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Founded in 1120 by Saint Norbert, Strahov has been home to the Premonstratensian order since 1143. Back in its heyday, it rivaled the very seat of the Czech sovereign in scale and influence. Perched high above Prague, the monastery commands sweeping views of the city and has remained remarkably intact over the centuries. When Emperor Joseph II shut down most monastic houses in 1783, Strahov managed to survive by presenting itself as a center of learning-a claim backed up by its extraordinary library, one of the most important in Bohemia.

The library is without question a highlight. With a collection of around 200,000 volumes, it includes everything from rare manuscripts to scientific works. The Theological and Philosophical Halls are lavishly decorated with stucco, wood carvings, and ceiling frescoes. There鈥檚 a small fee if you want to take photos, but the visual splendor is worth every crown.

Not far from the library is the Basilica of Our Lady, a serene space rich in Baroque artistry. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, and the organ once resonated with the music of Mozart himself during a visit in 1787. Just off the cloisters, the monastery鈥檚 Picture Gallery presents a curated collection of religious art, including church plate and ornate reliquaries-an intimate look at centuries of spiritual life and craftsmanship.

Beyond these cultural treasures, Strahov is also known for its cultural offerings. Classical music concerts are often held within the complex, and for those in search of something heartier, the Strahov Brewery dishes up excellent Czech fare alongside craft beer brewed right on site. If you're feeling especially adventurous, head down to Pelko-the atmospheric cellar restaurant whose name translates, quite fittingly, as 鈥渉ell.鈥�

This is the kind of place that checks all the boxes if you鈥檙e after an authentic taste of Czech hospitality. Just a short stroll from the historic Strahov Monastery and its legendary library, the brewery serves up a hearty lineup of traditional pub favorites-think golden schnitzel, onion soup, apple strudel, or pork ribs. Every dish is crafted with care, and the service strikes a balance between friendly and efficient.

As for the beer, expect a rotating selection of fresh brews, all made on-site, with enough variety to please both casual sippers and devoted connoisseurs. Prices are reasonable, making it easy to settle in and sample more than one.

In the warmer months, the brewery鈥檚 courtyard garden is the real star. Communal wooden tables spill out under the open sky, offering a relaxed and inviting setting. You can also step indoors for a seat at a traditional table surrounded by stone walls and rustic wooden beams. Despite being just minutes from Prague鈥檚 city center, the atmosphere feels like a countryside escape-quiet, unhurried, and blessed with views that stretch across the city鈥檚 rooftops.

At the Monastic Brewery, time slows down, flavors stand out, and conversations last a little longer. Perfect for lunch after exploring the monastery, and specially lovely on a sunny afternoon when the garden is in full swing.

Since the 1620s, the Loreta complex has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bohemia, having taken root during the fervent era of the Counter-Reformation. As the Habsburg monarchs sought to restore Catholic dominance across their empire, they began constructing replicas of Italy鈥檚 famed Santa Casa, the Holy House of Loreto. According to legend, the original was believed to be the very home of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth, where the Archangel Gabriel delivered news of Christ鈥檚 coming birth. To save it from destruction during the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, it was said to have been miraculously transported to safety in Europe-some claimed by angels, others by devout Christians.

High above the city in the Castle District, the gleaming white facade of Prague鈥檚 Loreta can鈥檛 help but catch the eye. More than just a single church, it鈥檚 a full Baroque complex-complete with cloisters lined in frescoes, a chapel full of wood-carved cherubs, and a treasury that could rival any royal collection. Among the items on display are golden chalices, ornate vestments, and a jaw-dropping monstrance known as the 鈥淧rague Sun,鈥� adorned with 6,222 diamonds. It鈥檚 a glittering centerpiece that speaks to the wealth and artistic devotion poured into this space. While the entrance fee is modest, photography inside requires a separate ticket-worth considering if you want to capture the dazzling interiors.

