A Guide to Walking Around Prague
Prague is a city with many attractions, all of which are easily accessible on foot. Walking around Prague can be a great way to see explore the city. Do put on a good pair of walking shoes as most of the city is paved with cobble stones.
This guide starts from the majestic Wenceslas Square but you can easily start at any other point and loop around the trek. Allow a couple of hours to complete this walk, especially if you plan to stop for coffee or photos.
Prague Walking Tour
- Start at the north-western corner of Wenceslas Square (beside the Mustek metro stop). This square is a long open rectangular space which was the scene of the Velvet revolution and is the main centre of the city. In front of you, the National Museum towers over the open space which is lined with restaurants and shops.
Wenceslas Square is where the Prague Pentecost uprising started.
- Head north-west on Na Mustku street and turn right on to Rytirska. In front of you, you can see the pastel-coloured Don Giovanni theater which is where Mozart conducted the first showing of his Don Giovanni. To this day, you can still see this being performed here.
Tip: Cafe Cafe is right behind you and is an excellent place to have a drink and a slice of mouth-watering cheese cake after a busy day playing tourist.
- Continue heading north-west along Melantrichova street and navigate the narrow winding road which will lead you to the old Town Square. This is the centre of what was once the only town of Prague. There are many legends associated with the Old Town Square but take the time to admire the various types of architecture that jostle the skyline for your attention.
The Church of our Lady of Tyn dominates the view on your right while the medieval clock tower, the council offices and the Italianate buildings on your left will leave you just as breathless.
Tip: If you want to see the dancing statues around the astronomical clock, you will have to fight the crowds who gather there on the hour. I suggest you walk into Cafe Mozart and find a table by the window of the first floor. You will now be eye-level with the clock and can enjoy divine chocolate cake while you’re at it.
- With the Church of Tyn behind you, stroll through Male Namesti into Karlova lane. This winding pedestrian lane is a little disjointed, so when you reach Hosova street, cross it and continue along Karlova.
Tip: You’re surrounded by numerous shops selling knickknacks and souvenirs. While most are tourist traps, I do recommend Manufaktura for their hand-made toys and alcohol-based shower gels.
- At the end of Karlova, cross the tram lines on Krizovnicka and saunter on to the Charles Bridge. This was built to unite the two sides of the Vltava river and was the first bridge that survived the harsh Bohemian winters.
I wrote about how the bridge was built according to superstition.
- Take your time strolling across the bridge and enjoy the views along the river. You can’t miss the castle complex which dominates the skyline but don’t forget to look back to catch a glimpse of the tower guarding the entrance to the Old Town.
Tip: On your left, Kampa island provides many restaurants and hidden nooks and crannies. Make a mental note to come back and visit some time.
- On the other river bank, you’re now in the Mala Strana district. Right ahead of you, the shiny-white church of St Nicholas is clearly visible. It is worth a visit if you’re into Baroque architecture.
The spy masters amongst you will be thrilled to know that the belfries of this church were sealed up during the Soviet occupation and used as covert listening posts by the KGB. This is because the district has always housed the main embassies and ambassadors’ residences and they wanted to intercept any transmissions to the West.
- Turn right along Malostranske Namesti and follow the tram line along the narrow road called Letenska. The buildings you pass here are government buildings or offices but that does not diminish their architectural value, as you can see.
If you’re in this square at night you might hear or see a ghostly apparition!
- Turn right on to Manesuv Most Bridge. This will give you a view of the Charles Bridge, the castle and the Rudolfinum concert hall across the river.
The bridges are an excellent set of stepping stones you can use for a walk through Prague’s districts, with my handy walking guide.
- Cross the busy interchange and walk along Kaprova towards the Old Town Square again. You’ve approached it from the north-west corner this time, so cut across it diagonally and follow the tourists along Celetna towards the Powder Tower.
The Powder Tower is linked to the secrets of alchemy.
- Turn right on to the pedestrianised shopping area of Na Prikope and head back to your starting point.
This street runs around the Old Town walls of Prague.
There is more to Prague of course but certain things – like the castle – merit a whole day for themselves.
Leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed this walking tour of the city!