Prague's Most Enchanting Tourist Attractions That Don't Feel Real, According To Reviews

Many European cities are a step back in time. But as one of the best-preserved cities on the continent, Prague — the capital of the Czech Republic — is the real deal. That history is steeped in centuries, as Prague has been inhabited for 3,000 years. It has the architecture, folklore, and mysticism only found in such storied destinations. Structures ranging from Gothic to Romanesque to Communist periods can be found here. With over-the-top opulence and fantastical beauty, they don't feel real. 

Plus, some are associated with legends that are stranger than fiction, like the mummified arm of a thief hanging in a church after he was captured by sculptures of saints that flee their posts after night. Others also feel out of this world because they offer elements we rarely see in other cities, like an astronomical clock and chapel lined with mirrors. This is one of the enchanting medieval towns you don't want to skip when visiting Europe.

Explore rounded-up Prague's most enchanted spots, varying from a library known as the most beautiful on the planet to a secret garden-esque park with the oldest carousel in Europe. We only included attractions that have 4 or more stars on sites such as Tripadvisor or Google. All of these places also have at least 1,500 reviews to back up their stars. If you're looking for a trip that feels more like a dream, start with this list.

The Astronomical Clock in Prague, part of the Old Town Hall Tower, won't help you figure out how much time you have left until hotel checkout. But you will be spellbound by the more-than 660-year-old Gothic tower's two colorful and mystical clocks that look nothing like traditional time trackers. The top clock strikes every hour from 8 a.m. and before midnight when the Procession of the Twelve Apostles commences. Built in 1490, figures of Christ and his disciples march from the clock, followed by a skeleton that represents death. 

The tower was almost destroyed during World War II by the Nazis. According to folklore, the clock is so striking that the Prague city council blinded the clockmaker after he designed it so he could never make a better clock in another place. Visitors can buy tickets to climb the tower and be within feet of the figures. Underneath the top clock is the astronomical clock, which displays zodiac signs and shows where the Earth's current position is relative to the moon and the sun. A calendar under this feature indicates the month and day.

The Old Town Hall and its clocks have earned 4.3 stars on Tripadvisor through more than 27,000 reviews. One past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor, "At the edge of the main square sits this charming medieval curio. Like something out of a fairy tale, its colours and design look somehow unreal. Utterly lovely."

Not only does the Basilica of St. James not feel real due to its gorgeous Baroque-style interior, but it also has a tale — with evidence — that's straight out of a dark fable. According to ancient folklore, a burglar slipped inside the church and stayed after hours to try and steal donations garnered by the congregation. However, when he walked up to the altar where the money was held, his hand was clutched by a statue of the Virgin Mary. The next morning, he was found held in place by the statue. A monastery superior cut the burglar's hand off, and today, it hangs in a mummified state from the church's wall.

Surrounding the horror film-esque hand, you'll also get a taste of Basilica of St. James' otherworldliness from its amazing décor. It's embellished with one of the biggest collections of artwork created by artist Petr Brandl. It also has a historical organ, which, being the largest in the city, is so powerful that you can feel its vibration when it emits music. Plus, the church holds the treasured tomb of Czech Supreme Chancellor Jan Václav Vratislav of Mitrovice. With 4.7 stars and more than 1,700 Google reviews, the Basilica of St. James is beloved by visitors. One tourist wrote on Google, "Our favorite church in all of Prague. We stumbled upon this church by accident and was blown away on how beautiful it was! Must visit in Prague."

If you visit Charles Bridge during the day when it's packed with tourists, it's easy to write it off as another tourist trap. However, this historic structure — one of the most well-known in the country — is more than just a stone walkway. After the sun goes down, Charles Bridge becomes an enchanted place with 30 statues of saints that supposedly come to life. The statues, installed on the bridge in the 1600s and 1700s, are thought to leave their places to help people around them. It's just one of the reasons why it's best to be an early bird or a night owl in Prague. Each saint is an emblem of the continent's history and ranges from St. Francis Xavier, who helped found the Society of Jesus, to St. Ludmila, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. Charles Bridge is also supposedly shielded by the guardian angel of the city.

Charles Bridge's namesake as of 1870 is King Charles IV, who demanded the creation of the bridge after the one in its place was destroyed. It's garnered 4.6 stars on Tripadvisor through more than 73,000 reviews. "Yes, it really is a fascinating and magical bridge," described one person on Tripadvisor. "Crossing it, even when there are many tourists, transmits tranquility and pleasure ... It is worth crossing it several times at different times of the day. Coming to Prague and not going there, means not having come to Prague."

