Choose from 99 Fun Things to Do in Czech Republic
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Bedrich Smetana Museum
The much-feted Czech composer Bedřich Smetana is regarded as the father of Czech music and is best known for his opera The Bartered Bride. Born in 1824, he was precociously talented and gave his first public performance aged six. He studied music in Prague before moving to Gothenburg in Sweden, where he continued writing music. In the early 1860s, Smetana returned to Prague and in 1866 became principal conductor at the city’s Provisional Theatre, where his first two operas were performed. His health failed in 1874 and although he composed until his death, he died in an asylum in 1884.
The Smetana Museum was established in his memory in 1926 and moved into its current handsome home next to Charles Bridge on the banks of the Vltava River in 1935. The building itself is worthy of mention: it is the Neo-Renaissance former Old Town Water Works, built in 1884 by Antonín Wiehl. Its exterior is covered in elaborate sgraffito work illustrating a battle between Bohemia and Sweden, which was fought on Charles Bridge in 1648.
Once inside, the museum is crammed with Smetana’s furniture, photographs of his family, scores of his greatest masterpieces, copies of his letters and a couple of his pianos. There’s the chance to listen to his music at the point of an electric baton as well as occasional recitals. A vast reclining bronze of the composer stands in the museum’s riverside courtyard and Smetana fans can take in regular concerts held in the atrium of the Czech Museum of Music, at Karmelitská 2-4 nearby.
Practical Info
Open Wed–Mon 10am–5pm. Admission for adults is 50 CZK; seniors, students and children aged 6–15 is 30 CZK; less than 6 go free; family tickets are 90 CZK. Entry is free with Prague Welcome Card. For transportation, take Metro Line A or Tram 17 to Staroměstská.
Address: Novotného lávka 1, Staré Město 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 50CZK; Seniors, Students, Children aged 6–15: 30CZK
From $ 35
Aquapalace Prague
Central Europe’s biggest waterpark is 3.75 miles (six km) south of Prague and is a family-centric attraction featuring saunas, a fitness center and a spa as well as swimming pools and water rides. Vodní svět (Water World) is largely undercover and comprises four themed zones, with lap pools, lazy rivers, a coral dome and wave pools as well as rapids and kamikaze twisting tube slides for the more adventurous of families. On offer elsewhere in the park are 14 different kinds of sauna, fitness classes — from Pilates to spinning — gyms equipped with cardio zones and power plates, solariums and a raft of massage options and beauty therapy treatments. There’s a children’s corner for young kids, swimming courses for all levels of expertise, private trainers in the gym and scuba diving classes in the Diving Pit.
Restaurants and bars are scattered throughout Aquapalace and there’s even a four-star hotel for extended stays. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the park; lockers are provided.
Practical Info
Practical information: Pražská 138, Prague Čestlice. Open: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm. Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center. The free Aquabus runs hourly from Opatov metro station on Line C; otherwise take buses 328, 363 or 385 from Opatov metro station or bus 325 from Nádraží Uhříněves.
Address: Pražská 138, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 251 01, Czech Republic
Hours: Water World Mon–Fri 10am–10pm, Sat–Sun 9am–10pm; Fitness Center Mon–Fri 6am–11pm, Sat–Sun 7am–11pm
Admission: Prices start at 215 CZK in Water World and 190 CZK in the Fitness Center
From $ 25
Jan Becher Museum
The ornate Baroque town of Karlovy Vary in Western Bohemia is famous for its spas, crystal ware and Becherovka, a herbal liqueur that was first concocted in 1807 by pharmacist Jan Becher using the pure water that made the town famous. Today Becherovka is still distilled to the same secret recipe – known only to two people at any one time – using a mixture of natural ingredients including sugar, cinnamon, herbs and spices. It is one of the Czech Republic’s favorite tipples and is also exported to more than 35 countries worldwide. The Jan Becher Museum opened in 2009 in the distillery’s original premises when production moved into larger premises. Guided tours take in the original subterranean cellars, where Becherovka was stored for two months in vast oak barrels, and showcase the history of the liqueur in a short movie before tracing each stage of its production. The museum is filled with portraits of six generations of the Becher family, two centuries’ worth of advertising posters and examples of the porcelain cups from which Becherovka was traditionally drunk.
