Charles Square Tours and Activities

Charles Square featuring a park
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
At the heart of Prague’s New Town is a pretty park with statues of famous Czech people and framed by historic buildings.

Collect your thoughts amid the peaceful confines of Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí). Stroll along tree-lined paths while spotting sculptures of recognized figures from Czech popular culture. Admire Baroque and Renaissance landmarks, which are typical of Prague’s architectural landscape.

King Charles IV established Charles Square in 1348 as the focal point of Prague’s New Town district. It served as a cattle market from the 15th century, before being converted into a park in the 1800s. Learn about its darker past. Legend says that it once operated as an execution ground. Rebellious aristocrats and clergymen are said to have met their fate here.

Throughout the year the park is a great place to spend a few relaxing hours. In spring and summer the flowerbeds bloom with vivid colors. The fall foliage presents an attractive foreground to the surrounding architecture. Visit in winter, when the snow-covered lawns induce a sense of romance. Sit on a bench and enjoy a moment of serenity away from Prague’s always busy Old Town.

Examine the square’s collection of statues portraying well-known national figures. These include the Czech poet Vítězslav Hálek and anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně. See statues of author Karolina Světlá and feminist writer Eliška Krásnohorská as well.

Walk to the northern edge of the square to see the Renaissance-style New Town Hall. Check out the temporary art exhibits and join a guided tour of the 230-foot-tall (70-meter) tower, reached by climbing a wooden staircase. At the opposite end is Faust House, a Baroque mansion associated with black magic and the devil. Don’t miss the Church of St. Ignatius, which is one of Prague’s earliest Baroque buildings.

Located in Prague’s New Town, Charles Square is easy to reach using the metro and trams. Karlovo náměstí metro station is just a 5-minute walk away. In addition to the historic buildings, explore the range of bars, cafés and restaurants located on the square’s surrounding streets. Be especially alert if you visit the square at night when pickpockets are known to operate.

Plan a trip to see Charles Square

The Emblem Hotel
Grand Hotel Praha
Mama Shelter Prague
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Top Charles Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Andante Hotel
Andante Hotel
3 out of 5
Ve Smeckach 4, Prague
Andante Hotel
Grandium Hotel Prague
Grandium Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Politickych veznu 913/12, Prague
Grandium Hotel Prague
Grandior Hotel Prague
Grandior Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Na Porici 42, Prague
Grandior Hotel Prague
Hotel Leon D´Oro
Hotel Leon D´Oro
4 out of 5
Havelska 29, Prague
Hotel Leon D´Oro
 Almanac X Alcron Prague
Almanac X Alcron Prague
5 out of 5
Stepanska 40, Prague
Almanac X Alcron Prague
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
5 out of 5
Zlatnicka 3, Prague
Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague
Unitas Hotel
Unitas Hotel
4 out of 5
Bartolomejska 9, Prague
Unitas Hotel
Charles Bridge Palace
Charles Bridge Palace
4 out of 5
Anenské námestí 203/1, Prague
Charles Bridge Palace
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
4.5 out of 5
Truhlarska 16, Prague
Grand Majestic Hotel Prague
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.