I visited Prague 4 years ago and apart from the stunning architecture and the stone paved streets, I remember buying a cup from their “Eiffel Tower” replica which has written “Prague, the city good for walking” and pictures an old man with a dog. After four days of exploring the city, I understood why.

Located in central Bohemia, on the Vltava River, Prague has been the political, cultural, and economic pole of the Czech Republic for over 1,100 years and is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Known as the “city of a hundred spires” or “the golden city”, it should be on everyone’s travel places list no matter if you’re from Europe or the United States.

Here are some of the most stunning places (call it a mini-guide if you like) that you shouldn’t miss while in Prague.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge

Probably the most emblematic building of the city, Charles Bridge is the main pedestrian route which connects the Old Town with Mala Strana up to the Castle. Ornamented on the sides are nothing less than 75 statues (most of them copies), this is a very crowded place during the day with lots of musicians and souvenir sellers lining up from the Old Town Bridge Tower (from the Old Town) to the Lesser Town Bridge Tower (Mala Strana side).

Charles Bridge at Sunrise

Charles Bridge at Night

If you want to be charmed by a romantic feeling while crossing or staring at Charles Bridge, I advise you to get there either late at night when the lights put up a great show, or maybe early in the morning when the sun rises.

Prague Castle (the Hrad)

Prague Castle, at Night

Ruling above the city, the Prague Castle (or Prague Hrad) is (according to Guinness Book of Records) the biggest ancient castle in the world. Representing virtually every architectural style of the last millennium the castle is impressive by housing a few palaces, an enormous cathedral, two museums, several defense towers, a monastery and a few gallery halls.

Prague Castle Entrance

Castle Square

St Vitus Cathedral

Two massive battling titans and two guards are “watching over” the entrance, but you’ll get in easily. Don’t miss the gothic St Vitus Cathedral, the romanesque Basilica of St. George, the Franz Kafka and the Toy Museum. There’s also a place where lots of people stop by to take a panoramic picture of Prague. It’s the perfect place to see the stunning bridges over the Vltava River and the amazing royal gardens.

The Old Town (Stare mesto)

Old Town Square

Prague’s historic center, the Old Town is where most of the historical buildings are, and I’m talking about the Astronomical Clock (Orloj), the pure Gothic Church of Our Lady of Tyn, the Powder Gate, the Baroque Church of St James, and the Old Town Hall.

The Astronomical Clock

The Church of our Lady Before Tyn

Carriage in Prague’s Old Town

Take your time in the Old Town Square and walk on the stone paved streets explore every little corner, grab a bite in one of those fancy and intimate Czech styled restaurants, buy souvenirs from the many boutique stores in the area or go for a ride on a beautiful carriage.

Wenceslau Square

Wenceslau Square (Seen from the National Museum)

The main boulevard in Prague, Wenceslau Square is a vibrant centre for tourists and business all together. Now filled with hotels, restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops, it played a very important role in the city’s history starting from the medieval horse market to recent events like the 1989 revolution when Czech students gathered to protest against the communist regime.

Prague National Museum

Grand Hotel Europa

This is where you’ll get to see the oldest museum in Bohemia, the National Museum, an imposing building overlooking the whole square. Also not to miss is the facade of the Grand Hotel Europa which was built in 1906, the classic tram cafe or the Melantrich building where the former leader of the country, Václav Havel talked to the gathered crowds during the Velvet Revolution.

But there are more fascinating/stunning/amazing places for you to see in Prague. How about these?

Fred & Ginger - The Dancing House

The Jewish Cemetery

The National Theater

Prague’s Eiffel Tower

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