The view from the top
By Modupe Akinnawonu
Prague is one of those European cities that is simply breathtaking when seen from above, even on the dreariest of days. If you’re looking to take your own postcard-worthy photographs of the city, there are many places where you can get an elevated perspective. Here are just a few:
Letná Park: Letenské sady is an expansive park downriver from Prague Castle along the Vltava’s left bank. One of the best views is from in front of the Hanavský Pavilion.
The Dancing House: Also known as Fred and Ginger, after Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers. Tančicí dům is a relatively modern and controversial addition to Prague’s architecture. The top floor is home to Céleste, a French restaurant with great views from select tables. Order dinner (or at least a drink) and take a gander at the left bank of the Vltava River, including Smíchov, Malá Strana and Prague Castle. There are also limited views of Vyšehrad and Nové Město. Open Mon.–Sat., 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

The view of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle from the Old Town Bridge Tower. Photo by Nika Ogievetsky.
Old Town Bridge Tower: From the top you can see Staré Město and nearby Nové Město, with Malá Strana and Hradčany across the water. There are also useful placards indicating significant buildings which you can pick out among the others around you. In the small museum in the tower, you can watch a video about the history of the Charles Bridge. Open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct. and Mar., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Apr.-Sep., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nov.–Feb. Admission CZK 70 (about $3.70, CZK 50 for students).
Petřín Tower: Take the funicular railway up Petřín Hill or, on a nice day, wander through the hillside parks to the 62-meter replica of the Eiffel Tower. There is an elevator for those who do not want to climb the tower’s 299 steps, but if you’re able, climb the stairs slowly for more views. Open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Oct.–Mar., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Apr–Sep., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nov.–Feb. CZK 100, students CZK 50.


