This church, located in the Lesser Town close to the Charles Bridge, was originally a Romanesque basilica founded in 1169 by the King Vladislaus I.  The specific name of the church "beneath the chain" comes from the medieval custom of locking the streets around the convention with chains. Interior tours are possible only by appointment but you can just peek inside through the bars almost any time during the day. Services are held on Sundays at 10 am and on Wednesdays at 5.30 pm.

You will need to travel to Vinohrady district to see this church but just by the picture it is obvious that this unique piece of architecture is a must see. It is located in the Jiriho z Podebrad square just next to the Jiriho z Podebrad metro station. This modern monumental building was designed by famous Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik, author of many other structures in Prague. Tours are available mostly before and after a mass (Monday - Saturday 8 am and 6 pm, Sunday 9 am, 11 am, 6 pm).

3. Church of Our Lady before Týn

Probably the most iconic church in Prague and a proud dominant of the Old Town Square since the 16th century. If you go to the Old Town Square you can't miss it as the towers with small spires are 80 metres tall. Even the interior of the church is truly impressive - you can see features from Petr Parler, John of Rokycan or Karel Škréta, including the oldest pipe organ in Prague (built in 1673). You can visit this church from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm, it is closed on Mondays and Sundays. You can pay voluntary entrace fee 10 CZK.

4. St. Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town

Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town is one of the most important baroque structures in Europe and it is often regarded as the most beautiful building of Czech baroque. Its huge dome and a narrow tower are a prominent part of the panorama of Prague Castle. The church is 79 metres high and it was completed in 1755. Be sure to climb to the belfry for amazing views. The parish church celebrates a weekly mass every Sunday at 8.30 pm. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm in spring and summer and from 9 am to 4 pm in autumn and winter, entrace fee is 70 CZK for adults.

5. St. Nicholas Church in the Old Town

Don't be mistaken because there are two churches of St. Nicholas in Prague. The second one is located right in the Old Town Square. The construction of this Late-Gothic church was finished in 1737. The beautiful interior is open to the public and classical music concerts take place there. You can visit it from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm.

6. Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This church recognizable by its unique towers is a part of Emmaus Monastery which became a center of culture and art during the reign of Charles IV. A former church was damaged in 1945 by the US bombing, the new roof and towers were designed by Oldřich Štefan. You can notice that an optical illusion makes the south tower look higher although it is not. You can visit the monastery every weekday from 11 am to 2 pm, entrace fee is 50 CZK for adults.

7. St. George's Basilica

When you go to the Prague Castle, be sure to visit the St. George's Basilica, one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic. It was founded in 920 and rebuilt in 1142. It is a burial place of Premyslids, a Czech royal dynasty which reigned in Bohemia and Moravia until 1306. The church has retained its Romanesque character from the rebuilt after the fire in 1142. The towers are 41 meters high. The church tour is a part of the Prague Castle tour (250 CZK for adults).

8. Church of Sts. Simon and Jude

This church was founded before 1632 as the part of Brothers Hospitallers's hospital (today Na Františku Hospital). As the only church in Prague it is dedicated to the apostles St. Simon and Jude. It is located in the Old Town, not far from the Jewish Quarter, in U Milosrdnych street. If you stay in our Milosrdnych Apartments you will have amazing views of this church from your living room windows. These days it serves as a concert hall for the Prague Symphony Orchestra. You can find the list of concerts and ticket prices here.

The Church of St. Ludmila located in Vinohrady district is a famous dominant feature of the Namesti Miru square. The two towers of this neo-Gothic basilica are 60 meters high and the nave is 50 meters long. The interior is decorated with impressive paintings and ornaments, take a closer look at stained glass windows with figures of saints. Services are held every day at 4.30 pm.

Have you visited any other churches in Prague? Would you like to add your favorite Prague church to our list? We would love to hear from you! Please share your recommendations in the comments section.

2. WALK ALONG THE FROZEN VLTAVA RIVER TO THE NATIONAL THEATRE

From the Charles Bridge take a walk along the Vltava river. If you're lucky enough, Vltava will be frozen and you'll get an unforgettable view of the Prague Castle and the Lesser Quarter with white roofs (not red this time). You'll pass a number of monuments and famous sights like Kranner's Fountain or Manes Exhibition Hall. You can have a coffee in Café Slavia or continue to the Dancing House.

In a cold winter there is nothing better than a proper Czech meal for a lunch. It warms you for the rest of the day. Our recommendation? Definitely a pork knee served with dumplings and cabbage or with sauerkraut and potatoes. You can get it in Mlejnice restaurant in the Jewish Quarter (Zatecka 14 street), only 4 minutes walking from the Residence Brehova or just 1 minute from our apartments Maiselova 5 and Maiselova 17!

The National Theatre is one of the most important cultural sights in the Czech Republic. This majestic building overlooks Vltava river since its reopening after a fire in 1883 and Czechs can't be more proud of it. In winter you can see Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and the Cuddly Mouse, La Bayadère or The Little Mermaid. Visit a theatre's website to see a detailed programme. The National Theatre is located just 3 minutes from our Residence Karolina!

Well this is not exactly a thing to do in Prague but if you love skiing or snowboarding you can't miss this! Especially if you stay in Prague for more than a few days. You've never heard of the Czech mountains? They are not that high as the Alps but they are beutiful! Less than 2 hours drive and you can ski in Spindleruv Mlyn or Harrachov in Krkonose mountains, Klinovec or Bozi Dar in Krusne hory mountains or you can try even Moninec which is just an hour and half from the center of Prague! In every ski resort you can rent a ski set. A great one day trip!

Just 40 minutes drive from Prague there is one of the most popular and most important castles in the Czech Republic, Krivoklat castle founded in the 12th century. Even though the castle's interiors are closed in January you should visit the sight because of its impressive exterior and surroundings. Krivoklatsko is an area with lovely nature, rolling hills and deep woods, great for a winter walk and a delicious lunch in one of the local pubs. If you really want to see the castle chambers and the museum, you can come every Saturday in February from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. 

Lesser Town (Mala Strana in Czech) is a district that lies below the Prague Castle on the left bank of the Vltava River. It is connected to the Old Town by the Charles Bridge. There is a large number of notable buildings and interesting places – such as the baroque Church of St Nicholas. In winter you can just stroll around or go to the Petrin Hill - totally different experience in winter!

In the winter evening go to the Prague Castle. A walk from the Petrin Hill can be especially nice as you will see both the Lesser Town and the Old Town covered in snow! The Castle district has a magical atmosphere in the evening and when it's snowing it gets even better. There is not many tourists up there after 6 P.M. in winter which is a great plus!

After a long winter day you will need another delicious Czech meal! It's time for dinner and the best idea is to find a good pub with even better roast duck and the best Czech beer. Not far from the Prague Castle you'll find a medieval-style traditional Czech restaurant "U Modre kachnicky" located in Nebovidska 6 street. They have another restaurant in Michalska 16 street, just 1 minute walk from the Old Town Square and not more than 10 minutes walking from all our apartments!

And finally after a good dinner a night walk comes in useful. You will love a quiet stroll through the romantic corners of the Kampa island. The northern part of the island, the Certovka stream is called the Prague Venice. Definitely visit also the Lennon's Wall or a famous water mill and don't forget to look around at all the beautiful historical buildings.

We hope you liked our 10 tips and don't forget to add some more in comments below! What do you like to do in Prague in winter?