Old Town (Staré Město)
Begin your walking tour of Prague in Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). You’ll be met with pastel-colored facades and a medley of architectural styles, including Baroque, Rococo, and Gothic, with some buildings dating back to the 12th century. Towering over the square is the hauntingly beautiful Church of Our Lady before Týn with two 80-meter spires stretching into the sky.
As you step inside the Church of St Nicholas, you’ll be transported to a place of true beauty. Take a moment here to appreciate the stunning Baroque ceiling frescoes. Your Prague Old Town walking tour should also include the Stone Bell House, the Jan Hus monument, and the Kinský Palace, which is now the National Gallery of Prague. Last but not least, don’t miss the unique and masterful Astronomical Clock striking on the hour at the Old Town Hall, a national symbol of Prague’s history.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Next up in your free walking tour of Prague is the Jewish Quarter. Located just a few minutes north of Old Town Square, this area reveals Prague’s Jewish heritage and includes important monuments such as the Old-New Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and Old Jewish Cemetery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, the Prague Jewish community was moved to this area in the 13th Century.
You’re free to wander through Josefov on your own, as well as stroll along Pařížská (Paris Street), where you can admire the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, but there is an entrance fee for most sights. An hour should be sufficient time, unless you opt for a Prague Jewish Quarter walking tour with a guide, which will give you a much better understanding of the complicated history that has unfolded here over the centuries.
Before moving on to your next stop, be sure to stop by the statue of Franz Kafka, the celebrated Jewish novelist, who was born in the Jewish Quarter in 1883. Note, however, that the Kafka Museum is located in Lesser Town on the other side of the Vltava River.
Powder Tower
Start making your way towards Charles Bridge along Celetná Street. This charming street forms part of the Royal Route, and in times gone by, it was where you would have waved to the King as he made his way to be crowned at Prague Castle.
During this part of your Prague walking tour, you’ll pass by the striking Powder Tower. Once a crucial part of the city’s medieval fortifications, the tower still dominates the skyline with its imposing presence. Right next door is the elegant Municipal House (Obecní dům), an Art Nouveau gem with beautifully decorated interiors that are well worth a quick peek at.
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
Included on every Prague one-day walking tour map is Charles Bridge, the city’s most iconic landmark, which crosses over the Vltava River, linking Old Town with Lesser Town. Since its completion in the 15th century, the bridge has witnessed some of Prague’s greatest historical events and people, some of which are immortalized as sculptures and statues along its balustrades.
Today, the bridge is a popular meeting point, where artists and street performers gather to showcase their skills, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a unique souvenir and to take in the panoramic views of the castle and the city’s red rooftops.
Prague Castle
Up the hill from Charles Bridge is the sprawling Prague Castle complex. You’ll need 2-3 hours for the Prague Castle and castle district walking tour if you wish to explore this area properly, so it’s a good idea to stop off for some lunch before getting started. Our blog on “Best Places to Eat in Prague” has some great suggestions.
The castle grounds include the enormous and awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the delightful and well-maintained Golden Lane. With a history spanning centuries, a guided Prague Castle walking tour is recommended so that you can fully appreciate each of the courtyards, palaces, and churches.
Lesser Town or Petrin Hill
Depending on how much energy you have left, you might like to wind down your day wandering through the quaint and narrow streets of Lesser Town, admiring the picturesque houses. Otherwise, continue upwards to Petrin Hill, where there are some fantastic green spaces and manicured gardens to rest while you admire the view, or for the more energetic amongst us, a lookout tower that you can climb.
As the evening sets in and your mind turns to food, you might like to consider a walking food tour of Prague, so that you can try some local favorites, including goulash and trdelník.
Riverside Sunset
Round out your day at Kampa Island or the riverside, the most picturesque setting to watch the sunset over the Vltava, with Prague’s skyline in the background. Enjoy a relaxing evening with an Aperol spritz, listening to buskers and musicians amongst the locals.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth doing a walking tour in Prague? 
Absolutely, when visiting Prague, there’s no better way to take in the history and beautiful historic buildings that have inspired countless poets and artists than on foot.
How much should I pay for a free walking tour in Prague?
If you choose to take a guided Prague Castle free walking tour or a tour around the city, it’s standard to pay at least €10 per person, or more if your guide was exceptional and full of historical anecdotes.
Where to walk in Old Town Prague?
The Church of St Nicholas, a true Baroque masterpiece, the Stone Bell House, the Jan Hus monument, the Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock, and the Kinský Palace, should all be included on your walking tour of Old Town.
What is the best way to tour Prague?
By far, the best way to explore Prague is on foot. With so much history on every street corner, the best vantage point to admire the examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau architecture is from the ground. Before setting out, it’s a good idea to download a Prague walking tour map in PDF with detailed explanations of each sight that you’ll pass along the way.
