11 of the Best Views in Prague and Where To Find Them

With its dominant position overlooking the city center, Prague Castle is a defining feature of the city's skyline. As regal as it looks from afar, it's also one of the best Prague viewpoints which you can see on a tour of the castle. Prague Castle is a quintessential spot for sightseeing, and it's worth stopping at its terrace for views of the rest of the city. And while this is a touristy spot, don't let the crowds deter you: Really, the only downside to admiring the free view from the castle's terrace on the edge of Hradcany Square—looking out past rooftops and church domes—is that the castle isn't in it.

Prague’s own take on the Eiffel Tower, Petrin Tower stands in the perfect place for unbroken city views. It’s not the tallest tower in Prague, but its upper public observation deck at 180 feet (55 meters) plus its central spot near Prague Castle make it a top option for where to see the skyline in Prague. The cost of getting to the top: Either climb 299 steps or pay the extra fee to use the tower’s small elevator.

Insider tip: Take the Petrin Funicular up the hill for more casual scenery and to save your legs.

Charles Bridge is another of Prague's signature landmarks, so naturally it's also one of the top places for photos in Prague. Rows of saints line the sides of this early 15th-century bridge, while dark towers cap the ends of the bridge and add to its Gothic gravitas. Separate yourself from the hordes of tourists crossing the bridge by paying to climb the Old Town Bridge Tower, where you'll find views along the bridge and up to the castle.

Insider tip: Visit during the wee hours of the morning or night for a more atmospheric experience.

While Charles Bridge may be the most famous Prague bridge, you'll see just how many bridges cross the Vltava by heading up to Letná Park. This sprawling hillside park east of Prague Castle sits in the perfect spot to line up views of all the bridges down the river. For the most popular viewpoint in the park, stand beneath the Prague Metronome (Prazský Metronom) sculpture, but you can also find other vantage points by following the walking routes that hug the park’s ridgeline.

Many scenic spots in Prague look out over the Vltava River. However, you can find just as much striking scenery by going down to the water’s edge instead. Whether you take one of the many Prague river cruises or just stroll along the waterfront—Park Legií on a river island offers castle views with a romantic twist, thanks to the local swans—the river provides another perspective on Prague's charms. The landmarks that cling to the riverfront are too many to list, but places such as the Prague National Theatre (Národní Divadlo) and Museum Kampa showcase the city’s eclectic styles.

There’s no better place for street-level views of Prague than the city’s Old Town Square. Whether you go on a walking tour or find your own way there, visiting this square is impossible to keep off your itinerary. And with good reason, as there’s refined architecture and key local landmarks every way you look. Rococo palaces fill the gaps between the towering Gothic form of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the baroque St. Nicholas Church (Kostel Sv. Mikuláse). Plus, the Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) is right around the corner—you can make up your own mind if it’s overrated or not.

Mirroring Prague Castle, only further down the river from the city center, Vysehrad was a historic fortress from the 10th century. Now known as the Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument, with an assortment of historical attractions including underground casements and cellars, it’s better known as another free landmark with great views in Prague. Climb the old fortress walls behind Saints Peter and Paul Basilica and you'll find views stretching along the Vltava’s green riverbanks up to Prague Castle and away from the city.

While areas such as the Old Town, Vltava River, and Mala Strana pull focus, they're only a small piece of the Prague puzzle. The Zizkov Television Tower in the Zizkov District on Prague’s east side does a great job of showing that. Prague’s tallest building since its completion in 1992, the tower reaches 709 feet (216 meters) and offers the highest Prague observation deck with 360-degree views at 305 feet (93 meters). Not only will you see all of historical Prague at once here, plus other districts too, but you’ll usually encounter far fewer fellow tourists while you do.

Stretching the definition of a square to its limit, Wenceslas Square is a long, drawn-out boulevard that flows down from Prague's National Museum to the edge of the Old Town. Besides the museum’s imposing uphill figure, you'll see an assortment of art nouveau buildings lining either side of the 2,460-foot-long (750-meter-long) square. Hop aboard a scooter or e-bike to speed up your sightseeing here before continuing on to see what else Prague’s New Town (Nové Mesto) has going for it.

Built in the 1990s, the Dancing House is one of the best modern additions to the architecture of Prague. Its whimsical contours are said to be inspired by famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and many tourists take the tram along the river to get photos of the building. What many don’t realize is that the Dancing House is also home to one of the best rooftop bars in Prague, Glass Bar. Here, you can sip a Staropramen beer (or something more sophisticated) while looking as twilight falls over the city.

The Powder Tower marks the eastern gateway into Prague Old Town, and its alarmingly close resemblance to the Charles Bridge towers is no coincidence—the architect modeled this coronation gift for King Vladislav II on the bridge towers. Admire the ornate Gothic design of the 15th-century tower from the street and then climb up inside to its viewing gallery. From 144 feet (44 meters) off the ground, your eyes can skim Prague’s rooftops for the Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn and the very top of the Prague Astronomical Clock.