1. Travel
About.com
Eastern Europe Travel

Discuss in my forum

Prague Must-See Sights

Best Things to See in Prague

By , About.com Guide

You can't visit Prague without seeing the following sights. These Prague must-see sights are what make it one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern and Central Europe. Charles Bridge, Old Town Prague, Castle Hill, and New Town Prague offer some of the most famous attractions in the Czech capital.

Charles Bridge Prague

St. Vitus on Charles BridgeKerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Charles Bridge, also known as "Karlov Most," is a fixture of Prague life and the connection between Prague's Old Town and Prague's New Town. Decorated with statues, a popular place for food and souvenir vendors, and crowded with locals and travelers alike from sun-up to sun-down, Charles Bridge crosses Prague's Vlatva River.

Photo Galleries of Charles Bridge Statues:

Prague Castle on Castle Hill

Stairs to the Royal Palace on Castle Hill in PragueRichard Cop © 2004

Prague Castle requires several hours to explore thoroughly, but the effort is well worth it. Here visitors can watch the changing of the castle guard, view artwork from various centuries, peer back into the time of medieval Czech kings, experience the Gothic beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral, and even enjoy a classical music concert.

St. Vitus Cathedral on Castle Hill

Rose Window on Exterior of St. Vitus Cathedral, Castle Hill, PragueStephi © 2005

If you can't spend a day at Prague Castle, at least pay a visit to St. Vitus Cathedral. This Gothic Cathedral boasts a beautiful rose window and stained glass designed by the famous Czech Art Nouveau artist, Alfons Mucha, and sculpture, paintings, and other artwork from famous and skilled Czech artists and craftsmen. This Prague sight would be popular with crowds even if it wasn't free, but the lack of admission feel makes it even more attractive.

Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square

Astronomical Clock Old Town PragueVenzoo © 2006

The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square is one of Prague's most popular sights. The original parts of the clock date back to the 1400s, but the clock has been updated throughout the centuries. Figures emerge from the clock upon the hour. Be prepared for crowds eager to watch the clock's mechanisms if you're trying to snap photos.

Old Town Prague is a hub of Prague life and culture. Dine, shop, listen to music, or catch a seasonal festival on this historic square.

Municipal House in Old Town Prague

Municipal House, Old Town PragueBeata Laki © 2003
The Municipal House, with its Art Nouveau charm, is beautiful both inside and out. The Municipal House's terrific interior and exterior details were created by some of Prague's leading artists at the turn of the 20th century.

Old Jewish Cemetery in the Jewish Quarter of Old Town Prague

Old Jewish Cemetery PragueRichard Cop © 2004
Hauntingly beautiful, the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague's Old Town Jewish Quarter is a memorable Prague sight that contains the remains of over 3 centuries of Jewish ghetto inhabitants.

Jerusalem Synagogue in New Town Prague

Jerusalem Synagogue, PragueMetalli X © 2006
Whether or not you visit Old Town's Jewish Quarter, you'll want to swing by New Town Prague's Jerusalem Synagogue. The facade of this structure is colorful and delights with detail - stripes, scrollwork, and pillars make the Jerusalem Synagogue a remarkable example of early 20th century architecture.

The Dancing Building in New Town Prague

Dancing Building, New Town PragueAbtmay © 2006

Also known as "Fred and Ginger," the Dancing Building simulates movement while maintaining its functionality. Its innovative design and surprising use of curvature have given it notoriety. If you would like to enjoy views of Prague from the Dancing Building, reserve a table at the top-floor restaurant, Celeste.

Petrin Hill Observatory

Petrin ToweriStockphoto/Pavel Pospisil
The Petrin Hill Observatory is nothing much to look at from the ground but will give visitors panoramic views of Prague.

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.