Historic Prague Open-Top Bus Tour with Prague Castle Stop

Old Town Square and the Municipal House

The tour starts near Old Town Square, the historic heart of Prague, where the Astronomical Clock, the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall stand around a cobbled square. From the bus you follow the streets of the oldest part of the city and pass the Municipal House, an Art Nouveau landmark from the early twentieth century built on the site of the former royal court. Its mosaics and sculpted façade are among the most admired in Prague.

If you are searching for an open-top bus tour in Prague that gives a quick overview, this is the ideal start, because you see the Old Town from above the crowds. Most visitors then walk back to the square on their own after the tour ends.

Josefov, the Jewish Quarter

The bus passes through Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto, which is completely enclosed by the Old Town. Its landmarks include the Old-New Synagogue, one of the oldest active synagogues in Europe, dating from the thirteenth century, and the Spanish Synagogue with its Moorish-inspired interior and exterior from the nineteenth century.

The commentary explains the history of the community and how the quarter was rebuilt in the late nineteenth century. Because the tour goes by rather than inside, treat it as an introduction and plan a separate visit if you want to enter the synagogues.

Prague Castle district and Loreta

After crossing the river the bus climbs to the Prague Castle district, where you get a 30-minute break to stretch your legs. It is enough time for a short walk around the castle exteriors and the surrounding lanes, and to take photos of the city from above. The Loreta, a baroque pilgrimage site with a famous carillon, is close by.

If you want to know how to get to Prague Castle, this tour is one of the easiest ways because the bus drops you at the top of the hill. For a full visit of the cathedral and palace, plan a separate half day and check opening hours, which change by season.

Charles Bridge, the Dancing House and the city sights

On the way the route passes the bridges of the Vltava, including Charles Bridge, and offers views of the National Museum, the Rudolfinum concert hall, the State Opera, the New Town Hall, the Powder Tower and the Dancing House, a modern building nicknamed after a dancing couple. Together they show Prague's mix of medieval, baroque and modern architecture.

The tour is on an open-top bus, so bring a jacket and sun protection depending on the season. It is a good choice on a first day in the city, and it takes about two hours in total.