With terracotta tiles stretching to the horizon, the Prague rooftops are a sight to behold. When viewed from above, the city is a sea of cinnamon, interspersed with baroque steeples and crowned by an iconic hilltop castle.
The scene looks especially striking at dawn or dusk, when the crimson skyline is bathed in a warm golden glow.
When it comes to European cities, I’m all about the views, so I was excited to see the Prague rooftops for myself on a recent visit. But with a warren of cobbled walkways and staircases, it can be hard to locate the best viewpoints of this maze-like, medieval city.
In this article, I’ll pinpoint all of the best Prague rooftop views we found during our visit. I’ll also include a list of the best rooftop bars in Prague, in case you prefer your cityscapes with a cocktail in hand (I know I do!).
I’ve also created a map for both the best Prague viewpoints and the best Prague rooftop bars to help you easily navigate the city.
Prague Rooftops at a Glance
Where to Stay:
Aria Hotel – Stunning views, ideal location
Allure – Super clean and modern base
Cosy self-catering apartment – with balcony views!
Best Time to Go: June to August for the best weather, May, June and September to beat the crowds.
3 Best Rooftop Views: Old Town Bridge Tower, Vrtba Gardens, and Old Town Hall Tower.
3 Best Prague Rooftop Bars:
Pytloun Sky Bar – Year-round romance alfresco
Terasa U Prince – Overlooking Old Town Square
Glass Bar – Quirky optics on the riverbank
Top Tip: Buy the Prague Visitor Pass to save money on Prague rooftop attractions, with public transport included!
7 Best Places to Photograph Prague Rooftops
If you came to Prague for the photos, you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of spots where you can get a bird’s eye view of the Prague rooftops and skyline, perfect for post-worthy photos and videos.
I recommend hitting some of these spots as early as possible to get the best lighting and beat the crowds. Alternatively, try sunset for some of the most dreamy dusk views.
If you want to hit as many of the best Prague viewpoints as possible during your trip, I recommend buying a Prague Visitor Pass. This gives you access to all of the below attractions, plus many more of the best things to do in Prague, along with unlimited public transport for a set duration from 2 to 5 days.
You also get round-trip airport shuttle transfers, an electronic city guide and map, and a free river cruise included. It’s a great way to save time and money, with access to everything you need in one convenient pass.
Palace Gardens Under Prague Castle
The palace gardens under Prague Castle are often overlooked in favour of the castle itself but offer some of the best views of Prague rooftops in the city. We went on a midsummer’s day, and had the place to ourselves, despite the castle square being packed.
This tranquil terraced garden costs just a few euros to enter and doesn’t take too long to walk around, depending on how long you spend taking photos!
It dates back to the 17th century when the gardens were created in Baroque and Renaissance styles to serve as a serene outdoor area for the adjoining palaces.
It’s worth mentioning that the gardens are only open during the summer from April to October. You don’t need to book in advance, but if you are planning to visit the castle as well, I suggest booking a skip-the-line guided tour in advance.
Prague Rooftops Observation Deck at Hradčanské Náměstí
The main observation deck at Hradčanské Náměstí, the large square right in front of the entrance to the castle, offers some of the best, albeit crowded views of the Prague rooftops. However, since there is plenty of space and it’s a bird’s eye view, it’s easy to get shots without too many people in.
We came during the day and then retraced our steps at sunset for the best pictures.
Vrtba Gardens
Nestled in the heart of the old town Vrtba Gardens is another relatively undiscovered spot that offers peaceful manicured planting with a backdrop of the striking Prague rooftops.
With beautiful Baroque architecture, it’s easy to get lost in this oasis of mazes, statues, and water fountains, with some stunning frescoes for a few bonus photographs!
Again, since this is an outdoor attraction, the gardens are only open during the summer from April to October. If you are interested in the history or Prague’s horticultural sites, this guided tour includes Vrtba Gardens, the Palace Gardens and the Wallenstein Gardens, complete with roaming peacocks and fairytale fountains.
