Karlova Street, Prague

51

Karlova Street, Prague

Karlova Street, Prague

As the most direct path connecting the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, Karlova buzzes with activity day and night, drawing crowds who navigate between souvenir shops while ensuring they stay on track as the street winds its way to the river. A segment of the historic Royal Route, Karlova boasts predominantly Baroque facades while retaining its original Gothic or Romanesque cellars and vaults.

Capture Karlova's charm by photographing its distinctive house signs, each with its own tale to tell. "At the Blue Pike", once a favorite haunt of Wenceslas IV and his magician Zito, offers a glimpse into Prague's medieval past. Nearby, "At the French Crown", once home to the esteemed astronomer Johannes Kepler, bears witness to the city's rich intellectual heritage. Further down, "At the Golden Crown" and "At the White Horse", a pair of Gothic houses with 16th-century origins, beckon with their timeless allure.

For a tranquil respite, venture through the serene courtyards of the Klementinum on the street's north side. While there, don't miss the opportunity to ascend to the Astronomical Tower at the center of the complex, offering an outstanding panorama of central Prague.

Pro Tips:
To support local artisans, don't miss MANUFAKTURA at #26, a haven for authentic Czech souvenirs sourced directly from small towns across the country. Equally noteworthy is LOCAL ARTISTS at #21, where every meticulously crafted piece showcases the timeless beauty of Czech traditional arts and crafts, including handmade pottery and beer-infused cosmetics.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51 App

Karlova Street on Map

Sight Name: Karlova Street
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lesser Town Walking Tour

Lesser Town Walking Tour

Mala Strana (or "Lesser Town") is a district in Prague situated on the left bank of the Vltava River. Renowned for its architectural beauty, this is one of the capital's most historically significant neighborhoods. Back in the Middle Ages, it was predominantly populated by ethnic Germans and, in later years, despite the prevalence of Baroque in its architecture, largely retained its...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
New Town Walking Tour

New Town Walking Tour

The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.

At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Staré Město (Old Town) of Prague is a former medieval settlement that is now a lively cobblestoned hub with landmark attractions.

The area was once separated from the outside world by a semi-circular moat and a wall, hugged by the Vltava river. The moat is now covered up by streets, which form the official boundary of the Old Town. One of them, called Na Příkopě (literally “On the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany, or the Castle District, is a historical neighborhood in Prague brimming with cultural landmarks and architectural marvels.

The area is centered around Prague Castle, reportedly the biggest castle complex in the world. Dating back as far as the 9th century, the castle has been the residence of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, leaders of socialist Czechoslovakia, and currently the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.

One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is home to a wealth of attractions, including more than ten major museums, numerous theatres, galleries, and plethora of historic sights.

The Czech name Praha derives from an old Slavic word práh, which means "ford" or "rapid", referring to the city's origin at a crossing point of the Vltava river. The legendary...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Prague Shopping: 15 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home

Prague Shopping: 15 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home

Previously known mainly for its beer and ice-hockey (both for a very good reason), today's Czech Republic - and, primarily, its capital city Prague - is seen among the top European tourist destinations emerged following the breakup of the Soviet Bloc. A shooting ground for some Hollywood...
Czech Sweets and Pastries

Czech Sweets and Pastries

Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechs have duly absorbed the dessert-making know-how of their Austrian neighbors to complement their own confectionery heritage deeply rooted in the Eastern European, Slavic tradition. The end result of such cultural blend is the abundance of pastries,...