After visiting the museum, Becherovka is available to sample straight or in a variety of cocktails in the tasting room, the Terrace Bar and the Esplanade; it can also be bought in personalized versions of its distinctively flat, green bottle to be taken home as a souvenir.
Practical Info
T.G. Masaryka 282/57, Karlovy Vary. Open daily 9am–5pm. Admission adults CZK 120; students CZK 60; under 18s CZK 30; family CZK 240. Karlovy Vary is west of Prague and best accessed by car in under two hours along the E48.
Address: T. G. Masaryka 282/57, Karlovy Vary, Western Bohemia, Czech Republic 360 01, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 9am–5pm
Admission: Adults: CZK 120; Children: CZK 30; Families: CZK 240
From $ 76
Charles Square
Charles Square is a city square located in the New Town of Prague. It was created by Charles IV in 1348 when the New Town was first built, and was the largest town square across medieval Europe. At approximately 70,000 square-meters, even today it’s one of the largest city squares in the world, and certainly the largest in Prague.
Formerly known as Cattle Market, the square was named after its founder in the 18th century, around the same time its central section was turned into a park. This park covers most of the square and is a popular place for locals and visitors to come and relax. It features seven sculptures and a Baroque fountain.
Among the oldest buildings on the square are the New Town Hall and the 16th century Faust House. Other notable buildings include the Baroque Jesuit Church of Saint Ignatius and the neo-Renaissance Czech Technical University building.
Practical Info
If not within walking distance of Charles Square, take Line B of the metro and exit at Karlovo namesti, or take any of the following numbered trams: 3, 4, 6, 14, 16, 18, 22, or 24.
Address: Charles Square, Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 19
Castle District (Hradcany)
Visible from all over town, hilltop Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is one of the city’s most memorable landmarks. The castle is just one part of Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Castle District (Hradčany), a vast complex of palaces, cathedrals, and royal buildings, including some of Prague’s finest works of architecture.
The Basics
Most city tours make a stop at Prague Castle, and many combine a visit to the castle with attractions such as the Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge. A walking tour allows plenty of time to explore the hilltop castle complex and enjoy stunning views over the city below.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Walking around the Castle District is free, but entrance fees apply to most of the buildings and museums. Combination tickets are available.
- Allow around three hours to visit the district’s main buildings, more if you want to explore the surrounding parks and palaces too.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore Prague’s Castle District—it’s full of hills, cobblestone streets, and steps.
- St. Vitus Cathedral and many other Castle District attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Prague Castle is to take tram 22 to the Pohořelec stop, then walk the short distance downhill to the castle. The closest metro station is Malostranská, and it’s a short uphill walk to the castle from there. Alternatively, the most scenic but challenging route is the walk from the Lesser Town up the Old Castle Stairs. It takes around 20 minutes, but leave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views.
When to Get There
It’s almost impossible to avoid the crowds at Prague Castle, especially during the peak months of July and August, but an early morning or late afternoon visit offers the best chance. For the most impressive views, time your visit for sunrise or sunset.
Architectural Highlights of the Prague Castle District
The centerpiece of the Castle District is magnificent Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, surrounded by the Old Royal Palace, the Powder Tower, the Imperial Stables, and 10th-century St. George’s Basilica. Golden Lane is the former goldsmiths’ district, known for its picturesque medieval houses. Nearby palaces include Rosenberg Palace; Czernin Palace; Sternberg Palace, now the Museum of Military History; and Schwarzenberg Palace, now home to part of the National Gallery.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 13
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
It may be the Czech Republic’s newest national park, but Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Ceske Svycarsko) has long been a popular destination for traders and artists. The park’s curious name was inspired by two 19th-century Swiss artists who settled in the region because it reminded them of their homeland. Today the park draws hikers, bikers, climbers, and nature lovers from around the world.