Old Town Hall Tower
Overlooking the old town square where you’ll find the curious astronomical clock, this striking Baroque tower offers a picture-perfect perspective of the Prague rooftops.
It’s a great spot for getting close-up shots of some of the city’s most famous architecture, from the turquoise-topped St. Nicholas Cathedral to the Gothic spires of the Church of the Virgin Mary.
This is a popular spot for photographs and does get busy, so I recommend getting up there as early as possible!
You can either climb the stairs or go up in the elevator, and the entrance fee also includes access to the Old Town Hall’s underground halls and the neighbouring church. You can buy a skip-the-line access ticket here or a guided tour of the tower and old town here.
Powder Tower
Also known as the Powder Gate Tower, this unique piece of architecture is so-named because it was used to store gunpowder in the 17th century.
As one of the city’s original gates, it sits in between the old town and the new, offering sensational views over both.
Powder Tower has an observation deck about 44m high, with a view over the city that is particularly special at sunset.
It costs only a couple of euros to climb the steep and winding staircase to the top, but the dreamy scenes of Prague rooftops awaiting you at the top make it all worth it! Buy advance entrance tickets here.
Klementinum’s Astronomical Tower
It seems Prague has no shortage of towers, with Klementinum’s Astronomical Tower marking the spot where a beautiful Baroque library is waiting to be discovered.
While you’ll find beautiful views over Prague rooftops at the top of the tower, it is really the interior of the Clementinum complex that steals the show, with a breathtaking book emporium that would put the Beauty and the Beast to shame.
I recommend booking a guided tour in advance to get the best out of this historic and unique building.
Old Town Bridge Tower
Standing between the famous Charles Bridge and the old city walls, this tower is impossible to miss.
Climbing it offers irresistible river views to the west, with the warren of the old town sprawling out to the East. Get there early for the best views and 50% off the admission fee (applicable for the first hour after opening). You can also book entrance tickets for both bridge towers in advance here.
Don’t forget, if you want to visit more than one or two of the attractions mentioned on this list, it may be worth buying a Prague Visitor Pass, which includes entrance to most of the above, plus unlimited public transport for 2 to 5 days, depending on your length of stay, with more freebies thrown in.
14 Best Rooftop Bars in Prague
Of course, sometimes it’s just better to admire the Prague rooftops alongside you favourite cocktail, and I’ve got to admit, I’m a sucker for a skyline bar.
Here are 14 of the best rooftop bars in Prague, where you can soak up some of the best views with a beverage in hand.
Casablanca Sky Bar at the President Hotel
What’s The Vibe: Elegant and exclusive
How Much for a Drink: £15 a cocktail
The crowning jewel of the super-swish President Hotel, the Casablanca Sky Bar is one of the newest and most stylish rooftop bars in Prague.
With an elegant art deco interior and panoramic views over Prague, the Vltava River, and the fiery terracotta tiles of the old town, it’s a gorgeous spot for coffee or cocktails.
With a shisha lounge, an extensive wine list, and regular events and DJ sets, it’s also a great place for partying until the early hours.
Balcony Bar Prague
What’s The Vibe: Cosy local charm
How Much for a Drink: £10 for a cocktail or signature G&T
Nestled above the National Theatre, the Balcony Bar is minimal and sophisticated, with an extensive gin list accompanied by tapas-style nibbles.
Here you’ll find more intimate city views to admire the unique architecture up-close, as opposed to Prague rooftops stretching into the distance, but that’s all part of its romantic charm and atmosphere.
Ideal for a pre or post-dinner drink, Balcony Bar is an authentic and vibrant local spot with a real Czech soul.
Pytloun Sky Bar Restaurant
What’s The Vibe: Romance alfresco
How Much for a Drink: £8.50 for a classic cocktail
Perched on the top of the Pytloun boutique hotel, this gorgeous open-air space offers panoramic views of some of the most famous sites in the city, with castles and cathedrals dotted among a sea of red Prague rooftops.
