This fascinating walk starts at
[1] Wenceslas Square. Head in the direction of Old Town Square along Melantrichova street, passing the
Wax Museum (Melantrichova 15) and the
Double Trouble Bar and Bistro located in a Gothic cellar at Melantrichova 17. Turn left at Hlavsova, then right into one of several arcades leading to Jilska street. Now follow the winding Karlova street to the
[2] Old Town Water Tower and the touristy
[3] Charles Bridge. Fans of the composer
Bedrich Smetana will want to visit the museum (just next to the water tower) that is dedicated to his memory. If you prefer your bridges with less people, then try returning here after dusk.
Head North along Krizovnicka, left at Platnerska to the
Vitava River. A few metres along on your right, is the magnificent
[4] Rudolfinum [Alšovo nábreží 12], home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra as well as an impressive modern art gallery.
Continue North crossing
Jan Palach Square to the monumental 19th century neo-renaissance building housing the
[5] Museum of Decorative Arts [Sedmnáctého listopadu 2]. This brings you to the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Head for the
[6] Jewish Museum Information Centre [Staré školy 1] for tickets to the various buildings in this area that comprise the museum.
Follow Parizska to the
[7] Old Town Square dominated by the monument of Jan Hus (1369-1415), one of the most important Czech reformers and nationalists. On the Eastern side is the powerful
Tyn Church, built in 1385, with its two similar but different Gothic spires. To the left of the church is
Kinsky Palace, one of the most beautiful Rococo buildings in Prague and now part of the National Gallery. Directly opposite the church is the
Old Town City Hall with the
Astronomical Clock in its tower. On the hour, every hour, the twelve apostles appear to bless the city, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.
Now head East along Celetna. There are many famous houses along this street, but the best known is probably the
[8] House of the Black Madonna [Celetna 34] home of the Czech Cubist Museum. Look out for number 2 where
Franz Kafka lived in 1888 and 1889, and opposite, number 3, where he lived from 1896 to 1907. Mozart apparently stayed in number 8 (House of the Black Sun), while number 22 (House of the Vulture) was originally a brewery. At the end of this street is the
[9] Powder Tower, one of the original entrances to Prague's Old Town. On the other side of the tower, on your left, is the magnificent
Municipal House, Prague's most prominent Art Nouveau building.
Now return to Wenceslas Square via
[10] Na Príkope street where you will find some of the major shopping centres in Prague.
Slovansky Dum Shopping Centre [Na Príkope 22] has boutique stores, restaurants and a multiplex cinema, while
Myslbek Shopping Centre [Na Príkope 19] features international retail stores. However, all along Na Prikope you will find an extensive variety of department stores, local shops and banks.
The walk finishes back at
[1] Wenceslas Square.