How to Avoid the Crowds and Still Enjoy Some of the Most Spectacular Views over Prague

Prague is generally regarded to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and and it is estimated that around 30 million tourists visit the Czech capital every year, wanting to capture a small slice of that beauty. Whether you like it or not, we are living in the age of the smartphone, the selfie and the selfie stick. It’s almost impossible to walk through the centre of the city without having to slow down to weave your way through a group of people taking photos. Of course, we cannot blame them. Prague is full of fantastic locations, where it is possible to take in stunning views of the city. However, the downside is that having to fight your way through a crowd can often detract from the splendour of the moment. It can also be tough to take that perfect shot with so many heads in the way. With this in mind, we have put together this list of some of Prague’s lesser known, but equally spectacular viewing locations. Whether you wish to take some stunning photos, or simply to enjoy the moment and quietly reflect upon life, these are some the more surprising places to look out over what we think is definitely the most beautiful city in Europe.

All locations featured on this list are free of charge.

The Hanavsky Pavilion

The Hanavsky Pavilion is one of the most impressive and eye-catching buildings in the city. Nestled in amongst the trees of Letna Hill, this Art Nouveau Building now serves as a restaurant. The restaurant is over-priced and to be avoided, but the views from the terrace are some of the best that the city has to offer. It is from here that you can take the iconic photograph, featuring all 9 of Prague’s main bridges crossing over the Vltava River.

Divci Hrady

This gorgeous hill-top location looks out over the south of the city. It’s a spectacular and relatively secluded location, which is suitable for hiking, biking, picnicking and even flying a kite. It was once home to the Fortress of the Maidens, but this has now been replaced by a water tower. If you are a fan of hiking, this is a superb area of the city to visit. The best way to get to the Divci Hrady hilltop is to take bus 231 from Na Knizeci bus station to the stop Divci Hrady.

Strahov

Strahov is a fantastic area of the city to explore. Its hilltop location makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy some really spectacular views over the city. However, there is more to Strahov than just views. It is also home to fascinating Strahov Monastery, which was founded in 1140 and boasts what has been called the world’s most beautiful library. Although there is an entrance fee to get inside the monastery, it is possible to enter the monastery grounds for free.

• Entry to the Strahov Monastery Library costs 120CZK

Strahov is also home to the simply gigantic Strahov Stadium. Although it is now falling into disrepair, it is still the 4^th largest sports stadium in the world (it contains 8 full size football pitches!) and it has an absolutely fascinating history.

For more information about the stadium and its dark place in Czech history, check out our article about it.

The Monastery

From the monastery’s main courtyard, just walk towards the Peklo Restaurant and take a left turn along the vineyard. This narrow path will take you to what has been called the most spectacular view over Prague.

The Stadium

Strahov Stadium boasts a truly amazing location high on the hillside behind Petrin Hill. From here, you can take in views of the Vysehrad Fortress and the upmarket district of Pankrac, with its modern office towers. To get here, just take the 143 or 149 bus from Dejvicka Metro Station (A Line). The journey should only take around 10 minutes.

Vlasska Street

Vlasska is one of my favourite streets in the city. It’s quite a climb, so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes! Vlasska is located just off Malostranske Namesti, which is one of the city’s busiest tourist hubs. However, something quite magical happens as you walk up this street. Things become inexplicably quiet, bird song is audiable and it’s possible to stride confidently up the middle of the road, without fear of walking into other people. As you approach the top of the hill, the street will begin to narrow and eventually you will find yourself in the beautiful Petrin Park. At around the point that the street begins to narrow, it’s well worth turning around to take in beautiful views over Malostrana.

Horska Street

Horska is a funny little street in Prague’s Albertov district. It is narrow cobbled staircase, which leads downhill from the Museum of Police in the Czech Republic into the centre of Albertov and there are a few surprising things that you will come across if you take a walk down it.

Firstly, there is a surprise terrace with a small sculpture park at the top of the street.

Around half way down the hill, you will see a gate to your right, which leads into the beautifully quiet and peaceful Park Ztracenka.

However, the viewing spot that I have in mind is actually to be found at the bottom of the hill. This surprising spiral staircase will take you up onto some of the city’s original walls. From here you will be able to enjoy some rather novel views of Prague’s Vysehrad district. Although this one is maybe not as “spectacular” as some of the other spots on this list, I wanted to include it because it represents rather a unique vantage point.

The “Other” Side of Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill is one of the best-known spots for enjoying beautiful and far-reaching views over Prague. However, if you simply walk through the “Hunger Wall” into the Kinsky Gardens, you will be able to enjoy equally stunning views in relative peace and tranquillity. For some reason, this side of the wall is not so popular with visitors, but it’s all the more beautiful for it.

The Kinsky Gardens are also home to the surprising St. Michael’s Chapel. This small, wooden chapel was built in what is now Ukraine in the 17^th Century. It was relocated to Prague piece by piece in 1929.

Interesting Fact: Petrin Hill is divided down the middle by the imposing structure of the Hunger Wall, which was built between 1360 and 1362 to offer employment for residents of the city, who were starving because of a lack of employment (hence the name).