Photo gallery - Prague, Czech Republic
- Martyn Hayes
- Jan 18
- 7 min read
During my travels, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Prague, Czech Republic. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, Prague is a city that captivates every visitor. The photographs I took during my time there capture not only the beauty of the city but also the unique atmosphere that permeates its streets.
Scroll down to explore my photo gallery from this trip around Prague. Each picture tells a story of my adventures in this remarkable city, from the bustling markets to the tranquil parks. The juxtaposition of the old and the new is evident in every corner, making Prague a city that is both timeless and contemporary. I left with a collection of memories preserved in images, each one a reminder of the beauty and charm that is the capital of Czechia.
Photography gallery exploring the city of Prague
I also took time to explore the charming streets of the Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock draws crowds every hour. The clock, with its intricate moving parts, is a marvel of engineering and artistry.
Be sure to check out the magnificent astronomical clock located in the heart of Prague, a stunning piece of medieval engineering that has captivated visitors for centuries. This remarkable clock, known as the Prague Orloj, is not only a timekeeping device but also a complex astronomical instrument that displays the positions of celestial bodies, the phases of the moon, and the time in various parts of the world.
Don’t forget to witness the hourly show, where the clock comes to life with moving figures and a delightful display that draws crowds from all around the globe!
When exploring the city, it's easy to get so distracted you forget to look up. Here is the Old Town clock tower with a large amount of sky purposely included in the frame to give the image a calming feel.
Don't forget to look down also. Here I captured the modern metal tram tracks running through the quaint cobbled grounds of the city.
One of the most iconic images I captured was of the breathtaking Charles Bridge, a historic stone bridge adorned with 30 statues of saints. As I stood on the bridge, I marveled at the intricate details of the statues and the stunning views of the Vltava River below. It was a moment of serenity as I watched the city awaken around me, with locals and tourists alike beginning their day.
Here I captured a long exposure of the Vlata River as it gently flows over the cobblestones at blue hour, with the iconic Charles Bridge gracefully arching in the background
The Charles Bridge in Prague is an absolutely amazing architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural significance. Spanning the Vltava River, this iconic bridge connects the bustling Old Town with the picturesque Lesser Town, providing not only a vital thoroughfare for pedestrians but also a stunning vantage point for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
If you want a good vantage point of the city, a visit to one of the iconic towers at the entrance to Charles Bridge is highly recommended. These majestic towers, which stand sentinel over the bridge, offer not only a historical perspective but also an unparalleled panoramic view of the surrounding area. Once you ascend to the top of one of these towers, you will be rewarded with breathtaking sights that encapsulate the beauty and charm of Prague.
From this elevated position, you will be able to see the crossing of the bridge in all its glory, with its impressive array of statues lining the sides, each telling a story of its own. The intricate details of these sculptures, combined with the vibrant energy of pedestrians and artists that frequent the bridge, create a lively scene that is a hallmark of Prague's cultural landscape.
In addition to the bridge itself, your gaze will sweep across the Vltava River, which gracefully winds through the city. The river, often reflecting the hues of the sky and the surrounding architecture, adds a serene element to the bustling cityscape. As you look further, the majestic silhouette of Prague Castle comes into view, perched atop its hill, dominating the skyline with its spires and towers. This historic castle complex, one of the largest in the world, is a testament to Prague's rich history and architectural diversity.
The charming European vibe of the city takes on an enchanting transformation as night falls, enveloping the streets in a magical ambiance that is hard to resist. The iconic Charles Bridge, a marvel of medieval architecture, becomes a focal point of this nocturnal allure. As dusk descends, the bridge is illuminated by a myriad of Victorian lanterns, their warm glow casting a soft light that dances across the brickwork and reflects off the gently flowing waters of the Vltava River below.
A fisheye lens can totally change how you see things, offering a unique perspective that transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual experiences. When I ventured out to Charles Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague, I decided to experiment with this lens by getting up close with three of the many statues that adorn the bridge. Each statue, rich in history and artistic detail, became a canvas for the lens's distinctive characteristics.
As I positioned the camera just inches away from the statues, the fisheye lens began to work its magic. The wide-angle view exaggerated the curves and contours of the figures, creating an almost surreal distortion that pulled the viewer's eye into the scene. This effect not only altered the proportions of the statues but also amplified the emotional intensity of their expressions. The way the lens bends reality highlights the anguished faces and dramatic postures, making the figures’ screams and silent pleas for attention stand out in stark relief.
I snapped a photo of the cobblestones, carefully selecting a wide aperture setting on my camera to create a beautifully blurred background that would enhance the overall composition of the image.
Just a short distance from Prague Castle, you'll come across these tram tracks nestled between rows of trees. The metal rails, grass, curb, and tree line guide provide the perfect composition for your photos. Here you can see how leading lines are used to direct the observer's eyes straight to this classic-looking tram car.
The panoramic views of the city from high up are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the red-tiled roofs and the winding streets below.
Again, if you keep your eyes peeled at the ground, you might see some interesting things to snap in Prague. This enchanting city, renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, also offers a treasure trove of hidden details beneath your feet. As you stroll through the winding streets, take a moment to observe the intricate designs that adorn the cobbled stones. One particularly fascinating sight is the coat of arms emblazoned on a sewage cover.
I couldn't help but snap a photo of this round mooring post by the Vltava River—it really caught my eye! In the background, the charming architecture of the riverside buildings framed the post, their historic facades adding a sense of place and context. I could hear the distant sounds of laughter and conversation from nearby cafes, the soft lapping of the river against the shore, and the occasional call of a bird soaring overhead. This moment felt alive, vibrant, and full of history, making it impossible to resist capturing it with my camera.
As I wandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets, I stumbled upon hidden gems such as quaint cafes and local artisan shops. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, tempting me to stop and indulge in a slice of traditional trdelník.
One place that for me had the essence of Prague was this music shop . The small retail outlet captured the spirit of the city's arts scene.
If you're experiencing difficulty fitting everything you want to capture into your shot, consider utilizing a fisheye lens, which is specifically designed to provide an exceptionally wide field of view.
I ascended to the top of the Astronomical Clock tower, a historic and iconic landmark in Prague, to photograph the bustling market stalls that populate the vibrant town square below. The view from this elevated vantage point was nothing short of breathtaking, and the fisheye lens allowed me to capture not just the stalls themselves, but also the intricate architecture of the surrounding buildings and the lively atmosphere created by the people milling about. The lens exaggerated the curvature of the scene, making the entire composition feel more dynamic and engaging.
This broader view of Prague not only showcased the beauty of the city but also highlighted the lively interactions and the overall ambiance of the market, providing a richer narrative to my photographs.
One of the many statues found in this fabulous city. I really liked how the gold halo and leaves contrast against the grey sky.
A captivating mix of black and white cobblestones is artfully scattered among the vibrant red ones on the floor, creating a striking visual contrast that draws the eye.
To finish off my photo trip, I headed over to the iconic Dancing House, a masterpiece of modern architecture that stands out against the backdrop of Prague's historic skyline. As I approached the building, its unique, curvaceous design illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights caught my eye, creating a striking contrast with the more traditional structures surrounding it. The late-night ambiance added a layer of magic to the scene, making it the perfect setting for photography.
Since it was late at night, I took advantage of the low light conditions to capture some stunning shots of the tram and car light trails weaving through the city streets.
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