Prague, Czechia: My Top 10 Favourite Things
Ah, Prague! You had me at hello, and you are now one of my
favourite places in Europe. š
Prague, a city that feels like stepping straight into a storybook, especially during the holiday season. I have seen photos where it transforms into a magical place in the days leading up to and on Christmas. Oh, the snow blanketing the cobblestones, lampposts, rooftops, and moreāsuch a charming scene.
Who would not fall in love with Prague? With its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, and delightful surprises, my trip was packed with unforgettable memories. š Despite staying for five days and nights, the itinerary was pretty chillāno rushing from one place to another. That said, there are still things I want to do and experience the next time I visit Czechia.
Hereās a rundown of my top 10 favourite things to see and do in this magical city! And the best part is, most of these are FREEāunless you want to visit a specific part of the spot. Yes, Iām a sucker for 'free' stuff. š¤£
1. Rotating Head Statue of Franz Kafka
First on my list is the moving head statue of Franz Kafka! Why? Erm, maybe because it was near my apartment and itās free. š
Who is Franz Kafka? He was a famous novelist and writer from Prague.
Standing almost 11 metres high, this mirrored, kinetic sculpture is made of stainless steel and rotates every 15 minutes from 8 AM to 7 PM. The bust is said to symbolise the ever-evolving nature of thoughtsājust like Kafkaās surreal stories. Itās a quirky sight that adds a dash of whimsy to the city.
Location: CharvĆ”tova, 110 00 NovĆ© MÄsto (in front of the Quadrio shopping centre)
2. Paternoster Lift
Hopping on the Paternoster Lift was the second item on my list of must-try things in Prague. Why not, when it looks so interesting (and a little scary)? š
After a couple of attempts at locating one, we finally managed to find a Paternoster lift. š Imagine a lift that never really stops! š± Yes, it looks a bit daunting, but once you hop on, it is an exhilarating ride. Originally, I wanted to visit Prague City Hall, but my partner mentioned that these lifts are common in a few (older) buildings in Prague, so we could find one that was less crowded. The first building we checked was not open to the publicāonly for employees.
So, where is the Paternoster Lift? Honestly, I am not sure. I was just following along, and the buildings all look the same, so I could not remember exactly where it was (but Iāll try to ask and update this later). š
Fun fact: These lifts were invented in the 19th century, and there are roughly 70 Paternosters in Czechia, with over half of them in Prague.
Most Popular Location: Prague City Hall
3. Vltava River
Originally, we wanted to take a boat ride to the opposite side of the river. We waited for more than 15 minutes, feeding the swans, but unfortunately, no boat appearedāmaybe there was no schedule for the day or for the morning.
With no boat available, we decided to walk along the promenade, which led us to stunning views of the river and the surrounding buildings. We crossed the Legion Bridge, where we caught a glimpse of the Charles Bridge.
4. Dancing House
Before crossing the Legion Bridge, I couldnāt resist snapping a few photos of the Dancing House when we passed by it! But honestly, despite its unmissable location, I almost missed it because I was so engrossed in admiring whatever caught my eye... and there was plenty! š
The Dancing House's unique, curvy design is a breath of fresh air amid Pragueās historic, grand old buildings. It is a modern masterpiece that stands out in a city steeped in tradition. This quirky building houses a gallery and a restaurant with a terrace offering a 360Ā° view of Prague.
5. Petrin Hill
Standing 327 metres above sea level, Petrin Hill is the perfect spot for a panoramic view of the city. We hopped on the funicular for a delightful ride up and explored the secluded gardens.
Did you know that Petrin Hill is home to a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower? The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, making the climb worth every step. I opted not to climb and just admired it from below.
If you're up for a challenge, you can climb to the summit of the hill. It takes roughly 30 minutes, passing through winding pathways and woodlands.
6. Strahov Monastery's Library
Another item on my Prague bucket list was the library (or should I say libraries? š). Prague is home to some of the most beautiful libraries in the world, including the Strahov Library and the Klementinum Library, making it a perfect destination for book lovers like me. š I had always dreamt of standing at the centre of these libraries, surrounded by a massive collection of ancient books... I can almost imagine the smell, but unfortunately, it wasnāt possible. š
Unfortunately, getting a ticket to the Klementinum (Clementinum) library was a challenge, as you need to be part of a tour and book in advance. But we were lucky to get into the Strahov Library! š
Is the Strahov Library worth visiting? Absolutely! It houses around 200,000 volumes across two halls: the Theological Hall and the Philosophical Hall. Youāll find antique maps, globes, tomes, and more!
