Strahov

A lively student neighborhood, this district is home to several key sights including an ornate monastery, an observatory and a huge stadium that hosts pop concerts. 

Home to thousands of students from Prague’s Czech Technical University, the Strahov neighborhood is known for its youthful vibe.

Start your explorations in the hilltop Strahov Monastery. Although this complex was originally constructed back in the 12th century, it has been rebuilt several times since with the most notable overhauls happening in the 17th and 18th century. Among the most impressive parts of the monastery is the library, a vast hall fitted with book-filled walnut shelves, and decorated with gilding and gorgeous frescoes.

Find a quirky Cabinet of Curiosities in the lobby outside the library. This contains a collection, amassed in the 18th century, of unusual objects including a dried-up shark corpse and a narwhal tusk. Don’t leave without seeing the Strahov Evangeliary, a gem-encrusted Latin manuscript of the Book of the Gospels, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

Also within the monastery compound is the Strahov Monastery Brewery, which has been brewing beer since the 13th century. Try some of the many beer varieties brewed here, ranging from amber blends to dark dunkel beers.

Outside of the complex, find the Great Strahov Stadium. This former sporting venue has a capacity to seat around 220,000 people and is now mostly used for hosting concerts, with acts including Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones having played here. Check ahead to see if any shows are on during your visit.

For an overview of the neighborhood, venture to the top of the Petřín Lookout Tower. The tower, which stands on top of a hill, is almost 200 feet (60 meters) tall. Climb up the 299 steps and enjoy the views over Prague.

Find Strahov on the west bank of the Vltava River, west of Petřín Hill, Prague Castle and Hradčany. Ride the funicular to reach the top of Petřín Hill.