many views of prague

august 2025

Perhaps over the years, as I have had the privilege of visiting several European cities, I have gotten quite used to the general vibe. The central cityscapes, the historic façades, beautiful churches, quaint bakeries, some with a river, others with canals, variations of a general charming theme. All different, but all kind of the same. Not quite you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, but it has been a while since I actually felt that wide eyed wonder of seeing a view for a first time and knowing that you’ve never seen anything quite like it before.

The first time I visited Paris, which was also my first time in Europe, I remember the delirious, drunk wonder. Just pure, innocent awe that a modern city could still be so beautiful. I had a similar overwhelming sense of wonder the first time I set foot on the waterfront in Split, which was also my first time seeing the clear blue of the Mediterranean.

To be fair, there’s not much magic these days with armchair traveling on desk reporting and endless scrolling. For the most part, we know what we’re walking into. Which is why it feels particularly special when you see something that you’ve seen on screen in real life for the very first time and it exceeds your idealized expectations.

Prague was my third stop on a recent trip to Europe. And I knew that it would be the most visually, architecturally interesting city on the trip. But I still was awestruck by that first glimpse of the city, driving across Štefánikův most and seeing the view of the castle in the distance over Vltava River.

And over the next few days I continued to catch myself in these moments. When the thoughts leave my mind and I’m too busy soaking in the sight ahead of me. A feeling that compels you to stand there and savor the moment, because you only get to see a place for the first time once.

They say Prague is straight out of a fairytale. And boy did it deliver. The timeless beauty is weather agnostic. The pristinely preserved architecture sparkles when bathed in sunlight. The bridges acquire an air of mystique in hazy grey days, the city backdrop fading into soft silhouettes.

Prague is the kind of place that knows it is pretty. At street level in the historic city center, things move slowly as tourists shuffle along, stopping every few steps to snap a photo. Buildings, streets, photogenic from every angle. And then there’s the views from above. It seems like half of the tourist attractions in this city involves a view from above. Different angles of the cityscape, the iconic towers, church spires, the palace on the hill, that annoying television tower. Your camera roll fills up fast yet it never does seem to get old.

And so my few days in Prague were filled with climbing up to views. From towers, from hills, from the dome of a Neo-Renaissance museum, and walking across bridges, constantly looking back to make sure no view was missed.

Staying in the city center meant easy exploration of the closely packed architectural landmarks in Old Town. Most things were mere minutes apart by foot, but I was easily distracted. A tower here, another there, beautiful theaters, flawless façades. And then opening up to a packed city square, Staroměstské náměstí. Where I quickly lost count of the distinct tour groups from all parts of the world gathered in the the shadow of a Medieval astronomical clock and a Medieval church.

THE CLOCK

Prague Astronomical Clock // Pražský orloj

Prague has a lot of towers. One of the most famous is the astronomical clock tower in the old town hall. High up above the Old Town Square, it made for a decent orientation

And here we decided to go up and see what all the fuss is about. And yeah, the fuss is there for a reason. A first good look at this city. An eye level view face to face with the Church of Our Lady Tyn. Undulating terracotta rooftops occasionally disrupted by a church spire. Those tour groups fading into little dots below.

THE PARK

Then, took a turn north toward the Jewish Quarter. Said hello to the statue of Kafka by the Spanish Synagogue, and then had some extra time to kill before dinner so continued across Čechův most. Because if my first rule to live by is to always climb up to views, my second would be to always cross the bridge to get a better look from the other side.

And on the other side, Letná Park a sprawling park up a hill with a giant metronome and no shortage of viewpoints overlooking Vltava River, the dozens of bridges and a panorama of the city.

the castle

The next day began with a trek up to Prague Castle. It was a little misty in the morning, but peaceful in the earlier hours. From here, the city seemed far away, even though it really isn’t. The twisting streets and cobblestone courtyards and beautiful gardens made for a picturesque setting.

Here, of course, there was another tower. But we were content admiring the perspective from the outside. And perhaps the most splendid part of the tour was the cathedral. Strikingly beautiful from afar, exquisitely intricate from close up, and magnificently stunning from the inside.

And in walks through old palace buildings, an occasional glimpse out to the city beyond.

The streets surrounding the palace were pristine. Stately buildings, historic statues, and unobstructed views out.

From there, we headed down Zámecké schody, stairs down, like descending back into society. Filled with shops and restaurants and a hidden away garden with, yes, more stunning views.

the BRIDGE

Eventually we made it over to the bridge. In a city full of bridges, Charles Bridge is that girl. A stone construction that connects “old” town to “new” town and funnels tourists from one touristy area to another, offering delicious views of both sides.

On the other end, a tower, two churches and a perfect view back on the bridge and castle.

the library

Another day, another tower. After Prague Castle, Klementinum is the second largest building complex in Prague. It houses the National Library. But for the purposes of most visitors of the city, it’s home to what some might call the most beautiful library in the world. An ornate Baroque room filled with thousands of books and original texts. And, of course, an astronomical tower, which once told time, and today offers more glorious views of the city.

the hill

On the west side Petřín Hill exists as a sprawling park with admittedly steep paths up. Topped with a mini tower, a nod to the famous one in Paris, a funicular, several view points, and an historic stone wall with a perfectly framed view of the castle. A different angle to the city, including a little peek at the Dancing House.

the museum

Even the National Museum has a great view of the city. Inside, natural and cultural history. Some may come for the wooly mammoth. But I came for the architecture and view. At the top of the museum, windows overlooking the domes and rooftops of Václavské náměstí.

At street level, the city felt more intimate. Up close with the diverse architectural styles that somehow blend so well together in crowded streets. A Neo-Rennaisance theater. An Art Nouveau concert hall. An Art Nouveau and Moorish blended synagogue. Many walks around town to admire the details of the architecture.

the national theater

the municipal house

the jerusalem synagogue

Prague is a beautiful city. From above, from street level, from inside looking out, from close up and from afar. Achingly beautiful from every angle. Walking through history with modern comforts. What a wonderful gift.