Find yourself in the capital of Czech Republic and want to find the top spots to photograph what has to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe? Look no further than this guide as I had a chance to uncover a few of the best locations in Prague. Whether you’re taking photos with a camera or your phone, all of these sights are highly Instagrammable and shareable that you won’t want to miss them.
How did I find these best Prague photography spots?
It’s funny you ask because I looked around everywhere for a place to get inspiration for photos but it wasn’t until I discovered Trover. Since I was already in Prague at the time, I wanted a quick way to see what was around me and plan my photoshoot on the fly.
I downloaded the app (iOS/Android) on the phone and within minutes I could see all the popular places that other travellers have uploaded. Scrolling through, all I did was add a selection of amazing Prague pictures to a custom Best of Prague List.
Once I had that, I pretty much used the app as my own mapping tool to plan my trip – a Prague photography tour if you will.
8 amazing locations for Prague photography
While this certainly isn’t a definitive list of the top photography locations in Prague, it catalogues a few of my favourites that I think you will love as well.
1. Žižkov Television Tower
This imposing TV tower can be found just south of Prague 3 and near the main train station. Just look up and you can’t miss it. Love it or hate it, what makes this tower so different from others in the world is that it has a very interesting mix of communist-era architecture blended with what the vision of the future would like like back in the 80’s. Three tubes rise up from the ground and support 9 pods and three decks.
I didn’t go up but did end up walking around the grounds of the tower and was thoroughly amused by the park which has its own mini-golf course. Sadly, the climbing babies were removed for cleaning but should be back soon.
2. 42-Layer Sculpture of Franz Kafka’s Head
Prague is home to some of the most peculiar, strange, yet delightful sculptures and this is an example of one of them. As a major figure in 20th century literature, Franz Kafka can be found all over the city but my favourite is this one by Czech sculptor David Černý.
Stand here for at least 15 minutes and just watch as the 42 layers rotate in different directions as the sculpture is deconstructed and reconstructed to give a glimpse of Kafka’s tortured personality.
3. Umbrella Hanging Man
In an seemingly random corner in New Town, Prague, David Černý’s work comes UP again. Named “In Utero”, this sculpture displays an airborne man hanging from the cables in the street. It’s a symbol for the middle class and the despair and sadness of those hit by the recession. There’s also a hanging woman with an umbrella on an adjacent street.
While I had an idea of where this sculpture was from photos posted on Trover, I actually stumbled upon this accidentally as I was roaming around the narrow streets of the city. I remember thinking to myself “Oh wow there’s street art littered all throughout the city. This is awesome!”
3. View of Lesser Town From Underneath Tower
I personally thought the views from Charles Bridge itself were mediocre especially when you’re walking through mid-day with hoards of people crossing. Once you get to the other side, you’re in an area known as Lesser Town or Malá Strana.
Framed beneath the arch of one of the two towers on this end of the bridge, I love the contrast in light and the beautifully ornate and colourful Renaissance and Gothic-style buildings. In this case, having a lot of people around works out well because it helps fill the scene.
4. Charles Bridge At Night
I couldn’t create a Prague photography guide and not have this classic shot on my list right? This is the famous Charles Bridge that crosses the Vltava River that was built in the beginning of the 15th century and still stands today. It was originally called Stone Bridge and has gone through its own transformations over the centuries and still serves as a connection between the Prague Castle and Old Town.
The bridge can be shot from many different angles and many sides but the most photogenic in my opinion is from the Old Town side of the city. Even still, there are a thousand angles to choose along the promenade along the river. If you take a look at my Trover list below, you’ll see this photo and the mapped pin is the best place to capture this shot. Part of this platform that juts into the water is for the restaurant but the rest is public space. Come here at sunset and set your tripod right to the left of the last table by the railing and you’ll have the cleanest shot of the bridge without tree branches or other objects in the way.
Favourite Prague Photography Spots – a photo list by William Tang
5. Man Hanging Out
Dangling above the labyrinth of cobblestone streets of Old Town is this sculpture that has everyone twisting their necks up in concern. Another one of David Černý masterpieces, the man holding on for dear life is none other than Sigmund Freud. Like his other works, it is deliberately meant to be provocative and distressing.
On its own, this is already a fascinating piece of art but when you put the gorgeous streets of Prague as a backdrop, it turns into a great photo. I love the contrast it creates between foreground and background.
6. Views From The Metronome in Letná Park
Next to Prague Castle is a sprawling park set on a hill that not only has an oversized metronome, but also has in my opinion, one of the best views of the city.
Fun Fact: At that exact spot once stood a giant statue of Joseph Stalin which was demolished in 1962
Discovering this spot through Trover, I was determined to make the trek up here at sunset and it sure was worth it. After crossing the Charles Bridge, I walked along the Vtlava River until there were steps I could take up to the heart of the park. It wasn’t long before I saw a crowd of skateboarders and other tourists, so I knew I was on the right track.
When you get up here, set up your tripod or shoot handheld and you’ll notice that your line of sight down to the 4 bridges below will be slightly obstructed by the foliage. My recommendation is leverage the trees to your advantage in your composition. Sunset is also your best bet as the sun will cast pleasant yellows, reds, and oranges as it goes down from behind your right shoulder.
7. Prague Old Town Square
If you’re thinking about another iconic place to photograph, it would be Old Town Square. Yes, it’ll be quite crowded at all hours of the day but between the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, Old Town Hall, the medieval astrological clock, St. Nicholas Church, museums, galleries, there are so many stories to tell with every building and statue that fill the square. The eclectic mix of architecture and styles make this a dream for any photographer.
During your time in Prague, you’ll undoubtedly be crossing through this square at all hours of the day. My favourite is in the evening when all the buildings are lit up in the summer and visitors rest their weary legs by sitting down on the cobblestone.
Get creative with your composition here and don’t be afraid to explore the connecting veins of streets that lead in and out of the square.
The square can also be viewed from various vantage points as well so if you’re looking to see it from high up, Old Town Hall’s viewing platform is open daily from 9AM – 6PM except Monday which starts at 11AM.
8. Riegrovy Sady
I almost didn’t want to share this one because it’s that good.
Near the main train station is a park that’s mostly known to locals. Set on a hill, Riegrovy Sady has an awesome perched view of Prague including Old Town, Prague Castle, and even Petrin Tower.
What you’ll love about here is that it’s the perfect spot to set up a picnic with your travel companions to hang out, watch a glorious sunset, and of course take photos of it all developing in front of you. Within the park are several beer gardens as well so that means you can either eat and drink before heading here or you can take some sausage and beer to go. Pretty sweet right?
With this part of the park, there’s almost no bad place to sit because it’s effectively at a stadium-style angle. I would recommend bringing a tripod so you can shoot a timelapse or just take snaps periodically as you’re enjoying sips of Czech beer.
Now looking for a great place to stay?
Look no further than the Casa Marcello for your stay in Prague. Conveniently located right in Old Town, you’re walking distance to pretty much everything that you want to see in the city.
Within peaceful surroundings, this hotel greets you with open arms. From it’s lovely open-air courtyard to the amazing buffet breakfast that’s offered every morning, and the clean and comfortable rooms, the atmosphere of this property is simply perfect.
So those are my 8 favourite places to take photos in Prague. I’m sure I’ve missed many more but these’ll get you started in helping plan your trip in the city.
Have you discovered other great places to shoot? Drop a comment below and share with other readers!
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