Pytloun Sky Bar is the place to be on a summer’s day, when live music drifts between the atmospheric tables and booths.
When the colder weather comes, quirky pop-up igloos and patio heaters craft an irresistibly cosy atmosphere without sacrificing those 360° views.
Cloud 9 Sky Bar Hilton Prague Hotel
What’s The Vibe: Electric and experimental
How Much for a Drink: £10 a cocktail
One of the most famous rooftop bars in Prague can be found at the top of the Hilton Hotel, towering 40m above the Vltava River. With vibrant mood lighting and futuristic decor, Cloud 9 is the place for unique fusion cocktails worthy of the gram.
There’s also an Asian fusion menu in case you get hungry, and regular events complete with DJs and dancing until the early hours.
Glass Bar Dancing House Building
What’s The Vibe: Airy and artistic
How Much for a Drink: £7 a cocktail
The Dancing House is a curious building in Prague that will probably make you do a double-take. Bordering the banks of the river, it comprises two towers twisting together, said to have been inspired by a famous couple named Ginger and Fred.
On top of this iconic building, you’ll find the sleek and minimalist Glass Bar, where a lounge with panoramic windows and an observation deck offer sensational views across the city. Ideal for a reasonably priced aperitif before dinner on the river.
Terasa U Zlaté Studně
What’s The Vibe: Romantic fine dining fit for royalty
How Much for a Drink: £33 for half a bottle of French wine
Tucked beneath Prague Castle on the 4th floor of the Golden Well Hotel, Terasa U Zlaté Studně is a fine-dining restaurant with a lovely summer outdoor terrace.
The indoor dining room takes you back in time with Renaissance design and a cognac menu inspired by royalty.
Meanwhile, the ivy-draped terrace is perfectly perched for admiring the city of 100 spires.
Coda Restaurant at the Aria Hotel
What’s The Vibe: Timeless class and sophistication
How Much for a Drink: £10 for a glass of wine
In an ideal location in Malá Strana (Lesser Town), between the castle and the old town, Coda is another rooftop fine dining restaurant that forms part of the Aria Hotel.
The smart outdoor terrace is cocooned by crimson Prague rooftops and historic buildings, often accompanied by light piano music to set the enchanting atmosphere alight.
CottoCrudo at the Four Seasons Hotel
What’s The Vibe: Vibrant and refined
How Much for a Drink: £10 for a cocktail
CottoCrudo is an elegant Italian Czech bar and bistro located at the Four Seasons Hotel with a balcony terrace overlooking the Vltava River.
With a menu crafted by a Michelin-star chef, of course, you can indulge in delightful bites here, but there’s also a laid-back atmosphere that makes the terrace the perfect spot for a low-key sundowner.
Duplex
What’s The Vibe: Iconic megaclub with hidden gem terrace
How Much for a Drink: £10 for a cocktail
While you won’t find many megaclubs in this Medieval city, Duplex is one of the few exceptions, with two sprawling floors for partying in the heart of Wenceslas Square.
While many head there after hours, few people realise the venue is also home to an amazing rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy fusion food as well as delicious sunset cocktails to a soundtrack of the latest DJ beats.
Střecha Radost
What’s The Vibe: Cool industrial hangout with regular events
How Much for a Drink: £9 for a cocktail
In the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Žižkov, you’ll find Prague’s first skyscraper, and on top of it, Střecha Radost.
Popular with students and a multi-cultural crowd, this laid-back venue has an industrial vibe with a vibrant calendar of events, from sunset DJ sessions to open-air cinema.
Terasa U Prince
What’s The Vibe: Perfectly located patio for iconic photo opportunities
How Much for a Drink: £7.50 for a cocktail
One of the most well-known rooftop bars in Prague can be found on the top of the Hotel U Prince, overlooking Old Town Square.
