walking tour map of prague

Self-Guided Prague Walking Tour: One Day in Prague

Prague, the capital city of Czechia, or the Czech Republic, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, it is a city with something for everyone. Walk through its millennial history with this self-guided free Prague walking tour I perfected myself. 

I studied in Prague for four years and would occasionally get family and friends visiting me. Therefore, I would always play a tour guide, showing them the best the city offers. Over time, I perfected the route to enable you to see the most iconic Prague landmarks within a day, leaving more time to enjoy other things such as shopping, nightlife, visiting its fascinating museums , or going on day trips , to name just a few. However, if you have more time, here’s your two-day itinerary for Prague to take it slower. 

This Prague self-guided and free walking tour starts from Wenceslas Square, goes to Prague Castle by crossing the Charles Bridge, and returns to Old Town Square through the other side of the Lesser Town. The free tour takes you through the city’s major landmarks, public buildings, cultural venues, and places of worship. 

This walking tour covers approximately 8-9 km of distance. You can easily make it your one-day Prague itinerary depending on when you start, your pace, and how long you stay in each location. The tour is flexible, so feel free to take a break or omit things that are of no interest to you. 

Besides providing the route of the best Prague walking tour, this post also covers accommodation, the best time to visit Prague, and what to pack when planning your trip here. And if you prefer guided walking tours instead of this self-guided Prague tour, I list a few of my recommendations below, too.

My Travel Essentials

Get an eVisa: Check if you need one at iVisa and fill out the form to get your eVisa easily. Book a flight: Use Skyscanner or WayAway . The latter offers cashback with a Plus membership.  More here .  Airport transfers: Avoid the hassles of public transport; book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups .  Reserve a hotel: Reserve your hotel or apartment at Booking.com .   Find best-suited tours: For all sorts of tours, entrance tickets, and activities, check Viator or Get Your Guide .  Rent a car: One of the best car rental aggregators with a wide choice of vehicles – DiscoverCars . Debit card: Wise for withdrawing money in local currency without hidden fees or high exchange rates. eSIM: To avoid heavy roaming fees, use Airalo or Saily . Compare prices and GB packages. Use  BAIA2592 on Airalo  and  BAIAIR6152 on Saily to get 3 USD on both . Travel insurance: SafetyWing covers health insurance and has add-ons for adventure sports and electronics theft coverage.

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Prague walking tour map

For a more comfortable way of exploring the city and following directions, I have created a Prague walking tour map on Google Maps to save and use whenever you need it. The purple pins on the map mark the main stops on the walking tour, while the yellow pins are the significant locations that I explain within a territory. 

Self-guided Prague walking tour

Wenceslas square.

Václavské náměstí, or Wenceslas Square, is one of the main areas of Prague and a place for many locals to meet. It has also been a landmark of many historical events, such as demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. Named after Saint Wenceslas, Bohemia’s patron saint, the area is more of a 750-meter boulevard than a square.

Charles IV first created it in the mid-14th century as a horse market in the New Town. Today, the St. Wenceslas Monument sits on top of the boulevard with the National Muzeum on its background. 

Even though the square is old, the buildings lining up its street are not. The oldest dates back to the 18th century, and the others are much younger. Here, you’ll find gorgeous buildings of Art-Nouveau, Neo-Renaissance, Socialist Realism, and ultra-modernism buildings. 

The square is also home to various hops, arcades, clubs, and theaters built during the early 20th-century commercial boom. While walking down towards Old Town Square, pay attention to Wiehl House and the Grand Hotel Europa for their impressive facades. 

Upside-Down Statue of St. Wenceslas

The Art Deco-style Lucerna Palace hides a rather interesting sculpture of St. Wenceslas. Called King Wenceslas Riding on a Dead Horse, the monument is the work of the famous Czech sculptor David Černý. Some consider it a parody of a statue in front of the National Museum, but for some, it is an attack on Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic.

However, Černý never comments on this work; he does not need to honestly. If you see something extraordinary on your trip to Prague, like an old Soviet tank painted in pink floating on the Vltava, then you are a witness of Černys, another creation. Some of his other permanent art is also included in this walking tour of Prague. 

Recommended tours in Prague:

The Powder Tower

Once you finish walking down Wenceslas Square, turn to Na Prikope Street to walk to the Powder Tower or Prašná Brána. This imposing Gothic tower is one of the original city gates out of 13. It was intended to be a nice-looking city entrance as an alternative to a defensive tower. The name comes from when the city initials used it to store gunpowder.

It was also used for the coronation ceremonies, during which the Kings of Prague would walk through it and follow the streets leading to Prague Castle. It was rebuilt in the 19th century after being destroyed during the Prussian siege 1757. 

If you are up for a walk on a few dozen narrow stairs, you can go up on its viewing deck for some spectacular city views. 

Right behind the tower is a breathtaking Municipal Hall to check out. And if you fancy a classical music concert, you can attend one here.

Astronomical Clock

From the Powder Tower, continue your walk on Celetná Street, one of the oldest streets in Prague, leading to the Old Town Square, or Staroměstské námesti. We’ll come back to the area at the end of this Prague walking tour, so instead, continue walking until you reach the Astronomical Clock.   

Orloj, in Czech, is a medieval clock installed in 1410. It is considered the third oldest clock in the world and the oldest one that still works. The clock, built by Mikuláš Kadaň, a clockmaker, and Jan Šindel, an astronomer, attracts hundreds of tourists each hour (from 9 am to 11 pm) to watch a marvelous mechanical performance of 12 apostles greeting the city, a skeleton ringing a bell, a miser with a purse full of money, a Turk shaking his head, and Vanity looking in a mirror. 

While looking at the clock, you can see the movement of the sun and moon through the signs of the Zodiac. It also tracks Sidereal time, Central European, and Babylonian times. 

If you want to go inside the oldest town hall and see the Gothic chapel and staterooms, go down to the underground, and inner mechanism of the astronomical clock, you should book this tour . 

House of the Minute

The House at the Minute is next to the Astronomical Clock as you walk on the Karlova Steet. 

One of the undoubtedly impressive houses, it was initially a late Gothic building of the 15th century that was renovated into a Renaissance style in the mid-16th century.

White sgraffito (imprints scored on a flat plaster wall to make a three-dimensional effect of depth and shade) decorations on the black background are pretty impressive and tell the story of the Habsburg rulers and scenes from Greek mythology. It also references Renaissance and biblical legends.

Charles Bridge

This self-guided free Prague walking tour continues through Karlova Street again to reach the most famous and spectacular bridges I’ve seen – Karlov Most or Charles Bridge. 

After floods washed away a few wooden and the first stone bridges, Charles IV decided to commission a new one in 1357. A 621-meter-long pedestrian Gothic bridge was the only means to cross the Vltava River until 1841; therefore, it was significant in connecting Prague Castle with the Old Town. 

Guarded by three towers, the bridge boasts 30 statues and statuaries, primarily made in Baroque and Gothic styles. For spectacular views of each side of the bridge, you can walk up the stairs of the towers. 

The bridge is a top-rated Prague attraction that brings many tourists, local musicians, and souvenir sellers throughout the day. It is equally beautiful both in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset. 

Urinating sculpture

If you love the artwork, I have included a few stops along this free walking tour in Prague, and the next stop is another impressive sculpture by David Cerny. He is known for creating eye-catching, highly controversial, and humorous artwork. 

The Piss sculpture, close to the Franz Kafka museum , features two mechanical naked men taking a poss into a pool that resembles the shape of the Czech Republic. It indeed is one of the quirkiest yet thought-provoking attractions in Prague. 

Once you are here, remember to walk Prague’s narrowest alley between two buildings. It has a traffic light indicating when you can walk through.  

Kampa Island with crawling babies

Kampa Island was one of my favorite places to walk around when I was in the neighborhood. It is the largest of the Vltava’s islands, featuring cafés, a serene riverside park, old mills, and a playground. I would bring a blanket and enjoy a peaceful time reading a book, studying, or simply relaxing and watching people walk by. 

The iconic sight of Kampa Park is another masterpiece of David Cerny – three giant and faceless crawling babies you can climb on and take photos of. They are part of Cerny’s “Babies” project, another excellent example of them as they crawl up the Zizkov TV Tower. So, if you have time on your Prague itinerary, I recommend seeing it, too.  

Lennon Wall

Any guided or free walking tour in Prague is incomplete without visiting John Lennon’s Wall, a manifestation of freedom, peace, and love. The wall has different lyrics of Beatles songs or other forms of graffiti, making it an attractive spot for visitors. 

The whole concept started in 1988 by youngsters to demonstrate their thoughts about the communist regime. The authorities repainted the wall; however, the activists did not back down and redrew poems the next day.

The wall always experiences change, and the original portrait of Lennon is long lost. However, it contains various tags, writings, or drawings. And if you bring a marker, you can also put something on the wall. 

St. Nicholas Church

A Baroque church built between 1704 and 1755, St. Nicholas Church is a stunning place of worship and one of the must-visit attractions in Prague. 

Inspired by the chapel of St. Louis-des-Invalides in Paris, the church’s interior is breathtaking, while its characteristic giant green dome and tower dominating the skyline are visible from afar. You’ll see beautiful frescos on its ceiling showing biblical scenes. 

Nerudova Street

After a visit to the church, continue your way via narrow Nerudova Street, which is lined with many colorful houses and eventually leads to Prague Castle.

Named after Czech author Jan Neruda, his birthplace and a scene of many of his stories, the street was the final stretch of the Royal Route when the kings walked on their procession to being coronated at the castle. 

What distinguishes Nerudova is that the buildings here have emblems to differentiate them from each other before the street numbers were introduced to the city. 

As you walk up, make sure you look at the following houses: the Red Eagle at No. 6, the House of the Red Lamb at No. 11, the Three Fiddles at No. 12, the Golden Horseshoe at No. 34, the Green Lobster at No. 43, and the White Swan at No. 49.

Have your eyes pierced for a few stunning Baroque buildings at No.5 and 20, while further up at No.33 is a Rococo house. 

Schwarzenberg Palace

The next stop on this Prague free walking tour is the most distinctive Schwarzenberg Palace on Hradčany Square. The sgraffito on the surface makes this Renaissance palace easy to notice.

An Italian architect built it for the Lobkowicz Family in the mid-1500s in Florentine style. The Schwarzenbergs, the leading family in the Habsburg Empire, acquired the palace by marriage in 1719. Today, it houses the National Gallery’s exhibition of Baroque art.

Prague Castle Complex

Perched on top of Castle Hill, the stunning Pražský hrad, or Prague Castle, dominates the skyline like no other building. It is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, covering an area of almost 70,000 sq. meters. 

The complex, enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features large-scale palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, including four palaces, four churches, marvelous gardens, and a defensive tower, all done in different architectural styles. 

By the beginning of the 14th century, the complex was home to the royal palace, churches, and a monastery. Reconstructed during the rule of Charles IV, it was destroyed by fire in 1541, and later, most of the buildings were renovated in Renaissance style. Since 1918, the castle has been the residence of the President of Czechia.

You can wander the castle grounds free from 6 am to 10 pm, but many landmarks have different opening hours, and some require an entrance ticket. 

Please note that I deliberately haven’t included the most important buildings of the Prague Castle complex as separate listings in this post. Instead, I briefly explain their significance here and have included them as different spots for easy navigation in the Prague walking tour map provided above.

The Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral is the prominent landmark of the castle that used to be a place for kings’ coronations and is also home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels hidden in a dedicated room. Another noteworthy spot here is the St. George’s Basilica , founded in the early 10th century and believed to be the oldest surviving church in Prague. Its red Baroque facade makes it easy to recognize. 

Besides, the complex boasts a unique small street called Golden Lane , a collection of colorfully painted historical buildings. Despite its name, don’t expect to find gold-plated pavements or golden decorations here. It got its name after a goldsmith moved into one of the houses in the 17th century. 

The lane was also home to Franz Kafka’s sister, who rented house No.22 in 1916, which Kafka himself used for one year to write one of his books. Nobel prize-winning poet Jaroslav Seifert also lived on Golden Lane in 1984. 

Today, these houses are turned into shops and a museum displaying medieval armory, clothing, and torture devices. 

I suggest spending a reasonable amount of time exploring the complex grounds and enjoying panoramic city views from several viewpoints. Alternatively, you can join the Castle Tour with a Local Guide and Entry Ticket or the Prague Castle 2.5-Hour Tour, Including an Admission Ticket , to see everything and learn more about the castle grounds. 

Wallenstein Palace & Gardens

The Wallenstein Palace, one of Prague’s first and largest Baroque palaces, is an ambitious project of the military commander Albrecht von Wallenstein, who decided to build the palace in 1642 to overshadow other landmarks, including the Prague Castle to show his status as a commander of the Imperial Catholic armies during the Thirty Years’ War. 

To fulfill the project, he had to buy, destroy, and confiscate a brick kiln factory, three gardens, and many residential houses in the densely populated Lesser Town to give space for his palace. 

Nevertheless, it is absolutely stunning once you walk through the palace garden featuring monumental statues and fountains. It is wonderful during spring and summer when flowers bloom. 

• Opening hours: the palace garden is open from April to October. Mon-Fri from 7 am to 7 pm and Sat-Sun from 9 am to 7 pm. The palace is open on Saturdays only from April to October from 9 am to 4 pm. 
• Entrance fee: FREE for both the garden and the palace. 

When done exploring the palace gardens, walk towards the Manes Bridge to cross it and slowly go back to the Old Town. One of the first buildings you’ll notice after the bridge is Rudolfinum – one of the most important buildings with several concert halls and home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. This late 19th-century building hosts various concerts, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival.

One interesting fact about Rudolfinum is that from 1918 to 1939, and a short period after WWII, it housed the parliament of Czechoslovakia. 

Josefov – Jewish Quarter

The former Jewish ghetto of Prague, Josefov, lies in Old Town. Besides being a reminder of the sad past, it actually is one of the upscale areas of the city, with Parizska Street having the most fashionable designer stores.  

The Quarter has six synagogues, a ceremonial hall, and an old cemetery. All of the landmarks of the area are within a few minutes walk from each other, enabling you to easily walk around to visit the museums or admire the beautiful architecture of these synagogues. Surprisingly, the area even survived the Nazi occupation as Hitler himself decided to save it as a “Museum of an Extinct Race.”

Similarly to the Prague Castle section, I haven’t included these synagogues and museums as separate listings in this post. Instead, I summarize the importance of each building and have placed the pins in the Prague walking tour map listed above.

Pinkas Synagogue is the second oldest synagogue in Prague from the 1500s and has been restored countless times over the centuries.  

Old Jewish Cemetery is another must-visit Prague attraction because it is the oldest surviving Jewish burial ground in the city that dates back to the mid-15th century. Back then, the laws prohibited local Jews from burying the dead outside of the ghetto, which obviously resulted in cramped and overcrowded gravestones that are eerie, surreal, and mindblowing to see. Around 12,000 tombstones are visible, but about 100,000 bodies are estimated to be buried below them, stacked up to 12 ground layers. 

Klausen Synagogue was established by Mordechai Maisel, a that-time Mayor of the Jewish Quarter, at the turn of the 17th century. It was constructed on the sight of the former Jewish school and a small prayer house. 

The Old-New Synagogue is another noteworthy spot on this Prague walking tour, standing as the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. The synagogue, built in approximately 1270, managed to endure many fires, Jewish massacres, destruction of the ghetto, and even the Nazi occupation. 

Spanish Synagogue is the city’s newest Jewish religious building, constructed in 1868. The ornate facade, with its horseshoe arches, pseudo-minarets, and columns, is gorgeous to look at. Inside, the pseudo-Moorish design deliberately mirrors the Spanish Alhambra and contrasts with the other, simpler synagogues of the Quarter. 

Maisel Synagogue , built in Neo-Gothic style, was constructed at the end of the 16th century as a private prayer house for the Mordechai Maisel family, who got wealthy by lending money to Emperor Rudolph II to aid the wars against the Turks. He used the profits to develop and invest in the Jewish Quarter. 

Apparently, the original synagogue was the most ornate of them all and sadly, was destroyed by fire in 1689. It was then rebuilt to its current state at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it houses an exhibition about the history of the Jewish community in the Czech Republic, documenting their lives here from the 10th to the 18th century. 

The Quarter is now part of the Jewish Museum in Prague and requires entrance tickets to the synagogues, museums, and the cemetery. 

• Opening hours: every day, except Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. More info . 
• Entrance fee: adults – 500 CZK gives you access to all the Prague Jewish Town attractions and is valid for three days. 

Recommended tours in Prague Jewish Quarter:

Kafka Monument

Franz Kafka, the famous novelist and short-story writer, was born in Prague, primarily in the Old Town and its Jewish Quarter, to a German-Jewish mother and a Czech-Jewish father. 

Because of his German and Czech parents, he was rarely accepted in any of these nationality groups and often lived in isolation and fear, and most of his works were not published in his lifetime. 

Ironically, as Kafka became world famous, now Prague has his face placed on mugs, magnets, postcards, T-shirts, and other souvenirs. 

The monument honoring him, located a few minutes from the synagogues, is one of the most bizarre sculptures you might see in Prague. It shows Kafka sitting on the shoulders of a headless figure, probably Kafka himself, and references his story Description of a Struggle written in 1912. 

Old Town Square

Following the fancy Parizska Street lined with luxury designer stores, you’ll return to Prague’s historic square.

Take some time now to wander around admiring beautiful pastel-colored buildings of different architectural styles, such as Art-Nouveau, Baroque, Gothic, Rococo, and Renaissance. 

Storch House , at number 16 south of the square, also called House of the Stone Madonna, has one of the most stunning painted exteriors. The Kinský Palace on the east is another noteworthy building with a white and pink stuccoed Rococo facade that today houses the National Gallery’s exhibition. 

Make sure to visit the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn that dominates the skyline of the Old Town Square. This 15th-century church has towers that shoot up 80 meters; if you look closely, you’ll see that these towers are not identical. 

Besides historical buildings, the square is lined up with various museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops for you to pop in.

You must be hungry after that walk, right? Take a look at the must-visit restaurants  for food lovers in Prague

Guided Prague walking tours

If you want to avoid the hassle of this tour and prefer to join guided walking tours in Prague to learn more about the history and culture of the city, here are a few recommended Prague walking tours:  

A 3-Hour Walking Tour of Old Town & Prague Castle takes you from the historic Old Town to Prague Castle with professional local guides who tell interesting stories and legends. 

Alternative Prague Walking Tour is great for those who prefer to see a different side of the city that passes through cool Prague neighborhoods, street art, and underground subcultures. 

Prague Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour is an evening tour that lasts from 1:30 to 2 hours, where you walk through haunted streets and listen to mysterious stories of medieval Prague. 

Old Town and Jewish Quarter Guided Walking Tour walks through the Jewish Quarter, where you can listen to the history of Prague’s Jewish community and see its synagogues and the cemetery. 

Old Town, Medieval Underground & Dungeon Tour is ideal for those who’d love to see what is hidden below the Old Town with its rooms, cellars, and corridors. 

