9 Scenic Viewpoints in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague’s Old Town is awash with an array of colorful and intricately-detailed buildings, many of which are centuries old. We strolled the streets wide-eyed; we were in awe at every turn. However, as stunningly beautiful as Prague is up close, leaving the curving cobblestone lanes of the Old Town to seek out vantage points offered some breathtaking landscapes.

The rust orange rooftops, towering church spires and Prague’s grand castle are spectacular from afar – perhaps even more so than up close. We found several scenic viewpoints in Prague – some natural, some man-made, some elevated, some at ground level – that provided sweeping vistas of the ornate Czech city.

 

6 Elevated Scenic Viewpoints in Prague, CZ

We’ll start off our Best Views in Prague with our feet high off the ground.

 

#1 Petrin Tower, Prague

Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, Petrin Tower has been standing in Prague since 1891. The tower, at 208-feet, stands on Petrin Hill and is one of Prague’s many recognizable landmarks. The 360-degree viewing platform can be accessed by climbing 299 steps (for a fee or free with the Prague City Card).

The tower is about a 30-minute uphill hike from the Charles Bridge through the lovely Petrin Gardens. For those who want to save their energy for the tower stairs, hop on the funicular (about $2.75 USD).

Pro Tip: Fear of heights or on a small budget? Skip the climb to the top of Petrin Tower and instead take a stroll west from the base of the tower for excellent views of the Prague Castle, the Cathedral and the city below (all while keeping your feet firmly on the ground and wallet clasped shut).

 

#2 Metronome at Letna Park, Prague

The 75-foot-tall, bright red metronome has been keeping the rhythm in Prague since 1991 – but it’s the city views from the landmark that attract most people to it. Located in Letna Park on the former site of a massive statue of Stalin (which was torn down in 1962), the wall in front of the metronome is a popular place to hang out and an ideal place for a picnic lunch with a view of Prague.

Pro Tip: From the Metronome, it is a fairly flat walk to the Prague Castle and the route passes through the Castle Gardens (only open in summer). 

 

#3 Vysehrad Castle, Prague

Just south of the Prague’s city center on the right bank of the Vltava River stands Vysehrad Castle. Built in the 10^th century on a slight hill, the castle complex includes a church (Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul), a cemetery (where several of Prague’s most famous residents are buried) and the Rotunda of St. Martin (which dates to the 11^th century).

There are large viewing platforms on the north and south. For the best view of the river and the Prague Castle, however, find the small space overlooking the river on the west side of the grassy park (south of the church) and look north.

Pro Tip: Entrance to the Vysehrad Castle complex is free! Take your time wandering the grounds and, if you have time, consider staying in the area and take a self-guided tour of the neighborhood.

 

#4 Tower Park Praha (Zizkov TV Tower, Prague)

Considered by some to be a blight on Prague’s picturesque skyline, Tower Park Praha certainly stands out – not only for the architecture, but also for the height. The 700-foot-tall television transmitter tower was built between 1985 and 1992 – with the addition of the giant babies came in 2000.

While we are still debating whether the babies crawling on the tower are creepy or cute, we are convinced the views from the ‘pods’ (at 328-feet high) are the best in Prague. (Photography Note: As good as the view is, however, it isn’t open air – which means photos can only be taken through glass.)

Pro Tip: While the panoramic city views from Tower Park Praha are exceptional, it comes at a cost (about $9 USD). Those with a Prague City Card, however, receive a 20% discount.

 

#5 National Monument on Vitkov Hill, Prague

The National Monument on Vitkov Hill is a wonderful place to learn the history of the Czech Republic…but it’s also a fantastic viewpoint of Prague. Standing under the dominating equestrian statue (which is the 3^rd largest in the world) in front of the main building, views stretch west across the city. To access the viewing platform on the top of the building, visitors must pay to enter the museum. 

Pro Tip: Before heading back into the city center, visit the Karlin neighborhood just north of the National Monument. Quaint and stylish, the inner-city suburb isn’t as touristy as the Prague Old Town. Bonus Tip: Leave the National Monument to the south and walk through the 1000-foot-long pedestrian tunnel through Vitkov Hill to Karlin. 

 

#6 T-Anker Rooftop Bar, Prague

Serving craft beer with a view, T-Anker rooftop bar is located on the eastern edge of Prague’s Old Town. The rooftop sits amongst bell towers and onion domes, with the Prague Castle visible in the distance (just look past the rusting TV antennas). After a busy day of sightseeing, it’s an ideal spot to relax with a cold beer and watch the sunset over Prague.  

