Top 10 Best Viewpoints in Hradcany District

Exploring Hradcany requires a bit of climbing, but the rewards are worth it. Most of these locations are within walking distance of each other. You can see many of them while walking around Prague Castle without tickets. Here are the top spots to visit for the best views.

• Best overall: Hradčanské Náměstí
• Best for heights: St. Vitus Cathedral Tower
• Best for families: South Gardens
• Best free spot: Strahov Monastery Viewpoint

1. Name: Hradčanské Náměstí Type: Iconic sight Why go: This grand square offers a massive panorama of the city. You can see all the way to the Old Town. Best for: Sunset photos and grand architecture. Where: Right outside the main entrance to Prague Castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to the Pražský hrad stop. Tip: Look for the statue of T.G. Masaryk for the best photo angle.
2. Name: Great South Tower of St. Vitus Type: Viewpoint/Indoor Why go: This is the highest point in the district. It provides a 360-degree view of the entire city. Best for: Bird's-eye views of the castle complex. Where: Located inside the third courtyard of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid ticket required. Getting there: Walk to the center of the castle complex. Tip: There are nearly 300 stairs and no elevator, so wear good shoes.
3. Name: The South Gardens (Ramparts) Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: These gardens run along the castle walls. They offer a unique perspective of the Malá Strana district below. Best for: A relaxing walk away from the main crowds. Where: The southern edge of the castle hill. Time: 30-40 minutes. Cost: Free (seasonal opening). Getting there: Enter through the Bull Staircase or the Opyš gate. Tip: These gardens are usually closed during the winter months.
4. Name: Strahov Monastery Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: This spot offers the classic "postcard" view of Prague. You can see the castle and the city together. Best for: Landscape photography. Where: Near the entrance to the Strahov Monastery gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the castle or take Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Visit the official city tourism portal for local event updates.
5. Name: Nový Svět (New World) Type: Neighborhood/Experience Why go: This is the most romantic street in Prague. It offers quaint, low-angle views of historic houses. Best for: Couples and those seeking peace. Where: A short walk from the Loreto shrine. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the Novy Svet romantic walking route. Tip: There is a small cafe here with a hidden garden terrace.
6. Name: St. Wenceslas Vineyard Type: Unique local experience Why go: It is one of the oldest vineyards in Bohemia. You can sip wine while looking over the city. Best for: A relaxing afternoon break. Where: On the eastern slope of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free entry; pay for drinks. Getting there: Walk down from the Black Tower towards Malostranská. Tip: Richter’s Villa is located here and offers great outdoor seating.
7. Name: The Black Tower (East Gate) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This gate offers a steep view down the Old Castle Stairs. It is a great spot to see the Vltava bridges. Best for: Action shots of the city below. Where: The eastern exit of Prague Castle. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle to the far eastern end. Tip: This is a great spot to end your castle visit.
8. Name: Schwarzenberg Palace Courtyard Type: Museum/Sight Why go: The palace has amazing sgraffito decorations. The courtyard offers framed views of the square. Best for: Art lovers and architecture fans. Where: Hradčanské Náměstí. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free courtyard access; paid museum. Getting there: Directly on the main castle square. Tip: Check the official Prague Castle website for palace opening times.
9. Name: Loreto Square (Loretánské náměstí) Type: Neighborhood/Sight Why go: This square is surrounded by massive palaces. It offers a sense of the district's grand scale. Best for: Seeing the Černín Palace and Loreto bells. Where: West of the main castle entrance. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A five-minute walk from Hradčanské Náměstí. Tip: Listen for the Loreto carillon bells which play every hour.
10. Name: Lobkowicz Palace Terrace Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This private palace has a balcony with an incredible view. It is often less crowded than public spots. Best for: A luxury experience with a view. Where: Inside the Prague Castle complex near the East Gate. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Access usually requires a museum or cafe purchase. Getting there: Follow signs for Lobkowicz Palace inside the castle. Tip: The cafe terrace is open to museum visitors and is very peaceful.

Planning Your Hradcany District Walking Itinerary

To see all these spots, you need a plan. Most visitors start at the top of the hill. You can take Tram 22 to the Pohořelec stop. From there, you can walk downhill through the district. This route is much easier on your legs.

A good historic walk in Prague should include the castle. However, do not forget the side streets. Areas like Nový Svět are often missed by large tour groups. These quiet corners offer the best atmosphere.

Early morning is the best time to visit. The light is soft for photos. Also, the crowds are much smaller before 10:00 AM. Many of the best viewpoints in Hradcany district are outdoors. This means you can enjoy them even before the museums open.

The district is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please respect the historic monuments during your visit. Stay on the marked paths in the gardens. This helps preserve the beauty for future travelers.