague as a luxurious city straight out of a fairytale, and I’m thrilled to say that it lived up to that dream. With my long-standing obsession with all things Disney, Prague felt like a scene taken right from a Disney movie, complete with enchanting castles, majestic cathedrals, lush gardens, and stunning architecture. It’s no
wonder that numerous Hollywood and Bollywood films have chosen this magical city as their backdrop.
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Prague Castle, which resembled the closest real-life castle I’ve seen to the iconic Disney castle. Our daughter was captivated by the vibrant architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral and couldn’t stop looking around the moment we walked in.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stroll across Charles Bridge, where I touched the statue of John of Nepomuk and made a wish for clear skies & no rain throughout our trip. We visited Prague in November and were incredibly fortunate to escape any rain while exploring.
During sunset, we enjoyed a drink on the rooftop of the Dancing House, and took in another breathtaking overview of the city. I was particularly fascinated by the architecture of the Dancing House and the intriguing history behind its construction. While walking through Petrin Hill, we enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and stunning views of the city. We also had a blast at the Mirror Labyrinth, where we had to navigate carefully to avoid bumping our heads against the mirrors, especially while carrying our one-year-old daughter.
One surprising fact I learned during our visit is that the Czech Republic consumes the most beer per capita in the world—more than even Germany during Oktoberfest! That truly blew my mind.
Throughout our stay, I found myself counting spires, admiring the countless red brick roofs, and appreciating the rich blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that Prague has to offer every time we took in the city’s skyline.
Pictures and puns
5-Day Prague Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Itinerary
Day 1
- Take the Prague Walking Tour of Old Town, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle through Viator.
- Immerse yourself in Prague’s Old Town: The town is truly right out of a fairy tale with a mix of Gothic, baroque, art nouveau, and Renaissance-style homes and architecture. Some of the stops you will get to ask and learn about include the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, Kinsky Palace, Stone Bell House, Storch House, Dum U Minuty, Central Gallery Prague, Jan Hus Statue, Prague Marian Column, Prague Meridian, and the Church of Saint Nicholas.
- Another stop through the tour includes Old Town Hall with the Astronomical clock. The clock is over 500 years old. The old town hall was first built in the 1300s with Gothic-style architecture. You can spot the Tyn Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church, and Prague Castle from the viewing gallery. The astronomical clock has an astronomical dial, a calendar dial, and a walk of the apostles. You can see the apostles appear through the window hourly, usually between 9 am to 11 pm (Hours may vary). The clock is famous for showing the relative positions of the sun, moon, and zodiac constellations in the sky.
- Next you will cross the Charles Bridge: The bridge crosses the Vltava River. This bridge connects Prague Castle to Prague’s Old Town. There was a popular myth that eggs were added to the mortar to strengthen the structure of the bridge. John of Nepomuk was thrown off the Charles Bridge for not revealing the Queen’s secrets to the King. There is a rumor that if you touch the statue of John of Nepomuk which is now located on the bridge, it will bring you good luck and you may even get to return to Prague!
- Lastly you will get to visit Prague Castle and learn a little bit about the history.
Day 2: Spend a day getting a more in-depth tour of the Castle through the Prague 3-hour Afternoon Walking Tour on Viator.
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The Prague Castle is one of the largest castles in the world. It is over 700,000 square feet and has been a home to many kings throughout the year. The castle has four churches which include the Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica, All Saints Church, and the Holy Cross Chapel. In ancient history, those who broke the law were defenestrated (thrown out of Prague Castle’s window). The St. Vitus Cathedral is a key landmark within the castle and it has both Renaissance and Gothic architecture, glass paintings, artwork, and historical facts. The crown jewels are stored with seven locks in a safe/chamber at St. Vitus Cathedral. All seven keys are needed to open this safe. The crown jewels are not always available for display. The cathedral is also a burial spot for former kings.
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Visit the Spanish Synagogue: It is a place of worship with Moorish-style architecture. It has vibrant colors and geometric patterns which attract tourists from all over the world.
Day 3
- Take a funicular ride up to Petrin Hill. First visit the Petrin lookout tower: It was remodeled to look just like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower although it has octagonal square sections in contrast to the square sections of the Eiffel tower. It takes about 300 stairs up to get to the viewing deck. Next visit the Mirror Labyrinth, Hunger Wall, Kvetnice Garden, St. Lawrence Church, Stefanik Observatory. Take a funicular ride back down and enjoy the city views
- Visit the picturesque Lesser town. It has beautiful churches, cafes, restaurants, shops, pubs, baroque style buildings. The Liechtenstein Palace is one of the first baroque style buildings to be constructed in Prague. The palace is a venue for orchestras and classical music concerts. The St. Nicholas church is located here and is famous for its baroque style.
- Visit the John Lennon Wall: John Lennon was a musician & songwriter who was famous for his role in the British band “The Beatles.” His songs were significant for the anti-war movement. During the communist rule, John Lennon’s songs were banned. The John Lennon Wall was created after his murder to signify freedom of speech, world peace, and love. The youth showed their admiration for John Lennon by decorating the wall with poems and messages. The police are constantly having to paint over the graffiti overnight.
