18 Best Viewpoints in Prague: Don’t Miss These Jaw-Dropping Views

Don't miss out on these amazing views of Prague

Image of Prague from Old Town Bridge Tower at dusk

About the author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer, and historian with 30+ years of experience exploring Europe. His work is regularly featured in the BBC, the Guardian and Conde Condé Nast Traveler. He currently lives in Prague.

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And one of the best ways to experience it is exploring some of the best viewpoints in Prague.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best places to enjoy enchanting views of Prague – the magical City of a Hundred Spires. Although there are plenty of domes and towers too!

I’ve lived in Prague for four years, so I have had the great fortune to savour these views of Prague many times over in all four seasons.

These viewpoints include medieval towers, a Baroque Garden, popular parks, iconic Prague sights, and the Charles Bridge. I also show you hidden gems only locals know about.

Enjoy!

Here’s where to find the best view in Prague

1. Charles Bridge Prague

Image of Prague Old Town from the Charles Bridge at dusk
The Old Town at dusk from the Charles Bridge
Image of Mala Strana from the Charles Bridge Prague
The view along Charles Bridge in the opposite direction, towards Mala Straná
Image of St Vitus Cathedral Prague from Charles Bridge at night
St Vitus Cathedral from Charles Bridge

We’ll start just above river level, at one of the most popular places to see in Prague. For most of the day the Charles Bridge is jammed with tourists stopping for selfies or group photos.

However at sunrise you’ll only have a few photographers for company, and the bridge’s famous statues are silhouetted, along with the many spires and domes of Old Town Prague.

The crowds remain through until the end of the day and beyond, even in the winter low season. It’s a pity that one of the best places to visit in Prague is so overcrowded, but you can still shoot some great photos of Prague, even with everyone milling around. How?

Use a long lens (anything over, say, 150 mm) and zoom in on the magnificent Prague buildings at either end. At twilight, with most attractions in Prague illuminated, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

What to photograph: The statues and Prague Old Town skyline at sunrise; the same at dusk, and also views the other way to Mala Strana (Prague Lesser Town) and Castle Hill Prague, dominated by St Vitus Cathedral.

Best time to visit Charles Bridge: Dawn and dusk

2. Prague Old Town Hall Tower

Image of the Old Town Square Christmas Market in Prague
The view from the Old Town Hall Tower of the Christmas Market and Tyn Church

As we mentioned in our Prague Christmas Markets feature, Prague Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful Prague streets and most beautiful squares in the world.  It’s gorgeous at any time of year, with an array of stunning Prague architecture wherever you look.

The Old Town Hall Tower is a splendid vantage point over the whole scene, including three of the most beautiful churches in Prague. At the top of this famous Prague tower – accessed by elevator – you’re greeted by an outstanding Prague view, across the Square (Staromestské Námestí) to the fairytale Gothic spires of the church of Our Lady Before Tyn. 

But that’s not all. Move around to the left for a view over the elegant Baroque church of St Nicholas on the other side of the Square. Continue around for an elevated Prague rooftop view to Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral.

And don’t miss the Prague Astronomical Clock at the base of the Tower either.

What to photograph: Old Town Square Prague, Our Lady Before Tyn Church, St Nicholas Church, Prague Castle

Best time to visit: Any time, daytime, dusk or after dark

3. Karlovy Lazne Tram Stop

Image of Prague Castle from the opposite side of the river, near Karlovy Lazne
Serene Prague Castle from the Karlovy Lazne tram stop

It’s a wonderful surprise when you run for a tram, miss it and turn around to find you’ve got to wait at one of the best photo locations in Prague.

It’s so good that I ended up missing the next two trams, squeezing out the last of the blue out of the twilight sky. The tram stop location is so good because you often get. a partial reflection in the water.

The tram stop is around a three-minute walk from the end of Charles Bridge. Walk past the 5-storey mega-nightclub of the same name and continue as far as the #17 tram stop, The superb Prague Castle view is on your right.

