There are few more photogenic cities in the world than Prague. That’s especially astonishing given everything the town has been through. Founded back in the fifth century, Prague has been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and fell into both Nazi and communist hands in the 20th century. And yet it remains one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Prague’s famous Old Town is absolutely packed with gorgeous historic buildings and colorful works of art. By day or by night, this city is a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re a serious architectural photographer, a holiday snapper, or just want to get some good selfies for your social media profiles, Prague is the perfect place to be.
Drop off your bags at a luggage storage in Prague, and bring your camera with you as you explore this charming medieval town. Just when you think you’ve seen everything worth photographing in Prague, you’ll find more, so don’t forget your memory card!
Charles Bridge
One of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, Charles Bridge, is a must-visit for any photographer. This 14th-century stone bridge spans the Vltava river and is lined with 30 statues of saints. It’s especially beautiful at night when the bridge is lit up, and the castle on the hill is illuminated.
As one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions, the Charles Bridge is also an excellent place for people-watching and street photography. With tourists from around the world marveling at the statues and street vendors and entertainers plying their trade, there’s always something going on here.
Prague Castle
This sprawling castle is a must-visit while in Prague, and you could easily spend the whole day here doing nothing but taking stunning photos. As well as the castle itself, there are beautiful gardens, palaces, and churches to explore.
The Charles Bridge provides an excellent view of the castle, but for a different perspective, take a short walk across the river to Letná Park. From here you can get a great photo of the castle complex with the city in the background.
If you have the legs for it, you can climb to the top of St Vitus Cathedral, which is part of the castle complex. The view of the city and the river that flows through it from here is spectacular, provided you have a head for heights and can manage the spiral staircase up to the top. If not, the interior of the Cathedral is just as impressive and well worth getting some photos.
Old Town Square
If you’re looking for picturesque Prague streets, then Old Town Square is the place to go. With its beautifully preserved architecture and cobbled streets, this is one of the most atmospheric places in town.
When night falls, Old Town Square comes alive with music and lights as people enjoy the many bars and restaurants surrounding it. This is an excellent spot for night photography, especially if you can get up to one of the rooftops that overlook the square.
Petřín Lookout Tower
For views over Prague that will take your breath away, head to Petřín Hill and the Petřín Lookout Tower. This 63-meter-high tower was built in 1891 as a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and it’s just as impressive.
There are two ways to reach the top of the tower – either by taking the stairs or riding the funicular railway. Whichever way you choose, make sure you have your camera ready for the views from the top. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Slovakia!
Vyšehrad Castle
Just a short walk from the city center, Vyšehrad Castle is one of Prague’s most underrated attractions. This 11th-century castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and provides some of the best views in town.
As well as the wonderful views, Vyšehrad is also home to several beautiful churches and gardens. It’s well worth taking a stroll around the castle grounds to find the perfect spot for your photos.
Strahov Monastery
Although it’s a bit of a hike to get here, the views from Strahov Monastery are more than worth the effort. This picturesque monastery sits atop a hill in Malá Strana and offers wonderful views over Prague.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up to the monastery from Malá Strana or take the funicular railway from Újezd. Either way, make sure you have your camera ready for the views from the top.
And once you’ve arrived, don’t forget to check out the library, easily one of the most beautiful in the world. The old books and manuscripts will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and the beautifully decorated ceiling makes this feel more like a church than a library.
The Dancing House
This iconic building is one of the most photographed in Prague, and it’s easy to see why. The Dancing House, also known as Fred and Ginger, is a unique piece of architecture that stands out amongst the more traditional buildings in the city.
If you want to get a good photo of the Dancing House, head over to Charles Square, which offers a great view of the building. You can also walk around the side to get a different perspective. Just be careful not to block the views of other photographers!
Vinohrady
For a different side to Prague, head to Vinohrady. This lovely district is full of tree-lined streets and pretty parks, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Vinohrady is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and cafes, so it’s the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, don’t miss the farmer’s market, which sells fresh produce from all over the Czech Republic.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or charming streetscapes, Prague offers plenty of photo opportunities. So get out there and start exploring!
