Prague attractions

Lobkowicz Palace (Lobkowický Palác), built in the mid-16th century for Czech nobleman Jaroslav of Pernštejn, is the only privately owned building in the sprawling Prague Castle complex. The aristocratic Lobkowicz family took over the palace through a dynastic marriage in 1603, eventually lost it under the communist rule of the Czech Republic following World War II, and regained control only recently, in 2002.

The ornate Loreto Sanctuary (Loreta Praha) is a Baroque jewel and one of the foremost pilgrim destinations in Bohemia. Constructed around several courtyards and surrounded by cloisters and chapels, the complex houses a replica of the Holy House (Santa Casa) of the Virgin Mary, copied from the original humble abode in Nazareth.

At the end of Charles Bridge, the Gothic Old Town Bridge Tower marks the entrance to Prague’s Old Town. Flanked by sculptures of St. Vitus and Charles IV, the striking structure was built in the late 14th century. Bohemian kings walked through the tower—considered one of Europe’s most beautiful gateways—on their coronation processions.

One of the most atmospheric corners of Prague’s Staré Město, the 13th-century St. Agnes Convent (Klášter sv. Anežky České) is the city’s oldest surviving example of Gothic architecture. Visit the cloister and churches and admire the National Gallery’s medieval and early Renaissance art collection.

Prague Zoo covers more than 140 acres (58 hectares) in the Prague Troja district on the banks of River Vltava. The zoo—with 150 exhibits and 13 pavilions—is home to more than 5,000 animals from 694 species (many endangered) including a Komodo dragon, polar bear, Galapagos tortoise, Malayan tiger, Humboldt's penguin, and hippopotamus.

In Cesky Krumlov, 105 miles (170 kilometers) away from Prague, the St. Vitus Church (Kostel sv. Vita) is not be confused with the cathedral of the same name located at Prague Castle. With its unusual steep-sided roof and single tower, the church is a popular stop for visitors coming to see Krumlov Castle—the church is inside the castle complex.

In Prague, you’re never far away from a beautiful theater, and the State Opera (Státní Opera) is one of the finest. The Neo-Renaissance exterior hides a lavishly decorated Neo-Rococo interior and the largest seating capacity of any theater in Prague. Take a guided tour or see a ballet or an opera—just try not to get too distracted by the decor.

One of the most beautiful gardens in Prague, the 17th-century Wallenstein Palace Gardens are rich in grottoes and follies, neat ornamental topiary, and pathways lined with Mannerist bronze statues. This tranquil oasis is also known for its vast statue of Hercules guarding the ornamental pond, roaming peacocks, and owl refuge.

Prague’s New Town Hall (Novomestská Radnice) is a charming hodgepodge of architectural styles that date back to the 1300s. Climb the 221 steps to the top of the Gothic tower for bird’s-eye views of the Czech capital, or visit the original Hall of Justice and admire the Renaissance south wing added in the 16th century.

In a city of Gothic and baroque splendor, Prague’s late-1980s Žižkov Television Tower (Žižkovský Vysílac) stands out like a space-age sore thumb—a rather alluring thumb. Visit for high panoramic views of both the historic and modern neighborhoods of Prague and to check out Czech artist David Černý’s crawling Babies sculptures that adorn its exterior.

One of Prague’s most stunning churches, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Snezne) was founded by King Charles IV in 1347, and its original design would have rivaled St. Vitus Cathedral in terms of size and grandeur. These plans were never completed, but its soaring Gothic vaults and baroque interior still impress.

A short drive from Prague, Konopiste Castle is a grand chateau built in a French style. It’s famous as the former home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the First World War.

Venture deep underground at the Koněprusy Caves (Konepruské Jeskyne), the longest cave system yet to be discovered in the Czech Republic’s Bohemia region. Stretching more than 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) over three levels, these caverns and passages are home to plunging precipices, towering domes, and dramatic rock formations.

The 17th-century Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vitezne) wows with its baroque style, including dazzling gilt and marble interiors. The headliner here isn’t the architecture, however, but the small Infant Jesus of Prague statue, donated to the church in 1628 and adorned with bejeweled crowns and sumptuous clothing.

The story of the Czech Republic’s (then Czechoslovakia days behind the Iron Curtain are explored at the Museum of Communism (Muzeum Komunismu in Prague. Through photos, political posters, medals, original busts of such figures as Lenin and Marx, Soviet uniforms, and old movie reels, the displays deal with how local people lived their daily lives under the Communist regime.

