Strolling along the most popular streets in Prague is the best way to explore and take in the sights of the so-called “City of a Hundred Spires”. The sound of footsteps on its cobblestoned lanes heightens the experience of being surrounded by centuries-old structures and the aromas of local cuisine.

Walks down Prague's streets and squares take you on an adventure as you wander through obscure areas to discover hidden gems. But if you’re short on holiday time, here are the most popular streets of Prague that give you the best glimpses of the Czech capital.

  • 1

    Parizska Street

    A luxurious street for high-end fashion and contemporary art

    Parizska Street
    • Luxury
    • Shoppers

    Parizska Street, aptly named after the fashion capital, reminds you of the classy boulevards of Paris. It’s dubbed the playground of the elite for the high-end luxury boutiques along its chic corridors. All on this same street, you’ll find prestigious brands such as Bulgari, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Breitling, and Gucci.

    But there’s more to this posh strip that traverses the town from the Čechův Bridge to Old Town Square. You’ll also find stately townhouses and grandiose buildings in the Art Nouveau style. Many of them showcase Czech modernist architecture that provides a visual feast of the city’s rich culture.

    Location: Josefov, 110 00 Prague 1, Czechia

    Map

    photo by ŠJů (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 2

    Na Kampě

    A cosy street for music and art appreciation

    Na Kampě
    • Budget
    • Families
    • History
    • Photo

    Na Kampě is a short street that passes under Charles Bridge from U Lužického semináře to Kampa Island. A dense cluster of trees along the middle of the street provides a cool shade on warm sunny days. Sit on one of the benches and people-watch, or have a taste of Czech cuisine from one of the restaurants nearby.

    Aside from the Little Christmas Market, this cosy street is also known for concerts and open-air exhibitions. You can appreciate more of Prague’s history, arts, and culture in the museum at the Werichova villa, around the Socha sv. Filip Benicius landmark, the Dům U obrázku Panny Marie cultural monument, and at the Památný strom memorial park.

    Location: 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia

    Map

    photo by Sergey Ashmarin (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 3

    Nerudova

    Signs that bring old stories of Mala Strana to life

    Nerudova
    • Group
    • History
    • Photo

    Nerudova is famed for the artistic house signs that still adorn its well-maintained centuries-old buildings. Notable ones include the White Swan, the Golden Horseshoe, the 3 Violins, and the Golden Key. Walking tours from Prague Castle to St Nicolas Church always traverse this street, giving participants a peek into the lives of some of the most popular people who lived in Prague. The street is named after Czech poet Jan Neruda who spent most of his life in the House of 2 Suns.

    Nerudova starts at the junction near Socha Eva and winds through a cobblestone path that ends at St Nicholas Church. Other attractions worth seeing are the Santini Kolowratský palác, Museum Montanelli, and Liechtenstein Palace.

    Location: 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia

    Map
  • 4

    Havelská

    Go to one of the oldest urban squares in the city

    Havelská
    • History
    • Photo

    Havelská is one of the oldest streets in Czechia. Today, you’ll still see structures and an urban market built there in the 13th century. This includes the Church of St Havel which still rings its bells in such beautiful harmony.

    Grab a bag of fresh fruits or find unique trinkets from the Havelské tržiště, a long line of stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenir items. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a slice of luscious cake at the Staropražská Galerie. Or, have a one-of-a-kind photoshoot using old photography equipment at History Foto Atelier.

    Location: 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

    Map

    photo by ŠJů (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 5

    Jakubská

    A beautifully lit street for dining, bar hopping, and evening strolls

    Jakubská
    • History
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Jakubská is just a little over 100 metres, but there’s still a lot to enjoy along this quaint old street in Prague. Named after the Basilica of St James (Kostel svatého Jakuba Většího), the street starts at the basilica and weaves towards Rybná and Králodvorská.

