Why Explore the Prague Underground?

During the 13th century, Prague faced frequent flooding from the Vltava River. To solve this, citizens built new structures on top of older ones. This process created a vast network of historical places in Prague that are now underground. These spaces served as homes, workshops, and even prisons. Today, they provide a preserved look at medieval life. Many of these cellars remain in excellent condition for visitors to see.

Visiting the underground is like stepping back in time. You will see original stone masonry and ancient drainage systems. Some areas were used as hideouts during wars or for secret experiments. These sites are essential for understanding the city's evolution. Exploring these Romanesque and Gothic cellars is a highlight for any traveler. It is a cool escape from the busy crowds above.

9 Best Underground Tours in Prague Old Town

Finding the right tour helps you uncover the city's deepest secrets. Here are our top picks for the Prague underground historical tours available now.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Underground
• Best for mystery: Speculum Alchemiae
• Best for history: Cyril and Methodius Crypt
• Best for families: Charles Bridge Museum

1. Name: Old Town Hall Medieval Cellars Type: Sight Why go: Explore the 12th-century foundations of the city's most famous building. Best for: General history buffs. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro station. Tip: Book the combined ticket with the Astronomical Tower.
2. Name: Speculum Alchemiae (Alchemy Museum) Type: Experience Why go: Visit a secret 16th-century lab discovered after a flood in 2002. Best for: Fans of the occult and mystery. Where: Haštalská street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 5-minute walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look for the herbal elixirs sold in the gift shop.
3. Name: Charles Bridge Museum & Foundations Type: Museum Why go: See the remains of the Judith Bridge, which stood before Charles Bridge. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Křižovnické Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Located at the foot of Charles Bridge. Tip: The ticket often includes a small canal boat cruise.
4. Name: Crypt of the Saints Cyril and Methodius Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the heroic paratroopers who hid here during WWII. Best for: Military history enthusiasts. Where: Resslova street (near Old Town). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Take the tram to Karlovo náměstí. Tip: Read about Operation Anthropoid before visiting for context.
5. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates and Gorlice Hall Type: Day trip Why go: Walk through narrow brick tunnels to see original Charles Bridge statues. Best for: Avoiding crowds. Where: Vyšehrad Fortress. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take Metro Line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: The tunnels can be very chilly even in summer.
6. Name: Prague Communism and Nuclear Bunker Tour Type: Activity Why go: Descend into a Cold War bunker designed for thousands of people. Best for: Modern history fans. Where: Starts in Old Town. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Higher. Getting there: Tours usually meet near the Powder Tower. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs.
7. Name: Municipal House Technical Underground Type: Sight Why go: See the incredible Art Nouveau machinery that runs this grand building. Best for: Engineering fans. Where: Náměstí Republiky. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro Line B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: These tours are less frequent, so book early.
8. Name: Loreto Prague Crypt Type: Sight Why go: View unique 17th-century frescoes depicting death and resurrection. Best for: Art and religious history. Where: Hradčany (near the Castle). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Respect the quiet atmosphere of this religious site.
9. Name: House of Lords of Kunštát Cellars Type: Sight Why go: One of the best-preserved Romanesque palaces in the city. Best for: Medieval enthusiasts. Where: Řetězová street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: A short walk from the Malá Strana side of the bridge. Tip: Check the art gallery upstairs after the cellar tour.

Planning Your Prague Underground Adventure

Before you head below ground, keep a few things in mind. The temperature in cellars and bunkers stays around 10-15°C (50-60°F). Even on a hot summer day, you will need a light jacket. Most underground spaces have uneven stone floors and steep stairs. Wear sturdy walking shoes to avoid any slips or trips. You should also check what to see in Prague underground chambers to prioritize your favorites.

Many tours require advanced booking, especially during the peak summer season. Use the official city tourism portal to check for current opening hours. Some sites are only accessible with a guide for safety reasons. Photography is often allowed, but check for tripod restrictions first. Most tours are conducted in English, but other languages are usually available. Plan for about one to two hours per site to avoid rushing.