I have listed the top 6 attractions in the New Town. You can cover all of them in a day. The New Town is very well connected with all the other parts of Prague via trams and buses.
Even if you decide to walk from the Old Town, it should only take about 15 to 18 minutes since both parts lie adjacent to each other.
a. Wenceslas Square
This is the most buzzing and happening part of Prague. It's so radically different from the Old Town yet has the same Prague vibe.
My Tip -
Must plan to spend an evening around this area when the Building of the National Museum is lit up. The area is very well connected by public transport.
b. Statue of St. Wenceslas
Right in front of the imposing majestic structure of the National Museum, is the statue of St. Wenceslas.
St. Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia. Now, this beautiful bronze equestrian statue has become a national symbol of the Czech Republic.
c. National Museum / Narodni Museum
The stunning golden facade of the National Museum is a feast for the eyes.
This massive complex houses 5 main institutes -
- Museum of Natural Sciences
- The Historical Museum
- The Library of the National Museum
- The Naprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures
- The Czech Museum of Music
My Tip -
There is a lot to do and see in this museum. I'd also read some great reviews about it. But we still gave it a miss because we had just one spare evening in Prague and we wanted to spend it loitering around Wenceslas Square.
Needless to say, the museum complex is stunningly beautiful. One cannot take one's eyes off this magnificent building.
But equally vibrant is this square in the evening. We tried an interesting-looking potato delicacy whose name I've forgotten (see picture below). And we tried some amazing Aperol Spritz at one of the restaurants on the square.
d. Prague National Theater Opera
Just about an 18-minute walk away from Wenceslas Square is the National Theater Opera of Prague. Situated on the banks of the Vltava River, this stunning building had me intrigued from the moment we reached Prague.
Its four majestic spires are visible from far and wide. Entry to the building is free, you can walk around the lobby also for free.
If you wish to see the auditorium, then you need to buy tickets for a show or a guided tour.
e. Dancing House
This house was the site of a US bombing in 1945, so the place has a lot of significance in the history of Prague.
The house, also nicknamed, Ginger and Fred, is located on the Vltava Riverfront.
My Tip -
We spent a great deal of time reaching the site of the Dancing House from Wenceslas Square, almost 20 mins by tram.
I honestly did not find the house anything special to look out for. Just a tick off of our list of attractions for sure.
There is a rooftop cafe that can be reached by an elevator, if you buy something from the cafe, then the elevator is included I think. Not too sure and did not bother to find out.
A lot of people might like this kind of architecture but I am not a fan of any quirky and twisted architectural contortions.
No offence, but for me, it jutted like an eyesore in the beautiful medieval buildings all around.
f. Rotating Head of Franz Kafka
42 panels of heavy stainless steel rotate in synced layers to create the face of Franz Kafka, the most renowned Czech writer. This is indeed a technological marvel.
The panels move at regular intervals, so you will just have to wait it out and see for yourself.
The bust, I later read, weighs 39 tons and these moving panels are connected with kilometer-long cables and modules.
My Tip -
This bust created by the Czech artist David Cerny is located in the heart of Prague 1, in the backyard of the OC Quadrio Shopping Center. Tram 22 will take you to the tram stop right in front of this shopping centre.
It's amazing to see the exact look of Franz Kafka taking shape as the metallic panels move. This is a must-watch attraction in my opinion.
Never seen anything like this anywhere else.
You can see the entire New Town in a few hours unless, of course, you plan to see the National Museum from the inside. In that case, you must keep aside a day.
I'd love to hear from you if you happen to visit the National Museum.
Also, in the New Town Prague, lies the world-famous Black Light Theatre. Click on the link below to learn more about this amazing show -
And if you're interested in getting some practical and useful travel tips, click here
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