The Basics
The most popular attraction in Bohemian Switzerland National Park is Pravcicka Brana (Pravcicka Gate), Europe’s largest sandstone arch, standing 52 feet (16 meters) high. Don’t miss the lookout points near Jetrichovice, including Mary’s Rock—which is more than 600 steps to the top. The main village in the park is the picturesque Hrensko, which is worth a visit in its own right. Located north of Prague along the German border, you can visit the park on a tour from either Prague or Dresden, perhaps including a stop at the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Color-coded hiking trails depart from Hrensko and Jetrichovice.
- Pravcicka Brana is about an hour’s walk from Hrensko along Gabriel’s Trail.
- The park features an “upside-down” climate, which means that alpine and subalpine species are found thriving in river canyons and gorges, while higher slopes are home to species that are typically found in warmer climates.
- Pravcicka Brana and the park’s other main attractions are not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get to There
Without your own transportation, the best way to reach Bohemian Switzerland National Park is by taking the train to Decin, and from there catching a bus to Hrensko or Jetrichovice. Another option is to take the train to the village of Schona and then catch a ferry to Hrensko.
When to Get There
Bohemian Switzerland National Park is open year-round, though crowds are sparser in the winter months, when the weather can be less predictable. Outdoor activities are especially popular in the spring, summer and fall, as are boat rides on the Kamenice River, which are not possible in the winter.
Rock Formations in Bohemian Switzerland National Park
In addition to the Pravcicka Brana, you’ll find fascinating sandstone rock formations throughout Bohemian Switzerland National Park—all of which are part of a larger geological formation known as the Elbe Sandstones. This makes the park especially popular with rock climbers. In fact the Fortress route, which was first climbed in 1888, was the first recreational rock climb in what is now the Czech Republic.
Address: Jetřichovice, Bohemian Switzerland National Park 405 02, Czech Republic
From $ 80
Golden Lane
Golden Lane, often referred to as the Street of the Alchemists or Alchemist’s Alley, is a little alley situated at Prague Castle and one of the most famous and picturesque streets in the city. Golden Lane and its tiny colored houses were constructed in the 15th century as an alley between the Roman and Late Gothic walls in the northern part of the castle. At first, it housed the castle guards who patrolled the fortification, but since there were more guards than space, the resulting buildings seem to be more fitting for dwarves than for humans. A century later, the tiny alley with the cozy houses apparently became popular with artists and among them, a number of goldsmiths. According to legend, some of these goldsmiths were in fact alchemists, tasked by Emperor Rudolf II to find a way to turn common metals into gold and find the philosopher’s stone. Even though this is historically inaccurate, the legend has only increased the street’s popularity.
In later centuries, Golden Lane with its magical atmosphere kept attracting artists and bohemians as residents. Among them is the Czech-Jewish writer Franz Kafka, who rented house number 22 for two years to be able to write in peace. Today, one can find souvenir shops and galleries in the miniature houses and visitors can visit a real 16th century setup in house number 20.
Practical Info
You can find Golden Lane in the northeastern corner of Prague Castle. You can get there by taking trams number 22 and 23 to the stop Prazsky Hrad or simply by walking. The alley can be visited daily from 9am to 5pm between April and October and from 9am to 4pm the rest of the year.
Address: Zlatá ulička, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm between April and October and from 9am to 4pm the rest of the year.
From $ 13
Becherovka Museum
The Becherovka Museum, less than two hours west of Prague, is home to one of the Czech Republic's most beloved liquors, called Becherovka. At the museum, visitors can learn about the liquor as well as tour the distillery and the original cellars. While you're there, you can also taste this liquor that has been produced for centuries. It is made from Karlsbad water, alcohol, sugar, and a mixture of herbs and spices, although the exact recipe is said to be known by only two people today.
The company was founded over two centuries ago by Jan Becher, who came up with the recipe in a pharmacy that is now the museum. A visit to the museum also allows visitors to learn about the history of the company's beginnings and how the liquor survived during the communist regime when the company was forced to hand over the recipe.
Practical Info
The Becherovka Museum is located at T. G. Masaryka 57 in Karlovy Vary, which is about 79 miles west of Prague.
