Fiery red trams cling-clang their way through Prague. Locals use this transport to go to work. Visitors hop on for a few stops to go to Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square. Get off the tourist track, see different parts of Prague and go sightseeing by tram.
Armed with a 24-hour public transport ticket and a free 'getting around Prague on tram and metro' leaflet, you can start your private sightseeing by tram tour. Get your ticket and the leaflet at any of the Metro stations in the city center. Be sure to validate your ticket in the yellow box on board the tram, unless you want to pay a $30 fine on the spot – no exceptions for foreigners.
Many tram routes have changed since September 2012. The trips below follow the new routes.
Tram 17 crossing the Vltava River — Photo courtesy of Marianne Crone
Sightseeing Trip 1- Nove Mesto to Breznov Monastery
Hop on tram 22 at Namesti Miru toward Bila Hora. You will pass Narodni Divadlo, National Theater and opera house, and cross the Vltava River.
Side trip: Get off at Ujezd stop and take the funicular to Petrin Hill for the lookout tower and the mirror maze.
The tram route continues through the Mala Strana district and takes you to Prague Castle.
Side trip: Hop off at Hradcansky if you want to include a visit to the castle.
The tram continues to Breznov Monastry. Get off at Brevnovsky Klaster, where this sightseeing trip by tram ends.
Side trip: Walk towards the grassy area. Explore the grounds of the Benedictine Monastery or join the guided of the monastery, the crypt and the church.
Dancing House in Prague — Photo courtesy of Marianne Crone
Sightseeing Trip 2- River View Sightseeing
River view sightseeing tram tour – start Metro station Vltavska
At the Vltavska tram stop, board tram 1, 2 or 18 heading for Petriny. Get off at the next stop Strossmayer Namesti. Take tram 17 toward Levskeho/Modrany. The tram runs parallel to the river. Sit on the left side for wonderful views of Prague Castle.
A sharp turn the left takes you through the Old Town, past the Rudolfinium and the Dancing House.
Switch to the right side after Palackeho Most stop for better views of the Vltava River. Stay on board as long as you like. Take tram 3 that runs parallel to tram 17 and return to Wenceslas Square.
Have you now become a sightseeing-by-tram enthusiast? Get a 72-hour public transport ticket and you can go sightseeing for three days.
