Prague is an ancient city full of wonders, culture, history and diverse art. There's so much to see that sometimes the number of options are a bit overwhelming. There are tons of
free walking tours in Prague for you to explore architecture and learn about its history from a local's perspective. Or take museums as another great example and way of getting to know the city better. There's a museum on every corner in Prague, but how do you know if it's worth the admission price and your valuable time? Easy. We reviewed the best museums in the city and compiled a handy guide for you. Our carefully picked selection offers something for everyone: tech buffs, design admirers, and arts scene lovers can all enjoy these museums knowing their time and money spent was truly worth it! For the travellers that love to live and learn on vacation, here's our list of the top 5 museums you need to visit in Prague:
1. National Technical Museum
Alan Wilson via Wikimedia Commons
As far as museums go, the National Technical Museum is Prague's jewel and mechanical haven. Perfect for mechanic-enthusiasts of all sorts, it features everything from airplanes, to cars, motorcycles, printing, cinematic and photographic equipment, all from the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries. Perhaps the most impressive collection is the old cars. They have some of the first models of Bugatti, Audi, and Mercedes. Automobile enthusiasts would definitely love this place and what's great is that it doesn't feel like a museum or an auto-show.
For more information and opening hours, press
here.
2. Veletržní palác - National Gallery in Prague
Jiří Sedláček via Wikimedia Commons
The National Gallery is conveniently situated just outside the city centre in historical Holesovice where Alphone Mucha worked on so many of his pieces. One of the highlights of the gallery is his permanent exhibition: The Slav Epic. It showcases moments in Slavic History, from the Bulgarians, to the Czechs, the Serbs, and the Russians. On top of the permanent exhibit, the museum rotates through the most interesting contemporary and diverse exhibitions from foreign and local artists on a seasonal basis. A must-see and great overview of the Czech Republic's arts and culture scene.
For more information on exhibitions and events, click
here.
3. Museum of Communism
Michael Bueker via Wikimedia Commons
There are very few places in the world that expose the communist movement with humour
and historical analysis. This may be one of the best communist museums out there, so get ready to get informed and be entertained! Although a small exhibit, it is thorough with educational information including original propaganda posters, anecdotes, statues, memorabilia and (oh!) the uniforms. If you're interested in the history of communism in Czech Republic, the Museum of Communism is the perfect place to stop by. It's located in Wenceslas Square, conveniently located right in the city centre.
For more information and opening hours, click
here.
4. Prague Castle
Charles Hoffman via Flickr
It may be tacky and it may be too obvious of an attraction, but I simply couldn't leave it off the list. Prague castle is the biggest and one of the oldest museums out there. The St-Vitus Church alone is worth seeing for its history and epic gothic architecture. The palace itself is divided into parts: the old court and the new court. The actual lavish rooms of the nobility aren't so much of a thrill, but the palace halls display exquisite hand-painted art as well as and showcase very original Slavic and Czech art. Saint George's basilica is another ancient site for the history buffs and admirers of architecture. If you have a thing for the Middle Ages, there's Golden Lane, a little medieval street where one can find old dungeons, blacksmith's houses, and medieval armoury. Last, but certainly not least, the view of Prague from the castle is the best seat in town.
There are different kinds of packages for ticket purchase, so check them out
here.
5. The Many, Many, Many FREE Gardens!
Wallenstein Garden by Petr Kratochvil
If you're not a museum person and you love the outdoors, Prague offers a range of beautiful, ancient gardens that are absolutely free! During the renaissance, many gardens were commissioned by the government of the time. Italian painters and sculptors came in and created breathtaking gardens in the very centre of the city. Many of them have peacocks roaming the grounds freely among the fountains, labyrinths, and greenery. These gardens work all year round and, once again, are absolutely free! Enjoy a whole day strolling through these man-built wonders:
- Wallenstein Garden - Perhaps the most impressive garden in Mala Strana
- Royal Gardens - for a map of the grounds, click here.
- Petrin Hill - Prague's largest apple garden
- Černín Garden (Černínská zahrada) - a five minute walk from Prague Castle
There you have it! Enjoy these eye-opening and low budget museums, and take it from us...you're going to love it! Are there museums you particularly enjoyed in Prague?
Aleksandra Koplik
