If you’re planning a trip to Prague then you probably already know it’s an extremely walkable city. Still, make sure to save some steps. The best views of Prague are from its amazing towers! Each of the towers in Prague tells a story about the history of the Czech Republic and stands tall over its own section of the city. Join us as we climb the steps of the Petrin, Powder tower, and many more for epic views of Prague.
About the Towers in Prague
Prague’s nickname is “City of a Hundred Spires” and it will be easy to see why as soon as you arrive. Its towers, churches, and large castle complex make it one of the great architectural wonders of Europe.
The towers in particular offer a stunning glimpse into Prague’s past. Once you step inside them you’ll see that they had many uses over the last few hundreds of years. Some were simply watchtowers or used for emergency warnings, while others served as gateways to important parts of the city.
Why You Should Visit the Prague Towers
There are plenty of reasons to experience the Prague towers but let’s start off with the obvious one… The unreal views! Each Prague tower offers a viewpoint from different locations in the city. Of course, you should know that it will take you many steps to get there. Nevertheless, all those steps and winding staircases will be so worth it.
We also loved that you can visit the Prague Towers over several days because it would be exhausting hitting all of them at once. Some involve over 200 steps up the winding staircases.
The other reason to see the Prague towers is the incredible history. Inside each Prague tower, you’ll find descriptions of when and how it was built, as well as some important historical facts about the capital.
If you’re interested in visiting more than one of these timeless buildings in Prague we recommend buying the combined ticket pass. It’s sold at the bottom of many of the towers or you can purchase it online. Also, know that there are hundreds of towers around Prague! These are just a few of our favorites we climbed on a recent trip.
→ 18 Fun Things to do in Prague on Your First Visit
6 Best Prague Towers to Climb
1. Old Town Hall Tower
Old Town Hall holds the most popular of all the Prague Towers and sits beautifully in the center of the city. Every hour on the hour (from 9am to 11pm), travelers gather in front of the oldest working astronomical clock in the world to witness it go off.
This Prague tower stands 70 meters tall and is surrounded by many other historical buildings. It was built in 1364, with its first use being for public announcements in the town square.
If you only visit one of the towers in Prague, make it this one! Also, keep in mind the Old Town Hall Tower is the only one with an elevator. There is a small fee to use it but it’s well worth it if you aren’t able to climb the steps.
→ Old Town Hall Tower Location
2. The Powder Tower
The first time we saw the Powder Tower we couldn’t believe it. As we walked around a corner, it flashed out at us magnificently over the colorful streets of Prague. Its imposing Gothic features and dark color make it stand out from the other Prague Towers.
Not only was this the start of the legendary Royal Route to the Prague Castle for Czech kings, but it gets its name from the gunpowder that was stored inside starting the 18th century. To get to the top, you’ll just have to climb all 186 steps!
3. Old Town Bridge Prague Tower
Welcome to the gateway of one of the most famous bridges in Europe! Sitting at the entrance to the Charles Bridge, this incredible Gothic building takes you from Old Town over the bridge that leads to Prague’s Castle complex.
Construction began on this marvelous architecture in the 14th century around the same time as the Charles Bridge. It would go on to witness many historic moments and Kings would often pass under it during coronation ceremonies.
As you climb this amazing tower it’s hard not to think of its place in Prague history. Enjoy views out over the Vltava River, Old Town, and the hundreds of people crossing the bridge to Lesser Town. After the Old Town Hall Tower, this was probably our second favorite view in Prague.
→ Old Town Bridge Tower Location
4. Lesser Town Bridge Tower
On the opposite side of the Charles Bridge, you’ll find yourself in what’s known as “Lesser Town” of Prague. However, don’t be deterred by the name! Some of the best towers in Prague and its giant castle complex are located on this side of the city.
The Lesser Town Bridge serves as the entrance to this part of Prague and was built by King George of Podebrady in the mid-15th century. You won’t be able to miss the tower when crossing the Charles Bridge as you’ll literally have to walk under it when entering Lesser Town.
5. St Nicholas Bell Tower
As you walk deeper into Lesser Town, you’ll quickly run into another beautiful Prague Tower. St Nicholas Bell Tower was completed in 1755 and sits across from the church of St Nicholas and its bright green dome.
The staircase starts out nicely with wide brick steps and a larger staircase than other Prague Towers we climbed. This was a nice change as it gives you more space from the people passing up and down stairs with you. Along the way, you’ll pass several rooms where the watchtower men actually lived.
At the top, the stairs change to wood and it becomes more narrow. It’s here where we read about how it was used as an important lookout point during WWII and even see the secret windows at the top.
→ St Nicholas Bell Tower Location
6. Petrin Tower in Prague
Last but not least, we have Prague’s very own Eiffel Tower! The story goes that members of the Club of Czech Tourists visited the world exposition in Paris in 1889. They were so inspired by the famous landmark that they built their own just two years later in Prague.
Today the steel tower still sits high above Petrin Hill which gives you amazing views of the city and beyond. Yet, before you can climb the 299 steps you’ll have to hike up the hill or take the tram to get there.
There are several trails that will bring you to the summit from Lesser Town and you can even stop at a cafe for a snack or drink about halfway up. Either way, the Petrin Tower is a must-visit for the best view in Prague.
After Reading Our Prague Tower Guide
As we mentioned, these are just a few of our favorite towers in Prague. Just know that there are hundreds of smaller and lesser-known ones around the city.
Use this as a loose guide to find your own special monuments in the capital of Czech Republic. Also, don’t forget to pack your best shoes… You’ll have plenty of Prague tower stairs to climb!
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own favorite towers in Prague? Let us know in the comments below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where to Stay in Prague
Ultra Luxury – The Grand Mark Prague – High-end accommodation inside a residential palace from the 17th century and part of the Leading Hotels of the World Collection.
Heart of Old Town – Metropolitan Old Town Hotel – Affordable rooms in the heart of Prague with a beautiful hotel terrace overlooking the city.
Unique Design – Dancing House – Stay inside one of the most famous modern buildings in Prague which has received global recognition for its unique design.
Prague Castle – Hotel Waldstein – This 14th-century building is set just below the Prague Castle. Enjoy being in Lesser Town and just a quick walk to the Charles Bridge.
Hostel Stay – Prague Dream Hostel – Popular hostel within walking distance of many of the main Prague sites.
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More Prague Tips
- Prague Castle Guide: Top Tips to Know Before You Go
- Best Czech Food in Prague: 11 Delicious Dishes We Tried & Loved!
- The Ultimate Spa Experience For Every Beer Lover in Prague
Czech Republic Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Italy to Prague for under $40 USD!
Rental Car: Discover Cars is perfect for traveling abroad. Rent a car and spend one week visiting smaller towns like Telc, Kutná Hora, and Český Krumlov.
Public Transportation: Using public transportation in the Czech Republic is extremely affordable and easy! To pre-book buses use Omio to compare the best routes all over the country.
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Prague. You can book everything from skip the line Prague Castle tickets to the famous Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks, and even take a 3 Hour River Dinner Cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