Nearly half a millennium ago, the Jesuits of the Society of Jesus created the Clementinum. As it expanded, it became one of the most massive building complexes on the continent. But unlike other complexes, it was more than just structures like a school, theater, and pharmacy. It also houses the National Baroque Library of the Czech Republic, which looks nothing like your local library. Described as the most stunning library on the planet, its vaulted ceilings are adorned with frescoes depicting science and art scenes. Ancient globes made by the Jesuits and winding columns line the space. 

The ornate library has towers of over 6 million books and writings. Some of these are extremely rare, like the Latin coronation Gospel Book, which is said to be worth 40 million euros. Another breathtaking part of the Clementinum is the Mirror Chapel, which, as its name suggests, is lined with mirrors that represent God's perpetuity. The marble floors in this chapel — said to be one of the prettiest parts of the Clementinum — are adorned with star designs.

The Clementinum has 4.5 stars on Google, earned from 20,000 reviews. "The Clementinum is a breathtaking historical and architectural masterpiece that leaves visitors in awe," wrote one past visitor on Google. "This magnificent complex is home to one of the most stunning and inspiring libraries in all of Europe. The Baroque library hall, adorned with intricate details, ancient globes, and mesmerizing ceiling frescoes, feels like a journey through time."

Prague is a medieval city known for its colorful structures — literally and figuratively — that often showcase the battle between good and evil. Although the John Lennon Wall only dates back to the 1980s, it holds the same triumphant theme in a rainbow of colors. Loaded with layers of spray paint, lyrics of Beatles songs, and peace signs, the Lesser Quarter attraction is an important and interactive monument in Prague. It started when one student graffitied a wall with a tribute to John Lennon, a figure for peace, to note his opposition to the then-ruling communist regime. Other locals soon followed his lead and left their own notes and drawings of peace on the wall.

Although authorities continued to scrub it, the same images repeatedly popped up. Today, all are welcome to leave their marks on the wall. The John Lennon Wall has more than 40,000 reviews on Tripadvisor, culminating in 4.1 stars. One past visitor wrote on Google, "This is such an insightful place and a must-see stop. The artwork is constantly changing and provides a unique perspective. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, love, and freedom."

Like a secret garden, most tourists have never passed through or even heard of Letná Park. But as the largest green space in Prague with 128 acres, it's a concealed gem with mystique to discover. (See more hidden gems in Czech Republic's stunning national parks.) One of the most stunning elements in Letná Park is the Hanavský Pavilion. Now a restaurant, the neo-Baroque manor is where visitors can enjoy a meal while surrounded by luxe details. The park is also the home of the oldest carousel on the continent, ornamented with nearly two dozen horses made with horsehide. 

Uniquely, it also has a metronome, which replaced a Joseph Stalin statue in 1962 as a celebration of the country's new beginning. The plaque on the metronome says, "In time, all things pass..." to remind the Czechs that in the same manner Stalin's malevolent reign ended, other low times in life will cease, too. Like the Lennon Wall, a wall here was also graffitied by locals to show that they will continue to persevere against oppression.

But the most otherworldly part of Letná Park is its vistas, as it offers sights of the city from above. From more than 1,500 reviews on Tripadvisor, Letná Park has 4.5 stars. "Your trip to Prague is incomplete without [a] visit to Letna Park," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "Sit there and enjoy the views of [the] beautiful city. The park is lovely, the people are friendly."

Dating back to the 12^th century, Old Town Square has long been the focus of daily life in Prague. It's seen everything from the good to the bad, ranging from the execution of more than two dozen Czech lords'; you'll see stones dedicated to them beneath your feet. Surrounding the square are many of Prague's significant sites, some of which are on this list, like Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock. This makes it the heart of Prague's mysticism, as well as one of the prettiest squares in Europe. It's lined with the wide range of architectural styles Prague is known for, as seen in its Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque buildings. Being that this square is the oldest in Prague, this range of styles from throughout history came naturally.

As the epicenter of the city, you'll visit the Old Town Square on your trip, whether you know it or not. Through more than 111,000 reviews on Google, Old Town Square has 4.8 stars. One tourist wrote on Google, "Walking through the streets of Old Town feels like traveling back in time, immersing yourself in the charm of the past. Old Town Square is truly breathtaking with its stunning buildings and unique architecture. Strolling around this area gives you such a great feeling—you just want to stay and explore for hours."

Prague is all about over-the-top medieval opulence, and no place in the city defines that more than Prague Castle. Dating back to 880, it's the "largest coherent castle complex" on the planet; every inch of its 17 acres is jaw-droppingly stunning. It's also practical as well as beautiful — the president of the country lives and works here. In the early days of Prague Castle, royalty lived in what's now known as the Old Royal Palace, which tourists can visit today. 