I remember being captivated by photos of the library when I first saw them a few years agoāand it did not disappoint. Aside from the massive book collections on shelves that stretch the entire length of the halls, guests are treated to magnificent ceiling frescoes that will leave you speechless. The intricate artwork and designs on the ceilings are simply breathtaking, and I donāt even know how to describe them. š
Although visitors cannot go inside the library, admiring its beauty from the corridors is more than enough to experience the charm and elegance of the place. You can book a private tour of the Strahov Library, but access is still limited to preserve the humidity-sensitive frescoes and book bindings.
From Petrin Hill, the Strahov Monastery is just a few minutes' walk. From the city centre, the best option is to take the Line 22 tram.
Location: Strahov Monastery
Adult Ticket: 150 CZK
7. Prague Castle
Not too far from the Strahov Monastery is the iconic Prague Castle. I have always wanted to visit a castleāit's been my childhood dream... but Prague Castle was bustling with tourists! š
As an important cultural and historical monument, this castle complex is a must-visit in the city. And as much as I would have loved to explore it, especially the St. Vitus Cathedral, we opted to just take a few quick snapshots and admire the cathedralās spectacular Gothic architecture from the outside. Even then, it was tricky to snag good photos without a crowd in the background, as the queue to get in was snaking around. Maybe next time, Prague Castle! š
8. Astronomical Clock
A visit to Prague is not complete without checking out the Astronomical Clock. Built into the front of the Old Town Hall Tower, this medieval clock is one of the most famous landmarks in Old Town Square and is hard to miss.
Did you know this clock is the third oldest of its kind in the world? Over 600 years old, the clock is made up of three main parts: the Calendar Dial (which represents the months), the Astronomical Dial (which represents the universe), and the 12 Apostles Sculptures.
In addition to telling the time and date, the clock also offers a bit of entertainment to its viewers every hour. A skeleton sculpture strikes the hour at the start of the procession of the 12 Apostles (from 9 AM to 11 PM).
Watching the clock come to life was truly magical! No wonder it has become the most photographed spot in the city.
9. Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius
Want to stay away from the crowds? Hereās a peaceful retreat: the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It wasnāt actually on my list, but I was so pleasantly surprised when my partner brought me here. Inside, the serene atmosphere was a perfect contrast to the bustling streets outside. There were hardly any people inside, which made it even more peaceful.
We took a moment to admire the structure and enjoy the tranquility.
10. KokoÅĆn Castle
I was disappointed that I didnāt get to explore Prague Castle due to the overwhelming crowds... but then my partner surprised me! š We ventured to KokoÅĆn Castle, located about 40 kilometers north of Prague. š I hadnāt heard of it until the day itself.
We hiked for about 15ā20 minutes from the parking area to the castle. Stepping foot in a real castle felt like a dream come true (my heart skipped a beat)! Most parts of the castle can be explored for free, though thereās a small fee if you want to climb the tower. You can buy tickets and souvenirs at the reception.
KokoÅĆn Castle is known for its charming medieval architecture and its distinctive round tower. It is built atop a sandstone cliff and surrounded by forest, including the KokoÅĆnsko Nature Reserve. Exploring the castle's nooks and crannies was so much fun, and the panoramic views from the tower were breathtaking. With just a few visitors around, it felt like our own little fairytale moment!
Location: 277 23 KokoÅĆn, Czechia
Before we headed to KokoÅĆn Castle, we stopped by Cinibulkova Stezka, which offers a unique hiking trail. From the road, you wouldn't expect what awaits inside the forest. Some parts of the trail wind between massive boulders, and the most challenging (and scary for me) part was when we had to climb a boulder. Yes, the trail goes up the top of the boulder! š
I was told that Cinibulkova Stezka is connected to other trails, which I think are those signs in Czech. š The area we hiked through was fascinating, with what looked like a big maze of boulders. The entire hike took about 20ā30 minutes, as we only covered a specific section.
And so, hereās a list of my absolute favourite spots in Prague that made my trip unforgettable! There are a few that I missed, but Iāll definitely tick them off my list on my next visit.
Overall, my visit to Czechia was a magical getaway. It has truly captured my heart! I canāt wait to return and explore more of its charming streets and beyond. Until next time!