Where to stay in Prague

Prague offers a variety of neighborhoods and areas to stay in, depending on your preferences and budget. Old Town and New Town offer plenty of accommodation options for a central location, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. These areas provide easy access to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. 

For a quieter stay, the Mala Strana and Vinohrady neighborhoods offer a more residential feel, with plenty of charming streets and local restaurants to explore. I have a dedicated post on where to stay in Prague that explains the neighborhoods and provides a list of some of the best hotels in Prague. 

Best time to visit Prague

Prague is a beautiful city that offers visitors a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture. However, the city’s weather can vary greatly depending on the season, making it essential to plan your trip accordingly. 

The best time to visit Prague is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The peak tourist season is summer, from June to August. The season is warm and sunny, bringing crowds of tourists, and hotel prices tend to go high.  

Winter is magical and another best time to visit Prague, especially around the holidays when the city is decorated with Christmas markets and lights. However, the weather can be pretty cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 °C to 5°C, and there is a chance of snow. However, snow-covered Prague is absolutely stunning. 

What to wear in Prague

Prague is a walkable city with cobblestone streets lining most of its central districts. Therefore, it is essential to know what to wear in Prague based on weather temperatures and the activities you plan to do. 

The weather in Prague can vary greatly depending on the season, so it’s important to pack clothing appropriate for the time of year you plan to visit. If you plan to visit during summer, pack lightweight and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, flowy skirts , and long dress e s . However, bring a light foldable raincoat or umbrella for occasional rain showers.

Planning a trip for spring or autumn and want to know what to wear in Prague for those seasons? In that case, pack layers that will keep you warm during cooler mornings and evenings. A light coat or jacket , cardigan , or scarf can help you adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.

Winter in Prague is quite cold, and temperatures drop below freezing, so wear warm clothes like sweaters or hoodies and winter jacket . Remember a winter hat , scarf , and gloves . I typically opt for thermal leggings and t-shirts for winter travels that I wear underneath jeans and a hoodie. 

Since the best way to explore Prague is by aimlessly wandering its streets, comfortable footwear is essential, regardless of season. Bring comfortable walking shoes or sneakers that can withstand long days of walking on cobblestone streets. I always pack my Teva walking shoes and/or The North Face sandals for warmer climates. Bring waterproof winter shoes to navigate through snow and ice if you plan to visit during winter.

Remember to throw in these useful accessories in your bag:  

Camera or phone:  Prague is extremely photogenic city, so be sure to bring a camera (I have Sony a6300 ) or smartphone (I recently purchased Google Pixel 7 Lemongrass color) to capture all the sights.

Power bank:  I am sure you’ll be taking lots of photos and using maps to navigate around. Therefore, having an external charger to keep you on the go, is very important. I have this Anker power charger .

Universal adapter: If you are coming from outside Europe, you’ll need a universal adapter to be able to charge your devices.

More Prague Content

21 comments.

What a great walking (and virtual for now) tour! I love how much you are able to take in in just 6km!!! I will definitely refer back to this if I even make it to Prague.

i would love to visit prague! very high on my bucket list and love this itinerary

Ahh! I can’t stand not knowing the story behind something, now I really want to know about Černý’s Upsidedown statue of St Wenceslas! In any case it’s very interesting and I guess we can all make our own decision about what Černý’s trying to say with it.

Thank you for including a map! This helps a ton when trying to find out where to start! Old Town looks amazing…

I have only heard amazing things about Prague, and I love how you fit in so many things in this day trip! I cannot believe how big Prague Castle is. I can’t imagine exploring a place so large! Seems like there is just so much to do here!

I visited Prague a very long time ago and I would love to go there again! This self walking tour is such a great idea! Super useful, I am saving it for later! Thank you Baia!

Same here, would love to go back sometime soon!

Prague is so lovely!! This is such a great walking guide. I would love to come back and be able to explore more.

Happy you found it useful! 🙂

Simply in love with the photography here- I am a sucker for architecture and Prague has a veritable dose of that.

Hey Shalzmojo, yes the city has gorgeous buildings to admire 🙂

Great post!! Its pretty elaborate and so helpful in anyone willing to take a self-guide walk. Love the pictures also 🙂

Thank you so much! I am glad you found it useful 🙂

I love this idea. There is a lot to see in Prague and it’s easy to miss things so this is so useful and very comprehensive

Definitely! Prague has plenty of things to see and it’s very easy to miss some of them

This is great! I actually recognise some of it from when I wandered around the city myself. It’s an amazing place to be.

What a great walking tour of Prague! I would especially enjoy wandering old town, taking tons of photos of the clock and Charles Bridge! It definitely seems that Prague has a ton of charm and sights to see. 😁

This will be such a handy guide next time I’m in Prague! You really mapped out for us, thanks!

Happy to provide all the details 🙂

I love Prague so much. Easily one of my favorite cities. This is great itinerary, and it gave me a nice walk down memory lane!

Love this! Prague is one of my favourite cities and I can’t wait to visit again one day 🙂 I was lucky to have my friend that lives there show me around when I stayed with her but would like to go back to a few of the spots that I missed!

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Self-Guided Walking Tour of Prague

Old town, jewish quarter, and charles bridge.

The tour starts at Powder Tower and ends at John Lennon Wall.

This is the only free tour in Prague that covers all the main sights of Prague's historical center in 3 hours.

You will learn what the name Prague means, when and how was the Astronomical clock created, and why Rock'n'Roll saved Czechoslovakia from Communism.

We will start in front of the medieval city gate known as the Powder Tower, then visit the haunted church of St. James, and go see the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square. 

To feel like true Praguers, we will take a break in one of the cafes in the Old City.

After that, we will enter the Jewish Quarter, cross Charles Bridge, and finish at the John Lennon Wall.

Searching Availability...

Our groups are a maximum  of 25 people per tour guide .

That way you can hear your guide well, see more things on the way, and have more opportunities to ask questions.

All of our guides are LICENSED professionals with a Czech sense of humor, which we hope you will like!

We are looking forward to seeing you on our FREE TOUR!

SIGHTS WE COVER:

• Powder Tower
• Municipal House
• House of the Black Madonna
• Charles university
• The Estates Theatre
• Church of St. James
• Old Town Square
• Astronomical Clock
• Jan Hus Monument
• The Jewish Quarter
• Franz Kafka Statue
• Charles Bridge
• St. John of Nepomuk Statue
• Johannes Keplers house
• John Lennon Wall

COST:  This tour operates on the pay-what-you-wish model.

WHAT IS THE (OPTIONAL) BOOKING FEE FOR?

Due to the nature of the pay-what-you-like model, it is often very difficult for operators to know how many people with bookings will in actuality show up to a tour.

The booking fee is used to guarantee a spot on the tour.

100 Spires City Tours uses the number of guests who have paid the booking fee to gauge the number of independent, free-lance tour guides to offer to lead any one particular tour, and in order to maintain small group sizes.

While a partner company's intention is to accommodate all guests, those with a guaranteed booking will be given priority, in the event of a tour guide shortage or other unforeseen occurrences.

The booking fee is used by the organization to offset the costs of organizing the tours, including reservation system fees, city taxes, and the costs of providing general customer service.

The fee is refundable in full if you cancel within 24 hours of the start of a tour.

This post covers the interesting things to see and do in Prague's Old Town district, formatted as a walking tour.

The walk is just over a kilometer - or a little less than a mile. 

If you're looking for guided tours of Prague, check out our post listing free walking tours . 

What is the Old Town?

Old Town is the picturesque historical center of Prague, covered in cobblestone streets, interesting architecture, and the city's most well-known landmarks.

You'll find layers of history and change all throughout Old Town, as Gothic buildings change toward Renaissance and Art Nouveau.

Even the famous Astronomical Clock has multiple numerals and symbols for telling time throughout the centuries!

Alternatively, you may also want to consider a self-guided exploration game that allows you to learn about Old Town Prague while attempting to solve a mystery!

HOW TO GET HERE

Our starting point is the Powder Tower, located at 5 Náměstí Republiky ( use this map ), right where Old Town and New Town meet.

It’s along the busy Na Prikope Street, so there are lots of ways to reach this spot by public transit.

The closest metro stations are Náměstí Republiky (Line B) and Můstek (Lines A, B)

Trams #6, #8, and #26 also stop at Náměstí Republiky. Trams #9 and #5 stop at Jindřišská.

There is an easy walk from the train stations Hlavní Nádraží and Masarykovo Nádraží to the tower as well.

THINGS TO SEE IN OLD TOWN PRAGUE

Below are 20 things to see or do in Old Town Prague. We've written it in geographical order so that you can also use this as a self-guided map. 

Click the image for a larger interactive map.

Our tour begins from the Powder Tower and ends at the Charles Bridge and includes stops in the Old Town Square and the Old Jewish Quarter.

The route is roughly 1 km (1.6 miles) and should take you between 60-90 min (unless you make extended stops).

TIP: We also offer a GPS-led audio tour of Old Town Prague and the Jewish Quarter (€1.99) that is more detailed than the content below.

Here's a sample.

There is no schedule (take this tour anytime you wish).

• Purchase an  audio tour from our Booking Page (scroll down to Prague).
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a .pdf, Google Map link, and audio tour.
• Enjoy the tour(s).

1. Powder Tower

nám. Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

The Powder Tower is the current and historic entrance to Old Town Prague, which was built in 1475. 

The Gothic structure is one of the original gates in the wall that used to divide Old Town from New Town.

Coronation processions would start here and cross the Charles Bridge before continuing toward Prague Castle. 

If you want to climb the Powder Tower, 100 CZK gets you a ticket, sold one floor up, to see a view of the differences between Old Town and New Town. 

• Price: 100 CZK
• Hours: 10:00 am - 20:00
• Find out more information . 

TIP: 2 walking tour companies start their free tours of Old Town from Powder Tower. Tours depart daily at 10:30 am, 11:00 am, and 15:30 (3:30 pm).

2. Municipal House

The Municipal House is connected to the Powder Tower, though their architectural styles are very different. 

There’s a concert hall inside, and if you’re a fan of Art Nouveau, it is a must-see. The rest of the building is accessible by booking a tour, available in multiple languages. 

• Price: 290 CZK
• Hours: 10:00 am - 20:00 
• Find More Information . 

TIP : You can even have a 3-course dinner in the Municipal House !

3. Casa Cubista / House at the Black Madonna

Ovocný trh 19, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

The House at the Black Madonna is an example of Cubist architecture – a style better known to many in painting than in design, but this building offers Cubism inside and out. 

There aren’t many buildings of this kind in Old Town, but it was on the cutting edge, architecturally, of its time.

The Black Madonna statue is a remnant of the Baroque building that once stood on this corner.

The gallery space here is operated by the Museum of Decorative Arts.

• Price: 150 CZK
• Hours: 10:00 am - 18:00 from Wednesday - Sunday | 10:00 am - 19:00 on Tuesdays
• Find More Information .  

TIP : You can learn more about Cubist and Art Nouveau architecture on this tour .

4. Estates Theater

Železná, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

The Estates Theater is most famous for its connection with Mozart, who personally conducted the premiere of his opera Don Giovanni here.

Today, the Estates is part of the Czech Republic’s National Theater, which hosts performances daily .

You can find theater, ballet, and opera, with a focus on Mozart.

5. Karolinum - Charles University

Ovocný trh 560/5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Charles University is named after the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who got permission from the Pope to found a university here in 1348. 

It continues to operate today, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Jan Hus, the founder of the splinter Hussite religion, was a rector here. Students took part in the battle on Charles Bridge during The Thirty Years War.

It was even home to Albert Einstein’s physics department.

6. Celetna Street

Celetna Street gets its name from a style of bread that used to be made here. Bakeries, other trades, and the homes of influential guilds were located here in the 10th century. 

One trade that’s doing strangely well on Celetna Street today – is wax museums.

You’ll pass three in the short distance from the House at the Black Madonna to Old Town Square. 

• Waxworks and Chocolate Museum
• Price: 390 CZK Adult | 340 CZK Child & Senior
• Hours: 9:30 am - 19:00 
• More Information Here .

Madame Tussauds

• Celebrity Wax Museum
• Price: 290 CZK 
• Hours: 10:00 am - 21:00 

Museum of Torture and Torture Instruments

• Historical Museum with Waxworks
• Price: 160 CZK

7. Old Town Square

Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Our first stop in Old Town Square is the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. 

In medieval Prague, the priest of this church was also the priest of Charles University, and coronation marches would stop there for representatives of that university to swear oaths to the new king.

Originally a Catholic church, it later served the Hussites, with Jan Hus preaching here.

NOTE : Via Musica , a service that sells tickets to music events all over town, is on the path just to the left side of the church. 

8. Kinsky Palace

Staroměstské nám. 1/12, 110 15 Staré Město, Czechia

This 18th-century Rococo building was once a private palace for the Kinsky family and subsequently held schools, shops, and other public services.

Today it’s part of the Czech National Gallery, which operates from several sites.

• Price: 150 CZK 
• Hours: 10:00 am - 18:00 from Tuesday - Sunday

9. Jan Hus Monument

This monument is one of the newest additions to the Square – it was added in 1915, on the 500th anniversary of Hus’ death.

Nearby, you can see where the column with the Virgin Mary used to stand – on the ground, slightly back toward where you entered the Square, is a diagonal strip that cuts through the grid of stones. 

At noon, the column would cast a shadow along this line, and it was used to determine the exact local time. 

10. Storch’s House / House at the Stone Virgin Mary

Staroměstské nám. 16, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

This building was named when many travelers through the streets weren’t literate – when buildings were named after distinctive elements of its façade.

The House at the Stone Virgin Mary, however, tends to be more noticed for its Art Nouveau painting of King Wenceslas than for its Virgin Mary statue.

It is the same King Wenceslas that is featured in the old Christmas song. 

11. Prague Astronomical Clock

Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

The astronomical clock has been a spectacle since 1410. 

The outermost ring of symbols has Gothic numerals reflecting the older form of local time. Modern time, then Babylonian time can be seen in smaller circles.

When the clock hits the hour between 9:00 am and 23:00, figures come to life for a quick pageant, including apostles and a trumpeter.

You can climb the clock tower , which is connected to Old Town Hall. 

You can also find Prague Underground Tours , which offers a broader view of the underground, a few steps further down on your left at 11 Male Namesti, inside the Art Passage.

12. St. Nicholas’ Church

Staroměstské nám. 1101, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

St. Nicholas’ Church has an even more convoluted religious history than many of its neighbors – it’s gone from being Catholic to Orthodox and then to Hussite.

Today it is, like many others, a concert venue. 

While most people in the country don’t claim a religion at all, its churches are historic sites with incredible acoustics.

13. Maisel Synagogue

Maiselova 10, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

As historic as most of Old Town’s buildings are, Maisel Synagogue is one of the very few remaining landmarks of the old Jewish Quarter. 

During the Nazi occupation, this building was used to store property stolen from local Jewish families. 

Today, this building is part of the Jewish Museum, which includes historical exhibitions at several sites as well as tours of the neighborhood. 

• Price: 500 CZK Adult
• Hours: Open at 9:00 am daily, except Saturdays and Jewish Holidays
• Find More Info .

TIP : The Jewish Museum is included on a Prague City Pass .

14. Spanish Synagogue

U Sv. Ducha 9, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

This is a 19th-century building standing on the site of what used to be called the Old Synagogue, built in the 12th century.

The “Spanish” part of the name comes from the Moorish style it’s designed in, and the beauty of all that detail alone makes it worth going inside.

It’s also home to another location for the Jewish Museum . 

15. Franz Kafka Monument

Dušní, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Franz Kafka’s face is everywhere in Prague.

This man, who is commemorated all over this city, published very little during his lifetime, wrote only part-time, died at age 40, and left his remaining work to a friend who he asked to burn it all unread.

His friend decided to publish it instead. 

Kafka is honored here because he grew up in the neighborhood, attended Charles University, and joined Albert Einstein at salons. 

16. Jewish Town Hall

Maiselova 250, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

The Jewish Town Hall is another philanthropic contribution by Mordecai Maisel of the Maisel Synagogue.

Part of Jewish separation in cities like Prague was having some of their own government, including mayors and judges, and Josefov is still a separate administrative division within Prague today. 

17. Old-New Synagogue

Maiselova 18, 110 01 Josefov, Czechia

The Old-New Synagogue is the oldest working synagogue in Europe, built in 1270.

This one is called “Old-New” because when it was built, there was already the Old Synagogue on the site where the Spanish Synagogue is now, but lots of newer ones have also been built since.

The Gothic design continues into a much more elaborate interior. 

18. Old Jewish Cemetery

Široká, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

Headstones in the Old Jewish Cemetery are spaced unusually close, reflecting centuries of burial in gradually elevating layers - soil has been added repeatedly to make space for new burials.

Dates span from 1439 to 1786, at which point much of Europe shifted to using cemeteries outside their city limits for fear of spreading diseases. 

Visitors can only enter the cemetery with tours run by the Jewis h Museum .

TIP : The Jewish Museum and Old Jewish Cemetery are included on a Prague City Pass .

19. Rudolfinum

Alšovo nábř. 12, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

This is the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. On top of its multiple performance spaces, it also houses a contemporary art hall. 

The largest music venue here is Dvorak Hall, named for the late 19th/early 20th-century composer, who has a monument that sits opposite the Rudolfinum. 

20. Charles Bridge

Karlův most Praha 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia 

This is the oldest and for a long time the only bridge across the Vltava River. Construction began in 1357 by its namesake, Charles IV. 

The bridge connects Old Town with the Lesser Quarter and Prague Castle. 

The statues along it are a 17th and 18th-century addition, mostly, although the ones you see now are replicas. 

If you're interested in exploring Prague Castle, we have a post that lists Castle Tours here . There are free walks that begin from Charles Bridge. 

We also have a more general list of excellent guided walking tours in Prague . 

RELATED POSTS:

• Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
• Bus Tours in Prague
• What to Do in Prague
• Where to Stay in Prague

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Prague walking map

You can find on this page the walking Prague map to print and to download in PDF. The Prague walking tour map presents the best itineraries to discover all the iconic landmarks of Prague in Czechia.

Prague walking tour map

Map of Prague walking tours

The Prague walking map shows all the walking routes to visit the monuments of Prague. This walk map of Prague will allow you to easily plan your walking tours through the streets of Prague in Czechia. The walking map of Prague is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

In Prague walking tour map walking down Jungmannova street from Mustek station, you come to Jungmann Square. Across from the square is Adria Palace, now a large shopping plaza and business centre, the palace is one of the most important architectural monuments in the city in Prague walking tour map.

With so much to see in Prague walking tour map, it may be hard to squeeze everything in, especially on a quick visit.In Prague walking tour map enjoy walks around Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square; time at Prague Castle; and a scenic Vltava River cruise.Lunch is included, too, so you get one seamless experience.

In Prague walking tour map the original Free Tour covers many of Prague’s top attractions, including Old Town Square, the astronomical clock and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour.The city streets are lined with stories to tell as it shows Prague walking tour map.

Free Walking Tour Prague

Experience the best of Prague with our professional guides.

EXPLORE PRAGUE

Discover the most famous sights and hidden gems of Prague on our unique free tours in English & Spanish.

