Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter

Walking Tours in Prague

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.8 miles / 4.5 km
Duration: Half day

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Overview: Raised in Prague with wanderlust for a hobby, I gladly claim I know the city quite well! ‘Prague's must see sights in one day’ is first in series of my three travel guides to having a fabulous time in Prague.

These guides contain what us locals consider as "must-see" sights of this beautiful city. You can easily follow through all the attractions described in the series in one day, provided you wouldn't be diverted by delicious local cuisine & unlimited Czech Beer sampling; plan your vacation to span at least a couple of days, there is a lot to see.

While in Prague, don't hesitate to stray away from your planed course - you will be pleasantly surprised by unexpected nooks, quaint streets and cobblestone city squares. Of course you can always find your way back to the planned route...just ask the friendly locals!

Tips: Prague is beautiful in any season. Obvious choice to visit being the summer months (Jun - Sep). Winter (Dec – Mar) is a great choice too, especially during the Christmas season when the city is glittering with street markets... very festive, very quaint.

This guide doesn't aspire to advertise the city of Prague. Nor it is a photo tour of the city - Prague doesn't need any advertising. It is undoubtedly one on the most beautiful cities in the world and if you are reading this guide you have probably already decided to visit.

Points of Interest

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At the Horse ...

Our quest starts at the top of Wenceslas Square – a popular meeting point for the locals – named after ‘Saint Wenceslas’, represented by a statue of the Saint riding a horse. You often hear from the locals – “let’s meet below the tail". Behind the horse is the National Museum.

You will find in the square a cross laid into the pavement. This is memorial to Jan Palach, a Czech student who burnt himself to death in January 1969 in protest against the Soviet occupation of his country. The cross marks exact spot where Jan Palach fell.

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Wenceslas Square

"Vaclavak" in local slang, is not exactly a square, it is in fact a "Champs-Élysées" style wide, long and airy avenue.

It is a gathering spot like most squares for locals and tourist alike. The square is engulfed by a mix of modern and rustic buildings, specialty shops and restaurants.

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Mustek

Mustek is on the lower end of the Wenceslas square. Considered the center of the city this is another popular meeting point. It’s named after the excavation of a former Gothic fortification gate, now seen in the underground subway station.

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Ceska Sporitelna building

Ceska Sporitelna is one of the biggest Bank buildings in Czech. The main building at Rytířská street #29 has beautiful interiors, a must see during the Bank’s working hours. Don't be shy, just walk in and go up to the 2nd floor.

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Estate Theater

"Stavovske Divadlo" (Estate Theater) is a beautiful illustration of Prague’s proudly preserved history. This theatre premiered the famous Opera, Don Giovanni, conducted by none other than W.A.Mozart himself in 1787. Do you feel his presence as you walk through the theater. How about after a glance at the scary statue of the ghost of Don Giovanni to the left of the theater entrance?

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The House of the Black Madonna

If you are a fan of ‘Cubist’ architecture, house "U Černé Matky Boží" is a treat for your eye! Inside visit the The Grand Cafe Orient and The Museum of Cubism.

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Powder Tower

Powder Tower (Prašná brána) was one of the several entrances to the city in 15th century. Origins of its name date back to the 17th century when the tower was used to store gun powder. The Powder Tower is also where so called "Royal Way" starts - this artery runs through the city and was used for parade by almost all the Bohemian kings upon coronation.

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Municipal House

Municipal House (Obecni Dum) is an embodiment of Art Nouveau. One of my friends rightly referred to it as - a living museum. The Municipal House was decorated by noteworthy Czech painters and sculptors, among many was Alfons Mucha. In the heart of the Municipal House is one of the largest concert halls in the city, the Smetana. Getting tickets for a performance at the Smetana Hall is a great way to wind down your day.

As you head out of the Municipal House, look across at the Palac u Hybernu (At the Hybernians’ Palace), a former Benedictine church now a theater.