With cosy patio heaters and a retractable roof, this versatile space is open all year round for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails.
Right in the heart of the action, Terasa U Prince even has a dedicated photo spot, where you can pose in front of an iconic backdrop featuring the church, the old town hall tower, and the beautiful terracotta Prague rooftops.
Miru at the Four Seasons Hotel
What’s The Vibe: Dreamy Japanese dining in the sky
How Much for a Drink: £15 for a cocktail
The Four Seasons Hotel is indeed home to two of the best rooftop bars in Prague, with its latest offering Miru, offering a serene Japanese garden in the sky.
With seemingly infinite views overlooking the river and Prague rooftops beyond, Miru is a culinary journey first and foremost, but also features enticing cocktails whipped up by in-house mixologists.
Villa Richter
What’s The Vibe: Ethereal terraced garden for fine local wines with a view
How Much for a Drink: £10 for a glass of house wine
For scenic city views like no other, you can’t go wrong with Villa Richter, which is also home to the oldest and most revered vineyard in the country. While it might not be a rooftop bar as such, it still certainly offers some of the best views in Prague, at the charming pergola bistro.
This unique terrace offers a gorgeous garden setting to enjoy sensational views over Prague rooftops, surrounded by the sweet scent of summer blooms.
Oblaca Restaurant and Bar
What’s The Vibe: Modern metropolis sky bar
How Much for a Drink: £9 for a cocktail
If you’re looking for one of the highest rooftop bars in Prague, Oblaca is for you, perched on the top floor of the Žižkov TV Tower. In fact, it’s one of the highest bars in the Czech Republic.
Alongside an unbeatable bird’s eye view of the city, you’ll also find upscale gastronomy and an eclectic collection of signature drinks to enjoy, with occasional live music crafting a relaxed atmosphere.
If you don’t want to eat in the restaurant, you can simply buy entrance tickets to the observation deck, which costs about £10.
Know about another great spot to see the Prague rooftops from above? Want more info about visiting the city? Let me know in the comments!
RECOMMENDED LINKS AND RESOURCES
Booking.com: For the most comprehensive selection of hotels and accommodation in destinations worldwide.
Vrbo: For high-quality private vacation rentals, from huge villas to chic, self-catering apartments.
Get Your Guide: For the best range of tours and activities, rated by previous users.
TripAdvisor: For in-depth reviews of everything from hotels to national parks.
Discover Cars: For rental car price comparison and booking, with no hidden costs and free cancellation.
WayAway: For the best flight comparison platform with cashback on bookings.
Pin This Post to Save it For Later
The trip to Prague is one of the most memorable trips I’ve had in a long time! I just love how photogenic this city is and how well it is preserved!
Sooo photogenic! I was surprised how much so. My husband had to drag me along most days because I was spending so long at each photo op 😂
what a way to capture all the best bits of Prague! I can definitely see myself at Střecha Radost – the place looks really vibey and I reckon I’d really have a great time there!
100% looks like such a vibe – they also do cool stuff like rooftop yoga and open-air cinema so definitely worth checking out events that are on while you’re there!
I love Prague! And you’ve highlighted the best spots for a great views. Awesome place to visit!
Glad you found it helpful!
The views from the old Tower Bridge are so beautiful, I love all the spots you’ve mentioned. I hope to visit Prague soon.
Aren’t they! Especially at sunset – so dreamy. Of all the towers in Prague, Old Town Bridge was definitely my favourite.
I’ve never been to Prague, and I’m always looking for rooftop bar suggestions when traveling in Europe. I will definitely need to refer back whenever we plan a trip here :). The views from Old Tower Bridge and Pytloun Sky Bar Restaurant in particular really caught my eye – so stunning! Xx Sara
Hi Sara, good to meet a fellow rooftop bar enthusiast, you just can’t beat them in European cities can you?! Enjoy your future trip to Prague ❤️