Vyšehrad

Perched high above the Vltava River, Vyšehrad is one of the oldest fortified settlements in Prague, dating back to the 10th century—and it long predates Prague Castle in symbolic importance. Steeped in legend and surrounded by greenery, Vyšehrad is both a place of myth and a site of quiet reflection, offering sweeping panoramic views of the city below.

It served as a royal seat and spiritual center, associated with Czech legends. According to legend, this was the seat of Princess Libuše, a prophetess of the early Czech people, who stood on the cliffs of Vyšehrad and foretold the founding of a great city: “I see a city whose fame will touch the stars.” She instructed her people to follow a vision and build where they found a man hewing a threshold (práh in Czech). From that prophecy, it is said, came the name Praha—a place of crossing, a symbolic gateway both literal and cultural.

At the heart of the fortress lies the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, a striking neo-Gothic church whose twin spires rise dramatically above the skyline. Inside, richly colored stained glass and ornate interiors reflect centuries of religious devotion. Nearby stands the Rotunda of St. Martin, dating from the 11th century—one of the oldest surviving buildings in Prague. This Romanesque rotunda, small and simple, provides a rare window into the architectural and spiritual roots of medieval Bohemia.

Equally moving is Slavín Cemetery, nestled beside the basilica. Named after the word slavný (“famous”), it is the final resting place of many of the Czech Republic’s most celebrated figures. Composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, among others, are buried here beneath beautiful monuments and sculptures that honor the nation’s artistic and cultural legacy.

Just downhill from Vyšehrad lies Náplavka, one of Prague’s liveliest riverside promenades. On Saturdays, it hosts a vibrant farmers’ market where locals and visitors gather for artisanal goods, fresh produce, street food, and live music. Lined with moored houseboats that serve as cafés and wine bars, Náplavka is the perfect spot to soak up Prague’s urban charm before or after a peaceful stroll through Vyšehrad.

Set within lush parkland, Vyšehrad is more than a historical site—it’s a quiet sanctuary where history, myth, and natural beauty converge. Whether you’re strolling the ancient ramparts, sipping coffee at a garden café, or reflecting beside the graves of national heroes, Vyšehrad invites you to slow down and step into the soul of Czech history.

 

💡 Top Tip 💡

Visit Vyšehrad in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a golden glow over the ramparts and river. Bring a picnic or grab a coffee nearby and sit beneath the ancient trees—this peaceful, elevated spot feels like a world apart, yet offers one of the city’s most breathtaking and storied views. You can also order a curated picnic hamper from Bistro Café near the entrance for a truly memorable lunch al fresco.
 

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🍴Where to eat : 

(All suggestions are within 7 min walking from your current location)

 

[$]

- Restaurace Pod Vyšehradem (Traditional Czech Cuisine) 4.6⭐ 

- Bystro Café (Café & International Cuisine) 4.6⭐ 

[$-$]

- Náplavka Market (Riverside Food & Wine Scene) 4.3-4.7⭐

[$]

- U Kroka (Czech & Central European Cuisine) 4.7⭐ 

- Café Bistro Citadela (Café & European Cuisine) 4.7⭐ 

- U Kalendů (Rustic Czech restaurant & bakery with riverside views) 4.4⭐ 

- Na břehu Rhôny Výtoň (French Wine Bar & Bistro) 4.6⭐ 

 

[$$]

- Rest. (Modern Mediterranean & Seafood) 4.6⭐ 

- Lola - Vermut y Tapas (Spanish Tapas Bar) 4.5⭐ + Naplavka

 

[$$]

- Gran Fierro (Sustainable Argentinian Grill) 4.6⭐

- QQ Asian Kitchen (Modern Asian Soul Food) 4.7⭐