Prague’s historic centre lies on both banks of the Vltava and preserves its urban layout, pattern and spatial composition. When planning your stay, it is worth choosing different points of focus: the Old Town and castle represent architecture and history, while Petřín, Wild Šárka and Stromovka show different sides of the city’s green spaces. This lets you tailor culture, walks and places to relax to your interests.
Old Town, squares and architecture
In the historic centre, you will encounter Gothic, High Baroque and Modernist architectural styles that influenced the development of Central European architecture. On Old Town Square stand the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, St. Nicholas Church, Kinský Palace, the House at the Stone Bell and the Jan Hus Memorial. The square developed from a 10th-century marketplace on European trade routes; the Ungelt customs house was associated with it.
The Prague section of the Way of St. James also connects history and places of worship: it begins at the Church of St. James the Greater, passes through Ungelt and continues to Old Town Square. For a walk through the centre, another route leads from the Museum via Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square, across Charles Bridge to Malá Strana Square. From there, you can continue to Prague Castle or Petřín.
Prague Castle and Vyšehrad
The permanent exhibition Story of Prague Castle presents more than a thousand years of castle history. It explores the complex through the rulers and presidents, artists, master builders, architects, scholars, craftspeople and servants associated with it. Prague Castle is also home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, the St. Vitus Treasure and the burial places of important Bohemian rulers and saints. Check the exhibition’s availability before your trip.
The South Gardens lie below the southern castle wall. Their central terrace offers views of the city; the Hartig Garden is open to the public. Visitor access and garden descriptions may change seasonally. Vyšehrad, perched on a rocky site by the Vltava, offers a different historical perspective: there, the Rotunda of St. Martin, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Slavín Cemetery meet underground casemates containing original Baroque statues from Charles Bridge.
Green spaces and trails for different interests
Petřín is one of Prague’s largest urban green spaces. The hill includes the Rose Garden, Nebozízek Garden and Seminary Garden, with more than 2,100 fruit trees. It also features an observation tower with views over the city, a mirror maze, walking paths, benches and several playgrounds. This mix of gardens and individual attractions sets Petřín apart from the extensive natural landscapes of Wild Šárka.
Wild Šárka is an expansive Prague valley of steep rocks, plateaus, wooded areas, meadows and grassland shaped by the Šárecký Stream. Marked, unpaved trails are suitable for walking and cycling; swimming and family outings are also among the activities mentioned there. Stromovka, in turn, is a large urban green space with old trees, water, lawns, picnic spots and a network of recreational paths.
If you would like to plan a longer route through different green spaces, you can follow the Prague Parks and Gardens Route: it starts in Holešovice, climbs to Letná, follows the river to Prague Castle, passes through Petřín Park and continues to the Kinský Gardens. There are places to stop for refreshments and picnics along the way; route conditions and facilities may change. Prague Zoo also has its own trails: covering more than ten kilometres, they pass through themed areas such as the Africa House, the Indonesian Jungle, the Valley of the Elephants and Darwin Crater. The design of the exhibition areas may change over time.
Getting around Prague
Prague’s public transport system includes trams, buses and the metro, providing access to the city’s sights. You can reach Prague Castle by tram 22, by taking Metro line A to Malostranská and then walking up the Old Castle Stairs, or by using other nearby tram stops and taking a short walk. Routes and stops may change; check connections before your visit.
Markets and transport history
For a taste of the local market scene, Heřmaňák Farmers’ Market is a special destination: it offers plastic-free shopping, organic products, bread, pastries, organic beef and flowers; stalls run by craftspeople or authors are sometimes added. Other regular farmers’ markets are held on the Rašín Embankment and in squares such as Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, where fresh produce is available. The selection and market days may change, so it is worth checking the latest schedule.
An exhibition at the tram depot in Prague-Střešovice tells the story of public transport. It features more than forty historic vehicles, as well as models, photographs, historical documents, tickets and plans. As access and opening arrangements may change, check them before your visit.
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