The Royal Route: Old Town to Castle

This historic path served as the coronation route for Czech kings. Start your walk at the Powder Tower in Old Town. Walk down Celetná Street toward the main square. The architecture here ranges from Gothic to Baroque styles.

Old Town Square remains the heart of the city. Watch the Astronomical Clock strike the hour. Admire the spires of Týn Church across the plaza. Continue through the winding streets toward the river.

The Charles Bridge offers stunning views of the castle above. Cross early in the morning to avoid large crowds. Artists and musicians line the bridge by mid-day. Stop to touch the statue of St. John of Nepomuk for luck.

The final ascent leads you to the castle district. The walk up Nerudova Street is steep but picturesque. You can follow our specific Charles Bridge to Castle route easily. Enter the castle grounds to see St. Vitus Cathedral.

Entry to the castle courtyards is free. You only pay for building interiors. This area can take two to three hours to explore. Check the Prague Castle website for closure updates.

Jewish Quarter History Walk

Walk north from Old Town Square to reach Josefov. This district holds deep historical significance. It survived centuries of turmoil and rebuilding. Today, it is an upscale area with luxury shops.

Visit the Old-New Synagogue first. It is one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe. Tickets are required for entry to most sites here. The Jewish Museum manages several synagogues and the cemetery.

The Old Jewish Cemetery is a poignant stop. Thousands of tombstones are layered upon one another. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful. You can find a detailed map of the Jewish Quarter online.

This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage zone. Allow about two hours for this section. The Spanish Synagogue nearby offers stunning Moorish interior design. It is a masterpiece of detail.

Mala Strana and Hidden Gardens

Cross the river to Lesser Town, or Mala Strana. This neighborhood feels like a village within the city. The pace here is slower than in Old Town. Baroque palaces line the narrow streets.

Look for the entrance to Wallenstein Garden. This free park features peacocks and geometric hedges. It is open from April to October. The Senate building creates a grand backdrop.

Wander toward Kampa Island under Charles Bridge. You will find the jagged John Lennon Wall nearby. It is a colorful symbol of peace and art. Discover more secrets with our Mala Strana hidden gems guide.

Stop for coffee in a local café. Many spots here offer views of the canal. This area is perfect for photographers. The light in the afternoon is particularly beautiful.

Petrin Hill Nature and Views

Escape the city noise by heading up Petrin Hill. You can walk up or take the funicular railway. The walking paths wind through lush fruit orchards. It is a great workout with rewarding scenery.

At the top stands the Petrin Lookout Tower. It resembles a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower. Climb the 299 steps for the best view in Prague. On clear days, you can see nearly all of Bohemia.

Visit the Mirror Maze for a fun diversion. It is located right next to the tower. The landscaped rose gardens are lovely in summer. Use our Petrin Hill walking route for the best trails.

This area is popular with locals on weekends. Bring water if you choose to hike up. The descent back to the river is gentle. You will end up near the Kinský Garden.

Vysehrad Fortress Alternative Route

Vysehrad is often overlooked by first-time visitors. It sits on a rocky bluff south of the center. Legend says this was the first seat of Czech princes. The views of the Vltava River are spectacular.

Walk along the ancient fortress walls. You can see all the bridges lining up down the river. The neo-Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul dominates the skyline. Its twin spires are visible from miles away.

The adjacent cemetery is the final resting place of famous Czechs. Writers, composers, and artists are buried here. It is a peaceful place for reflection. Learn more with our Vysehrad self-guided walk.

There are several cafes within the fortress walls. Enjoy a beer or lemonade with a view. Entry to the complex grounds is free. It offers a perfect break from tour groups.

Vltava River and Architecture Walk

Follow the riverbank from the National Theatre southwards. This promenade is called the Masaryk Embankment. You will pass beautiful Art Nouveau apartment buildings. The facades feature intricate floral and figure details.

The Dancing House waits further down the river. This modern building contrasts sharply with the historic surroundings. It was designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić. It represents a pair of dancers, Fred and Ginger.

Continue to the Naplavka riverbank area. This stretch comes alive in the evenings. Farmers markets are held here on Saturday mornings. Follow our river embankment walking route for details.

Locals sit by the water to feed swans. Floating bars and galleries open in warmer months. It is a genuine slice of Prague life. The walk ends near the Vysehrad railway bridge.