Exploring Prague on Foot

Prague has been a favorite of mine since I first visited it in 2013 and was one of the first countries to be added to my Gap Year. Located in Central Europe, Prague is a perfect stop on a tour of Europe and will inspire you to travel there again and again. When I first visited, I was able to see all of the most important landmarks in a quick 24 hours speed tour which is doable, however, I recommend giving yourself at least 2 or more days in order to experience the city to its fullest. We had 3 days to explore Prague this visit and I believe it was the perfect amount of time to discover this amazing city.

A friend was kind enough to let us stay at his apartment during our visit as he was going to be out of town, which was extremely helpful as it cut down our accommodation costs!! The apartment was also located near to a trolley station which was useful for getting to the city center. Since Prague is considered a walking city, once you arrive at the city center all of the main attractions are situated a roughly 5-10 minute walk away from each other even though the city is located on two sides of a river.

The City of a Hundred Spires

As with many European towns, Prague has been influenced by numerous art styles throughout history and its buildings display techniques from medieval to art nouveau. However, despite this contrasting designs, the city has a very common theme; Spires. Prague Castle, Government Buildings, and Cathedrals all share this spire trend!

I think it would be a fun idea for families with children to go on a small scavenger hunt for all the spires located in Prague. Let me know if you find all 100!

Medieval Astronomical Clock

This Clock is a well-known landmark of Prague and a must see show as well. Built in 1410, this is the oldest operational clock! With an intricate design and amazing detail, this clock is an amazing technical feat. The background is supposed to represent earth and the view of the sky from Prague, as well as the horizon and the sun. These parts move depending on if it is night or day.

Although the clock displays the standard 24 hour clock set at local time it also shows the location of the sun called the Zodiacal Ring. Finally the clock as animated figures that represent “sins” such as Vanity, Greed, Death, and Lust. These figures plus the Twelve Apostles (from Catholicism) move on the hour.

Show: Every hour

Powder Tower

Built in 1475, the Powder Tower is one of the original medieval tower gates of the old Prague and separates the Old Town from the New Town. The tower was also used in the coronations of old medieval kings on the way to St. Vitus Cathedral.

The tower as a rich history since it was originally intended as a coronation gift and has been used in many of the ceremonies surrounding the old kings of Bohemia. However, this was not its only use and in the 17th century during the Battle of Prague it was used to store gunpowder and its name was changed to Powder Tower.

The Municipal House

A civic building that holds the celebrated concert venue, Smetana Hall; Municipal House is located in the center of the city. The location was the original site of the Royal Court of Bohemia before being abandoned in the 15th century, and is also the location of the Czechoslovakia Decleration of Independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The building was constructed in the Art Nouveau style and has a prominent mosaic depicting a Homage to Prague by Karel Spillar. Another noticeable feature is the glass dome situated on the roof of the building.

Prague Castle

What European city is not complete without a castle, and Prague does not disappoint. Historians believe that the castle was built around 880. A little fun fact about the castle is that Guinness Book of Records states that it is the largest ancient castle in the world!

I would recommend a full day exploring the castle complex since there is so much to see, including St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus’s Cathedral, and Golden Lane (scroll down for more information on Golden Lane).

A must see is the South Tower which allows visitors to see a 360° view of Prague. Be warned, however, you will have to climb 287 steps for this amazing view!

Hours: 6:00am – 10pm

Prices: 350CZK – 200CZK

Golden Lane

As with many locations in Prague, Golden Lane has had several transformations. Starting off as housing for the Bohemian kings guards, the lane was named during the 17th century due to the number of goldsmiths that lived and worked there. The most famous of residents was the writer Franz Kafka known for his novel The Metamorphosis (or “Die Verwandlung”).

Today, the houses that line one side of the lane are painted in bright colors and contain a mixture of tourist shops and museums.

Hours: Summer: 9:00am – 4:00pm Winter: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Prices: 350CZK – 200CZK

Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is a display of perseverance. Created as a protest against the communist rule of 1980s, this wall is continuously added to each year with symbols and graffiti.

The wall also borders a small garden that is gorgeous in the fall weather.