Prague is the largest city and the capital of the Czech Republic with over 1.3 million residents. Not only is it a historical treasure trove of culture, but it is full of stunning architectural wonders from Romanesque to Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque.
You’ll find castles, palaces, ancient ruins, and the oldest astronomical clock in the world that still works. Many of these things you can see for free. In fact, you can spend a whole weekend visiting places for free if you know where to go. But leave your luggage at a suitcase storage site first and enjoy a carefree time.
Museums
Army Museum
The Army Museum has weapons such as cannons, guns, and grenades as well as medals and uniforms, and there is a tank and an Army Hummer right out front where you can get some cool selfies. The buildings at the bottom of Vítkov Hill were built in 1927 and there are hundreds of photos of the soldiers on their way to battle.
National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror
This memorial is in a crypt under the Church of St. Cyr and St. Methodius. The spot was the secret hideout of paratroopers during WWII. After hiding there for three weeks, they were found and three were killed by the Germans and the others took their own lives.
Kampa Museum
Featuring the art collection of Jan and Meda Mládek, Kampa Museum is a modern art museum in Sova’s Mill. It also has the largest collection of work done by František Kupka, a founder of abstract painting. The museum also holds short-term rotating exhibits and collections all year long so there is always something new to see.
Galleries
Futura Gallery
Futura Gallery is a center for contemporary art that looks like a regular apartment building. Once you walk through the door you will know you are in for a treat with different cubicles of artwork from paintings to sculptures and even some videos. Don’t miss the projection room with the comfy sofa or the courtyard full of life.
Dvorak Sec Contemporary Gallery
Also known as DSC Gallery, this modern art center opened in 2009 and is a popular spot for art programs, projects, and festivals. Many art curators and historians visit the gallery often and while a lot of the artists are new blood, there is plenty of old art as well.
Mánes Gallery
Founded in 1887, the Mánes Gallery was named after Josef Mánes, who was a collector and founder of Cubism. The exhibitions date back to 1897 and feature some famous artists like Antonín Slavíček, Antonín Hudeček, Zdenka Braunerová, and Joža Uprka. You can even see some Picasso, Goya, and Munch.
Religious Structures
Church of the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Church of the Infant Jesus of Prague was founded in 1611 and was built in Renaissance and Baroque styles. In 1620, the church was taken by Carmelites and Emperor Ferdinand II. The statue of the infant Jesus was placed in the 17th century, but other items are featured, too, like a crown from Pope Benedict XVI donated in 2009.
St. Vitus Cathedral
This gothic church is the largest in the country and the most important as it holds the tombs of many Roman Emperors and Bohemian Kings. St. Vitus Cathedral, built in 1344, is the third building at the site that began with the Romanesque Rotunda in 925. Many of the walls are covered in reliefs and other art including gemstones.
Church of St. Nicholas
Built in 1704 on the site of a 13th century Gothic church, the Church of St. Nicholas is described as the greatest example of Baroque in Prague. The interior of the dome features frescos by Jan Lukas Kracker and the interior is full of sculptures from František Ignác Platzer. The organ was played by Mozart in 1787.
Squares and Plazas
Grand Priory Square
Grand Priory Square is one of the most peaceful squares in Madrid with lesser-known landmarks. The Grand Priory Palace is a great place for some photos with its Romanesque architecture and beautiful garden. The John Lennon Wall is also in the square, where you can add your signature or phrase.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square was a horse market in the Middle Ages but is now surrounded by shops, eateries, and pubs where you can spend the day just looking for unique souvenirs and tasting the local cuisine. The National Museum is also in this square, which is not free but is worth the cost of a ticket.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square is a busy place where many people go just to see the famous medieval astronomical clock. It is also home to St. Nicholas Church, the Art Museum in Kinský Palace, and the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Tyn. You can also see the Jan Hus Memorial and a Marian Column from 1918.
Parks
Wallenstein Garden
Wallenstein Garden at the Wallenstein Palace was built in 1623 and features designer hedges, luxurious greenery, and statues of many Greek heroes. A marble fountain of Hercules is a centerpiece as well as an aviary and live peacocks you can feed. Don’t miss the Sala Terrena, which is a room decorated with frescoes.
Vojanovy Sady Park
Vojanovy Sady Park is a hidden park by the Charles Bridge where you can take a break from the crowds and noise. Founded in 1248, it is one of the oldest parks and has gardens, a fountain, lots of benches, and the ruins of the Chapel of St. Elias. Keep your eyes peeled for the peacocks in the back garden.
Letna Park
One of the largest parks in Prague, Letna Park is built on a plateau on Letna Hill above the Vltava River. The views from the park are some of the best in the city. Superstar Michael Jackson performed at the park in 1996. Today it features the oldest carousel in Europe, a marble metronome, and the Hanavský Pavilion.
After touring each day, be sure to try some of the local Prague cuisine while you are in the city. Some of the favorites include beef tartare, schnitzel, fried cheese, and goulash. Beer is also very popular, as are the snacks that go with it like pickled sausage, head cheese, or grilled sausage rolls. And don’t miss the chimney cake, or trdelnik.