Choose tour language

Prague Old Town & Josefov

Discover the most interesting sights of Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter and hear fascinating local legends!

Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

Explore Europe’s most romantic bridge and learn all about the largest castle complex in the world!

Prague New Town: 20th Century Tour

Step into History: Uncover the Secrets of Prague's Historical New Town!

Small group Old Town tour (Paid)

Discover the enchanting Old Town of Prague and Jewish Quarter in a small group.

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„ I thoroughly enjoyed Michal's Free tour of the New Town because it was really considered and carefully put together with a deep love of the city and its people. More reviews “

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„ We went on the New Town and the Charles Bridge/Castle tour with Michal. It has been a lot of fun, Michal has quite a wide knowledge on Prague! More reviews “

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„ Whether you choose Old Town woth its legendary sights or New Town with amazing cubist architecture, you will habe a great time. More reviews “

Ana , Serbia

„ Michal's well-crafted free tour was a great way to see the city and peppered with interesting legends. More reviews “

„ I loved these tours! I went two of them during my five days in Prague and met some wonderful people, learned a lot about the city's history, saw special secret spots, and really had a great time. More reviews “

Kimya , Spain

„ My daughter and I really enjoyed the walking tours of the beautiful historic city of Prague with Michal. More reviews “

Jeannette , USA

„ Great well-prepared tour and guide. Michał shared interesting facts and stories about city and each seperate district. More reviews “

Pawel , Poland

„ I recommend to all who visit Prague, take this tour first, Michal took us to know a bit more of the stories and beliefs of this wonderful city. More reviews “

Vito , Argentina

„ One of the best walking tours I had in Europe! More reviews “

Thaís , Brazil

„ We did the Old town and Charles Bridge tours and both where full of history, legends and really fun! More reviews “

Lucía , Spain

„ Just completed two tours and have been amazing, a great way to see "the best of Prague". More reviews “

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„ Michal's tours were very interesting, I recomend them warmly ! Plus he always has good advices on restaurant and nice place to go More reviews “

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„ Mischa is a very positive and informative guide. It was a pleasure of having a tour with him. More reviews “

Nataliya , Ukraine

„ Great tour. Great people. Great fun. Best value for money and a great tour guide. More reviews “

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„ This walking tour was so much fun, informative and our guide Michal was so personable. I would definitely recommend this tour! More reviews “

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„ So personable and knowledgeable. I'd recommend it to anyone More reviews “

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The Best of Prague: A Prague Walking Guide

Medieval, magical and inviting… Prague is one of Europe’s most memorable cities that continues to awe me time after time, even after a handful of visits. The allure of the Charles Bridge on an icy morning in January, the beauty of a sunset in the warm summer nights and even the city covered in a thick layer of snow that brings your fingers to freeze through thick woollen gloves – there has been no time in Prague that I haven’t felt completely embraced by this intriguing city. And yet while Prague may look like a small town riddled with tales to span centuries, the city of Prague is sprawling with many different neighbourhoods offering their own unique flair. Here’s how to discover the best of Prague in a self guided Prague walking guide.

Know Before you Go: Prague for First Timers

If this is your first visit to Prague you have likely seen the postcard views, intriguing architecture, and perhaps fallen victim to the eery allure of the Charles Bridge on a winter’s morning. Each season brings a new feeling to the city of Prague, but in all honesty there is no bad time of year to visit. The first time I visited Prague was in a thick layer of knee-high snow in 2012, followed by a spring visit a couple of years later. The last time I found myself in Prague was at the end of Autumn and beginning of winter, but even an in-between season visit brought the magic of Prague I have come to know and love. It is without hesitation that I say the best way to see Prague is on foot, so be sure to pack some comfy shoes, a bottle of water, some cash for the endless amount of pitstops you are about to endure and get ready to see Prague!

Route walking time: 1 hour, 20 minutes without stops

Distance: 5.9 kilometres

1. Vrtba Garden

Although an unlikely and often unheard of point to commence your walking tour of Prague, Vrtba Garden is the perfect positioning to begin exploring the Prague’s lesser quarter. Built between 1715 & 1720, the garden was constructed in traditional baroque Italian style, with perfectly trimmed hedges in symmetrical formation. Not only is this a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle outside of the entrance, Vrtba Garden also offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect positioning to commence your walking tour of Prague. This is one of Prague’s few “lesser known” attractions that any visitor will tell you you cannot miss, so be sure to make the most of this insider tip and allow yourself a good hour here in the serenity!

What: Jardin vrtbovská

Where: Karmelitská 373/25, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia

2. St. Nicholas Church

From the Vrtba Gardens, take a left toward St. Nicholas Church, a short 350 metre walk away. This church serves as a central point in the lesser quarter of Prague, where you can see the livelihood of this neighbourhood at every turn. Step inside to marvel at the baroque architecture of this church, which replaced a 13th century gothic church that was also dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

What: Baroque Church in Lesser Prague

Where: Malostranské nám., 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana, Czechia

3. Prague Castle

From the Church of Saint Nicholas, get ready to begin your upwards climb towards Prague Castle. Be sure not to miss Pražská čokoláda (Prgaue Chocolate), located at the base of the stairs and famous for their chocolate covered almonds (with free samples!) Be sure to allow at least an hour or more to explore the Prague Castle complex, as there is much to see once inside. This is also one of the most confusing castles to visit in Europe (if you ask me), with no clear indication of where to head next, so be sure to consider a hosted guide or at the very least an audio guide if you wish to make the most of your visit. The 9th Century Castle attracts many visitors each year, all vying for their photo of the straight-faced guards placed at the entrance to the castle. Be sure to drop by Golden Lane for a look at some artisanal shops, before heading onwards to St. Vitus Cathedral.

What: 9th Century Castle

Where: 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

4. St. Vitus Cathedral

Located next to Prague Castle you will find St. Vitus Cathedral, home to the Archbishop of Prague. The history of this Roman Catholic church is almost as old as Prague itself, so be sure to step inside for a step back in time.

What: Gothic Cathedral

Where: III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1, Czechia

5. Lennon Wall

Heading back down-hill, be sure to stop by the Lennon Wall before stepping foot on Prague’s most photographed attraction: The Charles Bridge. Just before you cross the bridge toward the Old Town of Prague, you will find this graffiti wall inspired by John Lennon, complete with song lyrics and peace signs, which was created in the 1980’s.

What: Lenon-inspired graffiti wall

Where: Velkopřevorské náměstí, 100 00 Praha 1, Czechia

6. Charles Bridge

Onwards to the Old Town, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to walk across the Charles Bridge: the reason many visitors choose to visit Prague! This historic bridge crosses the Vltava River and is hands down the biggest highlight of the city. Although overcrowded on a good day, the best way to see the bridge is once in the morning, once during the day, and once in the evening. The bridge boasts 16 arches and is lined with a total of 30 Baroque statues and figurines.

What: Historic Bridge named after King Charles IV

Where: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

Completely surrounded by the Old Town, Josefov is a time warp neighbourhood previously known as the Jewish ghetto. As one of my favourite neighbourhoods to wander in Prague, today you will find an abundance of antiques stores, clock stores, postcards and souvenirs. One of the must see places in Josefov is the Hebrew clock on top of the Old Town Hall – located underneath the regular clock and running backwards.

What: Former Jewish ghetto

Where: Josefov (neighbourhood)

8. Old Town Square

As the historic centre of Prague, one absolutely cannot miss a visit (or a few visits!) to the Old Town Square of Prague. The various architectural styles are evident in one 360 turn, with an abundance of village life and attractions to visit within a short distance of one another. The best way to experience the Old Town is to wander through the many alleyways and boutiques without a plan or direction.

What: Historic Square in the Old Town

Where: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia

9. Prague Astronomical Clock

Whilst in the Old Town be sure to wander over towards the large crowds to get a glimpse of the Astronomical Clock – full of legends and mystery.

What: Medieval Astronomical Clock

Where: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia

10. Wenceslas Square

After a complete history lesson of the oldest parts of Prague, head towards Wenceslas Square in “New Town” for a look at  real Prague  or more accurately, where you’ll find locals in one of the busiest shopping areas in the city. It is here where you will find many international brands and designers.

What: Main shopping area

Where: New Town, 110 00 Prague 1, Czechia

11. Prague National Theatre

Onwards toward the Vltava River, make your way to the Prague National Theatre. Along the way you will pass by Cafe Louvre – one of the gorgeous time-warp cafes I would recommend a pitstop at for a coffee or hot chocolate. Another great cafe stop is right by the National Theatre, named Cafe Slavia, one of the oldest cafes in Prague where a pianist plays in the evenings, coat check is a must and smoking inside is still fashionable.

What: National Theatre to enjoy Opera & Ballet

Where: Národní 2, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

12. Vltava River

Walking along the Vltava River, this is undeniably one of my favourite strolls in all of Central Europe! Along the way you can marvel at the architecture to your left, whilst taking in the gorgeous views of the Vltava River on your right.

What: Longest river in the Czech Republic

13. Fred & Ginger’s Dancing House

Finally, end your walking tour of Prague at the must-see-to-be-believed Fred & Ginger “Dancing House”. Although out of the way, it is here where you will see the sprawling size of the city of Prague, view of the old trams as they pass by and take in the views of the Vltava River.

What: Architectural marvel

Where: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Praha 2-Nové Město, Czechia

Over to you! What were your highlights from Prague!?

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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Free Walking Tour of Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is well worth its fame for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We invite you to get to know it with our interesting and fun Free Walking Tour of Prague .

Tour description

During our Prague Free Walking Tour we will visit the Old Town , New Town and Jewish Quarter , 3 of the UNESCO areas of the city, where you can find some of the most important monuments, such as the Astronomical Clock and more…

We will start our journey at what is now the modern center of Prague, Wenceslas Square , a place that started as a medieval horse market under the iconic patron saint of the Czech lands, Charles the IV.

From the New to the Old Town, where the meandering alleys will lead us to the 15th century Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square , the city’s heart graced by the splendid Renaissance and Baroque façades of former Burghers’ houses, as well as by the majestic Church of our Lady before Tyn .

Furthermore, we will visit the Josefov quarter , the old Jewish ghetto, where we will talk about synagogues and the old Jewish cemetery . We will pass the Republic Square where we´ll see the Powder Tower , the historical gate to the Old Town and starting point of the Royal Route. Also we will see the Estates theater where Mozart held the premier of Don Giovanni.

Our free walking tour was designed to provide an introduction and give you a general idea about the city of Prague, its most famous personalities and historical events.

In our tour we will visit:

• Astronomical Clock
• Old Town Square
• Church of Our Lady Before Tyn
• Jewish Quarter
• Old Jewish Cemetery
• The Rudolfinum
• The Powder Tower
• the Estates theatre

and lots more…

Tip based tour We share our knowledge and you set the price. T ip your guide depending on how much you enjoyed the tour and your budget. Book now !

2.5 hours including break time.

Where and when

Our Free Tour starts everyday at 10.30 am. The meeting point is at 832/19 Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí 832/19), next to a Sephora shop ( See map ).  You can recognise our guides by the pink identification.

Ensure your place in our Prague Free Walking Tour!

We recommend that you book to ensure your place for the agreed time and day. Places are limited!

You might also like…

• Prague Castle Walking Tour
• Where to Eat Affordably in Prague?
• Recommended Currency Exchanges

7 Best Prague Walking Tour Ideas: Use Our Map or Book with a Guide

By: Author Betsy Wuebker

The best Prague walking tour can be done on your own, or you may want to book a guided tour from those we recommend.

A day spent walking around Prague is about as fine a day a traveler might imagine. We’d hoarded this day, giving it no specific plans, guarding against all sorts of temptations, and when it came we were ready to design the best Prague walking tour that would fit the time we had available.

Note: You might like our new Prague travel guide. Now available in e-book (Kindle) or paperback format, you can! Click here to buy from Amazon: paperback  or e-book (Kindle)

Note: See our comprehensive post: Prague Itinerary Plan: Things to Do in Prague and What Not to Miss (Prague First Timers Guide) for planning your stay.

We were staying at the Clarion Hotel – Old Town using points on this trip, so our room was free. Its location felt ever so slightly out of the way, but this also served as a daily reminder: there was far more to modern-day Prague than we were going to see on this trip. Setting out from the Clarion (the starting point A on this map ), we headed down Hradebni to Dlouha, which would angle our way in to Old Town Square .

Dlouha had been described as a “shopping street,” and there were a variety of establishments, high end and mid-range. We were taken with the antique stores whose wares awakened memories of dark fairy tales. There was an underlay of sadness with just a little danger in their energy.

The traditional marionettes wore garish facial expressions, faded fixtures could have been looted from who knows where. Outside, the building facades were ornamented with Baroque details, but the flavoring was still medieval. Even a modern-day sculpture, In Utero by David Cerny , felt a bit threatening in its provocation.

We’d had a late breakfast before starting. As we lingered in front of a restaurant menu for curiosity’s sake, we were approached by an attractive couple who said, “Oh no, please don’t go there, too touristy .”

Instead, we were invited to an early lunch with them at Katr , a block and a half away. We should have gone and had a coffee; I have a feeling it may have been a most interesting conversation. Instead we resumed our walk. Next time there is a serendipitous encounter, I’m going with it.

Prague’s Old Town Square has determined energy. It’s large, the center of things. A vibrant mix of Gothic and Baroque influences, it’s ringed by the Tyn Church, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the Town Hall, which has the famous Astronomical Clock. In the center is the Jan Hus monument.

There are numerous places to while away the hour before the astronomical clock strikes again. We wandered around in a rough circle before setting off toward the Charles Bridge.

When you’re walking around Prague, be aware the neighborhood gets a little rough in certain pockets between Old Town Square and the Bridge. This is one of the oldest parts of Old Town. There was a bit of mayhem here and there, and we saw our first Roma on the approach to the bridge.

King Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor was the grandson of King Wenceslas, appointed by Pope Clement after an alliance with his father, King John the Blind. King Charles reigned over the Golden Age of Bohemia, and is regarded as the father of their country by the Czech people.

Walking around Prague in the cold had done us for a loop when we found a little hidden gem: the Antique Cafe on Thunovska street in what is called the first step of the Lesser Town Castle ( item J on the map ).

The Mala Strana , or “Lesser Town,” is the district just below the Palace across the Charles Bridge from Old Town. One of its main streets is Nerudova, named for Jan Neruda , the patriotic Czech novelist from the 19th century.

You might like The Three Fiddles restaurant, which is located at Nerudova 12. The building was home to the Edlinger family of violin makers, whose instruments were played by Beethoven among others. We stopped at the restaurant in Zlate Podkovy Aparthouse ( “F” on the map ) for a hot drink and their famous roasted nuts.

Fortified for the climb to Novy Svet, our favorite street in Prague , we set off again, passing the beautiful Loreto, and then circling back toward the Castle.

Best Prague Walking Tours We Recommend

Consider a guided Walking Food Tour of Prague experience, where you and a small group will experience tastings with beer and wine at five different stops. Or, if you’d prefer, check out the Historic Pubs Tour with Drinks Included (new tour!) where you’ll visit four historically significant pubs.

You might prefer to book a Prague Castle Small Group Tour (best seller!) includes tram and skip the line admission, short security, and expert local guide. Explore St. Vitus’ Cathedral, the Old Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane. For skip the line Castle entry tickets good for 2 days, click here .

As the winter afternoon waned, we made our way back towards the Charles Bridge through other historic neighborhoods where diplomats live and embassies flank the government. In no time, we were back across the river and home again. Walking around Prague on this day was a great way to scratch the surface of a new favorite city.

Tips: Sandeman’s free offering is the best free walking tour Prague offers. Choose specific neighborhood tours in the Castle district, such as a tour of Franz Kafka’s neighborhood haunts , or zero in on a tour of Prague’s synagogues and historic Jewish quarter . We chose to take a WWII specific tour a few days later, preferring this opportunity to wander about on our own.

A Kauai friend who lived in Prague recommended additional restaurants and bars pinned on the map . While we didn’t have time to visit them all, they range from edgy club to traditional Czech atmosphere, so there’s something for everyone.

Our Prague walking tour took us a full day from about 10am until about 5pm. We stroll and stop, as you will want to do, too. If you’d prefer one of the best Prague walking tours that takes you around by bus, foot and boat, click here .

Other fun things to do in Prague.

Where to stay in Prague.

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Betsy Wuebker

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Wednesday 25th of March 2015

[…] After our big trip last year, I wondered just how much distance we logged, particularly on days like this one. It was evident that we lost weight, even while eating like pigs indulging ourselves with great […]

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Sunday 14th of September 2014

[…] Walking Around Prague […]

PRAGUE CASTLE ……an insiders view | The Myska that Roared

Tuesday 9th of September 2014

A Cook Not Mad (Nat)

Saturday 9th of August 2014

I'm bookmarking this for future reference. There's nothing better than a day of walking around is there?

Sunday 10th of August 2014

Aloha Nat - I can't think of anything better, particularly in a new place. Hope you get to do it in Prague, too. :)

Linda ~ Journey Jottings

In winter, in particular, the 'ins' as well as the 'outs' make the trip so it was gorgeous to see not only the views of the city but the delicious hot frothy drinks with liqueur chasers you enjoyed tucked up in the warm :)

Aloha Linda - You're right, the day was about the combination of things. :)

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2 Days in Prague + Map | Perfect Prague Itinerary

LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2024

Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, is a city where heritage, culture, and modernity seamlessly coexist. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and lively atmosphere, Prague has become a must-visit destination for travellers and beer lovers from around the world.

If you find yourself with just two days to explore this captivating city, don’t worry – you can still experience its most iconic sights and lesser-known gems. Look no further than this perfect itinerary for  2 days in Prague to guide you through a whirlwind tour of the “City of a Hundred Spires”, ensuring that you make the most of your short stay in this fairy-tale city.

Map of things to see in Prague

DAY ONE | 2 Days In Prague Itinerary

Free walking tour of prague old town.

For a short 2 days in Prague, starting with a walking tour is a great way to give you a good feel of the city, get inspired by Czech history, and see if there are any highlights you’d like to see in more detail for the rest of the trip. 

Old Town Square Prague

Prague’s Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí in Czech) is the heart of the city that has seen many historical events dating back to the 10th century but now is awash with tourists looking to learn about days gone by. With a unique mix of architecture, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in different cities as you spin around and examine the different influences. 

Jan Hus Memorial

Located in the centre of Prague’s Old Town Square is the Jan Hus Monument which celebrates the 14th-century Hussite reformer, Jan Hus. He criticised the corruption of the Catholic Church, named a heretic, and was burned at the stake in 1415. His sermons later became the basis of reform across many parts of Europe and the symbolic monument was completed on the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus’ death.

Prague Old Town Hall And Astronomical Clock

Established in 1338 as the administrative seat for Prague’s Old Town, it is now used for ceremonies. Consisting of five medieval houses decorated with an astronomical clock, a gothic bay window, and a large rectangular tower with tremendous views over Prague.

I won’t lie, I was mesmerised by the  capabilities of the Prague Astronomical Clock  or Prague Orloj! The medieval mechanical gem was installed in 1410 and is thought to be the third oldest in the world and the oldest one that still working to this day. 

