Republic Square, Prague
Republic Square sits right at the crossroads between Prague鈥檚 Old and New Towns鈥攓uite literally, with the eight roads that converge here. One of the largest squares in Bohemia, it鈥檚 the kind of spot where you can sip a coffee and watch the whole city stroll by. Around you: a lively blend of old-world charm and modern life, from banks and boutiques to hotels and bistros.
The square is anchored by the Gothic Church of Saint Bartholomew鈥攂ut that鈥檚 not the only highlight. On one side stands the Powder Tower, a Gothic sentinel with fierce spires and a staircase that rewards climbers with sky-high views. Just next door is its Art Nouveau counterpart, the Municipal House, which looks almost edible, all pastel flourishes and decorative curves.
Once you've had your fill of spires and sugarplum facades, it鈥檚 time to explore some of Prague鈥檚 modern shopping spots. The Kotva department store, a bold geometric structure from the 1970s, is a standout example of Czech modernist architecture. Inside, you'll find everything from cosmetics and jewelry to the perfect Czech-made souvenir鈥攁nd don鈥檛 miss the rooftop terrace with panoramic views worth lingering over.
Right across from Kotva is the sprawling Palladium Mall, a temple to retail therapy that covers over 115,000 square meters. With more than 200 stores and 30 caf茅s and restaurants spread across four gleaming floors, it鈥檚 easy to lose track of time. Yet beneath all the glass and escalators lies a surprise鈥攁rchaeological remnants from the 12th century, discovered during construction and now artfully integrated into the design.
The square is anchored by the Gothic Church of Saint Bartholomew鈥攂ut that鈥檚 not the only highlight. On one side stands the Powder Tower, a Gothic sentinel with fierce spires and a staircase that rewards climbers with sky-high views. Just next door is its Art Nouveau counterpart, the Municipal House, which looks almost edible, all pastel flourishes and decorative curves.
Once you've had your fill of spires and sugarplum facades, it鈥檚 time to explore some of Prague鈥檚 modern shopping spots. The Kotva department store, a bold geometric structure from the 1970s, is a standout example of Czech modernist architecture. Inside, you'll find everything from cosmetics and jewelry to the perfect Czech-made souvenir鈥攁nd don鈥檛 miss the rooftop terrace with panoramic views worth lingering over.
Right across from Kotva is the sprawling Palladium Mall, a temple to retail therapy that covers over 115,000 square meters. With more than 200 stores and 30 caf茅s and restaurants spread across four gleaming floors, it鈥檚 easy to lose track of time. Yet beneath all the glass and escalators lies a surprise鈥攁rchaeological remnants from the 12th century, discovered during construction and now artfully integrated into the design.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.
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Republic Square on Map
Sight Name: Republic Square
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.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� 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 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, 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 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, 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
Lesser Town Walking Tour
Mal谩 Strana, or the 鈥淟esser Town,鈥� lies along the left bank of the Vltava River and remains one of Prague鈥檚 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
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鈥攅specially 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
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 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鈥攎ost 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
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n 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
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
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