Prague is one of my favorite cities in the world. I was fortunate to spend quite a lot of time there when I was younger because I lived in a town in the southeast corner of the Czech Republic. I fell in love with its beautiful architecture, charming back streets, and lively atmosphere, and millions of tourists have fallen for it in the past decade, too. With all the people visiting, it may seem hard to see the “real” city or get off the beaten path in Prague.
It makes me sad to hear people complain about Prague being too crowded with tourists. There is much more to Prague than just the main sights, so you should get off the beaten path in Prague by trying some less-touristy places, and compare Prague hotels for any budget first.
Of course there will be tourists at these sights, but just not nearly as many as at the main ones. These are just some possibilities; honestly, Prague is a city with a rich history and culture, so with some good research and plenty of time, you should find many less touristy things to do.
The Nový Svět area
Photo credit: Robot B on flickr
One of my favorite areas of Prague is this quaint little pocket just beyond Prague Castle. It is virtually tourist-free. Nový Svět is named for a long winding alley that starts near the castle and continues past several quiet residential streets that house art galleries.
Because Nový Svět used to be a poor neighborhood, it doesn’t have the grand architecture that is typrical of central Prague, but it has tons of charm. The combination of walled streets, cobblestones, trees, old street lamps, and charming houses give the area a calm beauty. At the far end is the Loreta, an impressive Baroque church and cloister.
Photo credit: Robot B on flickr
The best way to experience this area is to just slowly wander its streets. It is easy to find—simply start with your back to the entrance to Prague Castle, then walk straight through the square and continue on until you run into Nový Svět street.
Strahov Monastery
Photo credit: Tjflex2 on flickr
Near Nový Svět is Strahov Monastery, which overlooks Prague and is easily reached from Malá Strana (the Little Quarter) or Prague Castle. Founded in the 12th century, it was rebuilt several times after fires and wars. It is now famous for its incredible library of old books and illuminated manuscripts.
Photo credit: Tjflex2 on flickr
Strahov Monastery also houses a basilica, an art museum, a brewery, the Museum of Miniatures, and the Galerie MIRO, with modern art exhibits. The grounds offer wonderful views of Prague. If you don’t want to walk there, Tram #22 stops right in front of Strahov Monastery.
Valdštejn Garden
Prague Castle is surrounded beautiful formal gardens, including the terraced ones directly below the castle and the Royal Garden just past the castle, but my favorite is Valdštejn Garden (Wallenstein Garden). It is located in Malá Strana below Prague Castle.
Photo credit: Tjflex2 on flickr
Valdštejn Garden is part of the Valdštejnský palác (Wallenstein Palace), a 17th century Baroque palace that is now home to the Czech Senate. These formal European gardens are a peaceful respite from the busy sightseeing of Prague’s center. The entrance can be hard to notice-it is located on Letenská Street near the Malostranská metro station.
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is Prague’s other hilltop castle. Actually, little remains of the castle from the 11th century, but there is still a lot to see in this quiet spot above the river in Prague.
Photo credit: Juliano Mattos on flickr
You will see the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, with its intricate doors and murals by art nouveau master Alphonse Mucha. Vyšehrad Cemetery is a must-visit: its sculptures, painted walkways, grandly decorated headstones, and stunning art nouveau monuments are beautiful. The cemetery is also of great cultural importance because it is where many famous Czechs are buried.
Photo credit: dustin_drew on flickr
Vyšehrad also includes an 11th century rotunda, ruins of a lookout tower and castle walls, and green space for you to relax—bring a picnic and soak in the views of Prague and the Vltava River.
Olomouc, a great day-trip
Photo credit: Ana Paula Hirama on flickr
Very few people think of taking a day-trip as far as Olomouc and instead go to Kutná Hora to see the bone church or to a nearby castle, but with fast trains going to Olomouc in about 2 hours, it’s easy to visit this charming city in a day. The city receives only a small number of tourists, so you can easily witness daily Czech life there.
