Prague is one of Europe's most photogenic cities. With its stunning Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, the Czech capital offers endless opportunities for photographers. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, this guide will help you discover the best locations for capturing the beauty of this historic city.

We have spent countless hours exploring Prague at different times of day and in various seasons. Each location in this guide has been personally photographed and scouted to provide you with accurate information about access, best timing, and composition possibilities.

Charles Bridge at dawn
Charles Bridge at dawn - one of Prague's most iconic photography spots

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)

No photography guide to Prague would be complete without Charles Bridge. This 14th-century stone bridge connecting Old Town to Lesser Town is one of the most photographed structures in Central Europe. The bridge features 30 Baroque statues and offers spectacular views of Prague Castle.

Best Times to Photograph

For the classic Charles Bridge shot without crowds, arrive before sunrise. The bridge can be surprisingly empty in the early morning hours, especially during weekdays. Blue hour and golden hour provide the most dramatic light, with the castle illuminated against the colorful sky.

Recommended Viewpoints

  • Old Town Bridge Tower: Climb the tower for an elevated view looking west toward the castle
  • Kampa Island: Access from the Lesser Town side for a unique perspective with the Charles Bridge Museum watermill
  • Novotneho Lavka: A small pier on the Old Town side offering excellent angles of the bridge and castle

Photographer's Tip

In winter, morning fog often rises from the Vltava River, creating ethereal conditions. Check weather forecasts for clear, cold mornings following humid days for the best chance of capturing misty scenes.

Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad)

Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The complex includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and numerous courtyards and gardens that offer excellent photography opportunities.

Prague panorama with castle
Prague Castle dominates the city skyline

Key Photography Spots Within the Castle

  • St. Vitus Cathedral: The Gothic cathedral's intricate facade and interior provide endless details to capture
  • Golden Lane: Colorful historic houses once home to castle servants and later Franz Kafka
  • Castle Gardens: Terraced gardens offer elevated views over the city rooftops

Best External Viewpoints

For capturing the castle from outside, several locations offer excellent perspectives:

  • Letna Park: Classic view of the castle and Vltava bridges from the north
  • Petrin Hill: Higher vantage point offering panoramic city views
  • Strelecky Island: Mid-river location for symmetrical compositions

Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)

The heart of historic Prague, Old Town Square features the famous Astronomical Clock, the twin-spired Tyn Church, and beautiful Baroque buildings. The square is always bustling with activity, presenting both challenges and opportunities for photographers.

Old Town Square Prague
Old Town Square with the Church of Our Lady before Tyn

Astronomical Clock

The medieval Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall is a masterpiece of Gothic engineering. For photographs without crowds, arrive early morning or during winter months. The clock performs an animated display every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM.

Access Tip

The Old Town Hall Tower offers excellent views over the square and Tyn Church. It opens at 9 AM on most days. Visit the Prague City Tourism website for current opening hours.

Lesser Town (Mala Strana)

The charming Lesser Town neighborhood below the castle is filled with Baroque palaces, intimate squares, and quiet cobblestone streets. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busy Old Town, with excellent opportunities for architectural and street photography.

Notable Locations

  • St. Nicholas Church: One of Europe's finest Baroque churches with a stunning green dome
  • Nerudova Street: Historic street with ornate house signs leading up to the castle
  • Kampa Park: Peaceful riverside park with views of Charles Bridge and the famous Lennon Wall
  • Malostranske namesti: The main square of Lesser Town centered around St. Nicholas Church

Petrin Hill

Rising 318 meters above the city, Petrin Hill offers some of the best panoramic views of Prague. The hill features the Petrin Lookout Tower (a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower), beautiful gardens, and winding paths perfect for photography walks.

Getting There

You can reach Petrin Hill by the historic funicular railway or by walking up through the scenic gardens. The funicular runs frequently and is included in regular Prague public transport tickets.

Photography Opportunities

  • Petrin Lookout Tower: 360-degree views from 63 meters above the hilltop
  • Rose Garden: Beautiful during late spring bloom
  • Strahov Monastery: Historic monastery with views and one of Europe's most beautiful libraries
Sunrise over Prague
Sunrise views from elevated positions around Prague

Vysehrad

Often overlooked by tourists, Vysehrad is an ancient fortress on a hill south of the city center. It offers peaceful grounds, the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Basilica, and excellent views of the Vltava River and modern Prague.

Why Visit Vysehrad

  • Far fewer tourists than the castle district
  • Stunning river views and unique perspectives of the city
  • Historic cemetery with ornate tombs of famous Czechs
  • Beautiful park grounds perfect for golden hour photography

Best Time

Visit Vysehrad in the late afternoon to photograph the fortress in warm light, then stay for sunset views over the river. The grounds are open 24 hours, allowing for night photography of the illuminated church.

Seasonal Considerations

Prague offers excellent photography opportunities year-round, with each season bringing unique conditions:

Spring (March - May)

Cherry blossoms in Petrin gardens, longer days, and pleasant temperatures. Crowds begin to increase after Easter.

Summer (June - August)

Longest days allow for extended golden hour sessions. Expect large crowds at popular locations. Early morning starts are essential.

Autumn (September - November)

Golden foliage in parks and gardens, dramatic skies, and decreasing crowds. Excellent conditions for atmospheric photography.

Winter (December - February)

Smallest crowds, potential for snow-covered scenes, and festive Christmas markets. Shorter days require careful planning but offer unique opportunities.

Practical Tips for Photographing Prague

  • Arrive Early: Most iconic locations are crowded by mid-morning. Sunrise sessions offer the best combination of light and minimal crowds.
  • Use a Tripod: Essential for blue hour and night photography. Most locations allow tripods without permits for personal use.
  • Explore Side Streets: Some of the best photographs come from lesser-known corners. Wander away from the main tourist routes.
  • Return Multiple Times: Lighting conditions vary dramatically. A location that looks ordinary at noon might be magical at sunset.
  • Check Events: The Czech Tourism website lists events that might affect access or provide unique opportunities.

Prague rewards photographers who take time to explore beyond the obvious locations. While the iconic spots are certainly worth capturing, the city's true magic often reveals itself in quiet moments and unexpected corners. Plan your visit carefully, allow extra time for exploration, and you will return home with images that capture the timeless beauty of this remarkable city.

For more photography inspiration, explore our guide to Bohemian landscape photography or brush up on your skills with our essential photography tips for beginners.