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Ungelt

Ungelt or is a quaint 12th century courtyard near Old Town Square surrounded by rustic buildings. Sip on a steaming pick me up – an espresso or a cappuccino from one of the many garden restaurants there, relax and savor the surroundings.

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Stone Bell House

The Stone Bell House in Old Town Square is a beautifully preserved Gothic building, one of the oldest buildings in Prague (dating back to 13th century).

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Old Town Square

This is the heart of Prague - a very popular spot for locals and tourists. The square is surrounded by many gorgeous buildings with the statue of Jan Hus. The square is also home to many over priced restaurants. However, it is worth it to get a beer or coffee and just people watch.

Find 27 white crosses on the pavement to mark the place where 27 Bohemian nobles where executed in the year 1621 after Czechs lost the pivotal battle to Austrian Hapsburgs. Climb up the Old Town Hall tower for panoramic views of the square and the whole city.

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Astronomical Clock

Prague's Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is simply a master piece. Why? For starters it is very old (build in 14th century) and it still works! It is in fact the oldest astronomical clock in the world still working.

There is so much to know about this ancient marvel, as it charts not only the time, but many other astronomical functions. You should definitely read about its operations and the legend behind its creation.

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Parizska Avenue (Paris Avenue)

The city's most prestigious avenue - a lot of beautiful buildings, very interesting to stroll through. Facades of buildings are richly decorated, while above, the eaves rise extravagant gables, attic windows, towers, and turrets.

Today, the area is lined with boutique stores and coffee shops. Check out the Black Light Theater shows at Image Theater at Parizska 4.

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Old-New Synagogue

This is the oldest synagogue in Europe (build around 1260), a beautiful Gothic structure. It’s rumored that a ‘Golem’ is hidden in the attic of this very building.

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Jewish Quarter

Jewish Quarter or ‘Josefov’ is one of the most important Jewish areas outside of Israel. Dating back to 13th century the quarter hosts several significant buildings like the Old-New Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue and many others. The best way to experience this ares is to slowly wander around the old streets and inhale the atmosphere.

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Tinny little door ...

I am not going to help you with a photo of this location, the challenge is to try to find this place yourself. Need a hint? Tiny little door with a cute little window to peek through into old Jewish cemetery. Nice place for a memorable photo.

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Palacky's Square

The square is lined with university buildings on both sides. Also in this square is the famous Rudolfinum – a Neo-Renaissance jewel that is now a concert hall, and home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. If you enjoy classical music, then add the Rudolfinum along with the "Smetana hall" of the Municipal house for a concert.

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Manesuv Bridge

Prague has many pretty bridges that run across the river Vltava. Manesuv Bridge is one of them. From the bridge you can get a great view of the city.

Just up stream from Manesuv Bridge is the landmark Charles Bridge.

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Can you fit there?

Look for an unexpected crevice… a very, very narrow gap between two buildings leading down to a pub and some spectacular views of the Charles Bridge and Vltava river. Again - no photo to help you here, try to find it yourself.

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Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is the icon of the city. It’s a beautiful stone structure from the 14th century. Highly recommended is an early morning visit to the bridge. Just before sunrise, the predawn light gives this place a very eerie feel, and it’s also a great way to beat the crowds!

Being conveniently located in the middle of the city, Charles Bridge is a common point of interest in this series of guides of Prague.

Pictures in this guide taken by: radims

How does this work?

Nice list, I think, The main attraction in Prague is Old town square where you find people taking walk, breaks, eating and taking pictures. the atmosphere there is very friendly and touristic. The best way to see the square is with the guided walking tour so that you could get to know it's history and culture. which is really very amusing.
http://www.europevoyage.net/top-5-things-to-do-in-prague.html

by sthomasrikhav on Oct 25, 2010

Great guide, very easy to follow. I liked this especially because it's written by a local, made my visit very unique.

by smchaganty on Jul 24, 2010