Some of the scene is often reflected in the water, adding a magical touch. The view changes as you walk along the Vltava river to the next bridge, Legion Bridge (Most Legii), but it’s pretty marvellous the whole way along.

What to photograph: the view across the river to Prague Castle

When to shoot: Any time between morning and dusk

4. Powder Tower Prague

Image of the Tyn Church and St Vitus Cathedral Prague from the Powder Tower viewpoint
The fairytale spires of the Tyn Church and St Vitus Cathedral
Image of the Powder Tower Prague at night
Looking up to the Powder Tower at twilight

The Powder Tower – Prašna Brána – is a brilliant Prague lookout tower on the eastern edge of the Stare Mesto, next door to the beautiful Art Nouveau Prague concert venue, Obecni Dum (Municipal House).

It’s similar to the Old Town Bridge Tower and the Mala Strana Bridge Tower, with a distinctive sloping roof. However, both predate it by around a century – work began on the Powder Tower around 1475. It gets its name from its later function as a gunpowder store.

The Powder Tower is one of the very best rooftop Prague viewpoints.

It has an outstanding  360° view of Prague. It looks down over Obecni Dum, and the view over this Art Nouveau marvel is tremendous, especially at twilight. The view south over Nove Mesto – Prague’s New Town is great as well, but the best view is to the west.

Try to make it up here at sunset or dusk and watch the sky glow pink, orange and red behind Our Lady Before Tyn church and St Vitus Cathedral.

This place should be on many more Prague what to see lists – but then again if it did it would be too crowded. One of the best Prague hidden gems.

What to photograph: The Tyn Church and St Vitus’ Cathedral, Obecni Dum, Zizkov TV Tower, Old Town rooftops and spires

When to visit: Any time of day, but twilight is best

Cost: 100 CZK ($4) for the entry ticket

5. Old Town Bridge Tower Prague

Image of Prague Old Town from the Old Town Bridge Tower at the end of the Charles Bridge
The view over St Francis of Assisi Church and Old Town Prague
Image of the Charles Bridge in Prague during winter at night
A winter evening on the Charles Bridge

The Old Town Bridge Tower dominates the Old Town end of the Charles Bridge. AS with the magnificent bridge below, gone are the days when you’ll have it to yourself.

But this tower – Staromestská Mostecká Vež – is worth persevering with, so much so that we rate it one of the top sights in Prague.

The tower dates from the late 14th century, and the viewing gallery is 47 metre above the Charles Bridge. The gallery is very cramped, so composing shots is not easy with people constantly trying to get past.

Everyone is trying to do the same thing as you – getting some of the best photos of Prague. With a little planning and patience, you’ll get them.

Prague is at its most beautiful at night, and the Old Town Bridge Tower doesn’t just have one incredible Prague night view, it has two. One faces east over the Old Town skyline, whereas the other faces west over the Charles Bridge, Mala Strana and Castle Hill.

If you’re there start with the view of the Old Town, with the dome of St Francis’ Church, the spires of St Salvator and the tower of the Klementinum.

Then you need to try to get around to the other side, which will be quite popular. Find yourself a spot, and soak up the view over the Charles Bridge with Mala Strana and St Vitus Cathedral dominating Prague Castle Hill.

The sign at the entrance stated that tripods weren’t allowed, but plenty of people were using mini-tripods and Gorillapods when I visited.

The one thing you need to bear in mind when shooting this scene is that the lights on Charles Bridge flare quite badly, and are difficult to avoid. A minor grumble though – this is one of the very best of Prague sites.

