Prague
Prague, the city of a thousand towers !
Prague is a sought-after destination among travelers and photographers due to its stunning architecture, picturesque streets, baroque gardens, and breathtaking views. The city offers numerous photo spots that are sure to delight both professional and amateur photographers alike.
In this article, I will introduce you to my top 9 photo spots in Prague, ranging from popular tourist sites such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, to lesser-known but equally stunning locations like the Vrtba Gardens. I will describe the unique features of each location and recommend the best times of day to capture unforgettable images.
Whether you are a professional photographer or simply a photography enthusiast, this article will guide you through the most beautiful and photogenic places in Prague, to capture images that will be forever etched in your memory.
Take your camera and let’s go !
The top of the Old Clock Tower is one of the best photo spots in Prague due to its beautiful panoramic view of the city. Located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, the clock tower dates back to the 15th century and is one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Once at the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, including Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and St. Vitus Cathedral. The view from the rooftop is particularly stunning at sunset and at night, when the city lights up.
Moreover, the rooftop of the Old Clock Tower is an ideal place to take photos of the clock tower itself. The tower is adorned with incredible sculptures and architectural details, making it a photogenic subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.
It is a must-visit spot for all photography enthusiasts visiting Prague, offering a wonderful panoramic view!
The Charles Bridge is an impressive example of Gothic architecture. The bridge's structure dates back to the 14th century and is adorned with spectacular Baroque statues of saints and Czech historical figures. The intricate details and elaborate patterns on the statues and pillars make it a highly photogenic subject.
It is also a fantastic vantage point over the Vltava River and the city of Prague. Stunning panoramic images of the city, including Prague Castle, Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and St. Vitus Cathedral can be captured from here.
The Charles Bridge is also a lively place where tourists and locals gather to stroll, be entertained, and take in the view. Photographers can capture unique moments of Prague's daily life, such as street performers, musicians, and dreamers…
For the brave ones, Charles Bridge is particularly photogenic at sunrise, when the soft golden light illuminates the bridge and the cityscape in the background, and especially as it is almost empty of people !
A must-visit spot for photographers visiting Prague!
The staircase of the Black Madonna (Černá Madona), an example of Czech cubist architecture from the early 20th century, is a very unique photo spot due to its distinctive design and history, perfect for architecture enthusiasts!
For history lover, the staircase of the Black Madonna is an important historical location in Prague. The building was constructed in 1912 by the architect Josef Gočár and is considered one of the earliest examples of cubist architecture in the world. It also played an important role in Czech culture, once housing an avant-garde bookstore and now a cubist art museum.
Photographers can capture images of the Black Madonna staircase from different angles, but the most surprising one is the angle that gives the impression of seeing a light bulb!
The Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is one of the best photo spots in the city due to its impressive architecture, vast gardens, and panoramic views of the city.
It is one of the largest castles in the world and dates back more than 1000 years. Located on a hill overlooking the city, it’s another excellent vantage point for capturing panoramic views of Prague.
The St. Vitus Cathedral, located inside the castle, is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and an excellent subject for photography due to its elaborate Gothic architecture, colorful stained glass windows, and large rose window.
The vast gardens are also really photogenic and offer opportunities to capture photos of landscapes, flowers, and fountains.
The Prague Castle is also a place of residence for Czech leaders for centuries, and the castle's buildings feature a variety of different architectural styles, such as Baroque and Renaissance styles. The complex details and ornamental motifs of these buildings are also excellent for photos !
The Prague Castle is a must-visit spot for capturing amazing panoramic views of the city !
The banks of the Vltava River, just downstream from Cihelna, are an excellent photo spot (and relaxation spot!) to capture images of the river and the swans swimming in it.
This location is particularly photogenic at sunset, when the colors of the sky are reflected in the water and the swans swim serenely with the historic buildings of Prague in the background. The swans floating on the water add a touch of poetry to the image or can also be the main subject of the photo.
It is also a nice place to walk and relax. The cafes and restaurants in the area offer outdoor seating with views of the river and swans, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.
The Municipal House (in Czech, Obecní dům) is an iconic building in Prague, located on Republic Square. It is one of the largest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Europe, with beautifully designed sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and stained glass windows.
It is a popular photo spot due to its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The building has several reception halls, including the Smetana concert hall, the Grégr ballroom, and the Plzeňská hall, all of which are beautifully decorated in the Art Nouveau style.
The Smetana concert hall is considered one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world due to its exceptional acoustics and elaborate decor. Photographers can capture images of the grand concert hall with its crystal chandeliers, colorful frescoes, and decorative columns.
The Dancing House is a modern and bold building located on the banks of the Vltava, which is a must-see due to its unique design and location.
Built in 1996 by architects Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, the building is designed to resemble a couple of dancers! It contrasts with the city's historic architecture and is therefore a favorite subject for photographers looking to capture Prague's modernity.
The Dancing House is also photogenic at night, when its exterior lighting highlights the curves and shapes of the building, creating a magical atmosphere.
The Petřín Tower is an observation tower located on the Petřín Hill/Park. It stands at a height of 63.5 meters and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its summit.
From the top of the tower, one can see the red roofs of the old town, the Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the surrounding green hills. Photographers can also capture images of the tower itself, which is a beautiful example of wrought iron architecture.
It can be accessed on foot by climbing a steep slope, but it is also possible to take a funicular up to the Petřín Hill. The tower itself has 299 steps to climb, but the panoramic view of Prague is definitely worth it!
The Vrtba Gardens are a set of Baroque gardens located in the Mala Strana district of Prague. The gardens are one of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of Baroque garden architecture in Europe. They were built in the 18th century for Count František Antonín Špork, a patron of music and the arts.
A must-see because of their picturesque beauty and panoramic views of the city of Prague. The gardens feature cascading terraces, fountains, sculptures, shaded alleys, and colorful flower beds. Visitors can also admire views of Prague Castle, the Old Town, and the Charles Bridge.
Prague is an incredible city for photography enthusiasts !
The nine photo spots presented in this article offer a variety of incredible views and perspectives of the city. Whether you're looking to capture the history and culture of the city, or simply explore panoramic views and picturesque scenes, you'll certainly find something that inspires you to take photos in Prague.
I hope this article has given you an idea of the best places to photograph in Prague, as well as the ideal times to go. But I encourage you to explore the city on your own and discover other photo spots. Photography is a subjective art form, so don't be afraid to unleash your creativity and capture images that showcase your distinct perspective of Prague!