{Read about the best places to drink Craft Beer in Prague}

Pro Tip: To access T-Anker, take the somewhat hidden elevator on the south end of the Kotva Shopping Center to Floor 5. Cheers! 

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3 Viewpoints in Prague City Center

While getting outside of the center provides a different perspective of Prague, there are many phenomenal scenic viewpoints of Prague right in the heart of the city. Towers in the Prague Old Town, like the Astronomical Clock Tower and Powder Tower, allow visitors the opportunity to get an aerial view in the city center (for a fee; both free with Prague City Card). However, not all scenic viewpoints in Prague require elevation; ground level is actually the best way to see the Charles Bridge.

 

#7 Charles Bridge and Prague Castle View: Bedrich Smetana Statue Terrace 

The Bedrich Smetana Statue stands on a small terrace near the entrance to the Bedrich Smetana Museum, just south of the Charles Bridge. The view encompasses the river, the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle in the distance.

 

#8 Charles Bridge and Old Town Prague View: Strelecky Island

Strelecky Island sits in the middle of the Vltava River, just south of the Charles Bridge. The island park is easily accessible by the Legion Bridge (Most Legii) – and the northern tip is a great spot for a picnic and a view of Prague.

 

#9 View From Charles Bridge

Enjoying – and even more so, photographing – views of the Charles Bridge while standing on it can be challenging, mainly for two reasons: people and sunlight. Therefore, it all comes down to timing – and the best time to avoid crowds and capture the best light is early in the morning…as in sunrise. Setting an alarm so early (especially while on a Prague vacation!) can be a drag, but to experience the bridge – and city – without crowds or noise is nothing short of spectacular.

Pro Tip: It is prohibited to use a tripod on the Charles Bridge – and doing so without prior permission can result in a hefty fine. Bonus Tip: For a fabulous overhead view of the Charles Bridge, go to the top of the Old Town Bridge Tower (for a fee, or free with the Prague City Card). 

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Our Top Tips For Your Trip To Prague

We have a few tips and advice for your vacation to Prague!

 

Prague City Tours

Explore more on a Full-Day Prague Tour (including a river cruise, the Prague Castle and lunch) or spend a half-day seeing the sights on a Prague City Tour. Learning about Prague’s history of beer can be accomplished on one of the many, many, many Prague Beer Tours that are led by knowledgeable guides. 

If you would rather discover the top attractions without a guide, consider the Prague Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that makes stops at the top tourist sights (and saves you from trekking around the city!). To save money while sightseeing in Prague, get the Prague Card, which includes free public transport, entry (or discounted entry) into top sights and discounts on tours.

 

Day Trips from Prague

Prague is in close proximity to some of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities. Prague day trips to Vienna, Dresden and Cesky Krumlov are amongst the most popular.

{Read about our amazing visit to Cesky Krumlov, and our tips for a trip to Vienna and Dresden}

 

Where To Stay in Prague

During our visit to Prague, we stayed in a great Airbnb Apartment. We have found that staying in apartments is often less expensive than hotel rooms – with the added benefit of a kitchen and, usually, more space. 

However, for those who prefer staying in traditional accommodations, there are many Prague Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Budget travelers searching for Prague Hostels have an array of choices as well. When we book hotels or hostels, we use Booking.com as our go-to site, but be sure to read our advice on scoring the Best Rates on Hotels first!

 

How To Get To Prague

Prague can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. We arrived by bus from Dresden, Germany and departed by plane to Warsaw. The city’s airport is the Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG) and the main bus station is Praha Florenc.

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying (we are JetSettingFools, after all!) and when we do need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner.

To get between destinations when flights are not possible, we usually rely on public transportation and take trains or buses. In Europe, we use Rail Europe to find train tickets and our preferred bus company is FlixBus – as it is economical, clean and comfortable with on-board Wi-Fi, seat-back entertainment, refreshments and a toilet. We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and a car rental allows for greater discovery.  

 

Before You Go To Prague

• Prague is a walkable city…but only if you pack the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) always make sure to pack these shoes by Columbia, Skechers and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Prague. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera).
• Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you’ll also want a great day pack to organize all of your essential daily travel items!
• It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…specially Prague! Make sure to have a good city map and/or guidebook before arriving.
• If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

Looking for more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page and take a look at our complete packing list and other travel resources!

 

 

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