The Astronomical dial shows the position of the sun and moon, the calendar with medallions represents the months of the year and the ‘Walk of the Apostles’ happens every hour, on the hour from 9 am-9 pm where the 12 Apostles and other figures move including the skeleton of Death making the final gong. Crowds gather in preparation to get a good view of the show.

What Else To Look Out For Prague’s Old Town Square

• The Prague Meridien  is a brass strip set amongst the cobbled stones that worked in conjunction with Marian column to cast a shadow to show high noon. This was in place from 1652 to 1918 when the column was taken down in a demonstration.
• The House at the Minute,  where Franz Kafka lived at the end of the 19th century, is a typical example of Czech Renaissance townhouse architecture with sgraffito facade depicting biblical and mythological scenes.
• Kinský Palace  is a Rococo building, formerly a palace to the Kinský family until 1945 and now a National Gallery Prague.
• House of the Stone Bell  was built in the 14th century and is located next to Kinský Palace. This Gothic building was hidden behind a Baroque facade for many years and has now been reconstructed to its’ former glory. The building now shows exhibitions for the Prague City Gallery.
• Štorch House (At the Stone Virgin Mary)  was built in 1897. A fine example of Neo-Renaissance architecture with its murals of Saint Wenceslas painted by L. Novak.
• Týn Church  (Church of Our Lady before Týn) is a 14th-century Gothic church with beautiful unsymmetrical towers 80m high that make this a prominent landmark in Prague.
• St. Nicholas Church  is an impressive Baroque church that I visited again during my 2 days in Prague.

Other Points Of Interest On The Walking Tour Of Prague Old Town

• House of Golden Melon  is a cultural heritage monument built in the Gothic era but renovated in the 19th century in Renaissance style and is now used as an event space.
• Stumbling Stones  can be found across the city and around the world outside the last residence of Jews incarcerated in concentration camps.  Stumbling Stones  is an art project by German artist, Günter Demnig.
• Jewish Quarter  is a formerly walled ghetto with religious sites and museums depicting the plight of the Jews. The area, known as Josefov, is compact and well-preserved.

Eat Goulash In Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery Brewery, Klasterni Pivovar, is a stone’s throw away from Prague Castle. Whilst the monastery was founded in 1142, it was only in the 17th-century, was this set up a professional brewery by the abbot.

The building was restored and reopened in 2000, with the former carriage hall, now as a microbrewery. The restaurant and courtyard are the perfect resting spots to test out some of their finest creations. Guláš in Strahov Monastery Brewery is a famous dish that you must try paired with their Saint Norbert craft beer.

Walk Over The Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the most  famous landmarks in Europe . This stone Gothic bridge which connects two popular Prague districts, the Old Town and Lesser Town (Malá Strana), and is the oldest bridge still standing over the Vltava River.

DAY TWO | 2 Days In Prague Itinerary

Have breakfast in cafe louvre.

This may seem strange to dine in a French-inspired restaurant in Prague but Cafe Louvre is a must-visit.

Opened in 1902, it has been frequented by Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka. The decor and retains the elegant cafe vibes, attentive staff, and the breakfast hit the spot.

Hunt For Crazy Art And Sculptures In Prague

As a big fan of unusual art, Prague is the perfect place to find it. Check out The Idiom in Prague Municipal Library, Hanging Man (Sigmund Freud), and the Head of Franz Kafka by David Cerny.

If you want to discover some of the crazy sculptures in Prague , I recommend you make a list of their locations to ensure you don’t miss them whilst you are self-guiding in your 2 days in Prague.

Visit The Jewish Quarter

After the brief overview of the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) on the Old Town Walking Tour, I felt this area is deserving a morning to explore in more detail.

VISITORS INFORMATION:

• Jewish Quarter is located in  Praha 1
• Open every day except Saturday and Jewish holidays: Summer 9 am-6 pm, Winter 9 am-4.30 pm
• Buy tickets for individual sites or a day ticket to cover all

Pinkas Synagogue

The Pinkas Synagogue was built in 1535 making it the second oldest synagogue in Prague. It is a memorial to the 77,297 Jewish victims of the Shoah from the Czech lands. The names painted on the walls are a stark reminder of the horrific genocide in WWII. 

On the first floor of Pinkas Synagogue, there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to children imprisoned and incarcerated at Terezin Ghetto. In secret, a Jewish Art Professor at the camp schooled the children helping them express their emotions through poems and drawings. Their work was hidden in a suitcase undiscovered by the Nazis and is displayed at the Pinkas Synagogue. Quite an emotional exhibition.

Old Jewish Cemetery

Enter the Old Jewish Cemetary by the Pinkas Synagogue where 100,000 Jews are buried between 1439 to 1787. You may wonder why the cemetery is jam-packed with 12,000 tombstones in a small area and not particularly well-laid out.

Prague Jews were not permitted to be buried outside the ghetto, and the Jewish faith do not allow moving the dead. For this reason, the deceased were buried on top of each other over the years creating about 12 layers, hence why the cemetery can be seen rising above the ground.

Old-New Synagogue

The building of the Old-New Synagogue was completed in 1270 making this the oldest building in the Jewish Town and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues that is still in use today. The Gothic structure is simple in design with two naves in the interior. Legend has it that the remains of the Golem are to be found in the attic of this synagogue, this area is restricted to visitors.

Maisel Synagogue

This Renaissance Synagogue was built in 1592 by Mordechai Maisel, mayor of the Jewish community. It was destroyed by the ghetto fire in 1689 and after several attempts to rebuild, it was finally replaced with the neo-Gothic version of the Maisel Synagogue in 1893-1905.

Maisel Synagogue is now a museum displaying artefacts, textiles, manuscripts, and books from the Bohemia and Moravia Jews between the 10th and 18th centuries. It is laid out in chronological order so if this is of interest, give yourself enough time to read how their plight unfolded.

Spanish Synagogue

Dating from 1868,  the Spanish Synagogue was the last house of prayer built in the Jewish Quarter. It is described as the most beautiful synagogue in Europe and you will see why when you enter. The eye-catching gold and detailed Moorish design with glowing stained glass are inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. It is worth a visit!

Next to the Spanish Synagogue, have a look at the surreal  statue of Franz Kafka by Sculptor Jaroslav Róna .

See Little Venice And The Lennon Wall

Branching from the River Vltava, the canals of Little Venice are a delight to wander around with the Baroque houses and medieval mills. As you cross the bridges in this charming, lesser-known neighborhood, check out the love locks, one of the many cities where romantic gestures from couples are displayed. You can take a  cruise through the Devil’s Channel   to see the sights from the water’s perspective and hear more about the history.

Cross the Čertovka Water Wheel Bridge to find the  John Lennon Wall . You can’t miss it with the collection of tourists but the bright display of graffiti with Beatles song lyrics is pretty cool. Following the murder of John Lennon in 1980, an image of the singer was painted on the wall, and ever since it has become a place for political marking through the revolution. Now the Lennon Wall is a symbol of love and peace where you are invited to contribute along with artists making this a forever-changing piece of art.

Explore Kampa Park

Kampa museum.

This modern art gallery focuses on Central European but predominantly Czech artists. Located in the restored Sova Mills, there is an outdoor exhibition with unique sculptures which is free to wander around. The indoor exhibition with a large collection from František Kupka has an entry fee attached, the work is top class so I’d recommend it!

Giant Crawling Babies

Just outside the Kampa Museum are  David Černý’s Giant Crawling Babies  which seem to act as climbing frames for kids. The bronze sculptures look pretty strange but if you like controversial works of art, they’re a must-see.

Yellow Penguins

Created by Cracking Art Group in collaboration with Kampa Museum, you can spot 34  yellow penguins   that light up at night. Made from recycled materials, the message is about the issue of climate change and how wildlife habitats are being threatened.

Other Points Of Interest In Kampa Park

• Werich Villa  was once the home of Czech actor and writer Jan Werich who lived in this 17th-century mansion for 40 years until he died in 1980. After being severely flood-damaged in 2002, it is now renovated acting as an arts centre, and holds regular exhibitions and performances.
• Lichtenstein Palace  (Lichtenštejnský palác) belonged to the Princely Family of Liechtenstein and was the first large Baroque building in Prague. The stunning location is the venue for concerts, ballets, and operas.

Rooftop Beer In Prague Is A Must

You really are spoiled for choice with roof-top bars in Prague and my chosen one was T-Anker. You can reach the bar via the lift in the shopping mall Kotva. The terrace is ginormous, the biggest one in Prague, and luckily, got a table at the edge to make the most of the fabulous views of the Old Town and Prague Castle.

Whilst having a huge range of bottled beers from around the world, T-Anker supports microbreweries with some fine affordable Czech beers. You will pay a little more here I found than in other places but that view is worth a few extra korunas!

Located  nám. Republiky 656, 110 00 Staré Město  // Opens 11 am

Traditional Czech Lunch At Mlejnice Restaurant

With rave reviews, the Mlenjnice Restaurant seemed like the obvious choice to sample Pork Knuckle, a traditional Czech dish. You will find this rustic eaterie down a side street in the Old Town. The interior is authentically decorated with old farm machinery. Most importantly, the quality of the food was top notch and my mission to try the pork knuckle was a big success!

If you are looking for a more  vegan experience in Prague , there are loads of restaurants to choose from!

Located  Kožná 488, Staré Město, Praha 1  // Open 11am-11.30pm

Watch The Sunset From Rieger Park

Sunsets never get boring! Head to Rieger Park (Riegrovy sady) in the Vinohrady district for a stunning sunset behind Prague Castle. The park has many wooded areas and grassy meadows but the hill makes this the perfect place to rest your weary feet and watch the magic happen as the sun sets behind Prague Castle.

The gardens in Rieger Park date back to 1904 and were mostly vineyards. There is a classical 1920s lookout tower that has been renovated and is now a restaurant. Enjoy some of the Czech ale whilst you wait from the Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden, what’s not to like?

Located in  Praha 2  // Beer garden opens daily from noon-2 am (April-October)

Nightcap At Illegal Beer Pivotéka

We didn’t go looking for the Pivotéka Illegal Beer, it is conveniently located across from our final resting place at  DREAM Hostel Prague  in Praha 1.

OK don’t get the wrong idea, this bar is definitely above board. The name derives from the Czech prohibition days and the simple decor certainly sets the scene. It’s a small establishment with 2 rooms, 1 with a bar and the other housing 6 tables. They serve top-class IPAs at super cheap prices and the friendly staff is more than happy to talk you through their craft beers to find one to suit your taste. We got sucked in and managed to try and few, it would be rude not to! When in Prague….

Located at  Ve Smečkách, Nové Město  // Open daily from 5 pm

FAQs To Visit Prague In 2 Days

Where to stay in prague.

The Old Town of Prague is the most centrally located and is one of the most popular areas for first-timers along with New Town and Mala Strana. With several  hotels in Prague  to choose from, here are some of the best-rated. 

BUDGET –  DREAM Hostel Prague  is a new and quirky residence that feels more like a boutique hostel. Located next to Wenceslas Square, you are 2 km away from the centre of Prague and the Jewish Quarter. //  Read my Review of Dream Hostel Prague  

MID-RANGE  –  Hotel Elite Prague  is a 4-star Baroque townhouse offering rooms with antique furniture and hand-painted wooden ceilings. There is a restaurant with a courtyard terrace, spa, hot tub, and sauna. The hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge.

LUXURY  –  Aria Hotel Prague  is a music-themed residence giving you all tastes from Beethoven to Blues. This 5-star boutique hotel is located in the historical Mala Strana quarter in the historic centre of Prague.

Top tours In Prague

You will never be short of things to do with 2 days in Prague with a range of tours to cover culture, history, food and drink and some amazing day trips that will make you wish you were staying longer!

• Small group Sedgeway Tour of Prague
• Prague Ghost Tour: Dark Shadows of the Old Town
• 2-hour Lunch Cruise on the Vltava River, Prague
• 3-Hour Alternative Walking Tour of Prague
• Prague Beer Bath with Unlimited Beer
• Day Trip from Prague: Bohemia & Saxon Switzerland Full-Day Tour 
• Adrenaline-seeking adventures in Prague

How To Reach Prague

• Find amazing flight deals with  Skyscanner
• Explore the  bus and trains on Omio
• Hire your own wheels with  Discover Cars
• Go on a  group tour to Prague with G Adventures

Is Prague worth it?

Yes, Prague is worth visiting especially if you love history and beer. The “City of a Hundred Spires is a visual feast with its stunning architecture and outdoor art. Plus, it’s known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable prices.

Best Time To Go To Prague For The Weather

Prague is an all-year-round destination, although it depends on your preferred weather conditions and if you are opposed to crowds.

Generally, before and after summer are the best times to go. The weather from mid-April to May and September to mid-October is mild with a glimmer of sun. There will be fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs.

If you’re visiting Prague in the summer, you can expect glorious sunshine, more crowds, and the costs to hike up in the peak season. Winter is fabulous in Prague to see the Christmas markets and get in the festive mood.

Expect very cold weather though, this tends to keep visitors at bay in January and February so you can get some great deals on accommodation.

Best Time To Go To Prague For Festivals

• JANUARY  –  Short Film Festival
• FEBRUARY  –  Malá Inventura
• MARCH  –  FebioFest,  Prague’s international film festival /  Irish Music Festival  on St. Patrick’s Day
• APRIL  – On 30th April, celebrate Čarodějnice, or Witches’ Night, an old Czech tradition with bonfires in public parks, drum circles, and plenty of food and beer.
• MAY  –  Prague Beer Festival  
• JUNE  –  Prague Spring International Music Festival  /  Minibrewery Festival  at Prague Castle
• JULY  –   Prague Proms  is held in concert halls and open-air venues across the city throughout July /  Prague Folklore Days  to enjoy folk dancing and Czech culture.
• AUGUST  –   Prague’s Pride Festival  /  Castle-Château Night  is held at castles to bid goodbye to summer.
• SEPTEMBER  – Prague’s  Burgerfest  is the largest festival of burgers and barbecues in Europe.
• OCTOBER  – A 3-day event celebrating fashion and design with  Designblok  / See Prague light up for 3 nights during the  Signal Festival . 
• NOVEMBER  – On 11th November, start drinking wine at 11:11 and eating the traditional dish of goose at the  Feast of St. Martin  / 17th November marks the Velvet Revolution protest in 1989, and Czechs celebrate the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day with a candle-lighting ceremony in Wenceslas Square.
• DECEMBER  – Christmas Markets throughout the month / New Year’s Eve is a big party!

PIN FOR YOUR 2 DAY PRAGUE TRIP

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I'm a content creator for She Wanders Miles ♡ Digital marketer, photographer, hiker, and nature lover ♡ Passion for slow, sustainable and responsible travel ♡ Join me in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.

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I love how detailed this post is about visiting Prague! Such a helpful resource! Also love the little map thing, so easy to find things 🙂

So happy you find this a useful resource for your Prague travels, the map does make it super easy!

Looks like a fabulous itinerary! I’d esp love to visit a brewery! I am sure the beer is fantastic!

This is a fantastic itinerary for one of my favourite cities. All the more so, as there is so much to see, so it’s hard to condense everything into a two day itinerary. Another cool place in the city to check out would be Vyšehrad, the medieval fort south of the centre, which offers a nice slice of local history.

I walked my little socks off to cram all this into 2 days. I would be delighted to go back and explore more of the city as I really enjoyed it so your recommendation of Vyšehrad is on the list!

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• Transportation
• Staré Mesto & Josefov
• Tours & Trips
• Sightseeing Tours

The Best of Prague City Walking Tours in 2024

Table of contents Show

How long is the walking tour of prague, which is the best month for walking tours, it’s the most practical way to view the city, walks are inspiring and nourishing to the spirit, walking tours are cost-effective, walking is a good way to maintain physical fitness, wwii tour of prague, explorations of the old city and the jewish district, the castle district, golden lane, and prague castle walking tour, the evening ghost walking tours, book a walking tour today.

The Prague city walking tour takes you to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. And due to the Czech capital’s prominence as the largest city and capital of the Republic of Czech, as well as its historical significance, Praha is visited by millions of people every year.

One of the best ways to get acquainted with Prague and its numerous world-class sights is to sign up for one of the Prague free walking tours . Some of the best free walking tour experiences in Prague include crossing the Vltava River, which divides the city in two; it is a sight to behold for anybody interested in the Middle Ages or Baroque styles of architecture. 

Prague is a visual and auditory extravaganza that is best explored on foot.

Everything you desire to learn about the Prague city walking tour , one of the greatest ways to explore the attractions in Prague, is right here.

Walking tours in Prague have grown in popularity in the past few years, as they offer visitors a low-cost and local way to see the city.

A walking tour of Prague is approximately 2.5 hours in length. However, there isn’t a strict time frame, so you can take as much time as you need.

You can’t go wrong with a trip to the city any time of year, although spring and autumn in Prague offer the most pleasant weather for walking tours. Temperatures are typically pleasant, and crowds are less than in the height of summer . 

Prague’s parks showcase their many facets at their peak in the spring. It is possible to save money on travel and hotel costs by planning a trip during this time. Autumn is also a great time to take your time and see what Prague offers.

What Are the Advantages of Walking Tours

The variety of excursions seems to be expanding, with options ranging from vehicles to bikes, taxis to trains. A walking tour is the greatest way to see a city, despite the benefits of other modes of transport. Why? More may be seen and experienced on a walking tour than on any other. 

Travellers experience a profound sense of wonder as they soak in the splendour of nature at their own pace. Hearing about the history of the area you’re touring and the people who lived there from a knowledgeable and engaging guide may be a moving experience. 

Walking tours are more cost-effective than other types of travel, such as renting a car or using a bus or train, because you get around using your own set of legs. 

Walking has several positive effects, including strengthening bones and muscles, improving balance, reducing body fat, lowering the risk of disease, and relieving anxiety and stress. 

The Best Walking Tour In Prague

Learn about the Nazi occupation of the Czech capital on this informative and free walking tour. The emphasis will be on the years September 1938 through May 1945, the worst in Prague’s history.

• In the span of 2.5 hours, you’ll learn about one of Prague’s most eventful eras. 
• You’ll find out why Hitler invaded Czechoslovakia ahead of the official onset of WWII in 1939.
• Learn why the Czech Republic was so vital to the Third Empire.
• Find out why Prague wasn’t attacked as hard as other European capitals. 
• Discover the unsettling history of Prague in World War II with the help of your native guide.
• Uncover the great deeds and heartbreaking losses of the Czech nation.

What is Included

• A native guide
• Stop by St. Cyril and Methodius Church, where Czech paratroopers put up their final stand

This tour is one of the best free walking tours in Prague . You will explore the Jewish Quarter and the historic Old Town of Prague in just over an hour. You should definitely check out the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Municipal House, the stunning Astronomical Clock, and more!

