After enjoying a hearty breakfast in the lovely restaurant at Mama Shelter we boarded a tram to Wenceslas Square so that we could visit the National Museum. This square is the largest in Prague and takes its name from St. Wenceslas, the Czech patron.
It’s actually more of a rectangle than a square and was formerly known as the “Horse Market”. This square has been the scene of many important moments in Czech history and nowadays is a lively area, lined with shops, bars and home to the enchanting Prague Christmas market.
It was just before the 10.00 a.m. opening time when we arrived outside the National Museum which is the largest in the Czech Republic. It’s located in one of the most famous buildings in the city with this imposing neo-Renaissance building standing proudly overlooking the square. Names from Czech history are etched in gold lettering on the building’s façade and the entire effect is stunning.
Entrance to the museum is 260 czk (£9.00) and included in the Prague Cool Pass (Prague Card). The main building underwent a major restoration programme and re-opened in 2018 after a lengthy period of closure. The overall effect is breathtaking with its marbled grand entrance hall, sweeping carpeted staircases, intricate stonework and exquisite ceiling frescoes. Even if you are not so interested in the museum, a visit can be enjoyable just for viewing the interior alone.
Exhibition galleries lead off the entrance hall but we decided to start our self guided tour by taking the lift up to the top floor so that we could inspect the museum’s dome. It’s definitely worth taking a look inside the cupola (dome) with its uninterrupted views of Wenceslas Square and the city beyond. Glass walls and walkways have carefully been constructed enabling visitors to access the rooftop year round.
Working our way back through the museum we were enthralled by the interior as much as its galleries. The main building is home to natural history, geology, archaeology and pre-historic collections. The pantheon is a must see too with its huge cupola of stained glass crowning the roof under which busts and statues of famous Czech scholars, writers and artists stand. The zoology section is very popular especially with families of young children with its huge whale skeleton taking centre stage.
There’s a connecting underground passageway and lift through to the adjoining new building. A rolling film is projected onto the sides of the corridor as you walk through that depicts the history of Wenceslas Square from ancient times to the present day. Visitors are able to purchase tickets and enter the museum from either building. This section covers aspects of Czech history and features many interactive elements and an immersive 360 degree small cinema.
On leaving the museum we just had time to pop into one of the cafes in the square before taking the metro to the riverside to board a Prague Boat for one of their two hour lunchtime cruises. This boat trip is also included in the Prague Cool Pass (lunch and drinks optional extra).
Unlike the small wooden boat that we’d taken the previous day from Charles Bridge, this was quite different being of a sleek, large modern design. We settled down on deckchairs on the open-air sun deck but sadly this didn’t last very long as dark clouds soon appeared and it started to rain.
We then relocated downstairs in the glass roofed section which was very pleasant as a musician serenaded us on his piano accordion as we slowly made our way along the beautiful Vltava river. We were so comfortable that we stayed there even after the sun decided to shine again.
Although this pleasure boat trip was very relaxing we actually preferred the smaller boat trip as this larger boat lacked a commentary and food and drinks tended to be quite expensive. On a positive note, this river boat excursion was much longer and we did see more in both directions than on the 45 minute trip. If you do have time it might be a good idea to do like us and take a trip on each of them as they are both included in the Prague Card.
Our journey commenced at the Czech Bridge passing beneath the Charles Bridge and National Theatre just north of the old town. The boat then made its way through the Smichov locks and upon reaching Vysehrad cliffs near the Podoli waterworks it turned around and headed back in the opposite direction.
This two hour excursion was a good opportunity to rest our legs in readiness for a visit to what is undoubtedly the city’s premier attraction, Prague Castle. Standard admission 422czk (£14.60) and also included in the Prague Cool Pass. The castle attracts huge numbers of visitors so I recommend arriving at around 3.00 p.m. when people on day trips are leaving so that it is much quieter without the crowds. It’s actually free to walk around the castle complex but tickets are required to enter the various buildings.
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in Europe and was once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. It now serves as the office of the president of the Czech Republic.
Tickets for the castle allowed us entry into four separate areas. The first of which was the Old Royal Palace. This dates back to the 12th century and its Vladislav Hall is still in use today. A former seat of Czech rulers, the Palace houses the ‘Story of Prague’ exhibition.
Within the castle complex stands the country’s most important religious shrine, St. Vitus Cathedral. It was in this church that the Kings of Bohemia were crowned with several of them buried in tombs beneath the church floor. Non-ticket holders are permitted to glimpse the interior from the cathedral’s main door.
St. George’s Basilica is the second church in the Prague Castle complex. Although originally built in 920 AD in Baroque and Romanesque style, nowadays it only retains its foundations from this period. The Basilica serves as a final resting place to numerous important people including Ludmila of Bohemia, the grandmother of King Wenceslas. Currently, the church serves as a concert hall as it benefits from excellent acoustics.
The Golden Lane is a narrow street within the castle consisting of small colourful houses that visitors can enter, portraying the lives of those who lived in them from seamstresses to herbalists and shoemakers. It’s very interesting so try not to miss the lane as it’s tucked away slightly.
The Golden Lane is also included in the ticket but free to visit after 5.00 p.m. in summer and from 4.00 p.m. over the winter months. We spent around two hours exploring the castle before walking down the old castle stairs to Malostranskä interchange station from where we took a tram back to our hotel after a lovely day exploring the beautiful sights of Prague.
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The museum looks wonderful, it was closed last time we visited Prague as a family. A shame, as it had been highly recommended, and it certainly looks like a must-do now! That entrance hall is something else. Lovely shot of the Charles Bridge and Old Prague from the river.