    First, head to St James and marvel at its majestic interior full of Baroque elements. Discover the secret behind the mummified hand hanging from the chain. Then have a cup of coffee or tea at one of the cafes along Jakubská. Book a table for dinner in a cosy restaurant, and see how the gorgeous light fixtures transform the street at night. Take a stroll or enjoy the nightlife in basement bars.

    Location: 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

    Map

    photo by Palickap (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Loretánská

    A walk through the architectural history of Prague

    Loretánská
    • History
    • Photo

    The entire length of Loretánská is a rich corridor of Prague history. Centuries-old architecture and historical landmarks show how the city has evolved through the years. Built in the 18th century and 20th century respectively, the Chapel of St Barbara and the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory both show touches of Renaissance and Baroque styles. After being redesigned several times over the centuries, the Trauttmansdorffský palác has become a classicist building.

    It will be hard to miss the kandelábr in the middle of the street. This gas lamp still lights up the street of Loretánská at night. Other buildings worth seeing include the military base of the Hradní stráž, Toskánský palác, and the Church of St Benedict.

    Location: 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia

    Map

    photo by jockrutherford (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 7

    Zlatá ulička

    Prague’s Golden Lane with brightly painted historic homes

    Zlatá ulička
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    The Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička) in Prague is an alley lining one of the walls of the Prague Castle. It used to be known as one of the poorest areas in the city. The first homes built here were small sleeping chambers for the archers at the castle gates. Today, it’s lined with beautiful homes painted in vibrant colours.

    Most of the houses in Zlatá ulička are now used as shops that sell local products and homemade crafts. You’ll also find old armours and torture devices on display. The highlight of this street though is House No. 22. It’s believed that Franz Kafka stayed here for a year and wrote a few of his stories in the quaint house.

    Location: Hradčany, 119 00 Prague 1, Czechia

    Map
  • 8

    Nový Svět

    A hidden alley with picturesque views

    Nový Svět
    • Budget
    • Photo

    Nový Svět is an alley that will give you a new perspective of Prague, both literally and figuratively. Instead of majestic buildings and towering structures, this quiet lane is lined with small residential homes with charming facades. The houses are known for the intricate designs on their doors and their quirky names.

    The alley weaves uphill, giving you a wonderful view of the city below. Get more picturesque views as you sip a cup of latte at Kavárna Nový Svět or while having a picnic lunch at Dětské hřiště Nový Svět. See more of Prague’s culture as you watch artists perform in the open-air theatre at Letní scéna Divadla Ungelt.

    Location: Hradčany, 118 00 Prague 1, Czechia

    Map
  • 9

    Sněmovní

    A street with marvellous views of Prague Castle

    Sněmovní
    • Budget
    • History
    • Photo

    Sněmovní is a narrow street in Prague that starts from the Valdštejnský palác and leads to St Nicholas Church. It used to be a typical street in the Lesser Quarter and housed a marketplace for people living near the Prague Castle.

    At the end of the street is Pětikostelní náměstí where you can see the sculpture by Josef Faltus that commemorates the patriotism of Dr Milada Horáková. A few metres southward is the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Czechia, housed in a Renaissance building with Baroque design elements. Buildings along this street offer some of the best views of Prague Castle.

    Location: 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia

    Map
  • 10

    Široka

    A place for discovering Jewish culture and history

    Široka
    • History
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Široka is a street that walks you through the joys and struggles of the people of Czechia. At the west end of the street is the sculpture of political activist Jana Palacha.

    Going eastward, you’ll find the Pinkas Synagogue, which houses the Holocaust memorial for tens of thousands of Jewish victims. Right beside it is the entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery where 12,000 tombstones mark graves from ancient times. Near the east end, you’ll find the Spanish Synagogue and a statue of Franz Kafka. Široka bisects Prague’s famous shopping street, Pařížská, so you’ll also find a handful of luxury boutiques along this street.

    Location: 110 00 Josefov, Czechia

    Map
Geri Mileva | Contributing Writer