What to photograph: Prague Old Town in one direction, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle Hill in the other

When to visit: Dusk / twilight

Cost: 150 CZK ($6)

Check out: Best towers in Prague for amazing views

6. Lesser Town Bridge Tower

Image of the Charles Bridge and Old Town from the Lesser Town Bridge Tower
Looking over the Charles Bridge from the Lesser Town Bridge Tower
Image of the Lesser Town Bridge Tower Prague at night
The Lesser Town Bridge Tower at dusk

The Lesser Town Bridge Tower – Malostranská mostecka věz – guards the western end of the Charles Bridge. It’s very similar to the Old Town Bridge Tower 500 metres away at the other end, with a distinctive sloping roof, though it was built 70 years later, being completed in 1464.

The views from the top are superb. Looking east, you have a great view back over the Charles Bridge, with the characteristic red rooftops of Kampa Island and Mala Strana directly below you.

Head for the opposite side of the viewing gallery for more Mala Strana views, towards the elegant Baroque St Nicholas Church and Prague Castle.

This tower is quite awkward to descend. The final climb is up a steep narrow wooden staircase which some would call a large ladder.

It’s ok going up, but a more difficult proposition coming back down. You need to descend backwards as you would a ladder. You’ll need to open the door (ideally someone can hold it for you), then edge across the top step, turn around and climb carefully back down.

What you see: Mala Strana (Prague Lesser Town) and Prague Castle in one direction, and Kampa Island, the Charles Bridge and Old Town Prague in the other.

Best time to visit – Afternoon

Cost – 150 CZK ($6)

7. Letna Park Prague

Image of the main bridges oin Prague from Letna Park viewpoint
Letna Park looks out over the Vltava and some of the best bridges in Prague
Image of the Tyn Church Prague from Letna Park
You also get this great view of the Tyn Church from Letna Park

Letna Park is one of the best Prague parks, one I’ve visited many times with my son to take him to one of his favourite playgrounds there.

It’s also one of the best places to go in Prague if you’re looking for a Prague panorama. From the top of the short, steep hill above the Vltava river you have a great view of several Prague bridges, Mala Strana and the Old Town skyline.

There are several viewpoints along the ridge Letna Park occupies, though in spring and summer the leaves on the trees will obscure some of these. My favourite Letna Park viewpoint is just below the Hanavsky Pavilion, a pleasant Baroque-Art Nouveau whimsy that serves as a restaurant and bar.

This is at the west end of Letna Park, a five-minute walk up the left-hand pathway from Cechuv Most bridge. This is an unobstructed vantage point, and for the view alone it’s one of the top places to visit in Prague.

From below the pavilion, you can shoot an overall view of the river, or zoom in on some of the buildings, including the magnificent spires of the Tyn church.

Otherwise, if you’re visiting Prague in the warmer months, seek out the Letna beer garden at the opposite end of the Park for great views over the Old Town. It’s one of the top bars in Prague, and a great spot from which you can admire the Prague cityscape.

What to photograph: The bridges over the river Vltava, including the famous Charles Bridge (Karluv Most). Also try zooming in on some of the other Prague landmarks, such as the Žizkov TV Tower and the National Museum Prague.

When to visit: Afternoon, evening or dusk

Read more: Letna Park Prague – A fantastic city park with great views & a beer garden

8.Hotel U Prince

Image of Prague Old Town Square from the Hotel U Prince rooftop terrace
The Old Town Hall Tower and Tyn Church from Terasa U Prince

The Hotel U Prince, on the approach to Old Town Square, has arguably the best rooftop bar Prague view.

Terasa U Prince has an open-air Prague rooftop bar with one of the most breathtaking Prague views, of the Old Town Hall, its medieval tower, part of the Old Town Square and the unforgettable spires of Our Lady Before Tyn church. There is also a roof terrace restaurant.

Sometimes, if you want to visit Prague best places you have to pay a little for the privilege. I was directed to an elevator at the back of the hotel, which whisked me up four floors to the small reception area.

The host then advised me that the minimum order was a glass of champagne costing 300 CZK. I would have preferred a beer, but this is fair enough. The view is stupendous. And compared with the $40 I paid for a drink at the Sky Bar Bangkok, it’s very reasonable.