• Explore Prague’s ageless and often dark history on an informative walking tour of the Old Town and historic Jewish District.
• Learn the back stories of Powder Tower’s home signs and statues. 
• Visit the City Hall and admire St. Nicholas Church’s exterior. 
• See the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square.
• Visit the centre of the Old Town before heading to the ancient Jewish Ghetto, where the tour guide will entertain you with strange tales of Rabi Loew’s famous monster Golem.
• Discuss Jewish customs and rituals, and recount the works and life of Jewish author Franz Kafka.
• Check out the city’s synagogues, notably Europe’s oldest. 
• Learn where the Jewish Community Center was erected. 
• Take a trip to the Old Jewish Cemetery to learn more about the origins of the Jewish community in Prague.
• The tour takes 1.5 Hours
• Optional entrance to the Jewish Museum
• Optional hotel pickup
• A professional tour guide

This guided Prague Castle walking tour is ideal for anybody interested in an in-depth introduction to Prague Castle and the surrounding Castle District. Your native guide can advise you on the best ways to spend your time there.

Highlights 

• Visit famous landmarks, including the St. Vitus Church and the ancient Royal Palace.
• In roughly fifteen to twenty minutes, you’ll get a brief overview of the castle and some helpful tips in English.
• Take a stroll through the Castle District and see Prague Castle. 
• Complete coverage of the attractions and their background history 
• Visit the castle’s features and the elegant Castle District, including Golden Lane.
• The introduction and basic castle orientation in 15 minutes
• Map of the area

Join a guided tour around Prague’s Old Town walking tour and prepare to be scared. Discover the shadowy side of Prague and go where the average tourist rarely goes.

• Go exploring in the narrow lanes and back alleys of Prague.
• Explore the strange history and mysteries of the city.
• Hear tales of the ghosts that are claimed to haunt the city’s historic district.
• Hear terrifying accounts of the past that really happened
• Prepare to be enthralled by the city’s spooky underworld
• A local guide
• Ghost walking tour

When visiting the Czech capital, there’s no better way to get your bearings than with a good old-fashioned Prague city walking tour. In a matter of hours, learn a great deal about this breathtaking city by visiting historical landmarks, hearing stories from locals, and exploring off-the-beaten-path spots that are known only to natives. 

And the greatest part is that the walking tours in Prague are led by English-speaking guides, so you can experience the best free walking tour in Prague .

• Sightseeing

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Europe ‎ >  Prague > Little Quarter Walking Tour Map

‎ Prague Top Tourist Tips ‎ | Suggested Itineraries For Prague

• Old Town Walking Tour
• Castle & Little Quarter Walking Tour
• Charles Bridge Walking Tour
• Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
• New Town Walking Tour
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Suggested Itineraries
• Reading An Astronomical Clock
• Getting From/To The Airport

Little Quarter Walking Tour:

Location :  Prague Castle & Little Quarter ( Mala Strana ) Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Castle and sight costs below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Start :  Charles Bridge ( Karlov Most ) End :  Kampa Park Restaurant Walking Distance :  3.4 miles Time :  2 Hours for Walk ( Full tour 4-5 hours with all stops ) Fun Scale :  8.5 out of 10

Overview of The Little Quarter:

The Little Quarter ( or Lesser Town ) is often overlooked by tourists as they flock up to tour Prague Castle.  The neighborhood started to develop below the castle as early as the 800s but was damaged by in the 1st Crusade in 1096 and the Siege of Prague Castle in 1142.  Officially established in 1252, an influx of foreign craftsmen and merchants helped Lesser Town grow thanks to the addition of a stone bridge over the river and protection from the Hunger Wall.

As Prague Castle grew to be the largest castle complex in Europe, Lesser Town was ravaged by fires and plagues in the Middle Ages.  Stately palaces slowly replaced merchant homes and the route through town became known as the Royal Route for the Bohemian Kings.  This path started at the Royal Court ( next to the Powder Tower ), through Old Town, over the Vltava River, through Lesser Town Square, and up to the mighty Prague Castle.  Our self-guided Little Quarter walking tour map follows the Royal Route with a couple detours to help you explore Lesser Town.

1. Charles Bridge ( Karlov Most ):

About Charles Bridge :  One of the most iconic structures in Prague is the timeless Charles Bridge which spans the Vltava River in stunning Medieval fashion.  After centuries of relying on small wooden bridges, King Vladislav I decided to build the first stone arch bridge over the river following a visit to Italy in the 1160s.  The new Roman-style bridge  named Judith  ( after the King’s wife ) had tolled gate towers on each end and was an impressive route for Vladislav to take from Old Town up to Prague Castle.  The Judith Bridge also helped with the development of the Little Quarter neighborhood in the 1200s before the bridge was  ruined by flooding  in 1342.

Over the next 15 years, a new stone toll bridge was designed just South of the former one and built over 10 feet taller to protect against future flooding.  Originally called Stone Bridge & Prague Bridge, the name was changed to Charles Bridge in 1870 after  King Charles IV  ( ruled 1346-1378 ) who laid the foundation stone in 1357.  It took a full 55 years to complete Charles Bridge, but the wait was worth it as it helped Prague become a major player in trading between Eastern and Western Europe in the Middle Ages.

Today the merchant huts that once lined Charles Bridge in Medieval times are long gone, but the  bookend watchtower gates  and impressive  rows of saint statues  are still going strong.  We highly recommend climbing the towers for an elevated view while also taking the time to closing inspect the statues as you go.

For more detail on the overview and symbolic details of each statue, we recommend following our  Charles Bridge Statues Walking Tour .  The bridge is best tours early in the morning or in the evening while the number of tourist groups are lower and the lighting mixed with fog is extra eerie.  Adventurers can even seek out a few pieces of the original Judith Bridge still on display under buildings on each bank of the Vltava River.

Read More :   Charles Bridge Statues Walking Tour

2. Devil’s Stream ( Čertovka ):

About Devil’s Stream :  While crossing  Kampa Island  on Charles Bridge, the view to the South over the canal called Devil’s Stream is a favorite among photographers.  The brightly colored houses cling to the edge of the curved canal before disappearing around the corner.  Legend has it that the man-made canal got its name from a mean lady who lived on it in the 1600s.  Local kids thought she was wicked and they painted 6 devil figures on her door.  The house then became known as  At the Seven Devils  with 6 devils on the door and the mean lady being the 7th.

Photos of the Devil’s Stream are amazing from Charles Bridge at dusk right when the street lamps start to reflect on the water.  There are a bunch of ghost walking and boat tours that highlight different ghosts said to haunt the stream after dark.  You will get a close look at the canal at the end of this Little Quarter walking tour map.

3. Lesser Town Bridge Towers :

About The Lesser Town Bridge Towers :  Out of all the large Medieval towers around Prague, the Lesser Town Bridge Towers are by far our favorite.  As you walk the last leg of the Charles Bridge, it is easy to be drawn to the mighty twin towers like a magnet.  The smaller of the two, known as  Judith Tower , was built into the Lesser Town curtain wall as its main gateway back in 1158.  Shortly after the Gothic tower was built, Judith Bridge was also completed as the first stone bridge over the river on the way to Prague Castle from Old Town which led to the growth of Lesser Town.

The Roman-style bridge was ruined by flooding in 1342 before being replaced with Charles Bridge, but the Judith Tower has lived on.  For the next 250 years, Judith Tower’s basement was turned into a high-security prison until the building was converted into a  customs house  in 1591.  The old Customs House still sits right next to Judith Tower and holds one of the Tower’s original Gothic reliefs from the 1300s showing a man kneeling at the throne while getting a gift from the King.

Directly connected to Judith Tower by an arched walkway, the nearly 150 foot tall  Lesser Town Bridge Tower  was built by King George of Podebrady in 1464.  King George was already in the middle of greatly expanding Prague Castle at the time and wanted Lesser Town to have a mirror image of Old Town’s bridge tower which was completed 91 years earlier.  We love the Lesser Town Bridge Tower and urge you to check out its gallery and exhibit about towers located 85 feet up a flight of steps.  Make sure to check out the  4 banners hanging  on the side of the watchtower after passing through its gateway.  Each banner is from a country that Bohemia ruled under the reign of King Wenceslas IV ( ruled 1378-1419 ), who’s father Kings Charles IV had built Charles Bridge.

4. Saint Nicholas Church :

About Saint Nicholas Church :  Prague really loves themselves some Saint Nicholas, so much so that they have  two major churches  dedicated in his honor.  It can be a little confusing to a first time visitor as the churches even look alike with one in on Old Town Square and the other here in Lesser Town.  In 1673, the Jesuits built a college in the middle of Lesser Town’s Market Square.  The 230 foot tall Saint Nicholas Church was built from 1704-1755 over the top Baroque interior is the highlight.  Mozart played the organ here during his time in Prague promoting his operas/plays.

5. Lesser Town Square :

About Lesser Town Square :  The large square was once Lesser Town’s Market before the large buildings were built in the middle of it.  The Eastside is a good place to catch tram #22 and the Westside was once home to the gallows and elevated pillory.  In 1715 a large  Holy Trinity Column  was built after the Plague of 1713.  The center of the column is a 66-foot-tall obelisk and the base is surrounded by statues of Prague’s patrons including those of St. Wenceslas, Virgin Mary, and John Nepomuk.

At Smirický Palace, on the North side of Lesser Town Square, Protestants threw some Catholics out of the windows in 1618 which later led to the Battle of White Mountain where the Protestants were crushed.  The neighboring build is where the Fire of 1541 started which wiped out 2/3rds of the homes and many other buildings in Lesser Town.

6. Barbant Medieval Taverns :

About Barbant Medieval Tavern :  One of the very top experiences in Prague is to visit one of the Medieval themed restaurants and its the Barbant Tavern that puts on the best show.  Housed in an  underground labyrinth  from the Middle Ages, and lined with skulls, the tavern has been  open since 1375  and feels like you’re stepping back into time.  Not only will the setting make feel like you are back in Medieval times, but the showmanship of the of performers it what really brings a visit to Barbant Tavern to life.  From fire eaters to belly dancers and musicians with Medieval instruments, getting food or drinks here is a blast.  If you have any doubt about the place, remember that even Mozart used to drink here.

Hours :  Tuesday-Sat Noon-Midnight; Closed Mondays.   Medieval Shows :  Tuesday-Sat 7-10pm; Closed Mondays.   Address :  Thunovská 15.   Website :   Here .

7. Nerudova Street :

About Nerudova Street :  This the part of our Little Quarter walking tour where you start to make progress up Castle Hill with a steady incline.  The climb is not too strenuous, and Nerudova Lane is lined with cool buildings with  Medieval names  like House At Two Suns.  In the Middle Ages not name people could read or write so symbols were used on homes and businesses instead of numbers.  Back then the end of the lane was home to the mighty Strahov Gate protecting the ascent up the Prague Castle and known as Strahov Road.  Today’s name comes from the  journalist Jan Neruda  who wrote poems and short stories about Prague while living on the street in the mid-1800s, but most of the homes have retained their funny names.

Our favorite of the famous homes is called  At the Three Violins  ( #12 ) where 3 famous fiddle making families lived.  The home still has 3 violins above the door and legend has it that skeletons come out to play them during full moons.  Others that we love are At the Golden Lion ( #32 ) which houses a pharmacy museum, At the Red Lion ( #41 ) which was home of famous painter Petr Brandl, At Three Black Eagles ( #44 ) where Neruda lived, and At the Two Suns ( #47 ) which has the best relief.  You’ll have fun checking out the signs above each door as a mini  scavenger hunt .  In addition to the ones we mentioned, see if you can find the Red Lamb, Golden Horseshoe, White Swan, Golden Cup, Medusa, Gold Key, or Green Lobster as you walk up Nerudova Street.  That may sound like a lot of symbols to hunt for, but there are many more as almost every house has one.

8. Alchemist Museum & Pub :

About The Alchemist Museum & Pub :  Much of out Little Quarter walking tour is filled with legends of the Royal alchemists, but this museum and pub help to embody the stories the best.  The museum is housed inside the House At The Donkey By The Cradle, looks like a real Medieval lab, and even has a fantastic themed pub.  In Medieval times, numerous alchemists worked for the Kings on a host of mysterious projects, like trying to create gold.   Hours :  Museum 10am-8pm; Pub until 10pm.   Website :   Here .

9. Absinth Shop & Bar :

About The Absinth Shop & Bar :  The Absinth Shop & Pub is a great place to get of taste of the famous drink that was once banned throughout Europe and the United States for its ingredients perceived to have  hallucinogenic properties .  Sampling a little Absinthe, at least of the stories, is a must while in Prague.  There are also two shops called Absintherie near Old Town, but we like this one in the Little Quarter the best.

The  local way to serve absinthe is to put a flaming sugar cube over the glass and wait for it to melt compared to in France where is the sugar is added under dripping water.  The drink doesn’t really make you hallucinate or see green fairies and is actually more of an elegant licorice flavored sipping drink made before or after dinner.  The drink, made from the bitter herb wormwood, was popular in France starting in the late 1700s and had a revival in Prague in the 1990s when it became legal here again before most of Europe.

The next stop on our Little Quarter walking tour will be a food break with a view a Bella Vista, the best food in Little Town may be near the Absinthe Shop at the  Rainer Maria Rilke Restaurant .  The highly rated restaurant feels like a cozy and Romantic living room and we suggest it over the next stop in rainy or cold weather.

Absinth Shop Hours :  Noon-Midnight.   Shop Website :  ( HERE ).

10. Bella Vista Terrace :

About Bella Vista Terrace :  The Rainer Maria Rilke Restaurant we mentioned near the Absinthe Shop may have the best food, but nothing beats the elevated views over Prague that you get from the Bella Vista Terrace.  If you have already eaten, we still suggest grabbing a chair on the outdoor patio and ordering a drink or lemonade to take it all in.  Even a short visit to the Bella Vista Terrace will refresh your legs from the uphill stroll so you can power through the rest of this Prague Castle walking tour.  Many celebrities from Sean Connery to the Rolling Stones have eaten at Bella Vista.   Website :   Here .

11. Strahov Monastery & Library :

About Strahov Monastery & Library :  While there isn’t a ton to do at the Strahov Monastery ( founded in 1143 ), it is well worth a visit just for the library alone.  Added to the Monastery from 1671-79, the beautiful Theological Hall of the library has a  vaulted Baroque ceiling  with stunning white stucco reliefs framing mythology themed murals.  All of the mural panels relate to knowledge or learning in some way from famous scenes to hidden elements.

As the library’s book collection grew to over 200,000 a second grand library room called the Philosophical Hall was added from 1794-97.  With 2-story-tall  floor to ceiling shelves , dark hardwood accents, all attention goes to the brightly colored ceiling fresco paintings.  Much like the murals in the older library focus on knowledge, the huge one in the newer library called the “Intellectual Progress of Mankind” does very much the same thing.  We’ve been to a lot of the famous libraries around the world and the one in the Strahov Monastery is by far one of the top 10 prettiest inside.  If you have some extra time, the church inside the Monastery also has a wonderful ceiling similar to the library.

Hours :  Daily 9am-5pm; break from Noon-1pm.   Cost :  Adults 120 CKZ; Kids half off.   Website :   Here .

12. Strahov Monastic Brewery ( Klášterní Pivovar ):

About The Strahov Brewery :  The Strahov Monastic Brewery was open continuously from 1628 to 1907 before being reopened to the public in 2000.  Monastery ( established in 1143 ) has been making beer here since the 1200s.  Known for 3 types of beer with the Saint Norbert name, Amber, Dark and IPA with the IPA being the most popular.  As you’ve probably noticed, there are a lot of unique places to grab a drink along this Prague Castle walking tour.   Brewery Website :  ( HERE ).

13. Loreta Monastery Church :

About Loreta Church :  The beautiful exterior and 27 bell tower are bound to draw you to the Loretta Monastery.  Everyday from 9am to 6pm ( on the hour ) the bell tower plays music into the square outside of the church.  After the Bohemian Protestant army was crushed by General Tilly in the Battle of White Mountain in 1621, some of the homes on this block were left abandoned which lead the way to today’s Loreta Monastery.

Starting 5 years after the battle, the first and most important building called the  Santa Casa Chapel  was built to help strengthen Catholicism in Prague.  The small, centrally located chapel looks like a tiny Italian palace and for good reason.  It is a copy of a famous chapel in Loreta Italy  which is said to have roots back to the days of Virgin Mary.  Legend says that a house called Santa Casa sat in the middle of Nazareth, Palestine where the Virgin Mary was told she would have the child of God.  In 336, first of a series of chapels was built over the site of the house with the last one being built in the early Middle Ages.  Raiding Catholic Crusaders claiming they were protecting the chapel from the Turks, moved it to Loreta Italy in 1294 where is still sits today inside a basilica.  It’s copy in Prague is one of a handful of replicas around Europe, but is very impressive.

As you tour the rest of the Loreta Monastery complex you will want to visit the baroque interior of the main church, called Nativity of Our Lord, is quite stunning.  We love inspecting the detailed fresco paints, especially the ones on the ceiling.  One of the coolest elements is a statue of the  bearded female Saint Wilgefortis  depicted on a crucifix.  The debated legend of Saint Wilgefortis says she was the daughter of the King of Portugal who was promised to marry a pagan king.  Because Wilgefortis was very religious she prayed to be out of the marriage with the pagan ruler.  Her wish was granted when she grew a long bread and the marriage was called off.  Wilgefortis was then crucified by her father and quickly became a symbol of hope for oppressed and unhappy women.  Other legends say that the feminine looking statue is a depiction of  Jesus in a long dress  which was common in the Dark Ages of Europe before the image transformed into Jesus in a tunic.  There is also a large monstrance sun mirror in the church with is adorned with 6,222 diamonds.

Hours :  April-October 9am-5pm; Winter 9:30am-4pm.   Cost :  Adults 150 CZK; Kids 80 CZK.   Website :   Here .

14. Schwarzenberg Palace :

About Schwarzenberg Palace :  The former Schwarzenberg Palace is now a National Gallery Art Museum.  The original owner of the  Italianate Palace  was the rich nobleman Jan Popel of Lobkowicz who bought the lot after the homes here burned in 1541.  The Early Renaissance Palace, built in 1567, is a fitting location for the museum as its ceiling are made of stretched canvas which was painted in the late 1500s.  While visiting you’ll have a unique opportunity to view an incomparable collection of Bohemian Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque art.

Outside of the museum is a beautiful  Marian Column  in the middle of Hradčany Square.  The large statue was completed in 1736 in honor of the Plague of 1713 just like the column in Lesser Town Square we saw earlier on this Little Quarter walking tour.  The Marian Column is surrounded by a base of famous saints and capped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Museum Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm; Closed Mondays.   Museum Cost :  Adults 300 CZK; Kids 6-16 are 150 CZK.   Museum Website :   Here .

15. Prague Castle ( Pražský Hrad ):

About Prague Castle :  In 870 the  first Duke of Bohemia , Bořivoj I, started the groundwork of today’s huge Prague Castle complex with a protected Royal residence.  Inside the defensive wooden walls, the Duke built the Church of the Virgin Mary in 884 as the 2nd oldest church in Bohemia behind the Church of Saint Clement in nearby Levý Hradec.  The Church of the Virgin Mary was ruined in the 1200s, but parts of the foundation are still visible below some of the castle offices.  Other churches including Saint Vitus and Saint George were established by the Duke’s grandson and still remain today, we will visit them next on this Prague Castle walking tour.  The  churches in Prague Castle  were an important part of the establishment of Christianity in early day Bohemia.  It was here that the Duke’s sainted wife Ludmila thought their grandson from the bible which drastic shaped Prague.

