☰Hradčany

Hradčany is the castle quarter crowning the hill above Prague, dominated by Prague Castle — the largest ancient castle complex in the world, spanning over seven hectares of palaces, churches, and courtyards. St. Vitus Cathedral, rising from within the castle walls, took nearly six centuries to complete and its Gothic spires define the Prague skyline. Golden Lane, a row of tiny, colorful houses built into the castle fortifications, once housed castle guards and goldsmiths — Franz Kafka briefly lived at No. 22. Beyond the castle, the neighborhood is surprisingly tranquil. Strahov Monastery houses two spectacular baroque library halls with frescoed ceilings that alone justify the visit. The Nový Svět lane nearby feels like a village dropped into the city, with cottage-like houses and almost no tourists. Hradčanské Square in front of the castle gates offers sweeping views across the red rooftops to the river below. Come at opening time to walk the castle grounds before the tour groups descend.