General Sightseeing and Orientation in Prague

Many of Prague's most important sights are concentrated within quite a small central area and the best way to get your bearings is by foot. Charles Bridge is only accessible to pedestrians. Watch out for the trams, which run in the centre of the road in both directions.
If you want to cross the city more quickly, or if the streets leading up to Prague Castle proves too steep, Prague's public transport system is cheap, efficient and reliable. It comprises a metro system as well as a network of trams and buses.
Prague enjoys a continental climate, so while summers can be extremely hot, the winter months from November to March are bitterly cold. However, the snow enhances the beauty of the buildings and there is no more magical place than Prague at Christmas. Spring is a delightful time to visit the city as the trees are budding and the days are becoming warmer. Summer attracts greater crowds and advance booking is strongly advised.

Places to Visit in Prague

Prague Castle
Hradcanské námestí
Prague 1

The Castle, perched on the ridge in Hradcany, dominates the Prague skyline. The size of the complex with its three courtyards is breathtaking and it is impossible to see everything in one day.
Katedrála sv. Víta (St Vitus Cathedral), is the country's largest church and takes up most of the third courtyard. The finest of the 22 side chapels is that built to hold the relics of St Wenceslas - the gilded walls are inlaid with hundreds of semiprecious stones that frame the luminous 14th-century paintings. The overly ornate Baroque tomb of St John of Nepomuk, was the work of the Jesuits intent on promoting this martyr as the Czech patron saint in opposition to Wenceslas. Bazilika sv. Jirí (St George's Basilica) is a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Founded in 970, it was rebuilt in the 12th century and acquired its present Baroque facade in the 16th century. The chapel dedicated to Saint Ludmilla, the first Czech martyr, is particularly fine. Kláster sv. Jirí (St George Convent), the oldest monastery in the country, was founded in 973, for Benedictine nuns. It now houses a remarkable collection of early Czech art, from the Gothic to Baroque periods.
In the Castle Gardens, the Belvedere is Prague's finest Renaissance building. Built in the 1530s, as a summerhouse for Queen Anne, it now houses a changing programme of exhibitions. Zlatá ulicka (Golden Lane), with its 16th-century houses built into the fortifications, derives its name from being the residences of the court alchemists.

Loreta
Loretánské námestí sq
Praha 1

Marian place of pilgrimage. This site is interesting for the famous Loreta treasures and the carillon.

Staromestská radnice s orlojem
(Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock)
Staromestské námestí sq.
Praga 1

In the top part of the horologe the 12 apostles appear every hour while the bottom part of it was supplemented with a round calendarium containing the zodiac signs painted by Josef Manes.

Jewish Museum
U Stare skoly 1
Prague 1

A ticket can be purchased from the Jewish museum allowing admission to the Zidovnická radnice (Jewish Town Hall), the Klausen, Maisel, Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery (in use from the 15th century until 1787) and Ceremonial Hall.
A separate ticket can be purchased for the 13th century Starovoná synagoga (Old-New Synagogue), the oldest synagogue in Europe.

Obecní dum (Municipal House)
Námestí Republicky 5
Prague 1

Fully restored this Art Nouveau building is one of the gems of Prague. The house offers magnificent interiors with murals, mosaics and sculptures by some of the major Czech artists. The centrepiece is the Smetana Hall, which is the home of the Prague Symphony Orchestra and a major venue for concerts during the Spring Festival. Guided tours should be booked in order to view all of the rooms

St Nicholas Church
Malostranské námestí sq.
Praga 1

The most significant building from the Prague Baroque period with dominant dome and belfry. The church was built in 1704 - 1755.