My PHOTOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL GUIDE TO PRAGUE, CZECH Republic
The name “Prague” alone conjures up romantic images of cobbled streets. Prague is a city that everyone should visit, especially Photographers. It is a city I have visited half a dozen times over the past ten years. I always enjoy it, and it's a dream location for photographers with its winding cobblestone streets, a fairytale medieval Old Town, historic churches and synagogues, and perhaps Europe's largest castle.
Known as the "Golden City of 100 Spires," Prague is a city that has remained so well preserved, and it probably does not look much different than it did 100s of years ago. It is one of the few cities in Europe that was not badly damaged during WWII. Much of the architecture dates to the Middle Ages, giving the city an unrivaled historic charm.
If European cities were a necklace, Prague would be a diamond among the pearls.’ – Unknown
Of course, like all wonderful cities, what makes Prague special is the people!! Despite the crowds, I can’t help but fall in love with Prague every time I visit — the city, the parks, the history, the beer, and the wonderful people make it a special place.
Over the last decade, Prague has become one of the most visited destinations in Europe. When I first visited in 2010, it was popular but still “off the beaten path.” Today, it’s a huge tourist destination.
I’ve put together this Prague Photography Travel Guide as an excellent starting point for how to plan your time in the city, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the city just as much as I have! I have also included my favorite photography locations. If you are going to Prague, one great resource is The Honest Guide. We even ran into "the honest guide" during our last trip to Prague. I am happy to report that he is as personable in person as he is on YouTube.
How Long Should you Stay in Prague?
Prague is a city for hipsters and historians alike. So there is something for everyone. I think that 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to get acquainted with the city, although don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing you could stay a little bit longer!
When to Go
The best time of year to visit is during spring or fall when the weather is cooler, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are cheaper. Prague is very much a walking city so that summer can be crowded and sweaty. Winter is also a busy (and cold) – time of year but the Christmas markets and hearty food will have you feeling undeniably festive. While temperatures may fluctuate, Prague’s charm remains consistent all year round!
Where should you Stay?
I have been to Prague 5-6 times and have tried luxury and regular hotels. My main recommendation would be to stay close to the Charles Bridge. Many of the attractions you want to visit are close to the Charles Bridge so its’s a great place to be based. The classic photo of Prague is a sunrise photo on the Charles Bridge, so it is easier to be close.
Mandarin Hotel (NEBOVIDSKÁ 459/1, MALÁ STRANA, 118 00 PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Email: EMAILMOPRG-RESERVATIONS@MOHG.COM) located among the palaces and gardens of Prague's historic Malá Strana district. This was the first hotel we stayed in when we visited Prague, and it was magnificent. It's located only a few steps from the iconic Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. What makes this hotel unique is that it was built on the site of a former 14th-century Dominican monastery.
Four Seasons Four Seasons Hotel Prague is located on the Vltava River, just 100 yards (meters) from the Charles Bridge. You will also have a perfect view of Prague Castle, and you are steps from the Charles Bridge.
Hilton Old Town - I have stayed at his hotel 3 times. It is an Art Deco-style hotel located about 20 minutes from the Charles River next to the Old Town gates. It is within walking distance, reaching Old Town Square, Prague's main railway station, and the statue-lined Charles Bridge.
Getting Around Prague
Prague is definitely a walking city. You can pretty much walk across the city in about 20 minutes or so. However, there are plenty of other options to get around, including Metro and Uber. I would walk to most of the locations, but Uber was fantastic. Another reason to use Uber is if you are going to Prague Castle or Petrin Hill. It's much easier to take an Uber up to the Castle and then walk downhill back. Trust me you will thank me later.
Photography Gear I Used
For Prague, I would recommend bringing something close to my standard Travel Photography Kit. It is always better to go light so you can jump on a scooter or bike. I would also bring a Tripod and ND filters since the city is enjoyable to capture at night.
My Canon R5 camera. Any good DSLR or Mirrorless Camera will do Nikon Z7, Fuji etc.
If you only want to bring 1 lens then a 24-105 mm or a 24-240mm would be perfect. I usually bring 2 lens but this is a matter of preference.
A wide-angle lens 15-35mm so you will be able to photograph the Churches and City Streets
A medium telephoto, such as 70-200mm. This will come in handy when you need to for people shots, and photos from the many viewpoints in the city
A good, sturdy tripod so you can take photos at sunrise and sunset. You will also want to take some long exposure shots.
Neutral-density filters (3, 6 and 10). Since there are many opportunities to take photos by the Vltava River it is important for long exposure photos.
My Favorite Photography Locations in Prague
Prague is a city made for Photographers. There are plenty of interesting street photography opportunities. The list below are my favorite locations.
Strahov Monastery (Strahovské nádvoří 132/1, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia) -
The monastery is an abbey founded in 1143 by Jindřich Zdík, Bishop John of Prague, and Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia. Not only is the library phenomenal, but next to the Abbey, you will also find a wonderful church and a Beer Garden to cool down after your visit.
The Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is the most iconic spot in Prague. It is also a Sunrise Photo since there will be few people on the bridge at Sunrise. It is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the early 15th century.
Lower Charles Bridge Left Side (Na Kampě 523/8b, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
Once you cross the Charles Bridge there is a staircase that brings you below the Bridge and is a great spot to use your Tripod and ND Filters.
Lower Charles Right Side (Na Kampě 523/8b, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
There is also a nice view on the oppositedge side of the bri. From here, you are just 2 minutes away from the John Lennon Wall.
Left of the Kafka Museum (Karmelitská 25, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
if you walk to the left side of the Kafka Museum there is another wonderful spot to take photos at Sunset. From this location, you will see the Charles Bridge lit up at night.
Castle Sunset Shoot -
This location is located on the Vtalva River --look for Karlovy lázně on Google, and you will find it. If you are on the Charles Bridge looking at the castle, it is just to the left, about 150 yards along the river.
Old Town Square -
A Sunrise location before the crowds. This is the most important square in Prague. it was founded in the 12th century and is the center of the city. Do not miss visiting the Church of Our Lady, the Kinský Palace, and, of course, the Astronomical Clock.
Prague Astronomical Clock -
Located in the Old Town Square. The clock was installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation
Dancing House (1Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Czechia)
Is the nickname given to the Nationale-Nederlanden building on the Rašínovo nábřeží (Rašín Embankment) in Prague, Czech Republic. It was designed in 1992 by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. It is a fun spot to photograph, but expect to see a ton of Instagrammers.
The Vrtba Garden (Karmelitská 25, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
One of the most important and most beautiful Baroque gardens was created thanks to the clever solution of František Maximilian Kaňka around 1720. It’s one of the city’s smaller gardens, but its unique architectural design on an irregular slope, as well as the artistic and historical value of its decoration, ranks it high in importance in Europe. Adding a Ballerina just makes the garden a bit more special.
Spanish Synagogue Museum
(On the corner of the Dušní and Vězeňská Streets (Vězeňská 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia) The Spanish Synagogue is not the first synagogue at this site. Before the synagogue was constructed, stood probably the oldest synagogue in Prague Jewish Town, Altschule. In the second half of the 19th century, the seating capacity of the Altschule was too small. So they decided to demolish the synagogue in 1867, and one year later, it was replaced by the new Spanish Synagogue. Its name presumably refers to the style in which it was built, the Moorish Revival style, which was inspired by the art of the Arabic period of Spanish history.
Municipal House (Náměstí Republiky 5, 111 21 Staré Město, Czechia)
This Art Nouveau building was built from 1905 to 1911. The café, the French and the Pilsner restaurants, the American bar, the Lord Mayor’s Salon, and the Smetana Hall are all examples of Art Nouveau interiors, decorated by leading artists and sculptors such as Alfons Mucha, Jan Preisler, Ladislav Šaloun, and others.
Letná Park (Letenské sady 173, 170 00 Praha 7-Letná, Czechia)
Is a large park on Letná hill, built on a plateau above steep embankments along the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Letná's location gives the location commanding views of the Prague Old Town (Staré Město). In 1955, a large monument to Joseph Stalin was erected at the edge of Letná Park. This statue was destroyed in 1962, and the Prague Metronome now occupies the site. This is a great spot at Sunrise or Sunset.
The House at the Black Madonna (Ovocný trh 19, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia)
A cubist building in the "Old Town" area of Prague, Czech Republic. It was designed by Josef Gočár. It is currently in use as the Czech Museum of Cubism and includes the Grand Café Orient restaurant on the first floor. It is one of those buildings that you would walk by and miss it unless you know what's inside.
Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia)
At sunset from Prague Castle, you can take a set of stairs back down to the Old Town.
Lennon Wall -
The Lennon Wall, or John Lennon Wall, is a wall right by the Charles Bridge. Since the 1980s, this wall has been filled with John Lennon-inspired graffiti, lyrics from Beatles songs, and designs relating to local and global causes (the Ukraine Crisis).
Petrin Hilln (118 00 Prague 1, Czechia)
The Petřín hill (formerly one of King Charles' vineyards) offers beautiful views of Prague and several attractions for adults and children alike. The hill is easily recognizable by the TV tower, which is a miniature of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can climb the tower for views and enjoy some other activities while up at Petřín. This is a Blue Hour or Evening Shot.
To get to the top of the hill, you can either walk to get some exercise (it's a bit of a steep hike along a wooded path), or take the funicular. If you walk, you can stop by the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha, the great Czech romantic poet and author of the love poem Máj (May). The statue is now a meeting place of lovers on May 1st, the unofficial "day of love" in the Czech Republic.
Queen Anne's Summer Palace (Mariánské hradby 52/1, 118 00 Praha 1-Hradčany, Czechia)
Queen Anne's Summer Palace, sometimes called Belvedere, is a Renaissance building located in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle in the Czech Republic. Just across the street, you will find this tram line. The trick is to find the older style Trams. This is a Morning Location.
Prague is really a wonderful city. I hope that you found my suggestions helpful! My other Photography guides are found on this link.