Your Ultimate Photo Walk from Prague Castle to Letná Park
Prague is a photographer’s dream, but escaping the tourist crush while capturing its beauty requires strategy. This photo walk itinerary guides you on a stunning, downhill route from the majestic Prague Castle to the panoramic vistas of Letná Park, hitting iconic landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Get ready to fill your memory card with the most breathtaking views of the Golden City!
The Route Overview (Approx. 2.5 – 3 Hours Walking + Shooting Time)
| Stop | Location | Key Photo Opportunity | Best Time to Shoot |
| Start | Prague Castle East Entrance | Grand architecture, St. Vitus Cathedral spires. | Early Morning (Minimal crowds) |
| 1 | Starbucks Viewpoint | Iconic Lesser Town rooftops and red-roofed panorama. | Morning/Blue Hour |
| 2 | Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody) | Leading lines, Castle framed from below. | Morning (Soft light) |
| 3 | Malá Strana (Lesser Town) | Baroque street scenes, colourful buildings. | Mid-Morning |
| 4 | Wallenstein Garden (Optional/Seasonal) | Baroque grotto, peacocks, ornate architecture. | Open Hours (April-Oct) |
| 5 | Manes Bridge (Mánesův most) | Framed view of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. | Day or Sunset |
| 6 | Chotkovy Sady / Chotek Gardens | Elevated green space with castle views. | Afternoon |
| End | Letná Park (Metronome & Hanavský Pavilion) | Vltava River S-curve, panorama of bridges. | Sunset / Blue Hour (The ultimate shot!) |
Phase 1: Castle Heights and Descending Views
Start: Prague Castle and Hradčany Square
Begin at the East Entrance (or the Hradčany Square side). Before you descend, capture the sheer scale and Gothic details of St. Vitus Cathedral. For a classic shot, frame the Gate of Giants or the grand façade.
Stop 1: The Iconic “Starbucks View”
Head to the viewpoint near the Starbucks (U Zlaté studně) on the eastern ramparts. Yes, it’s a known spot, but for good reason! This elevated position gives you the definitive view over the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) rooftops, with the red tiles and church domes spreading out like a tapestry. It’s especially beautiful just after sunrise or as the city lights come on.
Stop 2: Old Castle Stairs (Staré zámecké schody)
Instead of the New Castle Stairs, take the Old Castle Stairs down towards Malostranská metro station. This is a brilliant spot for:
- Leading Lines: Use the staircase railing and steps to draw the eye into the frame.
- Framing: Turn back for a stunning perspective of Prague Castle towering above you.
Phase 2: Malá Strana Charm
Stop 3: Lesser Town (Malá Strana) Streets
As you emerge from the stairs, dive into the peaceful backstreets of the Lesser Town, away from the Charles Bridge traffic.
- Nerudova Street (Upper Section): Capture the historic, ornate house signs (The Two Suns, The Golden Wheel).
- Malostranské Náměstí: Focus on the Baroque splendour of St. Nicholas Church, using a wide-angle lens to capture the dome.
Stop 4: Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada)
If your photo walk is between April and October, make a quick, peaceful detour into the magnificent Wallenstein Garden.
- Grotesque Grotto: The artificial dripstone wall is highly photogenic, offering textural contrast.
- Statues & Peacocks: Frame the ornate bronze statues or capture the resident white peacocks strolling the lawn.
Phase 3: Riverside and the Climb to Letná
Stop 5: Mánes Bridge (Mánesův most)
Walk north from the Lesser Town towards the river and cross the Mánes Bridge. This bridge provides a classic, unobstructed view.
- Composition: Stand mid-way to perfectly line up the Charles Bridge in the foreground and Prague Castle behind it, creating layers in your photo.
- Reflections: If the river is calm, capture the reflection of the Castle in the water.
Stop 6: Chotkovy Sady / Chotek Gardens
Once you cross Mánes Bridge, turn right and follow the road uphill or find the paths that lead you into Chotkovy Sady. This garden connects the Castle district to Letná and offers quiet, leafy viewpoints often missed by tourists who rush past. Look back towards the Castle for beautiful views framed by trees and greenery.
Phase 4: The Grand Finale at Letná
End: Letná Park Viewpoints
From Chotek Gardens, follow the paths (or the main road) north-east into Letná Park. This is the climax of your photo walk, offering the most iconic, expansive city views.
- The Metronome Viewpoint: Located on the site of the former Stalin Monument, the Metronome viewpoint gives you a breathtaking, sweeping vista of the Vltava River as it curves, the five main bridges lined up perfectly, and the Old Town spires beyond. This is your ultimate sunset and blue hour spot!
- Hanavský Pavilion: For a slightly different angle, walk west along the bluff to the elegant neo-Baroque Hanavský Pavilion. The stone terrace here frames the bridges beautifully, offering a more refined composition.
- The Beer Garden: If you time your walk for sunset, grab a rewarding Czech beer at the Letná Beer Garden, which provides the same incredible view from a casual, tree-shaded vantage point.
