Wenceslas Square

More boulevard than square, a vibrant and historic area of shops, restaurants, art and architecture.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Prague
Local Breweries
Czech is known as the birthplace of Pilsner, so be sure to load up on the local beer, called "pivo."
Statue of Saint Wenceslas
Wenceslas, an equestrian statue by J.V. Myslbek and probably the most famous statue in Prague.
Jerusalem Synagogue
Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue for its location on Jerusalem Street, is a synagogue in Prague, Czech Republic
National Museum Prague
The National Museum is the largest museum in the Czech Republic.
Velvet revolution memorial
This memorial is a small bronze plaque that commemorates the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that led to the downfall of Communism in what was then known as Czechoslovakia.
The Franciscan Monastery
The Franciscan monastery is part of the Church of 'Our Lady of Snow' and is located in the area of Jungmannovo Square. Constructed in the 17th century, this building is characterized by moderation and simplicity of form.

Related Tours

Explore the Historic Prague Castle: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, the historic Prague Castle holds the Guinness world record as the largest coherent castle complex with approximately an area of 70.000 m2. Your private tour guide will help you immerse yourself in the history of the fascinating city of Prague by learning the history of its beautiful castle.

On this half-day walking tour, you will:

  • Explore Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the top of Castle Hill and one of the most visited monuments in Central Europe;
  • Learn about the Czech monarchy and the castle's architecture which date back to the 9th century, when the castle was first founded;
  • Discover the Old Royal Palace, the seat of Bohemian princes and kings until the 16th century made of a mix of many architectural styles, particularly Gothic and Renaissance;
  • Explore St George’s Basilica, founded in 920 and the oldest preserved church in the castle, while learning about the history of Prague as the capital for Holy Roman emperors throughout the Middle Ages;
  • Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the scenario for many coronations of Czech kings and queens and home to the tomb of Saint Wenceslaus, the most important Czech patron;
  • Stroll down idyllic Golden Lane, originally built in the 16th century where you will get a sense of life behind the castle walls;
  • End your tour outside the castle where your tour guide will give you great recommendations for the rest of your stay.


Prague Castle looms above the Vltava River’s left bank and is adorned with many beautiful fairytale-like spires and towers. Within its walls lies a fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries that are home to some of the Czech Republic's greatest artistic and cultural treasures. Prague Castle is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Czech Republic.

The castle has long been the seat of Czech monarchs, as well as the official residence of the head of state. Its construction has been on a monumental scale and is famed across Europe; with Prince Bořivoj founding a fortified settlement here in the 9th century. It grew sporadically as monarchs made their own additions to the castle complex.

There have been four major reconstructions, from that of Prince Soběslav in the 12th century to a classical facelift under Empress Maria Theresa (r 1740–80).

Your expert city guide will help you to unravel the fascinating history of this enigmatic building in the heart of Prague. The Castle also provides a breathtaking, royal view over Charles Bridge, the Vltava river and the rest of Prague.

Exploring the Castle complex will help us to discover more about the fascinating life of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, and his contributions to his Empire. 

Prague in the Communist Era: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Discover the shrouded corners, monuments, and memorials of Prague’s Communist era, as you learn the twentieth-century history of this incredible city – including the run-up to WW2, the Nazi Occupation, the city’s liberation by the Red Army, and what life was like under Soviet rule behind the ‘Iron Curtain’ for over forty years, before the fall of Communism in 1989.

On your private tour you will:

  • See the Prague Metronome across the river - built on the site where a statue of Stalin used to loom over the city, a permanent reminder of the time the city spent under Communist rule;
  • Walk through the historic Jewish Quarter and hear about the increased persecution of the Jews under Communist rule;
  • Explore the Old and New Town and learn about the rebellious and subversive counterculture that emerged under Communism;
  • Pass by the building of the Na Perštýně, home to the Secret Police Agency, and learn about the surveillance techniques used by the feared StB – the Czech Secret Police;
  • See other key Communist-era buildings, monuments and memorials;
  •  View the Powder Tower, where Czechoslovakia was formed, and learn about the country’s complex historical politics at the Municipal House – a famous Art Nouveau building and civic centre;
  • Enjoy a guided visit to the Communist Museum – dedicated to the history of the regime in Prague and life behind the Iron Curtain for many millions of people after the Second World War;
  • Visit Wenceslas Square, famous for being the focal point of rallies, and protests against the regime, and where crowds gathered for the triumphant fall of Communism in 1989;
  • Finish your tour at Petřín hill to see the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, a series of statues commemorating the victims of the communist era.