And while you're in the area, consider taking a detour into Nov媒 Sv臎t, or the 鈥淣ew World鈥�-a quiet little pocket just behind Loreta Square. Far from the usual tourist routes, it's an ideal spot for a peaceful walk, a bit of reflection, or just soaking up some of the city鈥檚 most romantic charm.

Renowned for its largest Baroque palace in Prague, Czernin is impossible to miss-its immense scale and striking fa莽ade dominate the quiet square beside the Loreta. Completed in 1682, the construction was so ambitious that two entire streets were wiped off the map just to make room. The man behind it all was Count Humprecht Jan 膶ern铆n, a former imperial ambassador to Venice with a reputation for grand gestures-and an ego to match.

Stretching 150 meters, the palace front is a visual statement in itself. Thirty Palladian half-columns line the exterior, and the stonework features bold diamond-pointed rustication, giving the building both elegance and weight. Since 1918, it has housed the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs-but history took a darker turn during World War II, when it was briefly used as the Nazi governor鈥檚 residence.

Yet the building鈥檚 most haunting chapter came in March 1948. Just weeks after the Communist coup, Jan Masaryk-foreign minister, son of Czechoslovakia鈥檚 founding president, and the last remaining non-Communist in the government-was found dead in the palace courtyard. He had fallen from a bathroom window on the top floor. Official reports called it suicide, but many others believed it was murder. Either way, the event became a defining moment in the postwar history of Czechoslovakia, marking the end of democratic hopes and the beginning of a long era of repression.

Today, the palace remains in official use, and its exterior continues to draw visitors with a taste for history and grand design.

Easily one of Prague鈥檚 most striking architectural marvels, this Renaissance-style palace, built in the 16th century, makes quite the first impression. Its fa莽ade was designed to trick the eye with a painted pattern that mimics three-dimensional pyramidal stonework. The effect is so convincing, many passersby assume it鈥檚 sculpted relief, when in fact, it's a clever illusion rendered entirely in paint.

Step inside, and you鈥檒l find the interior just as captivating. Ceilings are draped with vast canvas paintings stretched over wooden frames, depicting dramatic scenes like the Judgment of Paris and the Conquest of Troy. Carefully restored during a renovation completed in 2008, these paintings give the rooms a theatrical grandeur that鈥檚 hard to ignore.

Today, the palace is part of the National Gallery of Prague and plays host to a rotating calendar of exhibitions. On the ground floor, you鈥檒l find a refined collection of religious art and sculpture. One level up, you鈥檙e in the company of Renaissance and Baroque legends-Rubens, Bruegel, El Greco, and Czech master Petr Brandl among them. But the real surprise waits on the top level, where visitors are treated to a formidable collection of Baroque weaponry and armor-helmets, swords, and ornate muskets that once saw ceremonial and battlefield use.

Here鈥檚 a handy tip: go for the combined ticket with nearby Sternberg Palace. If you're 26 or younger, you're in luck-the ticket is free. And for everyone else, it offers incredible value, granting access to all National Gallery sites in Prague for 10 days. It鈥檚 an art-lover鈥檚 passport to some of the city鈥檚 finest collections.

Perched on Castle Square, just steps from the Prague Castle, this palace adds a touch of Rococo elegance to the city's most regal address. Originally designed in the Renaissance style, it鈥檚 evolved over the centuries to mirror the tastes and ambitions of its powerful occupants. The most dramatic transformation came during the 18th century, when it was remodeled into the pastel pink beauty seen today. Delicate stucco ornamentation, grand arched windows, and the Archbishop鈥檚 coat of arms above the main portal lend the entire square a ceremonial feel-especially when flags are flying and uniformed guards are stationed outside during official events.

Though the doors generally remain closed to the public, the exterior alone draws plenty of admiration. The building鈥檚 symmetry and refined details provide a charming visual contrast to the fortress-like presence of nearby Prague Castle. On special occasions, the square comes alive with processions and pageantry, making the palace feel very much like a living piece of history.

