Petrin Lookout Tower
A little Eiffel-Tower lookalike crowning leafy Petrin Hill, reached by a fun funicular. Climb (or lift) to the top for one of the best panoramas over Prague’s spires and the castle.
Prague
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
One of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish quarters – a moving cluster of historic synagogues and the extraordinary layered Old Jewish Cemetery. A combined ticket covers the Jewish Museum sites; visit thoughtfully.
Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
The medieval Astronomical Clock puts on its hourly “Walk of the Apostles” show to a packed square. Skip the crowd below and buy a ticket up the Old Town Hall tower for a superb rooftop panorama.
Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, sprawling above the city – cathedral, royal palace, golden lane and gardens. Grounds are free to wander; a circuit ticket gets you inside the historic buildings.
St. Vitus Cathedral
The soaring Gothic cathedral at the heart of Prague Castle, centuries in the making, with luminous stained glass (including a Mucha window) and royal tombs. Climb the Great South Tower for the view.
Cable Car of Hotel NH Praha
Prague’s little-known third funicular (besides Petrin and the ZOO) – a tiny red cable car in Smichov linking the two buildings of the NH Prague City hotel, free to ride. A 156 m track climbs to an upper vantage point and restaurant; the ~10-person cabin is often all yours.
Blue (Czech design shop)
One of a handful of central Prague shops selling genuine Czech-made souvenirs – beautiful hand-blown glass from the country’s renowned glassworks, plus decorated metal and wooden pieces and lovely books about Prague. Tip: for kids, pick up a figure of Krtecek (the Little Mole), a beloved Czech cartoon character.
The Golden ‘Youth’ Statue, Prague Castle
Tucked in a Prague Castle courtyard (in front of the Toy Museum) stands the statue ‘Youth’ – best known for the golden, well-polished detail that locals rub for good luck. A fun, offbeat stop inside the castle; combine it with the Toy Museum and the spectacular viewpoint just downhill from the main gate.
Pater Noster Elevator
A rare 19th-century paternoster – a loop of open cabins in constant motion (the name nods to a rosary). Just hop on and off, and if you’re brave, ride over the top to do the full loop. Banned in many countries on safety grounds, but not here. Tip: you can ride paternosters free in several Prague buildings, e.g. the YMCA Palace near Republic Square.
Naplavka Riverbank
A revamped stretch of Vltava embankment (under the Jiraskuv bridge) that’s become one of Prague’s favourite warm-weather hangouts – locals walk, skate, cycle, drink and dance by the water. It’s lined with bars, restaurants and boat venues (Bajkazyl is the buzzy heart of its nightlife), with frequent open-air concerts and parties.