Prague – your ultimate Travel and Photography Guide to the city of a hundred spires
Prague has a long and rich history. First as capital of Bohemia in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and then as capital of Czechoslovakia in the Cold War era. Today it’s the capital of the Czech Republic and a main stop for Backpackers and other traveller through Central Europe. It also played an important role in Jewish life in Europe. It’s the city where the most famous story of the Golem takes place in the 16th century. With all this it's not a surprise that there are plenty of things to do and see. There are also many scenic and unique travel photography spots.
This guide aims at helping you with planning your next trip to get most out of this marvellous city in the heart of Europe.
How to get to Prague
When planning your trip to Prague there are two main options for you to get there: by plane or by train. Car and bus are other options, but not the most convenient ones.
Flying into Prague you will arrive at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (PRG). It’s well connected to major European cities but offers good international and intercontinental routes as well. Low-cost airlines and full-service carriers serve the airport. It’s quite easy to get to the city centre by bus or taxi. The Airport Express bus is your fastest option and gets you to the main train station in 30mins. From there it is easy to connect to other parts of the town by metro, bus or tram.
If you’re planning to visit Prague as part of a longer European itinerary your best option is to take the train. Prague has fast and comfortable train connections to Berlin, Dresden, Vienna and Budapest. This makes it a perfect stop if you want to visit any of those cities. The main train station, Praha Hlavní Nádraží, is well connected by public transport with Metro, trams and buses. Besides the national carrier CD, also Regiojet, MAV (Hungarian Railways) and OeBB (Austrian Railways) are serving the city.
Bus is another option but less comfortable then the two above. Flixbus and Regiojet offer budget-friendly travel from and to nearby countries. The central bus terminal Florenc is perfectly located close to the city centre and has a metro stop.
Stunning view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge at sunset
What to do in Prague
Planning your stay in Prague there are plenty of must-see attractions and landmarks, like the Prague Castle, the majestic Charles Bridge or the astronomical Clock. Each of the spots don’t just offer history, but also astonishing travel photography opportunities.
Iconic Prague – must-visit spots for every traveller and photographer
There’s a good chance that one of the reasons for your visit to Prague is the famous Charles Bridge. This 14th century bridge connects the medieval neighbourhoods (Mala Strana, Lesser Town) with the Prague Castle with newer parts of town (Stare Mesto, Old Town). Stroll over the bridge with it’s 30 statues, many street artists and vendors and take in the amazing views off the city. For some great shots of the bridge and the castle go there in the early morning or in the evening. There will be fewer people at these times and the Golden Hour is magnificent.
On the hill over Mala Strana is Prague Castle. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest ancient castle in the world. Explore the St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royale Palace including the Change of Guards. Don’t miss the incredible views over the city’s rooftops form the back of the palace. Close by the palace you will find the Golden Lane. It’s a small street packed with historical houses. The name comes from the Goldsmiths back in the days.
On the other side of the river, is the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). The square is surrounded by the iconic Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, St. Nicholas' Church and buildings with colourful Gothic and baroque facades. The Astronomical Clock is a medieval timepiece attached to the facade of city hall. It is the oldest astronomical clock still operating. In the centre of the square is the Jan Hus monument. A large stone & bronze memorial sculpture depicting the famous martyr, completed in 1915. Few minutes’ walk to the east of the square you will find the Old City Gate form the 15th century offering some incredible photo opportunities.
Capturing History – Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, and the John Lennon Wall
As mentioned before Prague has a rich Jewish history and the Jewish Quarter represents it perfectly. The Quarter is to the north of the Old Town Square. The main attractions in the neighbourhood are the Old Jewish Cemetery and the different Synagogues: Old New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and Maisel Synagogue. Finally, don’t miss the Franz Kafka statue close to the Spanish Synagogue. The narrow streets with the beautiful buildings are perfect if you like street photography.
View of Charles Bridge from Manes Bridge, a perfect travel photography spot.
Wenceslas Square is the main square in the New Town of Prague and the centre for business and cultural activities. On the south-end of the square is the equestrian statue of Saint Wenceslas. Walking passed the statue you will get to the National Museum. It was established in 1818 and offers a great mix of natural science and history exhibitions. Perfect if you’re travelling with kids.
Within walking distance from the Charles Bridge on the Mala Strana side of town is the John Lennon Wall. It’s a colourful tribute to John Lennon with Communist-era messages and peace slogans. It’s a hidden gem for street art lovers and a perfect spot for some great travel photography.
Unconventional Experiences – unique ways to see and shoot Prague
For a more unique Prague experience, visit the Petrin Tower, a metal construction inspired by the Eiffel tower in Paris or capture the vintage charm of Vyšehrad. These spots offer not only travel photography potential but also a deeper connection to the city’s culture.
Petrin Tower on top of a hill in the massive park in Mala Strana offers some of the best views over the city. You can either walk through the park or take the funicular. The park offers some relieve from the city’s hustle and not to mention to take some incredible photos. Also, make sure to stop by Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada). A baroque garden tucked behind an unassuming entrance. It’s a quiet escape with beautifully manicured terraces and views over Prague’s rooftops.
Walking through the park on the hill to the north leads you to Strahov Monastery. This monastery includes a beautiful library and brewery. The monastery doesn’t only offer history and beers, but also some great travel photography opportunities without the heavy tourist crowds. Walking further from the Monastery you will get to Prague Castle and back to the touristy areas.