Behind closed doors lies an interior said to be just as impressive: grand salons, private chapels, intricate woodwork, and even rare 18th-century tapestries imported from Paris. Though access is typically reserved for official functions or special guided tours, there鈥檚 one rare exception-on Holy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, the palace opens its doors to the public for a limited time. If your visit happens to align, it鈥檚 a golden opportunity to glimpse a world normally kept behind velvet ropes.

Situated within the sprawling grounds of Prague Castle, the New Royal Palace occupies a prominent position in the castle's 3rd courtyard. Construction on this edifice commenced in the 17th century, culminating in its completion in the 18th century. Comprising four distinct wings-north, west, south, and central-the palace exudes grandeur and historical significance.

The southern wing houses the opulent Throne Hall, adorned with lavish decorations including three magnificent crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, and a portrait of Ferdinand V captured on his coronation day. Meanwhile, the Rudolf Gallery, stretching an impressive 47 meters, features intricate reliefs depicting significant 19th-century Czech historical events. The Spanish Hall, adorned with resplendent golden chandeliers and expansive mirrors, exudes an aura of luminosity and spaciousness.

Once the regal abode of monarchs, the palace now serves as the administrative headquarters for the President of the Republic and their staff; a prestigious venue for diplomatic receptions and official meetings with foreign dignitaries visiting Prague.

While typically closed to the public, the palace opens its doors twice a year: on Liberation from Fascism Day in May and Foundation of the Czech Republic Day in October. Though interior access is restricted, visitors to Prague Castle still have the opportunity to admire the palace's exterior as part of their tour.

When you hear 鈥淧rague Castle,鈥� you might picture one grandiose palace with spires and regal chambers-but in reality, it鈥檚 even more than that. What you're looking at is a vast, fortified complex filled with government buildings, centuries-old churches, art-filled museums, stunning gardens, and the famously charming Golden Lane-where Franz Kafka once lived in a tiny cottage. Covering over 17 acres, or 70,000 square meters, it holds the Guinness World Record as the largest castle complex in existence, and its roots stretch all the way back to the 9th century.

This place has seen centuries of rulers come and go-from medieval kings and Habsburg monarchs to Tom谩拧 Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia. Today, it鈥檚 still the official residence of the Czech president, and you can tell when they鈥檙e in town by the national flag flying above the entrance. Just outside the main gates, the stoic castle guards carry out the ceremonial changing of the guard every day at noon, with smaller routines each hour starting at 7 a.m.

The architecture here is a timeline in stone-Saint Vitus Cathedral blends Gothic drama with Renaissance and Baroque flourishes, while nearby Saint George鈥檚 Basilica keeps things somewhat simpler with a Romanesque interior hidden behind a Baroque facade. You鈥檒l even notice touches from the 20th century scattered across the grounds, making the Castle feel like a living archive of Czech history.

If you鈥檙e planning to explore the whole complex, set aside at least 3 to 5 hours-it鈥檚 worth taking your time. The castle gardens are open to the public for free, perfect for wandering or simply sitting and soaking up the atmosphere. If the ticket line at the main entrance seems long, try one of the booths deeper in the courtyard-they鈥檙e often quicker and easier to access.

Located in the northern wing of the New Palace within the 2nd courtyard, this modest gallery might easily escape notice, yet it offers a treasure trove of artistic delights well worth discovering.

The gallery hosts a permanent exhibition featuring over 100 paintings from the esteemed collection of Rudolf II, a renowned art aficionado who possessed one of the largest private art collections in the 16th century. While some paintings were lost during the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War and others found their way to Vienna and England, Prague Castle still boasts over 4000 fine paintings, with the cream of the crop showcased here.