Today, Prague is one of Europe’s most visited cities – known as the ‘city of the hundred spires’ it is famous for the beauty of its Medieval and Baroque architecture and is a thriving modern metropolis.

But Prague under communism was a scary place, and the city does not shy away from memorializing this dark era of its past, nor honouring those who suffered under the Soviet regime. From the memorials to the Jews persecuted by first the Nazis then the Communists in the Jewish Quarter, to monuments dedicated to the heroism of everyday people who courageously stood up to the regime, modern Prague does not forget its Communist past.

On your private tour, you will learn about the interrogation of ordinary working-class citizens by the Secret Police, and the oppression of any so-called enemies of the state. Learn how Prague’s intelligentsia was forced into menial jobs and dissidents tortured for subversion.

See Prague’s most prominent Art Nouveau building, Municipal House, where Czechoslovakia as an independent republican state was proclaimed in 1918 and learn about the complex political history of the country.

Pause by a simple bronze cross paying homage to Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc. Palach set himself on fire in protest, making headline global news - a story that intensified when fellow student Jan Zajíc also set himself ablaze.

Head to Wenceslas Square, the city’s focal point for rallies and political protests and where the crowds gathered to celebrate the emotional end to Communism with the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. End your tour at the incredibly moving Memorial to the victims of the communist era on Petřín hill.

Fascinating, and at times harrowing, this fully immersive experience provides a rich historical and social context of Prague and the Communist era throughout Europe.

Prague's Highlights & Hidden Gems: Private Half-Day Walking Tour
Explore the highlights of Prague, the city of the hundred spires, as well as some incredible hidden gems in the beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic.

On your private half-day walking tour, you will: 

  • Explore a mix of the highlights and hidden gems of central Prague including iconic buildings, monuments, statues and squares;
  • Learn the layout of the city while hearing all about its varied history, from the medieval kings through the Communist era and today’s modern life in Prague;
  • Begin at the Dancing House, also known as Fred and Ginger, and appreciate the fabulous Art Nouveau architecture throughout the city, including buildings like the  Art Nouveau Palace Hotel and the Jerusalem Synagogue;
  • Admire the equally beautiful medieval architecture of Prague, the "city of the 100 spires", with its amazing Gothic churches including the 14th-century church of Our Lady of the Snows;
  • Discover secret courtyards and hidden gems of empty green spaces, including the lovely Franciscan Gardens;
  • Explore the iconic Wenceslas Square – a focal point for political rallies, and where the people celebrated the fall of Communism in 1989;
  • See the spectacular Charles Square: filled with dozens of statues, it is the largest square in Prague, and formerly the largest in Medieval Europe;
  • Visit the 17th Century Church of St. Ignatius on Charles Square, where about 900 victims of the 1945 bombing were carried;
  • Marvel at the stunning National Theatre and the historic Legion Bridge across the Vltava River;
  • Admire the (in)famous statue of King Wenceslas Riding an Upside-Down Dead Horse, a mocking tribute to the past and modern leadership of Prague;
  • Stop by the famous John Lennon Wall to see the John Lennon–inspired graffiti and the lyrics from the Beatles' songs.
  • See the hidden water mills with the statue of the gremlin;
  •  End your tour with a welcome traditional Czech beer on us!

Prague is famous for its mix of medieval, baroque, art nouveau and modern architecture – all of which you’ll be able to admire as you stroll through this beautiful city with your private guide. 

You’ll see the classic medieval gothic churches, as well as the art nouveau synagogues and municipal buildings, whilst learning about different eras of Czech history, from the medieval royal family to the stories of the Jewish Community under the Nazis and later the Communists. 

You’ll explore the iconic Wenceslas Squares – named for two of Bohemia’s most famous kings, as well as more modern instalments such as the Franz Kafka rotating head and a statue of Josef Jungmann – a well-known Czech poet. 

Learn about the Velvet Revolution of 1989 whilst gazing at the Melantrich balcony, the site of dissenting political speeches, and hear how the peaceful protests led to the fall of Communism in Czechoslovakia. 

Walk over the historic Legion Bridge, across the Vltava River, the main artery of the city, and end your tour with a traditional Czech beer at a local pub!
x

Guides

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Partners

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.