Day 4
- Visit Letna Park: It has bars, gardens, and overlooks Prague’s Old Town. It is a popular place for skateboarders and sports practice. Great spot to grab a beer! Michael Jackson’s History World Tour was performed here and over 100,000 people attended.
- Visit the rotating head of Franz Kafka. This stainless-steel statue is over 10 meters tall, weighs over 35 tons, and has over forty layers that rotate in different directions with kinetic energy. Franz Kafka was a novelist who tried to combine ideas of fantasy and realism. He went through fear, anxiety, and insomnia. The head was meant to symbolize Franz Kafka’s mind since he lacked self-confidence and went through personality disorders even though others found him to be intellectually brilliant.
- Visit the “Man Hanging Out” which is a statue of Sigmund Freud. He is hanging down with one hand at the top of a building. He spent years studying phobia and experienced it himself. The statue is meant to depict his anxiety and fear of death.
- Visit the Dancing House: It was initially an apartment building destroyed by a bombing in Prague. It is a “deconstructivist style” and meant to represent a famous film couple dancing! The building is mostly made from steel & glass. The overall building has an undulated shape and the windows help create a three-dimensional effect. Make sure to visit the rooftop bar on the top floor for a drink!
Day 5
- Get tickets for the Prague Zoo on tripadvisor and see over 5000 animals! The zoo houses many exhibits including the Bororo Reserve, which is great for kids, Giant Salamander House, Elephant Valley, Hippo House, Gorilla Pavillion, Indonesian Jungle, African House, African Savanna, Fur Seal Exhibit, Pavillion of Penguins, Water World and Monkey Island, Feline and Reptile Pavillion, The Children’s Zoo, Bird World and many more!
Fun Facts
- Two popular nicknames for Prague are “City of hundred Spires” or “Golden City” due to some of its buildings have a “golden” appearance during sunset
- It is known for its Beers and has over 50 breweries. You can even bathe in it here at a beer spa
- Czechs consume the most beer per capita in the world!
- Pilsner style lagers originated in Czech Republic
- There is a legend that builder of the astronomical clock was blinded with a hot iron so that he would not build another masterpiece like this anywhere else in the world
Do It for the Gram
- Charles Bridge at sunrise when the crowds are less.
- Petrin Hill during the sunset or during fall.
- Terasa U Prince Restaurant: Have a delicious meal and get a great picture with the old town Prague in the background.
- With a coffee/dessert at Chloe Cafe
- In front of the column with 8000 books at the Municipal Library of Prague.
- At the Starbucks located at Hradcanske Namesti186/1A: Have a coffee, enjoy the views, and snap a photo!
- Cernin Palace and Gardens.
- John Lennon’s Wall.
- In front of the swans by the Mánes Bridge and Vltava River.
- Ke Hradu Road for views of the entire city.
- Golden Lane Prague within the Prague Castle- There are small colorful picturesque houses.
- Deer Moat Pedestrian Tunnel and Walking Path- Close to the Prague Castle, this is the perfect nature photo spot.
Movies Shot
- Mission Impossible 1
- Spiderman: Far from Home
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
- Bourne Identity
- Casino Royale
- The Gray Man
- Kafka
- EuroTrip
- Chasing Liberty
- Oliver Twist
- The Zookeeper (2001)
- The Illusionist
- Snow White Tale of Terror
Bollywood Movies
- Jab Harry Met Sejal
- Rockstar
- Bang Bang
- Duplicate
Places to Stay
Personal Blog
I always imagined Prague to be a luxurious city right out of a fairytale, and the city did meet this image. I have always been obsessed with anything Disney-related and Prague felt like a city right out of Disney with its castles, cathedrals, gardens, and architecture. It is no surprise that parts of so many Hollywood and Bollywood movies were shot here. We loved the Prague Castle and it was the closest real-life castle I’ve seen that compares to Disney castle! Our daughter loved the colorful architecture at St. Vitus Cathedral and couldn’t stop looking around the minute we entered. We enjoyed our stroll through Charles Bridge, and I had touched the statue of John of Nepomuk and wished for no rain on our trip. We visited Prague during the month of November, and indeed we were lucky enough to not get a drop of rain while we were out and about. We enjoyed a drink on the rooftop of the Dancing House during sunset and got another overview of the city. I was definitely fascinated by the architecture of the dancing house and the history of how it was built. We got to experience the fall colors while strolling through Petrin Hill and through the overlook of the city. We had a lot of fun at the Mirror Labyrinth and had to be especially careful to not bang our heads against a mirror since we were carrying our one-year-old daughter through it. I was so surprised to know that Czech Republic consumes the most beer per capita in the world…. I mean more than Germany during Oktoberfest? I would have never imagined! I found myself counting spires, looking at countless red brick roofs, and admiring the mix of Gothic/Renaissance style architecture this city had to offer anytime we were overlooking the city.