Among the highlights is Rubens' vibrant masterpiece, "Assembly of the Gods at Olympus", a mesmerizing triple portrait featuring Rudolf II and his Habsburg predecessors, exemplifying the intricate and beguiling style favored by the emperor. Other notable works include Titian's exquisite "Young Woman at Her Toilet" and Tintoretto's gripping "Flagellation of Christ", showcasing the artist's mastery of light and drama.

In addition to paintings, visitors can admire a statuette by the esteemed 16th-century sculptor Hans Mont and marvel at fine jewelry crafted by Italian, German, and Flemish artisans from Rudolf's era.

The gallery's history adds another layer of intrigue, once serving as stables for Rudolf's prized Spanish horses. During renovations in the early 1960s, workers unearthed the remains of a 9th-century church, meticulously preserved for posterity.

Rising above the Vltava River from within the grounds of Prague Castle, Saint Vitus Cathedral is hailed as a pinnacle of Gothic architectire and a powerful emblem of Bohemian identity. For generations, it has been the final resting place of kings and emperors, and its very presence resonates with centuries of history. But even if you're not drawn in by royal lineages or historic timelines, the striking fa莽ade, sweeping nave, and exquisite stained glass stir something deeper-a quiet sense of awe and reverence that transcends time.

The first thing you'll likely notice is the imposing Great Tower, topped with a Baroque dome and housing Sigismund-the largest bell in Bohemia, cast in the 1500s and weighing in at over 33,000 pounds. Just beside it is the cathedral鈥檚 southern entrance-the Golden Gate-famed for its gleaming mosaic of the Last Judgment, crafted from Venetian glass.

Inside, you鈥檙e instantly struck by the vertical grandeur of the nave. On the left, the stained-glass windows impart a transcendent aura; particularly the third one-a vivid Art Nouveau piece by Alfons Mucha, which tells the story of Christianity in the Czech lands through a kaleidoscope of color and symbolism. Other highlights include a wooden panorama of old Prague, the extravagant silver tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk, and a fascinating mix of sculptural details that range from sacred to surreal.

A few tips before your visit: entry to the main area and some interior sections is free, but a full tour requires a ticket bundled with Prague Castle access. There鈥檚 also an option to climb the tower-for a separate fee-rewarding the ambitious with sweeping views, assuming you're up for the tight staircase.

One of the oldest buildings within Prague Castle, this palace dates all the way back to the 12th century and makes a rewarding stop for anyone with a love of history. Once the seat of Bohemian kings, it now offers a vivid journey into the past-complete with painted coats of arms scattered across its walls and ceilings, and a clever medieval heating system powered by tiled stoves built into the towers.

The palace is most famous for one rather dramatic moment in 1618, when tensions between Catholic and Protestant factions erupted in the Defenestration of Prague. Two Imperial Governors were thrown from a window of the Bohemian Chancellery by rebellious nobles, sparking the bloody Thirty Years鈥� War. Remarkably, the unlucky officials survived the fall-thanks to a less-than-dignified landing in a manure pile from the nearby Royal Stables.

Setting that infamous moment aside, the centerpiece here is Vladislav Hall, built at the end of the 15th century. Stretching an impressive 60 meters in length, the hall is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, featuring a ribbed vaulted ceiling that seems to float above the space like an intricate stone canopy. In centuries past, it was used for everything from banquets and coronations to indoor jousting tournaments, with knights riding up the wide, spiral Rider鈥檚 Staircase straight into the hall. These days, it serves as the ceremonial site where Czech presidents are sworn into office-including V谩clav Havel, who took the oath here in 1990 after the fall of communism.

Don鈥檛 miss the small balcony at the eastern end, where you can peek into the neighboring Church of All Saints. Originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1541, the church is open to the public only during services or special concerts.

Otherwise, keep your eyes on the ceilings. Some of the most spectacular details are high above, waiting to be noticed.