Over the centuries the complex making up Prague Castle got stone defenses and grew into the  largest castle grounds in the world .  The walled fortress was a mini city with multiple courtyards which were home to not only the Royal family but also their guards, alchemists, and handcrafters.  The growth of the castle also led to the growth of the neighborhood below it which was officially founded in 1252.

While roaming the Prague Castle grounds make sure not to miss the Powder Tower or the  Old Royal Palace  building.  In the 1300s the Palace was built out of stone as the new Royal dwelling complete with Gothic vaulted ceilings.  There is even an unusually wide and flat stairwell in the Old Palace where the King would ride in on his horse.  You’ll see mixes of Romanesque and Gothic styles plus the distinct Habsburg touch as you take our Prague Castle walking tour.  It may not look like a traditional fairy tale fortress, but Prague Castle is a Medieval wonder with a with many memorable elements.

Hours :  The castle grounds are open from 6am-10pm and the historic buildings are open from 9am-5pm ( 4pm in Winter ).   Entrance Cost :  Outside of special exhibits which range from 70-300 CZK, general admission varies based on which of the main sights you want to see.  Most combos are 250-350 CZK for Adults; 125-175 CZK for Kids 6-16 years old; Kids under 6 are Free; deep discounts for family tickets.   Bonus Day :  All tickets are valid the days of purchase plus the following day.   Castle Website :   Here .

16. Saint Vitus Cathedral ( Karlsplatz ):

About Saint Vitus Church :  For many visitors, the huge Gothic-style Saint Vitus Cathedral is the highlight of this self-guided Prague Castle walking tour.  The first small rotunda chapel on the grounds dedicated to Saint Vitus came in 930 after Prince Wenceslas acquired the  arm of Saint Vitus  as a relic from Henry I, Duke of Saxony.  The church treasury still holds this relic of Saint Vitus among many other Royal riches which are on display.  Maybe the best thing in the Cathedral’s treasury is the Royal Crown which dates back to 1347 and is the  4th oldest in Europe .

The original rotunda chapel was converted into a two steeple church in 1060 and later rebuilt  as today’s Gothic Cathedral  starting in 1344.  The massive cathedral as you see it today took over 600 years to finally complete, but it is a masterpiece complete with stunning statues and stained glass windows.  You can see the Habsburg influence from the late Middle Ages as the building definitely resembles Saint Stephens Cathedral in Vienna.

While we love walking in the main nave of Saint Vitus Cathedral,  our two favorite areas  are the Saint Wenceslas Chapel and the South Tower.  The chapel looks almost untouched since the middle ages with excellent paints, Gothic lantern lighting, and the tomb of Wenceslas in the center.  The beloved Prince Wenceslas was considered a martyr after he was killed by his own brother for the throne in 935 at  Royal feast.  The South Tower is also quite cool and a staggering 287 steps will lead you up to the top for a magnificent view.

Cathedral Hours :  Summer 9am-5pm; Winter Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm & Sundays Noon-4pm.   Tower Hours :  Summer 9am-5pm; Winter 10am-5pm ( Last entry 4:30pm ).   Cost :  Cathedral included most Prague Castle tickets ranging from 250-350 CZK; Tower is an add-on for 150 CZK.

17. Saint George Basilica :

About Saint George Basilica :  To get a feel for the real heart of Prague Castle you need to seek out the brink pink facade of Saint George Basilica.  The  timeless Romanesque interior  is the best place to see how construction on the castle complex has had a number of styles under different Kings over the centuries.  The Basilica of Saint George was originally built as the 2nd church in Prague Castle  in 920  by Prince Vratislav I, the 3rd Duke of Bohemia.

When a convent for Benedictine nuns was established next door in 973 the church was expanded, but it didn’t get its current Romanesque look until after it was rebuilt from the Fire of 1142.  Dating to 200 years before the rebuild of Saint Vitus Cathedral, you can really feel how much of an influence the two centuries had on style differences.  You’ll feel like you are walking into an ancient Roman or Byzantine chapel with bare stone walls leading to the altar.  Among the highlights is the tomb of Prince Vratislav I who founded the church and the  statue of Saint George to  whom it is dedicated to.  Saint George was said to have been martyred for his faith by the Romans in 303AD and the statue portrays him as a ghastly skeleton who has had his guts sliced open.

18. Golden Lane ( Zlatá ulička ):

About Golden Lane :  Since the 1500s guards and gunmen for King Rudolph II lived on the colorful lane.  By the 1600s the King moved  Royal alchemists and goldsmiths  as he wanted them to find a way to make gold which led to the lanes name.  Of the notable houses, #13 is known as the Red Musket as it was a former guard house and #22 where  famous author Franz Kafka  lived in the 1900s.  From the stairs inside of house #12 you can see the round Daliborka cannon tower which was used as a prison in the 1400-1500s.

As you exit the East end of Golden Lane you will leave the castle walls through a formidable portal next to the castle’s Black Tower and come out right by a cool statue of a skull laying on the back of a man on all fours.  This statue, called  Parable with Skull , is meant to pay homage to the writer local Jewish writer Frank Kafka.  If you enter the base of the Black Tower where you find yourself inside a former underground dungeon which feels like it is from a movie set.  Back on the street level, there is a huge outdoor terrace with views overlooking the city of Prague.

19. Wenceslas’ Royal Vineyard :

About The Royal Vineyard :  As you finish our Prague Castle walking tour on your way back down to the Little Quarter, make sure to check out the wonderful Royal vineyard.  In 908, Duke Wenceslas I formed the start of the Royal vineyard on the Southeastern slope of Prague Castle making it the oldest vineyard in the Czech Republic .

As the grandson of the first Duke of Bohemia ( Bořivoj I ), Wenceslaus made his impression on grounds of Prague Castle and the entire country.  Duke Wenceslas I was beloved as “The Good King” who fought for the establishment of the Kingdom of Bohemia ( Imperial State in 1002, Kingdom in 1198 ), pushed for acceptance of Christianity in Prague, and became the Patron Saint of all Czech lands after his own brother murdered him in 935.  Knowing Wenceslaus’ association with the vineyard is very important as you take in its beauty.

In Medieval times, the Royal Vineyard created the perfect complement to the local beer from the monk breweries near the castle, but its wine was reserved only for the Royal family.  While Riesling is predominate, the most widespread grapes in the vineyard are  Pinot Noir  which Emperor Charles IV brought in from France in the 1300s.  Until the Queen’s Summer Palace was built there in 1534, the Royal Vineyard also covered the large garden just North of Prague Castle.

In 2007, the renovated vineyard you see today opened to the public on the 1100th anniversary of King Wenceslas I’s birth.  As you stroll through the vineyard make sure to rest your feet on one of the benches while you take in the view of the valley below.  At the Eastern end of the vineyard,  Richter’s Villa  ( website ) is a great place to sample the local wine and also has a small museum on the Royal wine production.   Villa Website :   Here .

20. Wallenstein Garden ( Valdštejn ):

About Wallenstein Gardens :  Military commander Albrecht von Wallenstein got super rich and bought 23 homes plus some gardens to build his sprawling palace from 1624-1630.  Viewed as a threat by Emperor Ferdinand II, Wallenstein was killed just a year later, but his family retained ownership of the palace.  The main hall has a cool fresco of the Roman god of war Mars, but it is the statue-lined garden that we love the most.  While the rows of sculptures are cool, the best statue is the one of Hercules in the central pond.  The 100-foot-tall loggia called Sala Terrena has some cool paintings and the neighboring grotto wall is lined with artificial stalactites.

21. Pissing Fountain :

About The Pissing Fountain :  Our favorite on this Prague castle tour is artist David Cerny’s Pissing Fountain at the Franz Kafka Museum.  The fountain features to oxidized bronze male figures  peeing into a pool  in the shape of the Czech Republic.  The figures’ hips swivel while their man parts move up and down allowing them to write messages in the pond with their pee.  The standard streams of water write quotes from famous Prague residents, but you can have them  write your message  too.  If you text a message to (+420) 724370770 the statues will spell it out with their pee which is quite amusing.

The Pissing Fountain’s artist David Cerny has many playful statues around Europe including huge babies climbing the largest TV tower in Prague.  Another popular installation of Cerny’s is at Prague’s Future Art Museum and is made of 2 large bodies bent over spreading their cheeks.  You can climb a small ladder and peek into the butts at artistic videos playing inside.

22. Míšeňská Lane :

About Míšeňská Lane :  As you leave the Lesser Town Bridge Towers toward Míšeňská Street consider taking a food break at one of the charming outdoor restaurants.  Make sure to also inspect the  Four Maidens Statue  street lamp in the middle of the road.  We love walking just past it and taking photos of the lamps with the huge medieval tower in the background.  After turning onto Míšeňská Street you’ll notice it is kind of like the land-based version of the Devil’s Stream with tightly packed colorful following a curved cobblestone lane.  If you place your camera right at ground level you can get an excellent photo down the unique lane complete with the detail of the cobblestones.

At the very end of Míšeňská Street, consider popping into  Vojan Park  if the gate is open which is one of the city’s oldest parks.  When the Episcopal court was demolished in 1248, the Vojanovy Gardens served as a fruit orchard and park.  After the orchard was bought in 1653, it became part of a new convent for the Order of Carmelite Sisters.  In 1660 they added the small, black cave-like Saint Elias Chapel which is cool to visit.  Near the West side of the park, the Church of St. Joseph at Lesser Town was built in 1686 for the former convent’s nuns.

23. John Lennon Wall :

About The John Lennon Wall :  You might think that Prague is a strange place for a huge graffiti wall memorial for the former Beatles band member John Lennon, but it is actually the perfect place.  When Lennon was murdered in 1980 his songs and  messages of freedom  struck home with the youth of Prague who were being smothered by oppressive Communist rule.  It didn’t take long for young people to start painting this wall with messages of peace, hope, and freedom in protest of their Communist rulers.  Since Prague’s citizens weren’t even allowed to listen to Pop music at the time, you can understand there was a very high risk of getting arrested while painting the wall.

The movement grew and grew until finally in 1989 the  non-violent Velvet Revolution  ended the Communist rule in Czechoslovakia and led to Democracy.  Today the same Knights of Malta that once owned the neighboring Grand Priory Mill, now own the Lennon Wall and support preserving it.

24. Grand Priory Mill ( Velkoprevorský mlýn ):

About The Grand Priory Mill :  Opened in 1597 to replace a previous mill, the Grand Priory Water Mill got its name because it was owned by the  Knights of Malta .  While this is 1 of the only 3 mills still remaining on Kampa Island, originally there were dozens lining the canal.  For the most part, the entire island was only mills and gardens until homes started popping up in the 1600s.  This mill was sold by the Knights in 1795 and it ran the longest on the island before finally closing in 1936.

Probably the coolest feature of the old water mill is its creepy looking  Water Sprite  figure at the foot of the dock.  This Water Sprite is from a Solvac fairy tale and a common guarding among mills in Medieval Prague.  It is said that fishermen would toss a little tobacco into the water as an offering for good luck from the pipe smoking sprites.  If the water mill really interests you, consider heading to the Mlyn Hut on the Southwestern corner of the Kampa Island which was part of a smelter mill when it opened in the 1400s.

25. Love Lock Bridge :

About Love Lock Bridge :  One of the most lasting activities to do while traveling with your loved ones is to  leave a Love Lock .  Throughout Europe, there are several bridges where tourist leave paddle locks before throwing the keys into the water as a sign of their love lasting forever including this small bridge in Prague.  The railings actually fill up so fast that the city ends up having to occasionally remove the locks because of how heavy they get.

Some local residents don’t like the practice as they see it as an eyesore, but we find it to be very enjoyable.  Overall cities like Prague and Paris seem to embrace the trend as you will even see some tourist stands selling locks.  We suggest buying your own lock ahead of time and writing either your initials or a warm message of the lock before placing it onto the bridge.

26. Kampa Island :

About Kampa Island :  Kampa Island was mainly a large open park with gardens until the 1600s because of a constant threat of flooding.  In the late 1500s the owner of much of the island, William of Rosenberg, started to reinforce it to be more habitable.  With the arrival of the first permanent homes, Kampa Island became known for its pottery market.

The main curved road running through the island with colorful houses called  Na Kampě Street  ( On Kampa ) is a favorite among photographers.  The street is especially beautiful as lamps light it at night and also over the holiday season when it is filled with Christmas carolers.  During the day there are a number of small outdoor restaurants with plenty of shade to rest your feet.

The small Liechtenstein Palace looks pretty basic, but it dates back to 1696.  Look above the door at the amazing stone coat of arms of the Princely House of Liechtenstein made in the 1800s.  Sitting directly across from the Palace is the Embassy of Estonia inside the  House At Blue Fox  built in 1605.  The door of the Embassy has a weird image above it with a Blue Fox holding a red rose in its mouth below a baby Jesus.

If you wish to explore the Kampa Island future the  Modern Art Museum  ( website ) is pretty good, open daily from 10am-6pm, and costs 160 CZK.  Outside of the museum are a series of crawling baby statues and the inside has a glass walkway that juts out toward the river.

27. Kampa Park Restaurant :

About Kampa Park Restaurant : A popular restaurant with a great terrace facing the river.   Restaurant Website :  ( HERE ).

Other Sights Near Lesser Town:

28. old town walking tour :.

About Old Town Prague :  The central heart of Prague is the highlight of our  Old Town Prague Walking Tour .  If you have enjoyed the Little Quarter then you are surely going to fall in love with Old Town.  Make sure to follow our free walking tour to get the full experience and including all of the neighborhood’s best-hidden gems you would miss otherwise.

Read More :   Old Town Prague Walking Tour .

29. Jewish Quarter Walking Tour :

About The Jewish Quarter :  Prague’s Jewish population has been living in the small neighborhood known as Josefov for over 100 years before the City of Prague was even officially established. Over the centuries there have been both good time and conflict that have forged together into a rich Jewish history.  Filled with beautiful synagogues, a gnarly cemetery, and many other worthwhile attractions, a walk through the Jewish Quarter in Prague is a very worthwhile couple hours.

Read More :   Jewish Quarter Walking Tour .

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Easy and Free Walking Tour of Prague’s Famous Royal Route

Prague is a city full of exciting places to visit, but it is also one of the world’s most walkable destinations. Just wandering around the city, you can experience and explore so much of Prague’s rich history without spending a penny! So whether you’re just looking for a little walkable introduction to the city or looking for a free way to spend an afternoon, a walk down the Royal Route is the ideal way to give yourself a little primer on the history and beauty that is the city of Prague.

Along this one stretch of road, you’ll find some of the most important landmarks in the city. The Royal Route marks the route which the kings and queens of Prague would have travelled during their coronation procession. They would have begun in Old Town , starting where the former Royal Court was located. The Royal Route continued through to the Charles Bridge, into Mala Strana and finishing at Prague Castle . Despite the route itself being a historical part of the city, the naming convention for the “Royal Route” was a modern tourism invention. The route was named in 1955 when renovations took place to preserve what is now a historically protected pathway.

How Long is the Walk?

The entire span of the Royal Route is about 4 km. While parts of the road in Old Town are relatively flat, the path in Mala Strana is slightly uphill. The Royal Route walk should take no longer than an hour if you didn’t stop. I would plan more time to stop along the way and take in the sights. There are so many unique places to visit along this route.

Be warned that the parts of town that the Royal Route passes through are super touristy. If you’re looking for something to eat I would always recommend heading off the tourist track. Even just heading off the route down one side street will often make such a difference.

Even though the walking tour isn’t very long, it’s important to wear proper walking shoes as the roads are very uneven and the second half of the tour is a little hilly.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a great place to stay along the Royal Route, you’ll be happily surprised to learn that a few of the old historic homes along the route have been transformed into hotels. So you can stay on the very Route where courtiers and dignitaries would have stayed hundreds of years ago. The Grand Hotel Bohemia is a wonderful luxury hotel right on the Route Route with terraces facing out onto the city’s skyline. There really is no better place to get a panoramic view of the city while still in the comforts of your own room. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option the Hotel at the Golden Key is located on the historic Nerudova Street. The suites are clean and simple but if you get a room with a city view you’ll be enchanted by the people watching along famed Nerudova street.

The very first coronation of a king in Prague took place on June 15th, 1086. But during this time, the seat of the Bohemian kings in Prague was located in Vyšehrad . It wasn’t until 1344 when Emperor Charles IV, the future king, began the creation of a new royal court and residence in the place where we find Prague Castle that the new Royal Route was established. Charles designed his coronation route to go from the Old Royal Court towards his newly created St. Vitus Cathedral , the jewel of his empire. It was there that he would be crowned. Unfortunately, Charles died before the construction was completed and the first king to travel along the coronation route was Sigismund of Luxembourg in 1438.

Since then, 26 kings and 28 queens have taken this same route during their coronations. During the coronation, members of the clergy and royal court were in attendance and members of neighbouring countries who wanted to show their support for their allies would join the procession as well. The last coronation parade to take place along this route was in 1836.

Festivities & Customs

During the coronation parade, people who owned houses along the route would go out of their way to decorate their homes. This was meant to impress and entertain the king or queen and their courtiers. A richly decorated house or palace was a sign to the new rulers of their loyalty to the realm. It was a way to create a great first impression. People would throw flowers against the backdrop of the bells which rang out across the city. Gunfire would sound, and there was singing which filled the squares. While you might think this is all a bit antiquated, think of all the celebrations held for the Queen of England’s Jubilee. Or even the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Even today, we can see traces of these historical celebrations in our modern society.

Along the route, the party would stop in front of various buildings where city representatives, guild members, and clergymen would make speeches in honour of the new leader. As the King rode down the street, he was expected to toss coins to the people. The ritual was said to ensure the new king or queen would bring prosperity to their country. It was also seen as good luck to release many prisoners, of petty crimes, during the coronation. This was seen as an act of compassion by the new ruler. All these generous actions were meant to strengthen the connection between the new ruler and their people. Too often, the common folk felt so disconnected from their king, as the wealthy and the poor lived two disparate lives. But, in this one moment, they could actually see each other face to face and hopefully make a connection.

Legends of the Royal Route

Sometimes there were downright odd ways in which the people would show their loyalty to the realm. In one instance, in 1527, four men jumped into the Vlatava river during Ferdinand I ‘s coronation. This was meant as an act to show devotion to the king. Unfortunately, one of the men who wasn’t a strong swimmer ended up drowning!

In another case, a herd of camels was brought along the route by their Moorish masters. This caused a massive stir as most people in Prague had never seen these animals before and thought of them as a real spectacle. Regrettably, the camels got more attention than the king (which no doubt was quite problematic after the fact). In the baroque period, during a time when high-drama was in vogue, theatrical and musical performances erupted throughout the city. It seemed like on every street corner you could catch someone putting on a real show! I can only imagine who amazingly exciting this would have been for the citizens and how much joy the coronation would have brought to the city.

