Prague is undeniably beautiful — so much so that finding the best view of the city can often feel overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the city’s most breathtaking overlooks. From parks to towers, fortresses, castles, and abbeys, here are the top vistas across the Czech capital.
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Havlickovy Gardens
Havlickovy Sady, Prague’s second-largest park, is home to a neo-renaissance villa that happens to feature one of the best views of the city. Complete with a charming gazebo, sweeping vineyards, and the Grébovka Pavilion garden café, the villa and its surrounding area are noted as Prague’s best piece of Italian Renaissance. Enjoy the view, and a glass of wine while you’re at it. Havlickovy Gardens is just a five-minute walk from the Jana Masaryka tram stop.
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Kotva Department Store
This notably drab-looking department store, located across from the Palladium mall at Náměstí Republiky, is actually known for its surprisingly striking view of Old Town. Instead of entering through the building’s main entrance, walk along the left edge of the store until you reach an elevator. Head up to the fifth floor, grab a beer, and enjoy!
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Letná Park
This park is filled with plenty of attractions, but the top of the Prague Metronome offers a particularly fantastic view of Prague’s bridges and ever-popular Letná Beer Garden. If you’re still looking for another glimpse of the Vltava riverhead, head to the park’s Hanavsky Pavilion. Located just a few minutes from Prague Castle, Letná Park is a favorite among locals and travels alike.
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Náplavka Riverbank
Hailed as Prague’s “hippest hangout,” Naplavka is a stretch of pavement next to the banks of the Vltava River between Palacký Bridge and the Vytoň tram stop. Bordered by boats and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, this boardwalk-style area offers a gorgeous sunset view of Prague Castle in the evenings. Once darkness settles over the city, you’ll be able to watch the riverbank come alive before your eyes!
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Old Town Bridge (Charles Bridge) Tower
This stunning view of Prague is often missed because the entrance to the gothic monument is relatively hidden. That said, if you climb the 138 steps to the top of the tower, you’ll find one of the best views of Charles Bridge, the Vltava River, Prague Castle, Old Town, and the far side of the city. Trust us — it’s worth it! And since it’s somewhat hidden, the tower is hardly ever crowded.
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Old Town Hall Tower
For another classic view of Old Town Square, head to the Town Hall Tower. In the winter, this spot offers an overhead look at the Prague Christmas market and at night, you can catch the twinkling lights across the square at the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Space inside the tower is pretty tight, and it gets even more crowded around sunset, so keep that fact in mind before you go. Also, be sure to check out the world-famous Astronomical Clock before or after you head up!
Petřín Hill
Next on the list is Petřín, a hillside park with winding pathways, secluded gardens, wooded areas, and panoramic views. The steep 1,043-foot (318-meter) summit of Petřín Hill can be reached via the Funicular Railway or a 30-minute hike. But if you want to trek even higher, you can climb the Petřín Lookout Tower, also known as the Eiffel Tower’s little sister. Once at the top, there are several great viewpoints, and on a clear day, it’s even possible to see Snezka, the Czech Republic’s highest peak, 93 miles (150 kilometers) away.
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Prague Castle
The view from Prague Castle is a classic. In fact, most travelers return home with a photo of this exact scene. That said, there are several ways to reach the castle, which means that there are also several vantage points to choose from. The most popular route takes you through Malá Strana and up Zámecké schody (the castle stairs), but if you’re looking for a different perspective of the iconic Hradcany rooftops or the bridges of the Vltava River, explore to your heart’s content!
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Riegrovy Sady Park
Characterized by its sweeping view of the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, and Prague Castle, Riegrovy Sady Park is go-to location for lazy afternoons. To find the park’s iconic viewpoint, follow the sports track until you see a sloped clearing filled with locals and picnic blankets. Located near Náměstí Míru and Jiřího z Poděbrad (JZP) on Metro Line A, Riegrovy Sady also houses a popular beer garden — just in case you get thirsty after ogling all the sights.
St. Wenceslas Vineyard
While most visitors take the main walkway when leaving Prague Castle, an alternative path winds through St. Wenceslas Vineyard and reveals a hidden gem that overlooks the city. Although the area’s history is not clear, legend has it that St. Wenceslas farmed the land back in the 10th century, making it the country’s oldest vineyard. Not only does the area boast a panoramic view of Prague, it also offers a quiet moment in the city’s most touristy area.
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Strahov Monastery
Tucked away on a hilltop between Petřín Hill Park and Prague Castle, this abbey offers a panoramic view and a peek at Prague’s most iconic landmarks. Strahov Monastery is the second-oldest monastery in the city, and is known for its serene, meditative atmosphere. The abbey also contains a beautiful cabinet of curiosities, so be sure to explore its interior once you’ve taken in the surrounding sights.
Vyšehrad
Situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, this historical fortress offers a breathtaking view of both the water and the city below. Because Vyšehrad is one of the lesser-known attractions in Prague, you’ll likely only have to share the scene with a few locals and adventurous visitors. To locate the fort, head to the Vyšehrad metro station and follow the signs — you can’t miss it.
Header image by Nupur Aggarwal.