Top Historic Towers and Viewpoints in Prague

Prague offers a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and modern heights. Each spot provides a unique angle on the city's layout. Some are located in the heart of the Old Town. Others require a short trip to the green hills nearby. Many of these famous landmarks in Prague are part of the city's defense history. Here are the 12 best places to see the city from above.

• Best overall: Old Town Hall Tower
• Best for sunset: Petřín Lookout Tower
• Best for families: Žižkov Television Tower
• Best free view: Vyšehrad Fortress

1. Name: Old Town Hall Tower Type: Sight Why go: It offers the most famous view of the Old Town Square. You can see the Týn Church and the Old Town Square Astronomical Clock from above. Best for: Classic city photos. Where: Old Town Square. Time: 45–60 minutes. Cost: Approx. 300 CZK. Getting there: Metro A to Staroměstská. Tip: There is an elevator, making it very accessible.
2. Name: Old Town Bridge Tower Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the most beautiful Gothic gates in the world. It marks the entrance to the Charles Bridge. Best for: River views and bridge architecture. Where: Old Town side of Charles Bridge. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the bridge crowds.
3. Name: St. Vitus Cathedral Great South Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the highest point within the Prague Castle complex. You can see the entire city from here. Best for: Panoramic city views. Where: Prague Castle (Hradčany). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pražský hrad. Tip: Be prepared to climb 287 narrow stone steps.
4. Name: Petřín Lookout Tower Type: Experience Why go: It looks like a small Eiffel Tower. It sits on a hill, adding extra height to the view. Best for: Nature and city combined. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Approx. 220 CZK. Getting there: Take the Petřín funicular from Újezd. Tip: Walk down through the gardens for more views.
5. Name: Powder Tower Type: Sight Why go: This dark Gothic tower was once a city gate. It is full of history and offers views of the Powder Tower Prague area and Municipal House. Best for: Medieval history buffs. Where: Náměstí Republiky. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Metro B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: Look for the intricate stone carvings on the exterior.
6. Name: Lesser Town Bridge Tower Type: Sight Why go: It stands at the opposite end of Charles Bridge. It offers a great view of the bridge leading toward the Old Town. Best for: Different bridge perspectives. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Approx. 190 CZK. Getting there: Tram 12, 15, or 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Combine this with a walk through Kampa Island.
7. Name: Žižkov Television Tower Type: Experience Why go: This is the tallest structure in the city. It features giant crawling babies on its sides. Best for: Modern views and unique architecture. Where: Žižkov district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 300 CZK. Getting there: Metro A to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Visit the observation deck at night for city lights.
8. Name: Vyšehrad Fortress Type: Day trip Why go: This historic fort offers high viewpoints over the Vltava River. It is much quieter than Prague Castle. Best for: Peace and river views. Where: Vyšehrad. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free to enter the grounds. Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Visit the famous cemetery where famous Czechs are buried.
9. Name: Letná Park Viewpoint Type: Experience Why go: This spot offers the iconic view of all Prague's bridges in a row. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near Hanavský Pavilion. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 15 or 17 to Čechův most. Tip: Visit the nearby beer garden for a drink with a view.
10. Name: Strahov Monastery Viewpoint Type: Sight Why go: The path leading to the monastery offers sweeping views. You can see the vineyards and the city below. Best for: Romantic walks. Where: Strahov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free for the viewpoint. Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: Visit the brewery at the monastery afterward.
11. Name: The Dancing House Type: Experience Why go: This modern building has a rooftop terrace. It overlooks the river and the Castle. Best for: Modern architecture and cocktails. Where: New Town. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free with a drink purchase. Getting there: Tram 17 to Jiráskovo náměstí. Tip: The terrace is great for a sunset drink.
12. Name: Henry's Tower Type: Sight Why go: This is the tallest free-standing bell tower in Prague. It houses a restaurant and a gallery. Best for: A quiet, central view. Where: Near Senovážné Square. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: Tram 3, 9, or 24 to Jindřišská. Tip: Check out the carillon inside the tower.

Planning Your Visit to Prague Towers

Visiting multiple historic towers and viewpoints in Prague can be expensive. Many of these sites are managed by the official city tourism portal. Consider buying a multi-site ticket or a visitor pass. The Prague Visitor Pass often includes entry to many towers. This can save you a lot of money on entry fees. Most towers open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM. They usually close at sunset or shortly after.

Climbing these towers requires a bit of physical effort. Most historic towers do not have elevators. You will often find narrow, winding spiral staircases. Wear comfortable shoes for your day of exploring. The stone steps can be slippery when wet. If you have mobility issues, focus on the Old Town Hall. It is one of the few with modern elevator access.

Timing is everything for the best experience. Sunset is the most popular time for photography. However, this is also when crowds are largest. Try to visit at least one tower right at opening. You will often have the view to yourself. Check the weather forecast before buying tickets. Fog can completely hide the city from higher viewpoints.

Best Neighborhoods for Scenic Views

Prague is divided into several historic districts. Each neighborhood offers a different perspective on the skyline. The Old Town is perfect for seeing the dense Gothic architecture. You will be surrounded by spires and narrow alleys. It is the heart of the tourist area. Staying here puts you within walking distance of several towers.

Malá Strana, or Lesser Town, is located across the river. It sits at the foot of the Castle hill. This area offers views of the river and the Old Town. It is home to the official Prague Castle grounds. The streets here are charming and hilly. Many viewpoints here are framed by greenery and gardens.

Hradčany is the district surrounding the castle. It is the highest part of the historic center. From here, the city looks like a sea of red roofs. It is a great place for a long walk. You can find many hidden viewpoints along the castle walls. This area is essential for anyone seeking historic towers and viewpoints in Prague.