Prague's Golden Age of Architecture

Prague flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Local architects embraced the Secession style. This movement focused on organic forms and decorative arts. You will see this in the intricate ironwork and mosaics. Many buildings were designed to be modern and functional. They often housed theaters, cafes, and grand hotels.

The city center is compact and easy to explore. You can see many sites on a Prague Art Nouveau architecture walk. Most landmarks are within walking distance of each other. This makes it simple to plan your route. Look up often to see the gold leaf details. The facades tell stories of Czech history and mythology.

10 Famous Art Nouveau Buildings Prague City Center

Here are the top picks for your architecture tour. These sites offer a mix of public and private spaces. Some are free to view from the street. Others offer guided tours of their interiors.

• Best Overall: Municipal House
• Best for Families: Lucerna Palace
• Best Free Site: Main Railway Station
• Best for Art Lovers: Mucha Museum

1. Name: Municipal House (Obecní dům) Type: Iconic sight Why go: It is the masterpiece of Czech Art Nouveau. The interior features murals by Alphonse Mucha. Best for: History buffs and music lovers. Where: Náměstí Republiky, Old Town. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Entrance fee for tours; cafe is free to enter. Getting there: Metro Line B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: Book a guided tour to see the Mayor's Hall.
2. Name: Jubilee Synagogue Type: Religious sight Why go: This building mixes Moorish Revival with Art Nouveau. It is famous for its bright colors and patterns. Best for: Photographers. Where: Jeruzalémská Street, New Town. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entrance fee for the interior. Getting there: Short walk from the Main Railway Station. Tip: Check the Municipal House to Jubilee Synagogue walk for directions.
3. Name: Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží) Type: Viewpoint/Sight Why go: The old entrance hall features a stunning dome. It is often overlooked by busy commuters. Best for: Quick stops and rainy days. Where: Wilsonova Street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line C to Hlavní nádraží. Tip: Visit the Fantova Kavárna cafe inside the old hall.
4. Name: Mucha Museum Type: Museum Why go: It focuses on the life of Alphonse Mucha. He was the world's most famous Art Nouveau artist. Best for: Art fans. Where: Panská Street, New Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Admission fee required. Getting there: Walk from Wenceslas Square. Tip: Follow the Mucha Museum walking directions to find it easily.
5. Name: Lucerna Palace Type: Unique local experience Why go: This passage contains a cinema and a famous upside-down horse statue. It is a hub for local culture. Best for: Exploring hidden passages. Where: Vodičkova Street, near Wenceslas Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk through. Getting there: Metro Line A or B to Můstek. Tip: Visit the rooftop during summer months for great views.
6. Name: Grand Hotel Europa Type: Historic landmark Why go: Its facade is one of the most photographed in Prague. It represents the glamour of the early 1900s. Best for: Exterior photography. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior only). Getting there: Walk from Můstek or Muzeum stations. Tip: Look for the golden sculptures on the roofline.
7. Name: Hotel Paris Prague Type: Luxury sight Why go: The building looks like a neo-Gothic castle with Art Nouveau details. The interior is incredibly well-preserved. Best for: Fine dining fans. Where: Near the Powder Tower. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view facade; menu prices vary. Getting there: Walk from Náměstí Republiky. Tip: Try the traditional Czech desserts in the hotel restaurant.
8. Name: Topic House (Topičův dům) Type: Neighborhood landmark Why go: It features beautiful ironwork and large glass windows. It was once a famous publishing house. Best for: Architecture students. Where: Národní Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Tram to Národní divadlo. Tip: Notice the "Topic" lettering integrated into the design.
9. Name: Peterka House Type: Architectural detail Why go: This was Jan Kotěra's first Art Nouveau design. It shows a transition to a more modern style. Best for: Seeing early design shifts. Where: Wenceslas Square. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (exterior). Getting there: Near the Můstek metro exit. Tip: Look at the delicate stucco work on the upper floors.
10. Name: Koruna Palace Type: Experience/Shopping Why go: The golden crown on top of the building is iconic. The interior passage is bright and airy. Best for: Shopping with a view. Where: Corner of Wenceslas Square and Na Příkopě. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Můstek. Tip: Visit the basement for unique local shops.

Planning Your Architecture Walk

The best way to see these sites is on foot. Most famous Art Nouveau buildings Prague city center are close together. Start your morning at the Municipal House. This area is less crowded early in the day. You can find more tips on the official Prague tourism portal. Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobblestone.

Consider the light when taking photos. Many facades face east or west. Afternoon sun highlights the gold leaf on Wenceslas Square. You should also check opening hours for interiors. Some buildings are only open for tours. Public spaces like the railway station are open all day. This makes planning very flexible for any schedule.