Address: T. G. Masaryka 57, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
Admission: 120 CZK
From $ 101
Czech Museum of Music
Run under the auspices of Prague’s National Museum, which has five branches, the Czech Museum of Music is located in the former church of St Mary Magdalene in Malá Strana (the Lesser Quarter) on the west bank of the River Vltava. This 17th-century Baroque beauty was designed by Italian architect Francesco Caratti and over the years it has served as a Dominican monastery, police barracks and a history archive before its interior was remodeled into a light-filled, high-ceilinged atrium to accommodate the museum’s vast collections of precious musical instruments and scores. An entertaining permanent exhibition entitled ‘Man–Instrument–Music’ features the relationship between man and his musical instruments, set to the backdrop of music recorded on those displayed; among the highlights is a piano once played by Mozart and a series of ornate harps inlaid with mother of pearl. A schedule of temporary exhibitions might produce a mixed bag of art and music, or the occasional display of rare scores from the museum’s repository of 700,000 musical artifacts.
Classical concerts performing the work of Czech composers such as Dvořák and Smetana are frequently held in the atrium, which is beautifully illuminated in a rainbow of colors at night.
Practical Info
Karmelitská 2/4. Open Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission adults 120 CZK; seniors & students 80 CZK; family tickets 200 CZK. Take subway A to Malostranská or trams 12, 20, 22 or 23 to Hellichova.
Address: Karmelitská 2/4, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 118 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: 120 CZK; Seniors & students: 80 CZK; Family tickets 200 CZK
From $ 35
Estates Theatre
The Estates Theatre is one of the most beautiful historical theaters in Europe. Built in less than two years, it opened in 1783, making it Prague's oldest theater. The site, known by locals as Stavoske divaldo, is famous for its connection with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who spent quite some time in Prague working on operas that would later be performed here. His Marriage of Figaro was played here in 1786, and the next year, Mozart personally conducted the world premiere of Don Giovanni in this space. Don Giovanni is still the theater's most prized opera performance.
While the building’s exterior has become an architectural icon, it’s the interior that leaves visitors truly breathless. Ornate gilded ceilings, glowing hallows of light and classically inspired design make the Estate Theatre’s environment almost as impressive as its performances.
Mozartissimo, a selection of Mozart's famous opera arias, as well as other shows and classical concerts are also performed throughout the year. The nation’s opera, ballet and theater groups all utilize this stately space to bring their craft to the country’s people, and travelers have been finding their way to the stage in search of a true taste of Czech culture for decades.
Practical Info
The Estates Theatre is located at Ovocny trh 1 between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town Square. Travelers are welcome to explore the grounds on their own or on one of the theater’s guided tours.
Address: Ovocny trh 1, Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 20
Dancing House (Tancici dum)
In a city known for its baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture, Prague’s postmodern Dancing House (Tancící dum) stands out for displaying none of these architectural styles. The curvaceous, concrete, metal, and glass building was designed by the architectural duo of Czech-Croatian Vlado Milunić and Canadian-American Frank Gehry (of Guggenheim Bilbao fame) and completed in 1996.
The Basics
On Prague’s Rasin embankment, overlooking the Vltava river, the Dancing House occupies the site of a house that was destroyed during the U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945. You can learn more about this history on a World War II-focused walking tour of Prague; other, more general, sightseeing tours by foot, bus, or bike also typically visit the building. You can get a different perspective on a sightseeing cruise along the Vltava.
Most of the nine-story building is given over to offices, but the top floor is home to several public spaces, including a modern French restaurant and a bar with a terrace offering excellent views across the river to Prague Castle. A ground-floor art gallery supports young Czech artists.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dancing House is a must-see for architecture lovers.
- There’s no fee to enter the building, but there’s a small fee to enter the gallery.
- When the building was completed, its nontraditional aesthetic initially caused much controversy in Prague.
How to Get There
Jiraskovo namesti tram station is right next to the building, and the Karlovo namesti Metro station is a five-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Dancing House is open daily from morning until night. The art gallery keeps slightly shorter opening hours than the bar and restaurant, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
“Ginger and Fred”
The Dancing House’s colloquial name comes from its resemblance to a pair of dancers—Gehry originally named it “Ginger and Fred” for the legendary dancing duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The formal name, however, is the Nationale Nederlanden building, named for the Dutch insurance company that sponsored, and now occupies, most of the structure.