What to photograph: Old Town Hall Tower and Our Lady Before Tyn Church

Best time to visit: Any time from late morning onwards

Cost: 300 CZK (12 euros) for the glass of champagne

9. Petrin Hill

Image of Our Lady Victorious Church Prague from Petrin Hill
Prague in springtime – looking to the church of Our Lady Victorious

Sometimes the best shot isn’t from the highest viewpoint. I’ve visited Petřin Hill several times at different times of year, and have found that the best views of Prague are from the park, rather than the Petřin lookout tower at the top of the hill.

The best entry point for Petřin Park is Hellichova, off Ujezd, which runs from Mala Strana to Smichov. I follow one of the winding paths up the hill until a crossroads of several paths.

If you’re visiting Prague in winter, this area is the ideal height for Prague night shots, where you’ll see several Prague towers clustered together, and there are also great views to the left to Mala Strana and across to Prague Castle.

If you’re in Prague in springtime, daytime is a much better bet. Those bare winter trees will by April have thrown off the shackles of the cold, and the park is full of stunning white blossom trees.

It’s a wonderful sight, and the blossom trees make great foregrounds for views over the churches of Mala Strana, St Vitus’ Cathedral and the Old Town.

Petřin Hill Prague may also work as a sunrise location, with a long lens to the spires of the Old Town, similar to the lead shot of this article.

What to photograph: St Vitus Cathedral, the churches of Mala Strana, the skyline of Old Town Prague

Best time to visit: Twilight in winter. Sunrise or afternoon in springtime.

Read more: Petrin Hill – A stunning collection of parks & gardens

10. Town Belfry By St Nicholas Church Lesser Town

Image of St Nicholas Church dome and Mala Strana district from St Nicholas Town Belfry Prague
St Nicholas Church dome from the adjacent Town Belfry

The town belfry next to St Nicholas Church in Mala Strana (Lesser Town) is worth the climb for yet another great Prague tower view.

Mala Strana is one of the most beautiful places in Prague, and a walk up this beautiful Baroque tower rewards you with some of the best views of this area and the church itself – you get a fantastic close-up view of the church dome from the outdoor gallery.

This is one of the most intriguing towers in Prague to visit because of everything you see on the way up, and the many stories behind it. The tower had a live-in keeper and caretaker, and you can see the living quarters as they would have looked in the 18th century.

After the outdoor gallery, you can climb to a garret at the top of the tower which was used as a listening post by Soviet spies during the Cold War. Mala Strana is home to many of the embassies in Prague, so this was the perfect place from which they could eavesdrop.

What to photograph: St Nicholas’ church dome, the streets of Mala Strana, Petřin Hill, Malostranské Namestí, and distant views to Prague Old Town

Best time to visit: Morning to early afternoon for shots of Mala Strana and the church, afternoon for views over Kampa Island, the river and Old Town

11. Vrtba Garden Prague

Image of St Nicholas Church and Mala Strana from the top of the Vrtba Garden Prague
The view from the top of the gorgeous Vrtba Garden
Image of Prague Old Town from the Vrtba Garden
Prague Old Town from the top of the Vrtba Garden

The Vrtba Gardens are among the most beautiful Prague gardens, a small Baroque oasis hidden behind a busy street in Mala Strana. It’s one of the best attractions in Prague, a Baroque garden built into the side of Petřin Hill on three levels.

You don’t get to see a lot at ground level, but as you ascend the stairs a great Prague panoramic view gradually unfolds.

From the first level – next to a series of ornate stone statues – you get great views of the lower level of the Garden and the magnificent St Nicholas church in Mala Strana (see above), with another view to the church of Our Lady Victorious.

Walk to the next level, and head up the stairs to the top of the garden for one of the best views in Prague.

Again, you have a fantastic close-up view of St Nicholas Church, and in the other direction across to the spires and towers of the Old Town Square, framed by the squat towers of the Maltese Church in Mala Strana.

