15 Unique Places to Visit in Prague Even Locals Don’t Know About
Prague is a city of hidden stories, where every cobblestone and alleyway whispers secrets from centuries past. While the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle attract millions of visitors, there’s another side to this enchanting city—one filled with tucked-away gems, forgotten legends, and spots even locals rarely stumble upon.
If you’re ready to go beyond the usual tourist stops, these unique places in Prague will take you on a journey through history, mystery, and local charm. Let’s step off the beaten path and discover the city’s best-kept secrets.
1. Nový Svět – A Fairytale Street Frozen in Time
Tucked behind Prague Castle, the Nový Svět (New World) district feels like stepping into a forgotten era. This picturesque lane, once home to goldsmiths and artists, is lined with tiny pastel-colored houses, each with its own charm.
Far from the crowds, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. Stop by Café Nový Svět, a cozy hidden gem where you can sip coffee in a historic courtyard.
2. Vyšehrad’s Hidden Casemates and Gorlice Hall
Vyšehrad is well known, but few visitors explore its underground casemates—a labyrinth of tunnels built to defend the fortress. Hidden inside is Gorlice Hall, a cavernous chamber that houses original statues from Charles Bridge, removed for preservation.
This eerie yet fascinating space offers a surreal look at Prague’s history. Guided tours are the only way to access it, and they’re well worth it.
3. The Secret Garden of Vrtba
The Vrtba Garden is one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in Europe, yet it remains a well-kept secret. Tucked away on Karmelitská Street, its terraces offer breathtaking views over Prague’s rooftops.
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit when the flowers are in full bloom. Climb to the upper terrace for a panoramic view that rivals even the crowded Petřín Hill.
4. Faust House – Prague’s Most Haunted Mansion
With its ominous legends, the Faust House near Charles Square is one of Prague’s most mysterious locations. The building is named after Dr. Faust, the mythical scholar who allegedly made a deal with the devil.
Over the centuries, alchemists, occultists, and secret societies have been linked to this house. Though you can’t enter, standing outside at night gives an undeniable sense of eerie history.
5. St. Michael’s Wooden Church in Kinský Garden
A piece of Carpathian history hidden in Kinský Garden, this wooden Orthodox church was transported from Ukraine in the 1920s. It’s a striking contrast to Prague’s Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Surrounded by greenery, it’s a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Visit in autumn when the golden leaves add to its fairytale-like atmosphere.
6. The Cubist Lamppost – A One-of-a-Kind Streetlight
Prague is famous for Cubist architecture, but did you know it also has the world’s only Cubist lamppost? Located near Jungmann Square, this geometric streetlight is a quirky, often-overlooked landmark.
It’s a small but fascinating detail that showcases Prague’s experimental side. If you love unique architecture, be sure to visit the House of the Black Madonna, another Cubist masterpiece nearby.
7. The Abandoned Railway Station at Vyšehrad
Just outside Vyšehrad sits a derelict 19th-century railway station, an eerie yet beautiful relic of Prague’s past. Its once-grand architecture is slowly crumbling, creating a hauntingly photogenic scene.
Though officially closed, it’s a popular spot for urban explorers. You can admire it from the outside, imagining the days when steam trains once arrived here.
8. The Upside-Down Statue of King Wenceslas
Inside Lucerna Passage, you’ll find one of Prague’s strangest sculptures—an upside-down statue of King Wenceslas, riding a dead horse. Created by controversial artist David Černý, this piece is a bizarre twist on the famous Wenceslas Square monument.
It’s a satirical take on power and history, proving that Prague isn’t just about tradition—it’s about playful, thought-provoking art, too.
9. St. Agnes Convent – A Silent Gothic Sanctuary
While tourists rush to St. Vitus Cathedral, the St. Agnes Convent remains a peaceful retreat. Dating back to the 13th century, it’s Prague’s oldest Gothic structure.
Today, it houses part of the National Gallery, displaying medieval art. But the real highlight? The serene courtyard gardens, perfect for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
10. The Devil’s Column in Vyšehrad
A mysterious set of three stone pillars stands near Vyšehrad’s church, rumored to be a relic of an ancient pagan altar. Legend says the devil himself hurled these stones here after losing a bet with a priest.
Whether you believe the myth or not, the site has an undeniable energy, making it a must-visit for lovers of folklore and hidden history.
11. Franz Kafka’s Hidden Head Sculpture
Most tourists know Kafka’s rotating head in front of a shopping mall, but few visit the lesser-known Kafka relief on Dušní Street.
This haunting metal sculpture, embedded in a building’s facade, is easily missed unless you look closely. It’s a quiet tribute to the writer, tucked away in the Jewish Quarter.
12. Bohnice Abandoned Cemetery
One of Prague’s most chilling locations, Bohnice Cemetery, was once a burial site for the patients of a nearby psychiatric hospital. Forgotten and overgrown, it’s now a place of eerie beauty.
The atmosphere is especially haunting on foggy days, making it a favorite among photographers and ghost hunters.
13. The Lennon Wall’s Ever-Changing Murals
Though well-known, the Lennon Wall is never the same twice. Covered in layers of street art, messages of peace, and Beatles lyrics, it constantly evolves.
The best time to visit is early morning before the crowds arrive, giving you a chance to take in its colors and creativity undisturbed.
14. The Prague Metronome and Stalin’s Ghost
Towering over Letná Park, the Prague Metronome stands where a giant statue of Joseph Stalin once loomed. Locals say you can still feel the eerie presence of the dictator’s ghost at night.
Now a favorite spot for skaters and sunset seekers, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. Bring a drink and watch the Vltava River light up below.
15. The Underground Crypt of St. Cyril and Methodius Church
This small, hidden crypt in Karlín was the last refuge of Czech resistance fighters after they assassinated Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in 1942. The bullet holes in the walls tell a story of bravery and tragedy.
Now a museum, it’s a solemn yet essential visit for history lovers, shedding light on Prague’s role in World War II resistance.