Address: Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6, Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Apple Museum
Found in the tangle of streets between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square in Prague’s spectacular Staré Město (Old Town), the Apple Museum sits neatly inside the Pop Art Gallery in a revamped 12th-century townhouse. The museum opened in December 2015 and is billed as the ‘largest private collection of Apple products in the world’. The displays in this homage to all things Apple include more than 470 original Apple products, and also highlight the backstory of the legendary founders of the company, Steve Jobs, who died in 2011, and his visionary sidekick, Steve Wozniak.
From the curiously toy-like Apple Mac from 1984 through the multi-colored iPods of the early 21st century to the MacBooks introduced 2012, the development of one of the world’s biggest brands is laid out in sleek displays guaranteed to appeal to kids and adults alike. Exhibits from Steve Jobs’ life include his college yearbooks, sneakers and his distinctive black roll neck jerseys; and after walking in his footsteps through the museum, there’s also a raw vegan restaurant where his favorite dishes are on offer.
Practical Info
Open daily 10am–10pm. Admission for adults is 245 CZK; students are 190 CZK; children are 110 CZK; family tickets are 595 CZK. All profits go to charity. The museum is about a five-minute walk from the Stare Mesto in a pedestrianized area.
Address: Husova 21, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 10am–10pm
Admission: adults 245 CZK; students 190 CZK; children 110 CZK
From $ 6
Jan Palach Memorial
On Jan. 16, 1969, a student named Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. Today, a truly unique memorial comprised of a horizontal weather-worn wooden cross rising up from cobblestone streets pays homage to Palach and his friend, Jan Zajic, who killed themselves as an act of political protest.
Today, visitors can stop at this quiet square and reflect on the changes that have taken place in this Eastern European country. While travelers agree that the memorial isn’t well marked, or very well-explained, its significance in Czech history is great and certainly worth a visit.
Practical Info
The Jan Palach Memorial is located in Wenceslas Square, just past its main monument. It is easily accessible via the city’s metro system.
Address: Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily
From $ 37
Church of St Vitus
Not to be confused with the Cathedral of St. Vitus in Prague’s Hradčany Castle District, the Church of St. Vitus lies in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, three hours south of the capital. Sited in the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, visiting the Church of St Vitus is a popular pastime for visitors and day-trippers from Prague.
Built back in 1340 by German architect Linhart of Aldenberk, the church underwent extensive redevelopment at the turn of the 15th century and its gothic façade is one of the town’s most memorable architectural works. Reminiscent of Prague’s cathedral, the church’s most striking feature is its octagonal neo-gothic bell tower and the looming spire, along with the neighboring tower of Krumlov Castle, have long framed the iconic skyline of the Cesky Krumlov, thought to be symbolic of the power balance between religion and the monarchy. Today, the church hosts a number of classical and choral concerts along with its regular services and is most notable for its beautifully preserved series of 15th-century frescoes, as well as housing the elbow bone of St John of Nepomuk.
Built back in 1340 by German architect Linhart of Aldenberk, the church underwent extensive redevelopment at the turn of the 15th century and its gothic façade is one of the town’s most memorable architectural works. Reminiscent of Prague’s cathedral, the church’s most striking feature is its octagonal neo-gothic bell tower and the looming spire, along with the neighboring tower of Krumlov Castle, have long framed the iconic skyline of the Cesky Krumlov, thought to be symbolic of the power balance between religion and the monarchy. Today, the church hosts a number of classical and choral concerts along with its regular services and is most notable for its beautifully preserved series of 15th-century frescoes, as well as housing the elbow bone of St John of Nepomuk.
Address: Kostel sv. Vita, Horni 156, Cesky Krumlov 38101, Czech Republic
From $ 83
Franz Kafka Museum
The Franz Kafka Museum is located in the Lesser Quarter of Prague, on the bank of the Vltava River. It provides multimedia exhibitions and memorabilia offering an insight into the world of Prague-born Franz Kafka, one of the most significant figures of 20th century literature.
The various displays include first editions of Kafka's works, original correspondence, diaries, photographs, and drawings. There are also video and sound installations that explore the relationship between the writer and the city that shaped him. Throughout the museum, Prague is represented as a city full of the mysterious tales and strange happenings that influenced the life and works of Kafka.
