Franz Kafka Museum
2b 635 Cihelná
Tucked along the banks of the Vltava River near Charles Bridge, the Franz Kafka Museum explores the life and legacy of one of Prague’s most enigmatic literary figures. Born in 1883 in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, Franz Kafka spent most of his life in the city, which greatly influenced his surreal and existential works.
The museum leads visitors through the “City of K.”, an atmospheric, dimly lit space filled with original manuscripts, photographs, letters, and first editions. Soundscapes, eerie lighting, and symbolic installations reflect the themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and internal torment central to Kafka’s writing. Exhibits also delve into his complicated relationships, professional life in insurance, and the posthumous fame he never lived to see.
Outside in the courtyard, you’ll find David Černý’s provocative sculpture of two urinating male figures shaped like the Czech Republic, a tongue-in-cheek nod to Kafka’s absurdist worldview. The museum offers a moving, immersive journey into the psyche of one of modern literature’s most influential voices.
💡 Top Tip 💡
Kafka's presence is woven throughout Prague. After visiting the museum, take a short walk to Kafka’s birthplace by Franz Kafka Square, near the Church of St. Nicholas in the Old Town. Then head to Dušní Street, where you'll find a striking memorial statue near the Spanish Synagogue and the school Kafka once attended. For a quieter glimpse into his life, visit house no. 22 on Golden Lane at Prague Castle, which belonged to his sister and served as his writing refuge. To complete your Kafka journey, pay your respects at his grave in the New Jewish Cemetery in Prague–Strašnice, where he rests in the Kafka family tomb.
📅 Plan your visit
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00
🌐 Buy tickets online to avoid queues
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at the Franz Kafka museum entrance
🍴Where to eat :
(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).
[$]
- Bake Shop Little Bakery (Artisan bakery & café with homemade treats) 4.5 ⭐
- Seminar Café (Modern café with breakfast, lunch & cultural events) 4.6 ⭐
[$]
- Lokál U Bílé kuželky (Traditional Czech pub with fresh Pilsner and hearty classics) 4.5 ⭐
- Alebrijes (Modern Mexican cuisine & cocktails) 4.6 ⭐
- Street Burger Bistro (Gourmet burgers & craft beer) 4.7 ⭐
[$$]
- SIU Restaurant (Modern European cuisine in a stylish setting) 5.0 ⭐
- Piknik Park (Italian restaurant & wine terrace by the canal) 4.7 ⭐
- Restaurant U Tří Pštrosů (Elegant Czech & international dining in historic setting) 4.0 ⭐
[$$]
- Brick's (Modern European cuisine with river views) 4.5 ⭐
- Kampa Park (Fine dining with river and Charles bridge views and international cuisine) 4.6 ⭐
