Being the largest city and capital of the Czech Republic, there are over 1.3 million residents in Prague, and millions more visit every year. From the Prague Castle to the Charles Bridge, there are many attractions for everyone. There are over a dozen museums to visit as well as palaces, parks, and bridges.
Whether you are in town for business or pleasure, it is good to get out and see some of these places during your trip. Especially if you may never get back there again. Leave your bags at a luggage storage facility first because you cannot bring them into many of these places.
Museums
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Prague City Museum
With 14 buildings featuring exhibits, the Prague City Museum is the largest in Europe. Some of these buildings include the main building, the Architectural Triangle, and the Prague Towers. The main building features over 600,000 archaeological items dating back to the stone age and other historical pieces.
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Jewish Museum in Prague
With over 140,000 items including the largest collection of Judaica in the world, the Jewish Museum takes you back over 100 years’ time. Founded by Dr. Hugo Lieben in 1906, you can also see textiles, medals, tapestries, photos, and rare books. The museum also includes five synagogues, a cemetery, and a gallery.
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National Museum
The National Museum includes buildings for nature, music, other cultures, and several memorials. The main building was founded in 1818 and has over 14 million items. Medieval items may include weapons, paintings, and jewels and you can see artifacts from over 1,000 years ago in the prehistory section.
Castles and Palaces
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Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records with 750,000 square feet. It is the most visited attraction in Prague too, with almost 2 million visitors a year. Founded in 880, it includes the Přemyslid fort, a Medieval castle, four towers, seven gardens, and more.
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Lobkowicz Palace
This palace has a museum with famous art from Velázquez, Canaletto, and Bruegel, ceramics from over five centuries, and an amazing collection of armor. They even have the largest private library in Europe with 9th-century books, manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart, and 15th-century woodcuts.
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Okoř Castle
It may not be the oldest or the largest, but Okoř Castle is still pretty awesome. Built from a 1228 fort, the Gothic castle was founded in 1359. However, it was remodeled into a Baroque style in the 1400s and a Renaissance style in 1518. It is the perfect spot for amazing pics and selfies.
Religious Buildings
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St. Nicolas Church
Built in the 1100s, with the crystal chandeliers and vaulted dome ceiling, St. Nicolas Church is one of the most stunning churches in Prague. The church is still in use for mass every Sunday, but you can visit any time you like. The Baroque architecture and organ played by Mozart himself in 1787 are popular features.
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Basilica of St. James
One of the most interesting features in the Basilica of St. James is the mummified hand hanging from a chain, cut from a thief stealing from the statue of the Virgin Mary. Other amazing sights include the Gothic statue of Pieta from 1500, an organ from 1705, and stucco reliefs by Ottavio Most.
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Strahov Monastery
Founded by Prince Vladislav II in 1140, the Strahov Monastery is a huge building behind Petrin Hill and the Prague Castle. The library holds a variety of treasures like medieval manuscripts and over 16,000 books. And the gallery has a collection of paintings and sculptures from Jan Kryštof Liška and others.
Parks
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Stromovka Park
If you just want to hang out in the park, this one was built in 1268 and open to the public in 1804. The tree-filled green space is an oasis of relaxation with 250 acres to explore. Take a hike on one of the paths, stroll along the piers, or just sit back and enjoy the view of people enjoying themselves.
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Prague Zoo
For those who love animals, you must stop in at the Prague Zoo. They have over 5,000 animals in 676 species. Over 130 of the species are on the endangered list. Some of the most popular spots include the Hippo House, Elephant Valley, Lemur Island, the plains, and the African Savannah.
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Sea World
For a more aquatic look at wildlife, go to Sea World Prague. They boast the largest display of marine life in the Czech Republic, including a 26-thousand-gallon saltwater tank with sharks and corals. Another tank features over 200 types of sea creatures and fish. Be sure to stop at the gift shop for souvenirs.
Other Important Places
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Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock
Old Town Hall was built in 1338 and the clock was placed in 1410, making it the oldest astronomical clock in the world that still works. The square is full of statues, memorials, and buildings like the art museum, the National Gallery, and Kinský Palace. Don’t miss the guided tour!
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Charles Bridge
If you have never seen a medieval bridge, don’t miss the Charles Bridge. Crossing the Vltava River, the bridge is almost 1,700 feet long and 31 feet wide. Built in the 14th century, it was an important connection from Old Town to Prague Castle. It is lined with 30 statues of saints, including St. Luthgard.
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Municipal House
If for no other reason, you should at least visit the Municipal House for their museum-like eateries. But you should also see all the other beauty here including the wall paintings, a giant brass clock at the arc, and stained-glass windows. In the basement, they have a wine bar, an American bar, and Pilsen Pub.
Be sure to try some of the traditional Czech cuisines while you are in Prague. Some of the basics include schnitzel, goulash, and deep-fried cheese they call smažený sýr. But don’t miss the Trdelnik, or Chimney Cake, which is a hollow buttery dough filled with chocolate, fruit, or other yummy fillings.
Sources
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/prague/attractions
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/czech-republic/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-prague/
https://www.pragueexperience.com/sightseeing/sights-attractions.asp
https://www.britannica.com/place/Prague
https://www.gettingstamped.com/things-to-do-in-prague/
https://www.justapack.com/top-ten-things-to-do-in-prague/
https://travel.usnews.com/Prague_Czech_Republic/Things_To_Do/
https://www.thecrazytourist.com/top-25-things-to-do-in-prague/
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-prague/
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/prague-cz-pr-p.htm