There is also a museum shop, plus a somewhat bizarre fountain in the courtyard outside, which features two men standing opposite each other and urinating into a lake in the shape of the Czech Republic.
Practical Info
The Franz Kafka Museum can be reached by taking metro Line A to Malostranska station. It is also accessible via tram numbers 12, 20, and 22.
Address: Cihelna 2B, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 200Kč; Children: 20Kč
From $ 34
Gr evin Wax Museum Prague
Prague’s outpost of the Grévin Wax Museum is one of the largest in Europe, famous for its waxwork likenesses of international celebrities, royalty, sporting heroes and historic Czech figures. Opened in 2014, the museum provides three floors of family fun and fantasy and is found close to the Baroque beauty of the Staré Mesto (Old Town) on one of the city’s main shopping streets.
Although displays change along with the world of stardom, the Grévin is currently divided into six themed and interactive sections, giving visitors the chance to pose with Michael Jackson, meet the alchemist Emperor Rudolf II and marvel at the outfits worn by actresses Angelina Jolie and Meryl Streep. Uniquely Czech attractions include the world-famous ice hockey team HC Sparta Praha, Franz Kafka in a traditional Prague café and former President Václav Havel at his desk. Kids can time travel from the world of Mozart to John Lennon’s Liverpool, make their own waxwork models and create a 3D likeness of their heads in the Discovery Workshop.
The Grévin is a firm favorite with families visiting Prague and gets very crowded during school vacations, so buy a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time for priority access. The bistro-style Café Grévin is right next door.
Practical Info
Celetná 15, Prague 1. Open daily 10am–7pm. Admission adult 300 CZK; seniors & students 260 CZK; children younger than 14 200CZK; family 612 CZK. Metro Line A to Staroměstská.
Address: Celetná 15, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 10am–7pm
Admission: Adults: 300 CZK; Seniors & Students: 260 CZK; Children: 200 CZK; Families: 612 CZK
From $ 18
Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítā›zn e)
Found in the Baroque streets of Prague’s Malá Strana (Lesser Town) on the west bank of the Vltava River, the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné) has its origins back in 1611. It was rebuilt in its present, richly Baroque style in the 30 years up to 1669 by a Carmelite order of monks and has an interior of dazzling gilt and marble adornment. However, the church’s main claim to fame is its painted wooden statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague. At about 20 inches (50 cm) in height, it has a highly stylized head topped with cherubic curls and its right hand is raised in blessing. The Infant Jesus is originally from Spain and was donated to the Carmelites by a princess of the noble Lobkowicz dynasty in 1628; he has an rich wardrobe donated by visiting dignitaries as well as two crowns—one a gift studded with pearls and garnets given by Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Prague in 2009—and his outfits are changed at set points in the church year.
The statue’s bejeweled, fur-lined robes and crowns can be seen in the Museum of the Prague Infant Jesus above the church, which is accessible via spiral staircase.
Practical Info
The church is open from Mon–Sat 8:30am–7pm and the museum portion is open Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm, Sun 1pm–6pm. Admission is free. To access, walk over the Charles Bridge from Prague’s medieval Staré Město (Old Town) or take the tram to Malostranké.
Address: Karmelitská 9, Prague 1, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Church Mon–Sat 8:30am–7pm; Museum Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm; Sun 1pm–6pm
From $ 35
Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)
Forming a grand walkway between Prague Old Town, and the Lesser Town and Castle District, the 15th-century Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) is one of the city’s most striking landmarks. The magnificent Gothic bridge features 16 stone arches, two watchtowers, and 30 blackened baroque statues depicting various saints.
The Basics
Most Prague tours make a stop at the Charles Bridge; although it’s easy to visit independently, tour guides will provide detailed explanations about the statues, which each has its own story. If you’re still craving more information, visit the Charles Bridge Museum on the east bank. Prague river cruises depart from the foot of the Charles Bridge on both sides of the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only footbridge—bikes, Segways, and vehicles are prohibited.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore Prague on foot—the city is full of cobblestone streets and hills.
