With its iconic Gothic and Baroque architecture, its cobbled streets, majestic bridges, and mysterious atmosphere, Prague is one of those destinations that leaves a special mark on every tourist’s heart. But there is something more — something that tour guides often fail to convey: Prague has the strange feeling of being unreal. This city often seems as though it was designed by someone who mixed medieval architecture with the atmosphere of a dark dream that has remained intact for centuries.
And in its own unique way, it has been preserved that way.
THE CITY THAT SURVIVED THROUGH IT ALL
The charms of Prague will captivate you. Photo: Pixabay
Prague miraculously survived both World Wars while remaining relatively intact in comparison with Warsaw and Dresden. While other European capitals were destroyed and fully rebuilt, Prague remained almost the same. Thanks to this miracle, the Old Town of Prague was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can now be explored and enjoyed by visitors from all around the world.
Because of this, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through its alleys while admiring the same charming appearance this city had 600 years ago. Every stone, every wall, and every tower holds a story and a memory.
Every cobbled street, every tower peak, every colorful building, and the iconic sinister bridges will immerse you in the Gothic and medieval atmosphere that gives this city its unique charm.
THE MOST VISITED SPOTS IN PRAGUE
Crossing the Charles Bridge during sunset while the fog still floats over the Vltava River, accompanied by the 30 Baroque statues, is a movie-like experience you will never forget. This bridge was built during the reign of Charles IV in 1357 and was completed in 1402. Its 516 meters connect Malá Strana with the Old Town. Visiting this bridge before sunrise will truly make the difference between simply visiting Prague and fully experiencing the essence of the destination.
Prague Castle protects the city from above, just as it has done for centuries. Considered the largest ancient castle in the world, with more than 70,000 m² of surface area, this castle has served as the home of the Kings of Bohemia, emperors, and presidents throughout different centuries. Inside the castle, you’ll find the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), a row of colorful houses where alchemists, goldsmiths, and royal guards once lived. Nowadays, it remains one of the most photographed and charming places in Europe.
The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock have been functioning since 1410, making it the oldest clock of its kind in Europe and attracting large crowds throughout the year.
Malá Strana, the neighborhood right beneath the castle, is probably the most genuine soul of the city, as it is home to palaces and houses that have remained untouched for centuries. Its hidden gardens, interior patios, and the beautiful Church of Saint Nicholas have turned this neighborhood into one of the most famous and visited areas of the city.
THE HIDDEN GEMS OF PRAGUE
Although the classic sites of this destination are beautiful, Prague also has some hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The Clementinum Library is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world. Its main hall seems to have been taken directly out of a fantasy novel. Visits to the library are limited, and reservations must be made ahead of time.
The Vrtba Gardens (Vrtbovská zahrada) are iconic Baroque gardens where you can enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the city. Even though these gardens are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most tourists never visit them.
Kampa Island, located in the middle of the Vltava River and separated from Malá Strana by the small Devil’s Stream canal, has a completely different energy from the rest of the city. It is calmer, more intimate, and filled with art galleries, modern art, and the mythical John Lennon Wall, covered with graffiti and messages since the 1980s.
Letná Park is the alternative viewpoint preferred by locals. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city that no postcard has ever fully captured. Make sure to visit the famous outdoor beer garden and enjoy another incredible perspective of Prague.
THE DARK SIDE OF PRAGUE: WHAT LIES UNDER THE SURFACE
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Prague would not be Prague without its mysterious atmosphere. Writer and alchemy specialist Martín Stejskal has documented some of the city’s most unusual and secret places in a guide that suggests tours through its most mysterious areas. The alchemists who worked for Emperor Rudolf II in the 16th century turned Prague into a European center of occultism and hidden science, and although centuries have passed, that energy never truly left the city.
Only an hour away from Prague, in Kutná Hora, you’ll find one of the most disturbing and fascinating places on the continent: the Sedlec Ossuary. This small Gothic chapel stores the bones of approximately 40,000 people, artistically arranged into garlands, skull pyramids, a monumental chandelier, and a heraldic coat of arms — all crafted from real human remains. The story behind this chapel is just as shocking as what you will see there: during the Black Plague in the 14th century, as well as during the Crusades, thousands of bodies were buried in the cemetery, which was later transformed over time into this unique structure.
If you want to take mystery to the limit, the Church of St. George in Luková is a small medieval chapel that appears abandoned. In 2012, artist Jakub Hadrava intervened in the chapel by installing 20 ghost-like statues that resemble figures covered in veils, symbolizing those who still keep faith during difficult times. The result is both impactful and chilling.
If you enjoy stories filled with mystery, these destinations are for you.
PRAGUE IS ALSO THIS
Prague is not only history and mystery; it is also extraordinary beer served in taverns that have been open for more than 500 years, and prices that will make any tourist accustomed to expensive European destinations cry with joy. It is the sound of jazz in underground basements, opera in Baroque palaces, and hidden bars that open at midnight behind unmarked doors. Prague is a city that seems designed for unforgettable experiences, both day and night.
It is also a very accessible destination. With a much more reasonable budget than cities like Paris or London, and a historic downtown that can easily be explored on foot, Prague offers an incredible cultural experience that combines architecture, history, and entertainment all in one city.
PRAGUE WITH ROYAL HOLIDAY: PLANNING AHEAD CAN MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE BETTER
As a Royal Holiday member, you can use your membership to stay in Prague. And with the advantages of Royal Travel, you can plan your flights, transportation, and hotel stays with the support and security of your membership.
Your travel advisor will be happy to guide you through the different accommodation options available, as well as help you combine Prague with other European cities.
Prague is one of those cities that cannot be improvised. It is a destination you plan ahead of time, and that still manages to surprise you at every corner.
Discover more incredible destinations on our blog, and contact your travel advisor to make your trip to Prague the experience you’ve always dreamed of.