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The National Museum was also closed when we were there last too. I do recommend visiting when you get back there as it’s magnificent in and out! Thank you for taking the time to comment, it’s much appreciated Helen.
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So much to see in Prague and you plan your days well Marion, looked very cozy inside the boat
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It was lovely and cosy in the boat with its big windows to see out over Pragues’s bridges and landmarks. Thanks so much for commenting.
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This post brought back memories. The Prague Boat looks like fun. Thanks for posting!
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So pleased to read that this post brought back fond memories of your own time spent in Prague. The boat trip was lovely and relaxing and a chance to see the city from the perspective of the water.
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We visited Prague’s National Museum a few years ago and all I remember was being more impressed with the architecture and design than of the actual exhibits, but that could have been because of the renovations and things being temporarily closed. Prague Castle on the other hand, was a real highlight of our trip.
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I actually liked the interior of the National Museum more than its exhibits too as it’s a magnificent building. The castle was lovely too and I was surprised at how many sections it had.
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Oh lovely Prague – I really need to return as I went when I was in my 20s and drank through most of it. I’d love to visit the National Museum and do things properly
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The National Museum is magnificent Hannah both for its architecture and contents. The last time we were in Prague it was closed for renovations so I’m glad we were able to visit this time. I’m sure you had a fun time there in your 20’s too and that you can return for a more culturally oriented visit next time! Have a lovely weekend. Marion xx
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I think the last time I visited the Castle, Vaclav Havel was president; it was amazing to walk by his car just parked in the courtyard. There was also a colourful changing of the guard.
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How wonderful to be able to watch the changing if the guard at the castle. We enjoyed exploring its numerous parts very much.
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Another impressive post. My favorite picture would be the St Vitus Cathedral.
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Thank you Ian. The cathedral is very impressive and with so many fine buildings in Prague it’s difficult to pinpoint the finest.
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You are so fortunate to be able to visit so many amazing places!! Thank you for sharing them 😊
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Thank you for your kind words. I do feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit these places and I’m so pleased you are enjoying reading about them.
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The national museum would be my first stop! How beautifully you portrayed it in this post. As for the rest of my (I’m wishing) visit to Prague, I would follow your post to the letter. Your travels are so fascinating and you do such a great job of describing your trips. Thank you for sharing another wonder destination with us!
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You make my day with your positive comments, thank you so much. Prague is a beautiful city and I do hope you have an opportunity to visit one day.
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Oh that national museum looks amazing! I’ll be sure to give myself a few hours there to explore when I visit someday. I love the view of the square- so lovely! I have read that the Christmas market there in Prague is consistently rated as the best for families with a lot of kid friendly activities along with all the usual delights. Really loving following along to Prague with you 🙂
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Thank you so much for your interest in this series of posts on Prague Meg. You will adore the city and the National Museum is magnificent both inside and out!
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What a wonderful day! That museum looks so elegant and fancy. I’d love to visit the castle complex too. I’d also love to visit the European Christmas markets one day.
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It was such a wonderful day Lyssy. Prague has so much to offer with its elegant architecture, river boat trips and castle to name but a few! You’ll get there one day, I’m sure! Thanks so much for commenting.
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What a fabulous building for the museum. I can see why you enjoyed the building so much. The castle complex really includes a lot Marion. Nice to see the homes set up the way they would have been in the day. Happy Thursday. Allan
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Prague Castle and the National Museum are definite highlights of any visit to the city Allan. Thanks so much for commenting.
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The National Museum is such a beautiful building – both outside and inside. That pantheon is simply breathtaking! And it’s a bonus that the boat has a glass roof – perfect for a rainy day! And you did great by ending the day visiting the castel (and that impressive cathedral). Great photos Marion!
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Thanks Corna for your continued interest in my series of posts on Prague. The National Museum was indeed beautiful both inside and out and the castle and boat trip very impressive too.
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Another…lovely tour of Prague, so thank you for that, Little Miss Traveller! Great memories. xx
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So pleased to read that this post brought back fond memories Joy. Prague is stunning. Thanks for reading and commenting. Marion.
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So many of Prague’s architectural delights here Marion. I had to smile at the shot of the sentry guards, Mr. Camo does not look impressed. Or maybe he’s just trying to look cool. That looks like some manner of Cage of Shame outside Prague Castle? I saw a few of those throughout my travels in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Golden Lane is exceptionally pretty.
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Thanks for your interest in this post Leighton. We enjoyed a splendid day. I think the highlight for me was the interior of the National Museum as it was magnificent.
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Everyone has their own opinion of where they believe is the most beautiful city in the world. With Instagram and Internet at our fingertips, it can be hard to choose with billions of pictures uploaded from many different places. And it can be daunting to choose from many beautiful places all around the world, but for me, the city of Prague, along with Edinburgh, are the most beautiful cities in the world. I am glad to see you had a great time exploring the sights around the city, the entrance to the Hall of the National Museum looks quite impressive. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Edinburgh is another of my favourite cities too Aiva. One of my sons studied at the university there for four years so I took every opportunity to visit him and still return at least once a year. Prague too is very beautiful and the interior of the National Museum is magnificent. Thank you so much for commenting.
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Another beautiful day in Prague! I’ve actually never been to the National Museum, but wow the interior is stunning! Also never took a boat ride, and the glass interior of the boat is lovely– lots of natural lighting! I enjoyed strolling the Golden Lane; definitely a picturesque part of town. Can’t wait to read more about your time in Prague!
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Thanks for your interest in this post Rebecca. The interior of the National Museum is magnificent so hope you get to visit at some point. It’s such a beautiful city.
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