- The bridge is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get to There
The Charles Bridge links the Old Town and Lesser Town over the Vltava River; it’s about a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square or a 15-minute walk from Wenceslas Square. The closest metro station is Staroměstská (Line A) on the east bank of the river, but numerous trams also run along the riverside and stop near the bridge.
When to Get There
It’s almost impossible to avoid the crowds along the Charles Bridge, especially in peak season (July and August), so your best bet is to visit early in the morning or late in the evening. If you’re hoping to capture a dramatic photograph of the bridge, arrive around sunrise, when the lighting is perfect and the views tend to be crowd-free.
A Prague Walking Tour
The Charles Bridge is ideally situated near Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Start your walking tour in the Old Town, where you can watch the hourly display of the Astronomical Clock, stroll around the historic Jewish Quarter, and admire the Tyn Cathedral. Then cross the Charles Bridge into the Lesser Town and stop at the John Lennon Wall before climbing Castle Hill to visit St. Vitus Cathedral and take in the views from Prague Castle.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Army Museum Zizkov
Located at the bottom of Vítkov Hill in the gritty, 19th-century district of Žižkov, the Army Museum Žižkov (Armádní muzeum Žižkov) is one of four museums tended under the auspices of the Military History Institute Prague. Housed in an austere gray building constructed in the 1920s near the dramatic National Liberation Monument — itself completed in 1938 and featuring the biggest equestrian statue in the world — the exhibitions have been transformed several times, according to the political movement holding supremacy in Prague; during WWII the building was occupied by the Gestapo and during the 1950s, many of the displays were reinstalled to reflect Communism ideology.
Today, the museum is divided into three segments from 20th-century Czech history: the events of World War I (1914–18) and the lead up to an independent Czechoslovak Republic; the formation of the Czechoslovak Republic between the world wars; and finally, World War II (1939–45) and the national resistance movement as its heroic members worked to restore the independence of Czechoslovakia from Nazi and Soviet occupation.
A battle-scarred tank guards the entrance to the museum, which is crammed with a wealth of military uniforms, weaponry, platoon banners, medals and models depicting battle scenes. Highlights of the collections include personal artifacts donated by various Czechoslovak presidents and army leaders as well as harrowing images taken in concentrations camps during the Holocaust.
Practical Info
Open Tueday–Sunday 10am–6pm. Admission is free. For transportation, take bus 133, 175 or 207 to U Památníku from Florenc Metro station.
Address: U Památníku 2, Žižkov, Prague 3, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
From $ 35
Ghetto Museum (Muzeum Ghetta)
An hour north of Prague stands the Terezín Memorial, used by the Nazis in World War II as a transit point for Jews being transported to Auschwitz and other death camps in Eastern Europe. It was built a garrison town in 1780 by Emperor Franz Josef and, two centuries later, was transformed into a fortified work camp and ghetto by the Gestapo. From 1940 onwards, more than 30,000 inmates died of disease and starvation in the Magdeburg Barracks, whose gates bear the infamous slogan ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ — ‘work makes you free’.
The memorial is open for guided tours encompassing the Gestapo prison, the barracks, the Jewish cemetery overlooked by a massive Star of David, the crematorium, morgue and the Ghetto Museum, which opened in 1991 in the camp’s Baroque former school. Among the thought-provoking exhibits are paintings by children who were imprisoned in Terezín and two highly emotional documentaries with eyewitness accounts by survivors plus temporary exhibitions highlighting the tragedy of life in the ghetto and Terezín’s role as a Nazi transit center for Jews from across Europe. There is a star-shaped memorial to the children who died at the camp in the courtyard behind the school.
Practical Info
Principova alej 304, Terezín. Open daily Apr–Oct 9am–6pm, Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm. Admission adult 215 CZK; seniors, students & children 165 CZK; family 425 CZK. Accessed from Prague by the E55 road in an hour, or by bus from Florenc bus station.
Address: Principova alej 304, Terezín, Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic 411 55, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily Apr–Oct 9am–6pm, Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm
Admission: Adults: 215 CZK; Seniors, Students & Children 165 CZK; Families 425 CZK
From $ 35