The best photo spots in Prague: views, bridges and rooftops

Wondering where to find the best photo spots in Prague? This guide rounds up my favourite viewpoints, from a hilltop vineyard to the bridge towers, plus my top tips for getting great shots. If you’ve only seen the city in pictures, you’re in for a treat, because photos don’t even do it justice.

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Why Prague is so good for photographers

Prague is known as ‘The City of a Hundred Spires’, and the real number is far higher, with estimates from several hundred to over a thousand. Its architecture is a fascinating blend of Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau and even Cubist masterpieces, so you’ll find interesting details around every corner.

St Wenceslas Vineyard: views over the whole city

This place is so good that I’ve visited on two separate trips. At the top of the steps up to Prague Castle, St Wenceslas Vineyard has an amazing view, plus the Panorama Cafe, where you can eat and sample the local wine at very reasonable prices when I went.

We spent hours overlooking the Gothic architecture and Charles Bridge with a carafe of local wine. From our table I photographed the orange rooftops and the bridges over the River Vltava. Local food and drink plus photos? I’m in my element.

It’s the ideal stop on your way down the hill after visiting Prague Castle. If I had you at ‘wine’, read more in my post on the best food in Prague.

Střelecký Island: riverside photos

The best views aren’t just from above. On the River Vltava lies Střelecký Island (Střelecký ostrov), a leafy change of pace from the city centre. It’s ideal for greenery in your foreground and dynamic shots from the water’s edge, and beautiful swans often pass by. I think you could also get amazing photos of city lights reflecting off the river at night. Use this map to find it.

Charles Bridge: archways and architecture

Crossing the Charles Bridge with a camera can take a really long time, as there are so many great angles. You’ll see the castle on the hill with orange rooftops cascading down to the river.

It has connected the castle to the Old Town since the 14th century, and it’s one of my favourite bridges in Europe. Look out for the ornamentation too, some of it said to bring good luck, which makes for interesting close-ups.

You have to come back at night, when lights illuminate the architecture and the gates at each end glow invitingly.

Mánes Bridge: the best views of the Charles Bridge

To photograph the Charles Bridge, it makes sense to be on the next bridge over. The Mánes Bridge mainly carries a tram line, and while it doesn’t quite compare with the main attraction, the potential here for night photography and long exposures is unreal. Here’s a sneak peek of my efforts.

Lesser Town Bridge Towers: views over the rooftops

This might be one of my favourite photo spots in Prague. The towers sit at the castle end of the Charles Bridge and give amazing shots across the bridge and the streets of the Lesser Town. It’s also fantastic for people-watching, especially seeing the poses people strike for their own photos.

You have to pay to go up, but at just 100 CZK when I visited, it was a no-brainer. Check the official website for up-to-date prices and opening hours.

Tips for getting the best photographs of Prague

1. Get up early. Dawn is fantastic, especially at the Charles Bridge. At certain times of year a light fog creates beautiful atmospheric shots, and you’ll avoid most of the crowds.
2. Go for golden hour. The terracotta rooftops and pastel facades look their best in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.
3. Take a tripod. There are great opportunities for long exposures of boat lights at night, so pack a compact tripod.

Final thoughts

Whether you want panoramas from the vineyard, riverside shots or night-time long exposures, Prague is a dream for photographers. Pack your camera, get up early and save time for a glass of wine with a view. If you love photo trips, take a look at my most Instagrammable towns on the North Yorkshire coast.

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