Starting Point: Republic Square

Start your tour at Republic Square . This was the spot where everyone in the royal court would gather to meet the new ruler and set off along the Royal Route. Republic Square was originally where you’d find the former castle moat. The moat divided the Old and New towns and was also surrounded by the old medieval walls. In the 13th century, a grand Romanesque Church of St. Benedict was constructed. Its outer courtyard would have been where the members of the royal court would have gathered before the coronation. 

Although the church has since been demolished, the area where it once stood serves as a large open square today. The square isn’t too much to write home about now, but try to imagine how it might have looked in the 13th century; a parade of royal carriages, decorated horses, courtiers dressed to the nines and the king and queen in all their finery ready to greet the awaiting crowds.

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Municipal House

The fantastical Art Nouveau masterpiece called the Municipal House is now located where the former Royal Court once stood. In 1383 Wenceslas IV had his old royal court built here. It wasn’t until the rule of king Vladislav Jagiellonský when the court finally moved to the other side of town during the construction of the new Prague Castle complex.

Fire at the Royal Court

The old Royal Court contained residences for the king and his courtiers, a grand spa and a lush royal garden. The court even had a menagerie where the king kept his prized possession, one of his white lions. Unfortunately, in 1689, a huge fire broke out across the city of Prague, and the old Royal Court caught fire. It suffered a massive amount of fire damage and was left in disrepair. It later became a military barracks in 1777 before was finally demolished in the 19th century. The property was quickly bought up and the new Municipal House was built in its place.

Despite the fact that there are no architectural remnants of the old royal court here, you can see a large plaque on the exterior of the Municipal House dedicated to its history. It reads, “ Here, in the King’s court, from 1454 a representative of the Czech national idea in the religious and state sense, lived and worked…At that time, there was a busy center, where messages from foreign countries met and where conventions and state assemblies took place .”

Coronatin Day

On the day of the coronation, the festivities would begin between 6 am and 7 am. The bells of St. Vitus Cathedral would ring out, announcing the start of the procession. The king or queen would be dressed by their chief chamberlain. They wore precious coronation robes, worn only during this event.

Powder Tower

Continuing along the street, until you’ll come to a busy intersection, dominated by the magnificent gothic Powder Tower . Powder Tower was built in 1475 and is the only piece of the old medieval city walls that have been preserved. Originally there were 13 different gates that provided entry into the old city of Prague. Powder Tower is one of the only remaining entrance. There is something truly awe-inspiring as you stand here looking up at this gateway. This stone arch has stood here greeting guests, just like you and I, for over 500 years. The name of the tower comes from the 17th century. During this period the previously ornamental tower was employed as a gunpowder store.

Josef Mocker

The current appearance of the tower dates back to the late 19th century. The facade was restored by architect Josef Mocker . Mocker worked with famous Czech sculptors to create the statues which decorate the exterior. On the first level, just above the arched entrance, are the statues of King Jiří of Poděbrady and King Vladislav II . On either side of the seated kings are a series of coats of arms which represent the territories the kings ruled over. Statues of Bohemian patron saints can be found on the level above the kings, divided by a series of angels with golden wings.

On the east side of the gate is a large bust of a knight with the Latin inscription, “ Behold! Prague. For the honest, I am a mother, to the deceivers I am a step-mother; let those flee away, and may those who want good come. ” On the western side, there is similar encryption, which states, “ Dear citizen, forbear the unworthy people living without laws from harming me, a fine receptacle.”

The Silver Line

As you pass under the Powder Tower, look down on the ground and see if you can spot one of the “ silver line ” inscriptions. These round tablets are embedded into the cobblestone road. This marks the pathway of the Royal Route and will help you guide your way.

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Celetná Lane

Passing under the Powder Tower, you will find yourself walking along Celetná Lane . Celetná Lane is one of the oldest streets in Prague. The word “ Celetná ” is the name for a particular kind of bun which was sold in a famous bakery located here. Almost everyone in the city ate bread as one of their everday staples and the eventially people began to refer to the street simply as “Celetna”.

Celetna Lane was originally a popular trading route which merchants would travel along when entering into the city. This meant that the route saw its fair share of money came through their doors. Merchant needed places to sleep and quickly hotels and inns started popping up. The street quickly becomes one of the most prestigious areas of the city.

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House symbols

Celetna Lane is home to some of Prague famous house signs . Long before the city established an organized numbering system for buildings in the city, people would find their way around town by looking out for symbols. These symbols sometimes referred to the kind of business which was practiced within. Places like the House at the Golden Horseshoe were an easy way for people to find a blacksmith. House symbols sometimes were made for the heraldry of the family who owned the property. Other times house symbols like a black sun or white peacock were more allegorical. If you’d like to learn more about these House Signs you can check out our walking tours of Old Town or Mala Strana .

House at the Golden Angel 

On the corner of the Králodvorská street stands the mint green building of the house At the Golden Angel . In the center of the entryway is a large golden angel marking the spot. This building, which modernized over the years, was once a popular coaching-inn where guests to the city would stay. A popular spot to stay during a coronation as you would have front row seats to the parade. Wolfgang Mozart even stayed here when he visited Prague.

#36 Celetná Lane | Mint House

One of the most fantastical facades along Celetná Lane, found at #36, was the Mint House , used as a bank since the early middle ages. But the current facade dates back to the high baroque period when such allegorical statues, as you’ll find on the exterior, were popular. Years later, the building was converted into a courthouse. Famed author Franz Kafka worked in Prague as a lawyer, and this was where he would have come to work.

The House at the Black Madonna

On the corner of Ovocný trh and Celetna Lane , look for a golden cage on the outer edge of a building. Inside you’ll find the precious icon of the Black Madonna . This marks the House at the Black Madonna , one of the first examples of cubist architecture in Prague. The house was built in 1911. The architect was desperate to employ the use of cubism in his design, but the location of the house was a problem. Since it was located on this historical laneway, the city council wouldn’t allow him to go hog wild with an uber-modern, and seemingly abstract design. So, architect Josef Gocar employed a mixture of baroque and Cubist architecture which formed his final vision and satisfied both his creative desires and the council.

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#12 Celetna, Palace of Harasov

The Hrzan Palace of Tarasov is one of the most impressive buildings along Celetna street. Built in 1702, the building was once a Romanesque manor. Elements of the old home can still be found in the basement cellars of the palace. The current facade was designed by architect G. B. Alliprandi , who is responsible for some of Prague’s other great monuments such as; Czernin Palace, Lobkowicz Palace, the Plague Column of the Holy Trinity and Sternberg Palace . The building is famous for the richly sculpted gargoyles and busts which face out onto the street. Perhaps designed to greet the eyes of the incoming royal procession.

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Old Town Square

The royal procession would continued on, passing through the Old Town Square. The old town square was originally founded in the 12th century as the city’s primary marketplace. Traders from all over Prague and indeed, all over Europe, would travel here to trade goods. No other city in Europe boasted such a beautiful scenic town centre. The square is surrounded on all sides by fantastical pastel stucco buildings, notably taller than most historic buildings found in other European cities.

The most imposing building is, without a doubt, the gothic Church of Our Lady of Týn . The distinctive twin black Gothic spires loom over the Týn Courtyard. The spiked turrets are so iconic of the city and can be seen all across Prague. This 14th-century church would have been an important stop for the procession. Priests would have come here to greet the new king and bestow blessings upon him.

Astronomical Clock

Perhaps one of the most famous sights in Prague, the royal procession would, of course, pass the great  Astronomical Clock . The  Astronomical Clock  is one of Prague’s BIGGEST attractions, or at least that’s what the hoards of people crowding around it would make you believe. The clock is housed on the southern wall of the  Old Town Hall  and has been there, in part, since 1410.

Legend says that if something bad were to befall the clock, Prague itself would fall. Although it is just a superstitious rumour, it’s been enough to keep the clock well protected and preserved after all these years. The king, which was the supreme ruler of Prague, would have been charged with protecting the clock from damage or destruction. Passing by this clock would have been a right of passage for any future king.

Malé Náměstí

Malé Náměstí , or the “ little square ,” is the younger sister to the famous Old Town Square. This intimate trapezoid plaza is almost hidden away and is one of my favourite places in Prague. Everywhere you look you are absolutely surrounded by beautiful houses. In the center of the square, in the middle of rows of cafe tables and chairs, is a gorgeous fountain. Covered in a wrought-iron cage is a golden-crowned statue of the lion of Bohemia from the 16th century. 

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One of the most famous houses on the square is the Rott’s house at No. 142. The house was originally a Romanesque construction built in the second half of the 12th century. The cellars in the basement still contain elements from this romanesque construction. The current appearance of the Rott House has a neo-renaissance facade with richly decorated allegorical images of crafts and economic activities painted on the side. Originally the house was called the House at the Three Roses . It was named for the iconic three white roses painted on the top of the facade. This house was once an old hardware store but is also home to one of Prague’s most infamous ghost stories!

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From the little square, you turn down the narrow Karlova Lane . While this street today is undoubtedly one of the most touristy parts of the city, there is still so much history steeped behind these walls. These authentic stories predate the souvenir stalls and tacky “Czech” cafes. Most of the buildings along this narrow alley date back to the gothic and romanesque period but display “new” baroque pastel facades. While “Karlova” is the current name for this snaking street, in the 12th century, it went by the names Zlatnická, Ševcovská , and Nožířská . Each of these names referred to the kind of businesses that the area was filled with. Respectively they were goldsmith lane, shoemaker lane and knife lane .

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House At The Golden Well

As you continue weaving your way through the crowds, make your way to House At The Golden Well . You’ll notice this building immediately as it has one of the most fantastical facades on the street. The exterior is covered in gilt statues and fantastical ornamentation. Legend has it that below the house is a secret cellar. Supposedly the well in the basement hides a secret gold treasure. But anyone who has tried to find the treasure has met a grizzly end. To learn more about the ghosts and legends of the old town square, check out my spooky walking tour .

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Křižovnické Square

Coming out of Karlova street, you pop out right in front of the Charles Bridge . Křižovnické Square is one of the smaller squares in the city but no less grand, in my opinion. It faces out onto the Charles Bridge, the Klementium and the stunning Vltava river. In the center of the square is a dominating statue of King Charles IV. Charles IV himself would have passed by this very spot on his way to be crowned at St. Vitus Cathedral. King Charles IV founded one of Prague’s universities, and surrounding the statue are allegorical images of the university faculties; medicine, law and philosophy.

Old Bridge Tower Gate

Before you step onto the bridge, you must pass through the Old Bridge Tower Gate . The gate welcomes passersby into the Little Quarter. The dark brick aged over time has turned almost black. The gate was constructed in 1380. When it was built it served as a fortification against invaders although today it is merely ornamental. Its Gothic features loom down upon you as you walk underneath. Above the archway are several royal crests. Resting atop them are statues of various religious figures, each one holding a shield with a different heraldric symbol emblazoned upon it. One can only imagine how lavishly decorated this gateway would have been during the royal coronations!

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges found anywhere in the world. If you’re lucky enough to come here early in the morning or later in the day hopefully you will find it less than stacked with tourists. That way you can really soak in the grandeur of this incredible place. Throughout the rest of the day, the bridge is packed edge to edge with tourists. If it is, just imagine that this bustling and raucous atmosphere was similar to that of the great crowds walking with the procession of the king.

History of the Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is the oldest bridge in Prague. The bridge was constructed in 1357 under the watchful eye of King Charles IV. The bridge is 621 meters long and almost a whopping 10 meters wide! On either side of the bridge are two guard towers, once used for protection, now they only serve as a fascinating decoration for the tourists.

As you walk along the bridge, you come across dozens of statues and statuaries in Baroque and Gothic styles. They were all once original pieces created in the 16th and 17th centuries but now are replaced with replicas to keep better in the weather. The statues depict various saints and patrons who were of great importance during the time of its construction.

Lesser Town Gate

Steppin off of the bridge, you come to the Lesser Town Gate. The two towers greet you as you enter the “Little Quarter”. This lofty structure with a wide arched gateway is flanked on either side by two enormous towers of differing heights. The non-uniformity of these towers always bothered me (I’m someone who likes symmetry), but over time I’ve found the oddity to be quite charming. The lower tower is called Judith’s Tower . It was built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century and once connected the old bridge from Mala Strana to Old Town before the Charles Bridge was built.

In 1591 the bridge tower was renovated in the new Renaissance style and decorated with ornate gables and the trendiest art form of the time: sgraffito . Sgraffito is a form of decoration made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting colour, typically done in plaster or stucco. 

The second tower, aptly named, is the Higher Tower . It was built in the Gothic style as a pair to the Charles Bridge’s Tower of Parler, located on the other side. At the peak of the arched gateway, you’ll see various symbols of Prague. There are the emblems with the imperial eagle, the Czech lion and the symbol of Upper Lusatia; below them, are all the emblems of the Old Town and the Lesser Town.

Mostecka Lane

Mostecka Lane is one of the oldest streets in Prague, with buildings dating back to the middle ages. I absolutely love the picturesque nature of this street, with the wonderfully decorated houses along the edges leading up to the great Nicholas Church at the end of the street. Walking along, I can imagine people hanging out the windows along the street, throwing flowers at the court and the king as they passed by.

St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church , with its three masterful copper-topped roofs, stands high above Mala Strana. It is known across Europe as an absolute architectural marvel and one of the most exceptional examples of Prague Baroque design. Whereas St. Vitus is an example of the most beautiful Gothic architecture, St. Nicholas provides a glimpse into the opulence, which is true baroque.

The church of St. Nicholas was built in 1704 by the father-son duo Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer . Saint Nicholas is known as the protector of children and the patron saint of sailors. One of Prague’s most famous nobles,  Count Wenceslaus Kolowrat-Liebsteinsky , was the church’s single largest patron. Over the years, he donated over 178,5000 gold pieces to the construction of the church. Despite never having a king in the family, their influence over Bohemia’s rule was significant. It seems fitting that a symbol of their dominance and power would overshadow the court procession, and it continued on its way to the castle.

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Nerudova Street

Continue along Mostecka Lane behind the church and walk north until you reach Nerudova street. While Old Town, I think, gets more attention, it’s streets like Nerudova, which solidifies my belief that the Little Quarter is the far superior part of the city ( although truthfully, I love both a lot ). Nerudova gets its name from the famous Czech poet and journalist Jan Neruda . Jan Neruda lived in the area and was also very notable for writing stories about the Little Quarter and the people who lived there.

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House Symbols

On either side of the street, you can find facades bearing the house symbols. These insignias helped identify businesses and homes hundreds of years before the invention of the modern house numbering system. The first incarnation of the road was built in the 13th century.

The current layout of Nerudova, which leads to Prague Castle, was redesigned in the 17th century after the Great Fire of 1541. The fire resulted in the destruction of so many houses around Nerudova, which allowed the city to redesign the area and build newer, more elaborate homes.

As you continue westward, Nerudova will transform into Úvoz street . Unlike the previous street, the houses here are only on the right side of the street. On the left side of the road, the walkway opens up out across this beautiful vista. You can see the entirety of Petrin Hill and much of the cities of Prague across the river.

The street initially went by the name Strahovská Cesta , named after Strahov Monastery, located just at the top of the hill. The current name “Úvoz” in Czech means “ravine.” Many people will steer away from this street as it veers away from the tourist track and is a bit steep. But this area is one of Prague’s oldest streets and is a must-see for the royal route. I can imagine how the king would have used this part of the procession to pause and look out over the city.

As you reach the end of Úvoz, you come onto Pohořelec square . This is where the procession would make a sharp turn towards Prague Castle. The name of the street, Pohořelec, means “ the Scene of Fire ” in Czech. A haunting name for a street but with good reason. This area of the city had burned down multiple times over the years and seemed to be damned to suffer fire after fire. Perhaps naming the street after the occurrence was a way of dispelling the curse.

Loretánská Street

Turning up Loretánská street , the procession would pass Loretto Church. The great Loreta Church is a pilgrimage site where thousands of people make their own procession every year. The church acts as the final stop during Prague’s Epiphany Procession of the Three Kings.

Most of the houses along the street date back to 1742 and onward since the fire swept through this area and destroyed all previous buildings. The only building remaining along this lane, which remembers the early days of the procession, is the Hradčany Town Hall. This building was established in 1598. Outside the town hall, several of the Little Quarter city representatives would have gathered to greet the new King of Bohemia and make speeches in his honour.

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Hradcany Square

Hradčanské náměstí or Hradcany Square is a large open space at the top of Prague’s Lesser Quarter. This part of the square was connected to Prague castle by the great Matyáš Gate . This allowed the royal court’s noble members to quickly come and go from their palaces in the square to the King’s new residence. All the buildings here are incredibly beautiful manors. These elegant houses were meant for Prague’s high society. This would perhaps have been one of the most lusciously decorated parts of town during the coronation. Dedicated courtiers would have pulled out all the stops to impress the new king and queen.

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The middle of the square is dominated by a great plague column . Plague columns were a popular piece of decorations for the courts in the 15th century. They were designed to praise the Virgin Mary for saving their people from the plague which ravaged Europe. The plague column represented the end of the disease and the resolve of the population.

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Prague Castle

Prague Castle  is more like a village, rather than one singular castle. Inside these stone walls are some of Prague’s most infamous architectural masterpieces. Combined into a compound, this mini-city is now known as “Prague Castle.” Prague Castle takes up over 70,000 square metres. The various buildings inside date as far back as the 9th century. Hidden within these walls, seemingly ubiquitous townhomes, storefronts, and little passageways have been left to the passage of time, almost untouched from the modern world. This timeless atmosphere is a big draw for tourists. Each year, more than 1.8 million footsteps tread on these cobblestones.

The earliest architectural research shows that the castle was founded around 880 by Prince Bořivoj . The large, wooden walls surrounding the castle when it was first constructed were built as a defence against incoming invaders and enemies. Over the years, wooden walls were replaced with stone, and many of the original stones are still standing today. Despite these countermeasures, Prague suffered many, many wars over the years. As such, much of the castle complex has been destroyed and rebuilt over time. 

St. Vitus Cathedral

Dominating the inside Prague Castle is the great  St. Vitus Cathedral ,  looming overhead. St. Vitus is one of the best examples of high Gothic architecture in Prague and whose silhouette creates the iconic skyline when looking up at Prague Castle from down below. This would have been the finish line for the procession. This was where the new king would be crowned. He would step into the church a noble but knowing he would step out, a king.

St. Wenceslas and St. Vitus

Wenceslas I was the King of Bohemia from 921 to 935. During his reign, the people of Bohemia had not all yet converted to Christianity. The Emperor, in his efforts to convert the Slavic people to this new religion, gifted St. Wenceslas with a holy relic; the forearm of St. Vitus. St. Vitus has a Slavic name, and the Emperor thought this would help the Slavic people accept Christianity. Even today, St. Vitus’ relic is seen as one of Prague’s most precious treasures.

