The best observation decks in Prague
All real seasoned travelers are always hungry for discoveries and adventures. As soon as we got to Prague, we went to explore it right away. We learned fast to navigate without a map, we peeked into all the courtyards, walked all the streets and crossed all the intersections. And then it dawned on us that we knew the Czech capital better than any local. We thought it was high time we took it to the next level. We went to the observation decks in Prague, explored the best places, remembered them and now we are ready to share the most beautiful Prague views from the height!
Before presenting you a list of viewpoints, we've done a lot of research. We've looked for the best views in Prague for a long time and made our own list of the top 5 out of 11 best viewpoints. We share it so that you can enjoy these views too!
- Observation decks by the walls of Prague Castle
- Old Town Bridge Tower
- Visegrad
- Hanava Pavilion
- Petřín Tower
- Not worse than the high viewpoint: Prague from the water
Observation decks by the walls of Prague Castle
Finding this observation deck is easy, just follow the crowd of tourists. We can totally understand their interest, because from this point you can see the Old and New Towns, the Church of St. Nicholas, the towers of the Church of the Virgin Mary and the colorful Prague roofs. These views of the city can startle and amaze you at first sight, so we recommend going there first.
The base for this viewpoint is the walls of the Prague Castle, which was once used as a defensive structure, but today it is the history as well as the viewing platform for admiring the city and number one in the list of top popular viewpoints in Prague.
Working hours: from 6 am till 10 pm.
Cost: entrance to the observation deck is free, but tickets to Prague Castle itself are sold in a special way. Prague Castle is divided into several districts, tickets are sold separately for each district. The cost starts from 450 kroons. Discounts and family tickets are also available.
Old Town Bridge Tower
The history of the exploitation of the tower of the Eastern part of Charles Bridge, which is the Old Town Bridge Tower resembles a typical history of the walls of Prague Castle. Previously, there were prisoners in its basement, but the tower itself protected the city from the enemy. The arch was triumphant. World history and Prague tourism have turned the siege building into an observation deck at 47 meters, where 136 steps lead you.
After coming up, you will see the famous Prague roofs. From the height brown tiles are impressive! The city is full of these cute houses, which seem to be built in a pattern like in the old city. You will definitely not be able to see such a view from the ground.
Opening hours: from January till March, from October till November — from 10 am till 6 pm. From April till May — from 10 am till 7 pm. From June till September — from 9 am till 8:30 pm. December — from 10 am till 7:30 pm.
Cost: 190 crowns. Children's ticket is 130 crowns.
Visegrad
Vysehrad is the oldest district of Prague and the main «competitor» of Prague Castle. The history of these areas is similar. Princes settled there and magnificent temples and powerful castles were built. Today Vysehrad welcomes the guests of Prague. And for each of you there is a beautiful legend.
When you go up to the observation deck of the Vyšehrad fortress, remember that once from the windows of this fortress someone who was in love already looked at Prague. It was Princess Libushe, who promised prosperity and beauty to the city. So the place tells you what to do. You should go up, observe, fall in love with Prague from the height and contemplate it. The entry to the tower is free, and the view is amazing in any weather. On sunny days the hills above the Vltava will look even better from the observation decks of the tower, and in the cloudy they will play hide and seek with you.
Opening hours: from January to December — from 10 am till 6 pm (all week).
Cost: free.
Hanava Pavilion
The Hanava Pavilion is located in the Letensky Gardens in Prague. It is not difficult to find it, since the architecture of the pavilion immediately rivets your attention. It was built for an industrial exhibition at the end of the 19th century, and today this exhibition facility serves as a restaurant for residents of Prague as well as for the visitors of the city.
Come and enjoy the views of the city along with the artists! They choose this place as their viewpoint of Prague Castle. We trust the artists, and we also recommend visiting the restaurant located in the pavilion. Live music plays in the hall from 11 am and the average check per person is just 24 euros. The Hanava pavilion has an indisputable advantage, it works until 1 am which is longer than other viewing points.
Working hours: 24 hours a day.
Cost: free.
Petřín Tower
The views of the Petřín Tower are unique. This is the highest viewing platform in Prague. The tower imitates the Eiffel in Paris, but it has something special too, it is 24 meters higher. From this viewpoint you can see not only the central area of the city, but also the outskirts, from the hills above the Vltava to the top of the stunning observation tower of St. Vitus Cathedral. By the way, check it out if our list of top 5 views is not enough for your traveling aspirations.
Working hours: from January till March, from October till November — from 10 am till 6 pm. From April till May — from 9 am till 7:30 pm. From June till September — from 9 am till 8:30 pm. December — 10 am till 7:30 pm.
Cost: from 220 crowns. There are discounted and family tickets available.
Not worse than the high viewpoint: Prague from the water
And what about those who also want to look at the beauty of Prague, but who are afraid of heights? The question is reasonable and we already have the answer to it! We offer you to look and explore Prague from the water.
We have already collected all the information in one link to make your research pleasant and fast.
We'll tell you where to find the best view in Prague. You won't see Prague from a bird’s eye view, but there are other ways to explore the city from a different perspective. Now we are going to tell you about the most popular options for water trips to make it easier for you to choose the most suitable one.
One Hour Cruise
This option is perfect for those whose curiosity is beyond of excursions in the Old City. And also for those who like long excursions with interesting sights.
Timetable: departure every day from 10:00 to 20:00 every 30 minutes.
Departure point: from the pier on the Dvorak Embankment near the Chekhov Bridge.
Cost: standard ticket is 20 euros. Children's ticket is 13 euros.
Learn more about the One hour cruise, see the current schedule, and purchase your ticket here
The Grand cruise
With this one you are going to see the Old and New Towns, and it is also the longest water tour to Vysehrad.
Timetable: departure daily at 12 am and 3 pm.
Departure point: from the pier on the embankment of Dvorak and Chekhov Bridge.
Cost: standard ticket is 26 euros. Children's ticket is 16 euros.
Learn more about the Grand cruise, see the current schedule, and purchase your ticket here
Boat tour along the Chertovka canal
This option is great for those who love unusual itineraries. With this cruise not only will you discover the capital of the Czech Republic, but also it will make you feel like you are in Venice. It will immerse you in the ambiance of mystical Prague.
Timetable: departure daily at 11 am, 12:15 am, 2:15 pm, 4:15 pm, 6:15 pm.
Departure point: from the pier on the embankment of Dvorak and Chekhov Bridge.
Cost: standard ticket is 21 euros. Children's ticket is 14 euros.
Learn more about the boat tour along the Chertovka canal, see the current schedule, and purchase your ticket here
Romantic boat tour with a glass of Prosecco
Those who like to spice up their feelings and emotions will enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the Old Town with a glass of sparkling wine. This is going to make your eyes shine at least for two reasons : the beauty of the city and a pleasant drink.
Timetable: daily at 8 and 9 pm.
Departure point: from the pier on the embankment of Dvorak and Chekhov Bridge.
Cost: standard ticket is 26 euros. Children's ticket is 16 euros.
Learn more about the boat tour with a glass of Prosecco, see the current schedule, and purchase your ticket here
We are sure that you will leave Prague with millions of amazing photos. We have just shared with you all the places that we discovered and experienced firsthand, we fell in love with those sights and now we miss it from the bottom of our hearts. Buy a ticket to the observation deck or see the city from the water. Either way, you can explore the beauty of Prague, from its rooftops to the observation towers of St. Vitus Cathedral.
Remember that the city opens up to you only when you open up to it. So don't hesitate to open your heart and soul and catch the beauty of Prague from different viewpoints!