Another favorite spot in the complex is the towering St. Vitus Cathedral, a lavish building that dates back to 925. As the largest and most significant religious building in the city, it's so stunning that Czech nobility is coronated here. For another magnificent sight, travelers can head up nearly 300 steps of one of the cathedral's towers for a panoramic view of Prague.

More than just royalty found respite in Prague Castle back in the day; sightseers can see that on the Golden Lane. This is a road of bright houses dating back to the 15^th century; it was named after the goldsmiths who called it home. Prague Castle has 4.4 stars on Tripadvisor, garnered from more than 37,000 reviews. "So beautiful. A Gothic masterpiece lurking like a benevolent bat atop a city hill. By night it is impossibly beautiful with sympathetic yet striking lighting provided. Unmissable," one past visitor wrote on Tripadvisor.

Thirteen gates once lined Prague, but the Powder Tower seems taller than all the rest due to its significance and longevity. A nearly 215-foot Gothic-style gate dating back to 1475, the elaborate entry is full of statues of nobility and decorative patterns. That same nobility walked through the gate to be coronated, as this stop on the Royal Way leads to Prague Castle and separates New and Old Town Prague. It even says on an inscription, "Behold the great building, founded with the hands of the high king Vladislaus, born of noble blood of dukes and emperors," (via PragueGo). 

Also known as Mihulka, the sandstone Powder Tower was nicknamed as such since gunpowder was kept there. Tourists can climb the tower between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for a view of the Old Town area. From more than 44,000 reviews, the Powder Tower has netted 4.6 stars on Google. One Google user who visited the site wrote, "Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply exploring Prague's landmarks, the Powder Tower offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past and is a must-visit destination."

The National Baroque Library isn't the only unearthly library in Prague. Inside the Strahov Monastery, which is the head of the Premonstratensian order that dates back to 1120, is the glorious Strahov Library. It's so beautiful that Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Marie Louise, personally gifted it a book about the first Louvre Museum. (More Napoleonic history can be found on this famous battlefield in the Czech Republic.) With gilded wood shelves and works of art, the Strahov Library houses over 200,000 books. The Theological and Philosophical Halls are in the library and linked by a passageway with the Harry Potter-esque Cabinet of Curiosities. 

Inside are items like the body of a dodo bird and other literal curiosities. The Theological Hall holds religious books, and a sign inside displays: "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of God." Meanwhile, the Philosophical Hall has a secret row of books hidden behind fake book spines. Atop the hall is fresco-themed after the changes that science and religion have undergone over time. Bookworms can add these beautiful libraries around the world to their bucket list. 

The Strahov Monastery has received 4.4 stars from more than 14,500 reviews on Google. One past visitor wrote on Google, "Peaceful and awe-inspiring! ... The Theological and Philosophical Halls in the library are simply magical—ornate ceilings and shelves lined with ancient books. Don't miss the Cabinet of Curiosities!"

As the oldest pub in Prague, dating back to the 14^th century, U krále Brabantského is the real version of Medieval Times. Skulls line the ceiling, sheepskin covers the wood benches, and candles light the tables. It's so old that an etching says that King Wenceslas IV was a customer, which is only fitting since U krále Brabantského is located along the Royal Route to Prague Castle. Other notable people throughout history, like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, also stopped by for a liter or two. The food is similar to the fare that guests from centuries ago enjoyed here. And just as it was done in the past, you won't have a fork and knife to help you eat your meal, so prepare to dig in with your hands. Sausages, hearty meats, soups, pickles, mushrooms, and potatoes fill the menu, which is complemented by Czech beer. If beer is what you're after, you can also do a beer tour in the Czech Republic.

From more than 1,500 reviews, U krále Brabantského has amassed 4.4 stars on Tripadvisor. "If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, this is the place!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "As soon as you step inside, you enter another world: massive tables, dim candlelight, chains, intricate wall patterns, and even a dungeon. It feels just like a museum."

No matter which way you turn in Prague, a gaze feels like a look into a storybook. And with sites like Prague Castle, the largest coherent castle complex on earth, and Old Town Square, the oldest square in the city, how could it not? It doesn't feel real, and many of its sites have stories and sights that make them feel even more otherworldly.

Explore rounded up the most ethereal places in Prague, ranging from a towering library lined with ancient globes to a hall with a secret row of books. To do so, we first evaluated which Prague destinations were the most fantastical due to their beauty, folklore, history, and uniqueness. Then, we pored through reviews from tourists on sites such as Tripadvisor and Google to determine which were the most worth visiting. We only included sites that had at least 4 stars and at least 1,500 reviews, but some have tens of thousands. What resulted is this list that will make you feel like your trip to Prague is more like a fairytale than a vacation.