Prague Royal Way - Route of Kings

The Royal Way, also known as the Royal Route is the best way of how to explore Prague's must-see sights and do it all in just one day. Here is a quick free guide to the Prague Royal Way and what are its top attractions.

 

Powder Tower

  • Start your exploration of Prague here. This medieval gothic tower was originally constructed in 1475. The place where it's standing is where the original defensive wall that guarded Old Town used to be. Nowadays it is the only properly visible remaining part of the once defensive perimeter. This is where the Royal Way as we understand it today starts (in the middle ages it started in a place called Vysehrad. Powder Tower was a middle point, but the rest of the coronation road disappeared under modern constructions.)


Enter through the Powder Tower and keep walking straight. Eventually, you will see a Cubist restaurant on your left-hand side. Make sure to take a picture of this building, the House of the Black Madonna, since this is one of the first Cubist buildings ever constructed! Follow Celetna street all the way to the Old Town Square.

 

Old Town Square

  • This is the most picturesque square in Prague. In the Middle Ages, it was a market and a place for executions. Nowadays a place to execute the perfect poses for Instagram photos. I mean look at the architecture around you! The eastern side of the square is full of beautiful buildings. The Baroque Goltz-Kinsky palace, early gothic House of the Stone Bell, or the massive Tyn Church.


Continue your walk down the Royal Way to the Astronomical Clock.

 

Astronomical Clock

  • Strike a pose, take a picture, and now look up! This beautiful clock is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. Every hour at the hour there is a show, make sure to not to miss it!
    If you want to know how this beautiful clock works and how to read it, you will have to join our Free Walking Tour. We cannot spill all the secrets here!


Next up is Charles BridgeTo get to Charles Bridge you have to follow Karlova street. This is the most souvenir packed street in Prague. Let us give you one useful tip. We Czechs don't eat Trdelnik on daily basis and the marijuana chocolates won't make your trip to Prague better, since they are CBD and it is a tourist trap.

 

Charles Bridge

  • Charles Bridge is the oldest and the most beautiful bridge in Prague. The construction of this bridge started in 1357 and it is now one of the longest Gothic medieval bridges in Europe! You've got half a kilometer ahead of you now, make sure to use the toilet here if you haven't done so yet.

In the middle of the bridge, you will see a bronze statue of St. John of Nepomuk. This Czech saint has the power to make your wishes come true as long as you keep them secret. Not every day you can stumble upon a nice guy like him. Make sure to touch him and continue your way up towards Prague Castle.

On the way to Prague Castle stop by the Church of St. Nicholas.


Church of St. Nicholas

  • We definitely recommend getting a ticket and entering this church. It has the largest ceiling fresco in central Europe and has some of the most beautiful Baroque interiors Prague has to offer.

Now, a short climb up the hill is awaiting you. If you are from San Franciso, this will be a piece of cake. If you are from the Netherlands, get ready to experience some proper elevation. Time to go up to the Prague Castle!

 

Prague Castle

  • This is where the Royal Way finishes. Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world according to the Guinness book of records. Make sure not to get lost there and Czech out our Castle video here or read more about Prague Castle here.

 

Our Local Tip

  • Do not change your money anywhere on the Royal Way and careful which souvenir stores you buy your souvenirs from. See our guide for Prague souvenirs.
  • The best time to walk the Royal Way is early in the morning, after the sunrise. You will avoid the crowds and will get the best light for your photos.

See more Prague Travel Tips

Thank you for reading! Have fun in Prague!


Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 6 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.

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