What to photograph: St Nicholas Church Mala Strana, Our Lady Victorious Church, Prague Old Town skyline

Best time to visit – Morning or afternoon – it’s open April to October

Cost – 100 CZK ($4) per adult

Learn More: How to visit Vrtba Garden

12. Vysehrad

Image of the view from Vysehrad Castle Prague over the city towards Prague Castle
The view from the fortress at Vysehrad
Image of a view of Prague from Vysehrad Castle
An alternative view of Prague from Vysehrad

Vyšehrad Prague is a fortress overlooking the Vltava river at the southern end of Prague city centre. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks of Prague thanks to the twin spires of SS Peter and Paul church in its grounds.

There is a path around much of the ramparts, and as you head towards the river, the views get better and better.

Near the church, there is a great outlook over the river, the railway (and pedestrian) bridge to Smichov and down the river to the other main bridges in Prague and, of course, Prague Castle.

I’ve visited the location several times with my son, as it’s one of his favourite parks in Prague. There is also a network of footpaths outside some of the fortress walls, some of which lead back to ground level and the tram stop, while others don’t.

We followed a path through an archway next to the WCs, and the level footpath has a view beautifully framed by the trees that’s even better than the one higher up on the ramparts.

Read More: All you need to know about photographing Prague

14. Prague Castle – Below Hradčanské Náměstí

Image of St Nicholas Church and the Old Town at night from Prague Castle
St Nicholas Church and the Old Town on a chilly snowy evening
Image of Strahov Monastery from Prague Castle at night
Looking down Ke Hradu to Strahov Moanstery on a snowy evening

The Castle and St Vitus Cathedral are the focal point of many of the best Prague views, and they also offer some pretty spectacular panoramas too.  The most obvious spot is close to the main gate on Hradčanské Náměstí, either side of an open-air Starbucks terrace.

Most cameras point in the direction of Mala Straná and the prominent dome and tower of St Nicholas Church – beyond these, you see all of Old Town and New Town Prague, with the Žižkov TV Tower on the horizon.

Also take a look in the opposite direction – the view down lamp-lit Ke Hradu, with the twin towers of Strahov Monastery on the hilltop, is pretty special too.

The view from the top of the Castle Stairs down towards Mala Straná is also well worth the climb.

What you see:  Mala Strana, Petrin Hill, the Old Town, The New Town and Strahov Monastery

Best time to visit: Any time – late afternoon if you want the best light

15. Prague Castle – St Vitus Cathedral

Image of the spires of St Vitus Cathedral from the Great South Tower Prague Castle
The spires of St Vitus Cathedral from the Great South Tower
Image of the view from St Vitus Cathedral Prague Castle over the city
The view from the Great South Tower over Mala Strana, Petrin Hill and the Vltava river

The Great South Tower of St Vitus Cathedral is one of the most prominent landmarks of Prague, and one of the best places to seek out a Prague city view.

It’s a short, steep haul up 287 steps to the viewing gallery at the base of the spire section of the tower, and you get a great 360° degree of the city and the hills of Central Bohemia.

It offers an unrivalled view of the intricate stone spires at the west end of the Cathedral and over the roof to the central spire.

The view over the Prague Castle precincts is also wonderful, with a bird’s eye view down onto near neighbour St George’s Basilica.

It’s not visited anything like as often as the likes of the Old Town Hall Tower and Old Town Bridge Tower, but a compelling place to seek out when you visit the Castle.

What to see: Awesome views of the Cathedral’s spires and the Hradčany district, likewise over Petrin Hill.Also great views over Mala Straná, the river and Old Town

Best time to visit: Morning for views over the spires and Hradčany, afternoon for views over the river and Old Town

Cost: 200 CZK ($8) – this isn’t included in the normal Prague Castle tickets, and must be paid for separately

16. Prague Castle – Black Tower Viewpoint

Image of Mala Strana Prague from the Black Tower viewpoint outside Prague Castle
Mala Strana from the viewpoint below the Black Tower

There is another excellent Prague viewpoint at the eastern end of Prague Castle. At the top of the Old Castle Stairs (Staré Zámecké Schody), just to the left of the Black Tower Gate (right if you’re approaching through the Castle) to Prague Castle, which is also very close to the Daliborka Tower, Golden Lane and St Wenceslas’ Vineyard.