Another great place to visit off the beaten track is Vyšehrad. Lesser known than Prague Castle but equally enchanting. This ancient fortress offers scenic views over the Vltava River, some peaceful gardens, and the historic St. Peter and Paul Basilica.
Serenity in the City – hidden gems for peaceful exploration and perfect shots
Kampa Island beneath the Charles Bridge in Mala Strana is often skipped by tourists. Wander through the winding streets and its park, discover the Kampa Museum and enjoy some incredible views of Vltava River and this lesser-known part of town.
Another great escape is Letná Park along the river. Best known for its beer gardens, the park offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of the city. It’s also home to the giant metronome that replaced the former Stalin monument.
If you like scavenger hunts, try to find the quirky and often controversial sculptures by local artist David Černý scattered around Prague. The most famous ones are the crawling babies and the rotating head of Franz Kafka.
Beautiful voew over city from Prague Castle
Where to stay in Prague
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Prague or returning planning your accommodation is crucial to make the most out of your trip. The Old Town (Stare Mesto) is perfect for first-time visitors. Form there you can easily visit the major sights like the Old Twon Square and the Charles Bridge.
Mala Strana (Lesser Town) is great if you’re an experienced traveller. This medieval part of the city is a bit quieter but equally charming. From here you can easily explore the city, sights like Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge are close by.
Zizkov is an area behind the train station and ideal if you travel by train. It’s a hip and more affordable neighbourhood perfect for seasoned travellers looking for a vibrant, artsy scene.
Food and Drinks
No trip is complete without trying some local delicacies. Prague offers a wide range of restaurants serving traditional local dishes, and you should plan enough time to experience them.
Local Dishes and Beers
Svíčková is a rich dish of braised beef with a creamy vegetable sauce. Normally served with bread dumplings and topped with cranberries and whipped cream.
Another local dish you must try is Vepřo knedlo zelo. It’s the Czech national dish consisting of roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut. A hearty and traditional favourite.
For the sweet tooth under the readers, you should try Trdelník. It’s a popular street food made from sweet, rolled dough baked on a spit and covered in sugar and cinnamon. Though often considered a tourist snack, it's worth trying fresh from a local stand.
The Czech Republic is the champion in beer consumption. You should definitely stop in one of the many beer halls and try some local Czech beer.
Where to eat in Prague
Finding a good restaurant to try some of the delicious local dishes is not very difficult. I like to go to restaurants in the Jewish Quarter. Here you find a good mix of traditional restaurants like Kolkovna V Kolkovně, and more modern place like Lokál Dlouhááá. Both serve traditional dishes and beers. Lokál Dlouhááá has a sister restaurant in the Mala Strana area called Lokál U Bílé kuželky. This is particularly great in the summer as you can stand outside and enjoy your beer and food. There a few more of the Lokal restaurants spread over town.
If you want to try one of the beer halls check out Pivovar U Medvídků a rustic place mainly frequented by locals or Staroměstský pivovar U Supa which is more modern and popular with tourists.
Astronomical Clock in Prague
Looking for restaurants off the beaten track try Eska or Café Slavia. Eska is located in the Karlín district and offers a trendy atmosphere at affordable prices. The focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients in an industrial-chic setting. Café Slavia is located along the Vltava River with views of the Prague Castle. This historic café was once a gathering spot for writers and intellectuals. It’s a quiet spot to enjoy coffee and traditional pastries.
Travelling around Prague
Prague is a very walkable city especially if you stay in the Old Town (Stare Mesto) or Mala Strana. There is also an extensive public transport system with metros, trams and buses. Get on tram line 22 and pass by many of the main attractions.
Another option is going by bike. Even though the Old Town and Mala Strana are not great for bikes, other newer neighbourhoods are. You will find plenty of bikes around the city by bike-sharing companies.
Best Travel Photography spots in Prague
Prague’s skyline and historic architecture offer endless inspiration for those passionate about travel photography. The most popular location for capturing memorable photos include the Charles Bridge at sunrise and the Vltava River-banks with views of the Pargue Castle.
For some great views of the Charles Bridge go to Manes Bridge (Mánesův most). From the bridge take some incredible pictures of the iconic landmark at day or night. On both sides of the river are small parks when you get of Manes Bridge, which offer some interesting vistas as well. Especially in the park of the Old Town you have a beautiful view of Prague Castle. To see the Charles Bridge from another angle go to Park Legií on the islands under Most Legli (Legli Bridge).
Prague Castle Gardens offer stunning panoramic views of the city’s red rooftops and spires. The castle gardens are a serene spot, especially in the late afternoon when the light is soft. Some other great spots for views over the town include the Petrin Tower, Letna Park and Vysehrad. From all three you will see the city from different and unique perspectives.
For those that prefer street photography check the Dancing House (Tančící dům), the John Lennon Wall or Naplavka. Especially Naplavka is worth a visit as it’s a vibrant riverside area popular with locals. On weekends there is a farmers’ market and events.
The outline of this travel guide provides a great balance for first-time and experienced travellers, with detailed sections on what to see, do, and eat, plus hidden gems for unique travel photography.
I hope with all the above, I could help you with your planning for your trip to Prague. Feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me. Need more travel planning help? Contact me!
Here a link to my Prague site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.