Set within Prague Castle鈥檚 historic grounds, George Square is home to one of the city鈥檚 most remarkable landmarks-Saint George's Basilica, the oldest surviving church building in all of Prague. Founded by Prince Vratislav way back in 921, the church is a study in contrasts. Its vivid red-and-cream Baroque fa莽ade, added centuries later, gives little hint of the austere Romanesque design waiting inside. Step through the entrance, and you鈥檙e met with a space that feels both solemn and monumental. A double staircase rises toward the high altar, where you'll find beautiful painted decorations on the apse and ceiling.

The basilica鈥檚 main nave houses the tombs of several members of the P艡emyslid dynasty, the first ruling family of Bohemia.. A large stone coffin contains Boleslav I, remembered in Czech history as Boleslav the Cruel. Just to the right of the central stairs is the Chapel of Saint Ludmila, grandmother to both Boleslav and the much-revered Wenceslas. Ludmila鈥檚 legacy looms large-she was instrumental in raising Wenceslas as a Christian, while her daughter-in-law, Drahom铆ra, remained loyal to the region鈥檚 older pagan traditions. That conflict turned deadly, at least according to legend: Ludmila was reportedly strangled with her own scarf on Drahom铆ra鈥檚 orders, a detail often depicted in paintings and statues through the presence of a veil around her neck. The story echoes a recurring Czech theme-spiritual tension between old gods and new faiths, local identity and foreign influence.

Thanks to the basilica鈥檚 exceptional acoustics, the space also doubles as a concert venue. Classical performances are held year-round, drawing both seasoned fans and curious newcomers alike. Nearby, you鈥檒l find the former Convent of Saint George, established in 973 by Boleslav II. Today, the quiet building houses part of the National Gallery鈥檚 collection, featuring Renaissance and Baroque works in an atmosphere that blends artistic beauty with centuries of monastic calm.

One of the most fascinating corners within Prague Castle, Golden Lane is a narrow street lined with brightly colored, pint-sized cottages that feel plucked from a fairy tale. Walking along the cobblestones, past vivid facades and tiny windows, you鈥檙e stepping into the last surviving example of the Castle鈥檚 more humble, small-scale architecture.

The lane dates back to the 16th century, originally built to house castle guards. It later took its name from the goldsmiths who moved in a hundred years later. By the 1800s, it had evolved into a sort of artistic enclave, drawing in poets and craftsmen. Franz Kafka spent time here in 1916, writing in a small cottage during long winter evenings, and Jaroslav Seifert, a future Nobel Prize laureate, also called the lane home.

Although people lived in these tiny houses up until World War II, they鈥檝e since been carefully restored, keeping their original charm intact. Inside, you鈥檒l find exhibits of medieval armor and weapons, alongside displays of period textiles-and yes, a few cozy souvenir shops and snack bars. The lane ends at Daliborka Tower, once a prison, where you can view historical torture devices-a darker but compelling window into the past.

Tip: If you have a castle ticket, entry is included. But if you鈥檙e looking to stroll through just for the atmosphere, come after 5 p.m. when the path is freely open-though most interiors will be closed by then.

Tucked inside the sprawling grounds of Prague Castle, there's one building that doesn鈥檛 belong to the state-and almost never did. This 16th-century palace, still in the hands of the Lobkowicz family, made its way back into aristocratic ownership after the fall of communism. These days, it's not just a relic of the past, but very much alive with purpose. Part museum, part event venue, part midday concert escape, it's got culture and character to spare. And yes, the terrace view here is a full 180 degrees of cityscape-best enjoyed with the 30-minute 鈥淧rague Inspires Panorama Tour鈥� offered with each audio guide.

The guide is voiced by the Lobkowicz family themselves, walking you through centuries of history and art. Expect an all-star lineup, including Canaletto, Brueghel the Elder, and Vel谩zquez. There鈥檚 also a treasure trove of arms, armor, and ceramics-including the world鈥檚 largest surviving Delft dinner service. And for music lovers-original manuscripts by Beethoven, Mozart, and Haydn are on display, including pieces Beethoven composed specifically for the Lobkowicz family.