Photo credit: Ana Paula Hirama on flickr
Olomouc, the fifth-largest city in the Czech Republic and former capital of the region of Moravia, offers plenty to do for a one to two days. It is home to the old and prestigious Palacký University and has the highest density of university students in Central Europe. Besides people-watching and taking in daily life in Moravia, you can visit St. Wenceslas cathedral, the enormous plague column (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the squares with their lovely fountains, the local shops and cafes, and the town hall with its communist-inspired astronomical clock.
Have you been to Prague? What are your suggestions for getting off the beaten path in Prague?
Thank you. The photos are superb, just the kind of places I want to see. Is there an entrance fee to the Strahov monastery?
Hi Ele,
Yes, there is an entrance fee. The library halls cost 80 Czech crowns, which is just a few dollars.
I absolutely fell in love with Vyšehrad. I’ve never seen anything as beautiful as the interior of that church!!
Aryn
Driftwood and Daydreams
Aryn recently posted..Weekly Wonder: A Cultural Exchange
Glad to hear from someone who also loves that part of Prague. It is special.
I am yet to make it to Prague but when I do, I’ll certainly be starting with your great suggestions. The ceilings in the Strahov Monastery look amazing. I’m a firm believer it getting off the tourist path! Now i can’t wait to visit.
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Sunday Snapshot: New York
I am sure you will love it.
I’m glad you found this useful.
I just recently went to Prague, and while I loved my short two days there, I am sadly one of those people who complained (just a little) about too many tourists. I wish I had had this handy list of beautiful places before my visit (and will definitely pass it along to a friend going there next month). But it also just makes me more determined to return one day.
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You definitely should return! Like all great cities, it needs time (5 days minimum, I would say). And the rest of the country is wonderful. Thanks for stopping by!
Jenna, Prague is one of my favourite cities in the world too. If you’re talking day-trips from there that are off the beaten path, I have to put in a plug here for Kutná Hora — and not only because of its chapel (the Sedlec Ossuary) that has tens of thousands of human bones arranged into decorative patterns.
You’ve told me before that you’ve been to that chapel, by the way. Kutná Hora’s historical town centre is a UNESCO world heritage site; and you can also tour a silver mine there.
By the way, I think the main sights in Prague are pretty awesome, too.
Harvey (H-Bomb’s Worldwide Karaoke) recently posted..H-Bomb’s Friday Photo, Week 15: a creepy abandoned house in Maryland
I loved Kutná Hora, too, and did the silver mine tour on my first visit, back in 1997. It was great fun!
Looks beautiful. I don’t know anyone who’d been to Prague and not liked it. I will have to get myself there one day!
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Good catches, especially the Valdstejn gardens are easily missed and you get to admire the beautiful peacocks an wolf owls besides the baroque garden.
If I may add something I would suggest to take a stroll from the Castle down to Letna in the good season and have a refreshing beer. It is equally beautiful in the winter because of the view but the atmosphere in the summer with people sitting down for a pivo and a bit of suntan is really special.
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Thank you! I didn’t see the owls you mention but did see the peacocks. It is a beautiful garden, and with the view of the castle hovering above it, it’s almost too good to be true
Prague has a special place in my heart for a number of different reasons. I’ve been quite a few times and always enjoy it. Though the last time it was winter and not as much fun.
The monastery looks awesome. And I wish I knew about that daytrip place. I ended up choosen Plzen and really didn’t like it. I got lost and couldn’t find the brewery I had gone to see.
I also went to Plzen and had mixed feelings. There are other day-trip options as well, but with the fast train, Olomouc is now a great choice. I also love Prague and always discover new things no matter how many times I’ve been.
I love this post as I do love Prague. Such a beautiful city and one that changed my life actually.
Thanks for all the tips – now I have a new list of things to city when I return for my next visit.
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Great! There is always more to see and do in Prague. An amazing city, and one that changed my life in a way, too.