Karlova Street, Prague

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Karlova Street, Prague

Karlova Street, Prague

The lively artery linking Old Town Square to Charles Bridge, Karlova Street is rarely quiet. Day and night, it's a steady stream of visitors weaving between souvenir stalls and shopfronts, trying to stay the course as the narrow path twists toward the river. Once part of the historic Royal Route, Karlova wears its Baroque face proudly—though many buildings still hide older Gothic and Romanesque cellars and vaults beneath the surface.

A walk here feels like leafing through a living storybook. Keep an eye out for the unique house signs—each with a legend of its own. “At the Blue Pike,” once frequented by King Wenceslas IV and his magician Zito, offers a glimpse into Prague’s medieval past. “At the French Crown” was home to famed astronomer Johannes Kepler, while further along, “At the Golden Crown” and “At the White Horse” beckon with their 16th-century Gothic elegance.

If you need a break, step through the peaceful courtyards of the Klementinum just off the street’s north side. To support local talent, pop into MANUFAKTURA at number 26—an excellent spot for high-quality Czech souvenirs, all sourced from regional artisans. Or swing by LOCAL ARTISTS at number 21, where every meticulously crafted item celebrates the timeless beauty of Czech craftsmanship—from handmade ceramics to beer-infused cosmetics.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Karlova Street on Map

Sight Name: Karlova Street
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Create Your Own Walk in Prague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Prague Introduction Walking Tour

Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.

The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word “práh”, which means “rapid”, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Old Town Souvenir Shopping

Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.

One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour

Prague’s Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible—an atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Lesser Town Walking Tour

Lesser Town Walking Tour

Malá Strana, or the “Lesser Town,” lies along the left bank of the Vltava River and remains one of Prague’s most charming and historically layered districts. In medieval times, it was primarily settled by ethnic Germans, and even as Baroque architecture reshaped the neighborhood following the devastating fire of 1541, the area held onto its Germanic roots for generations. Its location near...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jewish Quarter of Prague carries over a thousand years of memory etched into its streets, synagogues, and gravestones. Jewish communities began settling in this area as early as the 10th century, and although they were later forced into a walled ghetto, they cultivated a vibrant cultural and intellectual life—especially during the 16th century, a golden age shaped by the influence of Rabbi...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

Prague’s Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets—most notably Na...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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