The palace鈥檚 reception halls, balconies, and the concert space are all decked out with lavish mythological frescoes, while the Imperial Hall tricks the eye with Roman statues that aren鈥檛 statues at all. Otherwise, don鈥檛 miss the 17th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Wenceslas, where medallions on the walls retell the saga of the Czech Republic鈥檚 patron saint.

Tip: Once your museum journey winds down-and your head鈥檚 buzzing with beauty and history-swing by the museum shop for a keepsake, then recharge at the caf茅. It caters to all cravings, and rumor has it their burgers might just be the best in town.

Passing through the arch beneath the Lesser Town Bridge Towers, you鈥檒l find yourself on Bridge Street-a narrow cobblestone lane that has connected Charles Bridge to the Lesser Town Square for over 750 years. Framed by a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo facades dating between the 14th and 18th centuries, the street feels like a vivid time capsule. Some of the buildings still carry their original decorative touches: a chained bear at No. 4, a striking bronze door at No. 17, three goats at No. 18, and even a bust of cellist Zelenka. With all its character and charm, it鈥檚 no surprise this was once part of the royal coronation route.

Just beyond the towers, on the right side of the street, look for a house marked by three painted ostriches. Once home to Jan Fux, a feather merchant with a flair for fashion, the Renaissance-style building served as both residence and storefront. In 1606, Fux commissioned the bold ostrich design to advertise his trade in luxurious plumes-ostrich feathers were all the rage for hats, uniforms, horse trappings, fans, and finery of every sort.

As you continue your stroll, pause to admire the Gothic tower hidden in the courtyard of 鈥淎t the Three Golden Bells,鈥� the intricate ironwork and sculptural details on the 鈥淎t the Black Eagle鈥� house, and the candy-colored, pink-and-yellow Rococo facade of the Kounic Palace.

Toward street鈥檚 lower end, you鈥檒l find a mix of boutique shops, inviting restaurants and bars catering to the stream of passersby. When it鈥檚 time for a break, stop in at ROESEL caf茅-a warm, family-run spot inside a historic building. Enjoy their daily specials, try a slice of homemade cake with craft beer, and take a moment to explore the mini-exhibition and the charming courtyard.

One of Prague鈥檚 most iconic landmarks, the Charles Bridge wasn鈥檛 just built; it was timed. Construction began on July 9, 1357, at exactly 5:31 in the morning. The oddly precise timing wasn鈥檛 random. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV was a firm believer in numerology and astrology. That moment created a palindrome-135797531-which, in his mind, would grant the bridge strength and longevity. Whether that worked, or whether the secret ingredient was the rumored mix of eggs, wine, or milk stirred into the foundations, we鈥檒l never know. But over six centuries later, the bridge still stands.

Stretching over the Vltava River, it runs 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, supported by 16 sturdy arches with ice guards to fend off the river鈥檚 freeze. Until 1841, this was the only way to cross from Prague鈥檚 Old Town to the Castle and the Lesser Town. With the boom in traffic in the 20th century, the bridge eventually closed to vehicles and became pedestrian-only in 1978.

Lining both sides are 30 striking Baroque statues, added from the late 1600s through the early 20th century. They complement the Gothic structure underneath and turn any stroll into a kind of open-air museum. As you head toward Lesser Town, keep an eye out for the bronze crucifix-the oldest statue on the bridge-as well as the dramatic tableau of Saint Francis Xavier converting four royal figures from faraway lands: an Indian, Moor, Chinese, and Tartar. Perhaps the most famous is the eighth statue on the right: Saint John of Nepomuk, thrown into the river for refusing to betray the Queen鈥檚 confession. Locals say touching his plaque brings luck-or guarantees you鈥檒l return to Prague one day.

Tip: For a quieter, more magical walk, go at dawn or after sunset-when the statues seem to whisper, and the city hushes just long enough to hear them.