St. Wenceslas Chapel

The most important area of the Cathedral during the coronation is St. Wenceslas Chapel . Inside, relics of the great Saint of Prague are still housed. The lower portions of the walls here are decorated with over 1,300 semi-precious stones and paintings depicting the Passion of Jesus from 1372–1373. You can see a small door with seven locks in the corner of the room. This door leads to the ‘Crown Chamber, ‘ which contains the precious Crown Jewels used in the coronation.

During the coronation, members of the clergy and the high ranking dignitaries would enter the chamber to take out the crown and sceptre required for the coronation ceremony. The lovely chapel was where the ceremony would occur. The entire room would be decorated in red and white drapery making its already elaborate interior all the most regal. Inside the chapel, the new royal would be blessed with holy oil by the highest-ranking priest. When the ceremony was finished he would emerge from the small chapel to the cheers of the adoring public gathered in the nave of the cathedral. 

The first section of the presbytery behind the altar was where the crown’s most important guests would sit during the service. From here they could watch as the new sovereign would make two oaths as the newly crowned ruler. One was to Prague’s people and the other a promise to the clergy. Music rang throughout the enormous hall, and once the ceremony was completed, a wave of joyous celebration would wash over the crowd. Trumpets and drums would play as the newly crowned monarch walked back out of the church into the courtyard where he would be greeted by all citizens of Prague.

Old Royal Palace

The party would then make their way to the final stop on tour, the Old Royal Palace . This building was first erected in the 9th century but has since been through various renovations. Although you can only view parts of the palace, the grandest part of it is Vladislav Hall . This would have been where the grand coronation feast would have been held. The vaulted, late gothic ceilings in this room are the only piece of the original building which still remains. One can imagine how during the coronoation feast the hall would have been filled with brightly coloured tables cloth, shimmering satin dresses spinning about the room. The tables would be filled to bursting with extravagant food laid out for the nobility there to eat, drink and be merry.

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During coronations, the walls were decorated in the same red and white drapery found in the chapel. No doubt, the party would have lasted long into the night, with members of the court stumbling home to their palaces in Hradcany Square as the morning sun was just breaching the horizon.

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This brings us to the end of the procession and the end of the tour. I hope you have enjoyed our own walked down memory lane in the city of Prague. We leave this tour in the center of Prague Castle and the surrounding neighbourhood of Mala Strana . This is one of the most beautiful parts of town. If you are interested in exploring it in more detail, I have some fantastic guided tours to lead the way.

Let me know in the comments what your favourite spot along the walk was or if you have any questions about the procession itself!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

Prague City Line | Kralovskacesta | Prague.cz

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Walking tours in Prague: Book with the best!

Free guided tours in prague, czech cuisine crawls and more.

Exploring the Czech capital doesn’t get more captivating than these walking tours we’ve curated at Discover Walks.

With over 100,000 walking tours a year, we know Prague better than most, and showing the city’s hidden gems to travelers from around the world is what we do best.

Why we love guided tours through Prague?

When you’re as passionate about travel as we are, you develop a knack for finding the best locations, unmissable attractions, unique experiences, expert guides and perfect price points.

If Prague’s eclectic culinary, art and history scenes make you excited to explore, then we’d recommend you read through all of the guided tours we have to offer at Discover Walks.

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Our selection of prague's best rated tours, your best day in prague private tour.

let us customize a perfect day

Prague Old Town Free Walking Tour

Get Inside outs of old town

Prague At Dusk Free Walking Tour

Encounter Twilight Magic

Prague New Town Free Walking Tour

Contemporary Prague Center

Prague Medieval Free Walking Tour

Old City, Jewish Quarter & Astronomical Clock

Prague Highlights Free Walking Tour

Castle, Bridge, Malá Strana & Cathedral

Prague Fundamental Free Walking Tour

Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Prague World War II and Communism Free Tour

Interesting yet Dull Chronicles

Prague Castle with Change of Guard Free Tour

Castle District and Band Music

Prague Castle District Free Tour

Charles Bridge and Cathedral

Prague City Highlights Free Walking Tour

Prague Jewish Quarter Private tour

Synagogues, Cemetery & museums

Prague To Cesky Krumlov Private Tour

Enter Cesky Krumlov Castle

Prague History and Food Tour

Savor Local Dishes & Know The Past

Prague Delicious Food Tour

Sample as many local dishes

Prague To Bohemia Countryside and Winery Trip

Wine Tasting and Lunch

Prague To Brewery and Glass Factory Tour

Full Day in Nizbor and Plzen

Prague To South Moravia 2-Day Tour

See UNESCO Sites & Taste Local Wines

Prague Entire City Bike Tour

Personalized Experience

Prague Guided Electric Bike Tour

View Historical Sights

Prague Grand Electric Ride

City Tour in Style

Prague Viewpoints on SCROOSER

Grand Castle View

PRAGUE ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR

BEST CITY VIEWS

Prague Bike Tour New and Old Town

Classic City Exploration

Prague Tour on Scrooser

Grand city Excursion

Prague Electric bike Guided Tour

Choose Small Group or Private Option

Prague All Ages Bike Tour

Complete City View

Prague Traditional Authentic Cuisines

Czech Grandma Recipes

Prague Interactive Cooking Class

Tour Prague Market

Prague Medieval Dinner Treat

Bottomless drinks

Let’s Go to Prague!

Also known as the “Golden City”, a visit to Prague feels a lot like acquiring actual treasure. Prague is one of the most attractive cities in Europe for foreign tourists, and it’s mostly because they city itself is like one giant outdoor museum that is completely explorable on foot, which happens to be what we do best!

Because of the fact that around just about every corner in Prague there lies some new artifact or monument, time management is an important factor for anyone who would like to make the most of their visit. Guided tours have become an almost essential part of seeing Prague in an efficient way. We all know how time flies when you’re having fun! Unmissable attractions in Prague include the Prague Castle, The Jewish Neighborhood, the John Lennon Wall, the Dancing House and, of course, the Old Town Square.

Baroque cathedrals and medieval squares aside, this is a city known for cheap beer and hearty cuisine, spurring the creation of our Prague food tour. It is also one of the most affordable places to party in Europe, along with an abundance of shopping options to suit every budget.

Guided tours through Prague have become a right of passage for first timers in the city, and remain the most efficient way of seeing all that the Czech capital has to offer in short, exciting bursts. Book soon and let our guides take care of the rest!

More cities and tour options? Explore our Paris walking tours , Barcelona walking tours , Lisbon walking tours , and more !

Is Prague walkable? + 5 easy walking routes from the centre

Everything you need to know about walking in Prague, including practical walking tips and 5 easy walking routes from the centre as recommended by a local.

Planning your trip to Prague can be a little overwhelming, especially if you try to plan what you want to visit and workout the distances in between and how it’s going to fit into your travel schedule. On top of that getting your head around the local public transport might be just too much, so I completely understand if you are wondering whether Prague is walkable and whether you can manage the whole of your trip on foot.

The good news is that most of the popular and the must see attractions in Prague are within the inner centre which is compact and easy to walk around as it’s fairly flat and level walking. Most attractions are also close together, so you can see quite a lot in a short space of time.

I walk pretty much everywhere in Prague – especially in the centre – because the perfect way (for me) to explore the town is to get lost (on purpose) and I seem to always find something new! Getting lost in Prague is my favourite way to finding new places, enjoying the architecture and exploring the streets.

In this blog post, I wanted to share with you my favourite walks in the town and also tips on how to make the most of your visit to Prague by exploring the town on foot.

Is Prague walkable? The quick answer

Yes, absolutely! Prague is one of the best walkable cities in Europe (one of the top 5 actually) and the centre of Prague is pretty compact. A lot of the centre of Prague which is about 3-5 miles wide, is also pedestrianised and without much public transport, so you don’t have a lot of choice, but to walk there anyway.

• Self-guided walking tour of David Cerny sculptures in Prague >>

Can I walk everywhere in Prague? (without using public transport)

If you are in Prague for just a few days and staying in the centre (or close by), you can pretty much see all the main attractions on the foot and you don’t need to use public transport if you don’t want to.

You might not want to walk all the way up to the Prague Castle or Vysehrad Castle Area, but the rest of the centre of Prague is perfectly manageable on foot.

Is Prague easy to walk around ? Is it flat or hilly?

The centre of Prague such as the Old Town Square, the quirky streets and squares around it, Jewish Quarter are fairly flat and easy to walk around. It’s also very easy to walk across the Charles Bridge and walk around Kampa Island and the lower part of Lesser Town.

But, the other main attraction – the Prague Castle is on top of a steep hill. The good news is that you can take a tram 22 or the historic Prague tram no 42 up to the top of the hill and walk down afterwards.

If you have more than just a few days in Prague, you might like to explore other parts of Prague and some are again on other hills – these include the famous Petrin Lookout Tower, the large Letna Park, the trendy area of Zizkov district or Vinohrady or the Vysehrad Castle area . Whilst you can walk to all of these places from the centre of Prague (they would be a good 45-60 minutes walk) you can also hop on public transport and get directly there and then walk back to the centre of Prague.

Best places in Prague for flat level walking

If you want to keep level and don’t want to do a lot of hill climbing, then the centre of Prague is the best place to start. You can walk around the Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter, the streets around the Kings route, the beautiful Charles Bridge and Kampa Island with green park and streets around it.

You can also walk around the Vltava River, which has various points of interest on both banks, including the islands in the middle. You can start the loop around the river anywhere, but if you start from Old Town Square walk towards the Jewish Quarter and then turn into Dvorakovo Nabrezi. This will take you through a lovely park and you get a great view of Prague Castle. Cross the river on Manesuv Most – Manes Bridge (one of the many historic bridges over Vltava River) and continue walking towards the Kampa Island (you can get some amazing photos of Charles Bridge from there).

You can walk all the way to Smichov along the river or cross the river at Most Legii (Legionaries Bridge) to see the Shooter’s Island, National Theatre and then walk on the other side of the river to the modern building called the Dancing House and even further to Smichov Naplavka where you can visit the popular farmer’s market on Saturdays. And of course you can zig zag through Charles Bridge at any point and change the walk to suit you.

Pedestrianised areas of Prague

The centre of Prague doesn’t have much public transport on the surface (e.g trams tend to go around the centre and there are no buses) and only few underground stops (Staromestska, Namesti Republiky, Mustek).

• Old Town Square – and some streets around such as Celetna Street
• The Kings route through Old Town Square to Charles Bridge
• Charles Bridge (no bikes, scooters allowed)
• Prague Castle Grounds
• Na Prikope Promenade (from Wenceslas Square to Municipal House at Peace Square)
• Wenceslas Square (part of)

A lot of narrow streets in the Old Town look like they are for pedestrians only (because they are so narrow or small), but cars are allowed in, so you still need to watch out for traffic.

How to orientate yourself in Prague

I know that a lot of people would use google maps on their phone, but a good guidebook with real map is also useful if you run out of battery or don’t want to use your phone data.

I also use the Czech version of google maps called Mapy.Cz which you can download on Google Play and it’s available for both android and apple users. The benefit of the mapy.cz is that once you have it as an app on your phone, it works even if you don’t have a signal or don’t have your data switched on.

There is also fairly good signage on streets in main areas to take you to the most visited tourist attractions. You can also find displayed local maps, especially as you walk into the underground stations.

What walking shoes are best for walking in Prague?

Prague has a lot of cobbled stones, stone paved pavements and old quirky streets, which are quite hard to walk on. The streets and some older pavements are also not perfectly straight and level, so if you don’t have comfortable padded shoes, you can feel every little stone as you walk.

Because of that, I’d really recommend packing good quality trainers or soft padded shoes with enclosed toes for walking during the day and keeping strappy sandals or pretty high heels for the evening if you want to go out to a restaurant, theatre or club.

I found that soft padded trainers are the best for me, rather than actual walking shoes which can be quite hard to walk on and I keep them for my hiking trails in the Czech countryside.

My favourite walking routes in central Prague

These routes are not marked in any way, but make a great walks through a lot of historic places, parks and they really give you the chance to experience the city in a different way. There are of course many walking routes outside the centre of Prague, but the ones I’m mentioning here are accessible straight from the Old Town Square or by riding a few stops on a tram.

Walking the king’s coronation route to Prague Castle (3 km – 45 minutes)

If you want to have a good hike up Prague Castle and experience history first-hand, then the best way is to take the route that was taken by all kings on their coronation day. It starts next to the historic Powder Gate , which used to be next to the original Prague castle where the king would start the procession from.

The route will take you through the Old Town Square, Small Square and then through streets Jilska and Husova to Karlova Street taking you directly to the famous Charles Bridge . Once you are on the other side of the river, continue through Mostecka Street to Malostranske Namesti and up by the side of the St. Nicholas Church into Nerudova Street. Once you reach the top, turn right into the street ‘Ke Hradu’ which will take you to the main entrance to the castle grounds.

This is quite amazing route that will take you through the historic centre of Prague, where practically every house has its own history and it’s interesting to look at and you can also stop at many of the coffee shops and restaurants along the way.

This walk is about 3 km long, but most of it is up the hill, so it can easily take 45-50 minutes. If you want to walk slowly to admire the views or stop somewhere on the way, plan 1-2 hrs for your walk, so it doesn’t feel rushed.

If you like the idea of this walk, but don’t fancy the steep climb to the castle, you can also take this route down from the castle after you take the Prague Castle Tour (using the first option to get there using a tram 22 to get to the Prazsky Hrad stop).

• How to get to Prague Castle – by public transport, walking or getting taxi >>

Petrin Hill Walk (2-3 km 30-45 minutes)

This is my favourite way to walk to Prague Castle from my flat in Prague without using any public transport.

You can start at Svandovo Divadlo tram stop (close to Ujezd on tram no. 9, 15, 12, 20) and walk first towards the Kinsky Chateau (now the National Folk Museum with a rather lovely cafe and ice-cream place). Take any of the paths up the hill and walk through the Kinsky Garden and the historic Hunger Wall into the Petrin gardens until you reach the park around the tall Petrin Lookout Tower . If you didn’t want to walk up the steep hill, take the Petrin Funicular from Ujezd to the top of the hill. Carry on walking next to the Hunger Wall to Strahov Monastery and then either down through the park and streets to the Lesser Town Square or continue onto the Prague Castle.

Letna Hill Walk (3-4 km – 45-60 min)

As you walk on the Petrin hill, you can see the next hill stretching behind the Prague Castle. You can either get to it from the Prague Castle or you can travel first to the Letenske Namesti (tram no. 12 from Malostranska or Malostranske Namesti – Lesser Town).

Follow the signs to the Technical Museum or Agricultural Musem and then carry on walking through the large Letna Park, stopping at the popular Letna Beer Garden for some refreshments. You can get some lovely views of most of the famous Prague Bridges over Vltava River from the Hannau Pavilion (also cafe & restaurant) and then continue to Chotkovy Sady (Chotek Park), Bilek Villa (house of a famous sculpturer) and through the Royal Garden to the Prague Castle.

• The complete guide to visiting Letna Park – What to see and do >>

Stromovka to Troja Walk (3km – 45 minutes)

This is a really lovely walk through a large Stromovka Park and Vltava islands and river banks. It’s a flat level walk until you get to the popular Prague Zoo – if you want to continue to the Botanical Garden then you need to add extra 20-30 minutes and a steep hike at the end.

Take any tram to the stop Vystaviste (no. 12, 17 etc) Exhibition Palace & Grounds and walk through the Stromovka Park following the signs to Prague ZOO. You’ll cross a river canal and then Vltava River itself and you’ll arrive at Troja Castle (now Art Gallery).

Prague Zoo entrance is just another 5 minutes walk and the Botanical Garden and Fata Morgana Greenhouse are further up the steep hill. You can return back to the centre by frequent bus from the front of the ZOO.

• What to see in Stromovka Park – The visitor’s guide to attractions >>
• The Guide to Botanical Gardens in Prague >>

Karlin to Holesovice Walk

This walk will take you over the newly opened pedestrian bridge over the Vltava river. It connects Karlin with Holesovice district in the spot where the entrance to the Holesovice Market is.

You can start from Florenc – Underground Station (line B) or tram (or walk there from the Peace Square via Na Porici street and follow the main street towards Karlin. You can make a detour by exploring the Karlin Army Barracks, Karlin Main Square with the beautiful church and the pretty streets around.

The new pedestrian bridge over the river Vltava is tucked behind the new residential buildings opposite the main Karlin Square. Once you walk across you’ll see the entrance to the Holesovice Market with different shops, cafes, outdoor street food tracks and art galleries.

You can carry on exploring the Holesovice district by having a coffee (or a lunch) in Vnitroblok (amazing inner houses space with cafe, art gallery and artist workshops) and walk to the Marina to see the newer houses developed within the old boat yards. At any point you can take tram back to the Prague centre or continue walking towards the Exhibition Ground and Stromovka Park.

This blog post was originally written on 18 October 2023 and last updated on 18 October 2023

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My name is Magdalena Marsden (nee Jandakova) and I'm a native Czech living in Prague. I started 'View from Prague' blog in January 2019 to share my love for this beautiful city and for traveling and hiking around Czech Republic. I want to show you that you can enjoy Prague in an easy-going, non-touristy kind of way. I've put together practical travel guides, places to visit and plenty of tips for making the most of your time in Prague. Whether you're planning your first trip or you're a seasoned traveller, I hope you'll find something here to inspire you.

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Prague Free Walking Tour – Old Town and Jewish Quarter

???? Everyday at 10AM, 11AM & 2:30PM

Prague is a city filled with history, its magical streets and alleys containing some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. Cobblestone streets lead the way to some of the most beautiful and fascinating churches, monuments and much much more.

There is so much to see and even more to learn. And no better way to start than by joining our Free Walking tour! We introduce you to this fascinating city so you can discover all of Prague’s wonders.

Free Prague Tour Information

Book your spot for free.

• Prague’s Old Town Square
• Churches of Tyn and St. Nicholas
• Defenestrations of Prague
• Astronomical Clock
• Charles University
• The Estates theater
• Powder Tower
• Franz Kafka 
• Spanish Synagogue
• Jewish Cemetery
• Old-New Synagogue
• And much more…

We start our Free Walking tour in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, in front of the Rudolfinum building. We include the most famous attractions within the Old Town Square, such as the complex engineering marvel that is the Astronomical Clock , which has astounded visitors for over 600 years. We will then explore the streets of the Old Town, visiting Charles’ University , the oldest university in Central Europe, and the Estates Theatre , which welcomed Mozart.

Our tour will continue to the Jewish Quarter , one of the most important in Europe. Learning about Franz Kafka life and the history of the Jewish community of Prague, we visit landmarks such as the Jewish Cemetery and the Old-New Synagogue.

Plenty of other stories, legends and hidden gems will be part of our Prague free walking tour. Come join us, and share with us the exhilarating experience of the city of the hundred spires!

Accessible by stroller or wheelchair and, of course, the youngest (and furriest) members of the family are welcome too.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Bookings of over 8 people (or multiple bookings amounting to over 8) are not accepted on our free tours. Please contact us via email at [email protected] to organise your tour with us. We look forward to welcoming you.

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Look for our WHITE and GREEN umbrellas in front of the stairs of the Rudolfinum building, home of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra:

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Prague’s Essential Free Tour: Old Town + Jewish Quarter

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