
Celetna Street, Prague
No visit to Prague feels quite complete without a walk down the lively pedestrian lane of Celetná. Once part of the medieval Royal Route, this lively thoroughfare guided coronation processions from the Old Town to Prague Castle. Believe it or not, its name comes from the sweet braided rolls that were once sold to onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of passing nobility.
These days, Celetná buzzes with life. Souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants line the street, nestled between ornate facades and intricate murals that beg for a second glance. One standout is the House of the Black Madonna—Prague’s first Cubist building and a striking contrast to the Gothic and Baroque architecture around it. Keep an eye out for the house signs too—miniature works of art in their own right. Full of personality and steeped in legend—a photographer’s delight.
Many buildings along the way still hold onto their medieval soul, with Gothic or Romanesque vaulted cellars hidden beneath. Then there’s Manhart Palace, also known as “At the Goats,” home to the Theatre Institute and the Theatre in Celetná. Nearby, Number 3 on the street, “At the Three Kings” offers a cozy café and wine tasting room and once hosted Czech writer Franz Kafka for a brief spell. A little further on, "At the Golden Deer" served a quirkier purpose: it was once a “rattle” post office, where deliveries were announced with the clatter of chains.
As you stroll, remember to look up. The upper stories often feature elaborate Baroque decorations—easy to miss, but well worth a pause. And when the sun sets, Celetná glows with a quiet magic. Streetlamps cast a golden hue, and the lane takes on a soft, romantic air—turning an afternoon walk into an evening to remember.
These days, Celetná buzzes with life. Souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants line the street, nestled between ornate facades and intricate murals that beg for a second glance. One standout is the House of the Black Madonna—Prague’s first Cubist building and a striking contrast to the Gothic and Baroque architecture around it. Keep an eye out for the house signs too—miniature works of art in their own right. Full of personality and steeped in legend—a photographer’s delight.
Many buildings along the way still hold onto their medieval soul, with Gothic or Romanesque vaulted cellars hidden beneath. Then there’s Manhart Palace, also known as “At the Goats,” home to the Theatre Institute and the Theatre in Celetná. Nearby, Number 3 on the street, “At the Three Kings” offers a cozy café and wine tasting room and once hosted Czech writer Franz Kafka for a brief spell. A little further on, "At the Golden Deer" served a quirkier purpose: it was once a “rattle” post office, where deliveries were announced with the clatter of chains.
As you stroll, remember to look up. The upper stories often feature elaborate Baroque decorations—easy to miss, but well worth a pause. And when the sun sets, Celetná glows with a quiet magic. Streetlamps cast a golden hue, and the lane takes on a soft, romantic air—turning an afternoon walk into an evening to remember.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Celetna Street on Map
Sight Name: Celetna Street
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Malá Strana, or the “Lesser Town,” lies along the left bank of the Vltava River and remains one of Prague’s most charming and historically layered districts. In medieval times, it was primarily settled by ethnic Germans, and even as Baroque architecture reshaped the neighborhood following the devastating fire of 1541, the area held onto its Germanic roots for generations. Its location near... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter of Prague carries over a thousand years of memory etched into its streets, synagogues, and gravestones. Jewish communities began settling in this area as early as the 10th century, and although they were later forced into a walled ghetto, they cultivated a vibrant cultural and intellectual life—especially during the 16th century, a golden age shaped by the influence of Rabbi... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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