Museum Kampa is one of Prague’s top museums and exhibits contemporary European art in the whitewashed medieval Sova Mill on Kampa Island. In addition to the permanent collection of works by artists like Cubist sculptor Otto Gutfreund and abstract artist František Kupka, the museum holds world-class temporary exhibitions.

The only museum in the world devoted solely to sex devices, Prague’s Sex Machines Museum shows off more than 350 different sex-related items, with some dating as far back as the 16th century. The museum offers both historically interesting and entertaining glimpses into evolving societal attitudes toward sex.

The National Technical Museum explores the industrial heritage of Czechia through fascinating exhibits, both permanent and temporary. Founded in 1908, and fully renovated in 2012, the museum has built an extensive collection documenting scientific, technological, and industrial advancements pioneered and shaped by the country.

Delve into the sumptuous baroque period at the 17th-century Troja Chateau (Trojský Zámek), designed by Italian architect Jean Baptiste Mathey. This former aristocratic summer residence is a head-turner with its monumental staircase, frescoed interior, and formal gardens with fountains, statuary, and ornamental trees.

This unassuming marker in Wenceslas Square memorializes one of the most dramatic incidents in Prague's modern history. On Jan. 16, 1969, a student named Jan Palach set himself on fire here to protest the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. Today, a prone bronze cross honors the sacrifice of Palach and fellow protester, Jan Zajic.

The oldest jazz and theater club in Prague, the Reduta Jazz Club has been a player in the city’s cultural and political scene since 1957. In addition to hosting jazz greats, the club was a gathering place for Czech dissidents in the 1980s. Pop in to catch jazz, blues, and swing concerts plus a variety of theater performances.

The Magdeburg Barracks (Magdeburská Kasárna) were originally constructed as part of a Habsburg military fortress, but the baroque-style building was later annexed by the Terezín concentration camp during WWII. Today, the barracks are a place of reconciliation and hope, and house an educational center run by the Holocaust Education Trust.

One of Prague’s loveliest historic cemeteries, the New Jewish Cemetery (Nový Zidovský Hrbitov) is an Art Nouveau gem. It boasts imposing entrance gates, plus ornate mausoleums and tombs adorned with statuary and inscriptions. Stroll the peaceful tree-lined paths far from Prague’s urban bustle and pause to pay homage to Franz Kafka’s grave.

Founded in 1869, Staropramen is the second-oldest brewery in the Czech Republic. Beer enthusiasts can learn more about the history of Czech beer and how it’s made on an interactive tour and beer tasting at the Staropramen Visitor Center (Návštěvnické Centrum Staropramen), in Prague’s former industrial Smichov neighborhood.

The historic Henry’s Tower (Jindrisská Vez) is Prague’s tallest free-standing bell tower and a must-stop photo op in Nové Město. Standing more than 200 feet (60 meters) tall, this 15th-century landmark houses a street-level café, restaurant, exhibition spaces, and a 10th-floor observation deck offering bird’s-eye views over the city.

Cesky Sternberk Castle sits on a cliff over the small village of Sternberk, in the countryside of Bohemia. It was built in the 1240s, redesigned in the Gothic style in the 15th century, and renovated in the baroque style in the 17th. It’s still owned by descendants of its original owners, who still live there.

The 130-foot-high (40-meter-high) green cupola of the church of St. Francis of Assisi (Kostel Sv. Frantiska z Assisi) peeps above the rooftops of Prague’s Staré Město (Old Town). Designed by French architect Jean-Baptiste Mathey, built by Gaudenzio Casanova and Domenico Canevalle, and consecrated in 1688, the neoclassical structure replaced the original Franciscan church, which was built in 1270.

Prague is a culturally rich city, with lots of opportunities to watch traditional and contemporary dance and theater. WOW Black Light Theater hosts creative contemporary dance performed under black lights, so only the colorful costumes of the dancers and the stage set and props can be seen.

Located 2 hours outside of Prague, Karlovy Vary (also known as Carlsbad) is a charming spa town in the Czech Republic. Its spacious streets are lined with classical-style colonnades and colorfully painted buildings and the town is surrounded by green forest. Visitors come to drink the restorative spa waters and enjoy the countryside.

For a completely different museum experience, don’t miss Prague’s Museum of Senses, an attraction as fun as it is educational. Get ready to engage every one of your senses as you discover a world of sensations and optical illusions you may not have known existed.