Prague is one of the most photographed cities in Europe, which creates a particular problem: most of the iconic shots have been taken thousands of times, and the locations where they were taken are packed with tourists from mid-morning until evening. The solution is simple but requires commitment — get there early.
Charles Bridge: Before 7am in Summer, Before 8am in Winter
Charles Bridge is the single most photographed location in Prague, and for good reason. The 14th century bridge with its 30 baroque statues, the castle in the background, the river below — it is genuinely extraordinary. The problem is that by 9am in summer it is so crowded that getting a clean shot is nearly impossible.
Arrive before sunrise. In summer this means getting there by 5am. In winter you have until about 7:30am before the tour groups start arriving. The light at this time is often the best of the day anyway — soft, directional, and warm.
The best position for the classic shot is from the bridge itself, looking toward the castle. But also try the Kampa Park side of the river looking back at the bridge, or the Old Town side looking toward Mala Strana. Each gives a completely different perspective.
Old Town Square: The Astronomical Clock at Dawn
The Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is another location that becomes unusable by mid-morning. At dawn, with the square nearly empty and the early light catching the Gothic towers of the Tyn Church, it is one of the most atmospheric places in the city.
The square itself is large enough that you can find multiple compositions. The clock tower from the south gives you the full facade. Moving to the north end of the square gives you the Tyn Church framed by the surrounding buildings. The narrow streets leading into the square — Celetna, Melantrichova — offer framing opportunities with the square visible in the distance.
One underused perspective: the viewing platform at the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. You need to pay for access, but the view over the square and the rooftops of the Old Town is worth it, especially in the early morning when the light is low and directional.
Letna Park: The City View That Rewards Patience
The terrace at Letna Park, above the Vltava bend, offers one of the best panoramic views of Prague. You can see the Old Town, the castle, the river, and the bridges all in one frame. It is not as well-known as Petrin Hill, which means it is less crowded.
The best light here is in the late afternoon and evening, when the sun is behind you (if you are facing south toward the city) and the warm light catches the rooftops and spires. In winter, fog often sits in the river valley in the morning and gradually burns off — photographing the city emerging from fog is worth the cold.
Bring a longer lens (85mm to 200mm equivalent) to compress the cityscape and isolate specific buildings. A wide lens will show everything but can make the city feel distant and small.
Mala Strana: The Neighbourhood That Most Tourists Walk Through
Most visitors to Prague cross Charles Bridge into Mala Strana on their way to the castle, but few spend time actually exploring the neighbourhood. This is a mistake for photographers.
The streets around Nerudova, Thunovska, and Snemovni are full of baroque architecture, quiet courtyards, and unexpected views. The gardens of Mala Strana — Wallenstein Garden, Vrtba Garden, Vojan Park — are peaceful and photogenic, particularly in spring when the flowers are out.
The view from Mala Strana back across the river toward the Old Town is also worth exploring. The embankment between the bridges gives you the Old Town waterfront with the towers of the Old Town Bridge Tower reflected in the water.
Vinohrady and Zizkov: Prague Beyond the Tourist Centre
The neighbourhoods east of the city centre — Vinohrady, Zizkov, Zizkov — are where Prague actually lives. Art nouveau apartment buildings, local cafes, the Zizkov Television Tower with its crawling baby sculptures, the National Memorial on Vitkov Hill.
This is where street photography in Prague makes most sense. The Old Town is too self-conscious, too aware of being photographed. In Vinohrady and Zizkov you find people going about their lives, and the architecture provides a backdrop that is distinctly Czech without being a postcard.
The Television Tower is worth visiting for its unusual appearance — it is either ugly or fascinating depending on your perspective, and it photographs well against a dramatic sky. The bronze babies crawling up its surface were added by artist David Cerny and are one of Prague's more memorable contemporary artworks.
Practical Notes
Prague's weather is variable. The best light often comes after rain, when the streets are wet and reflective and the air is clear. Overcast days are good for portraits and street photography — the diffuse light is flattering and there are no harsh shadows. Clear blue-sky days are actually the most difficult for photography in the city centre because the contrast between sunlit and shadowed areas is extreme.
For transport, the tram network is excellent and runs early. Tram 22 passes through Mala Strana, past the castle, and up to Vinohrady. Getting to Charles Bridge before sunrise is straightforward from most central accommodation.