This viewpoint is directly above the fine Furstenberg Garden, one of the inter-connected Gardens Below Prague Castle that you can visit on a single ticket.

From here you get a sublime view of the Mala Strana Prague skyline, dominated by the Baroque churches of St Thomas and St Nicholas.

What you see:  A superb view over the rooftops and towers of Mala Straná and Petrin Hill

Best time to visit: Early on a spring or summer morning

17. T-Anker Restaurant, Náměstí Republiky

Image of churches in Old Town Prague from T-Anker rooftop restaurant
The spires of St James the Great and Tyn Church from T-Anker

This Prague rooftop restaurant and bar is five floors up at the top of the late Communist Brutalist Kotva store on Náměstí Republiky.

T-Anker looks over the east side of the Old Town, and from there you get a stunning view of St James Church, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn and the Old Town Hall Tower.

I haven’t eaten there, but they have an ever-changing extensive list of beers, one of the best selections in the city.

What you see: the spires of Old Town Prague, including St James the Great Church, the Tyn Church and Old Town Hall Tower (pictured above). You can also see Prague Castle from the terrace.

Best time to visit: lunchtime or evening for dinner and sunset

18. Above Novy Svět

Image of Novy Svet street and St Vitus Cathedrasl Prague
Novy Svet and its red rooftops
Image of Hradcany Castle District in Prague in autumn from above Novy Svet street
The Loreta Church and Castle District from the Novy Svet viewpoint

Novy Svět – which means New World – is one of the prettiest of all Prague streets, and one of the most unsuitably named.  It’s in a quiet corner of the Hradčany district, and is part of a mini-warren of quiet old cobbled streets, one of the most beautiful places in Prague to explore.

It’s like stepping back a hundred years or two. There are also a couple of lovely cafes along the street where my son and I often stop by.

Image of the snow-covered houses around Novy Svet street Prague
The snow-covered houses of Hradčany
Image of a street corner in Hradcany Prague Castle district in snow

The street – and the surrounding area – looks even more enchanting from above. A staircase – next to the Romantic Hotel U Raka – takes you to the top of the ramparts, high above the streets.

Turn left at the top and walk along the pathway below road level. Here you get a gorgeous view of what looks like a medieval toytown below, with red rooftops, pastel-painted houses and spires and towers rising above them.

It’s a truly magical place, one of the best places to see in Prague.

Another way to reach this spot is to take the 22 tram one stop beyond Prague Castle (Pražsky hrad), alighting at Brusnice. Cross the road here and continue right, following the path on the left through the park after 100 metres. This takes you to the top of the staircase.

What you see: Novy Svět, Černinska and the surrounding streets, with Loreta church and Petrin Tower in one direction and St Vitus Cathedral in the other. This is one to head for if you’re visiting Prague in autumn, as the fall colours are magnificent.

Best time to visit: Afternoon

See Also: Novy Svět Prague – one of the most beautiful streets in Prague

Map showing where you will find the best views in Prague

I’ve created this map to help you find all the best views in Prague more easily.

To use this map, simply use your fingers or mouse to zoom in and out, and click on the icons to see more information about each location.

Best Viewpoints In Prague – Final Words

Exploring these viewpoints is a great way to enjoy Prague. If it’s your first time in Prague, don’t miss the towers either end of Charles Bridge, the Castle viewpoints and the Old Town Hall Tower.

Some of these Prague viewpoints are more off the beaten path. The view over Novy Svět and its traditional red rooftops is one of our favourites – and one of the few you’re likely to have to yourself.


Image of David Angel found of Delve into Europe Travel Blog / Website

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.