Prague Beyond the Tourist Trail
Discover 70+ modern architectural gems locals actually visit
INSIDE THIS GUIDE:
- 70 modern & contemporary buildings
- 17 neighborhoods across Prague
- 6 architectural styles explored
- From Brutalist icons to hidden gems
About the Book
Prague Uncovered not only provides an insider’s guide to how modernity and history combine in the city’s distinctive landscape, it also educates the reader about the backgrounds of the fascinating buildings and the artist-engineers behind them. Readers will learn how Brutalism and other modern architectural styles from the 20th century relate to the significant structures from the more distant past.
The book is designed for architecture enthusiasts, students, expats, and visitors who want to explore Prague beyond its well-trodden landmarks. Whether you’re a local curious about your own city or a traveller looking for meaningful experiences, Prague Uncovered offers a smart and visually engaging way to discover the city’s architectural layers.
Inside, readers will find seventy carefully selected buildings divided into seven chapters divided by neighbourhoods. Each entry includes photographs, maps, and concise descriptions that place the buildings in their historical, social, and urban context. Together, they tell a story of Prague’s transformation over the last hundred years, showing how modern and contemporary architecture continue to shape its identity today.
Browse the Book
Get to know Prague by neighbourhoods!
Hradčany – Malá Strana – Staré Město
The historic heart of Prague, where layers of architecture unfold from medieval fortifications and Baroque palaces to early modern public buildings. These neighbourhoods tell the story of the city’s political and spiritual power, revealing how modern and contemporary architecture carefully negotiates its place among world-famous monuments.
Southern Gardens of Prague Castle
Orangery
Villa Bílek
Kunsthalle Praha
Werich Villa
Charles Bridge
Čech Bridge
Hotel Fairmont Golden Prague
Štenc House
Kotva Department Store
Masaryk Railway Station
Světozor Passag
Adria Palace
DRN
Diamond House
Dancing House
Prague Riversides
Prager's Cubes
U Apolináře Maternity Hospital
Bastion at Calvary
Nové Město
Founded by Charles IV in the 14th century, New Town embodies Prague’s vision of planned urban expansion. Its grand boulevards and civic buildings later became the stage for modernity — from 19th-century eclecticism and early modernism to functionalist landmarks and bold post-war reconstructions. Today, many of its former industrial or underused sites are being revitalized, becoming lively parts of contemporary urban life and reflecting the city’s ongoing transformation.
Žižkov – Vinohrady
Once working-class suburbs and vineyard slopes beyond the medieval walls, these neighbourhoods transformed into dense residential districts full of individuality and contrast. Today, Žižkov’s rugged charm and Vinohrady’s elegance coexist in a landscape marked by tenement architecture, modernist housing blocks and hidden cultural and gastro venues.
New Building of the National Museum
New Departure Hall of Prague Main Railway Station
Radost House
National Monument at Vítkov
Žižkov Television Tower
Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord
Strojimport / Vinohrady Palace
Svoboda Colony
Grébovka
Folimanka Sports Hall
And 40 more in the book...
Creative team
The book was created by the team behind Mapamátky, a long-term project dedicated to mapping and promoting 20th- and 21st-century architecture in Prague.
“Tourism in Prague is still heavily concentrated in the historical centre — when people think of 20th-century architecture, they might name Cubism or the Dancing House. But what happened throughout the rest of the 20th and 21st centuries? Prague Uncovered invites readers to explore that overlooked story.”
— Marie Zákostelecká, Mapamátky Concept Director & Cultural Manager
“We set out to find the very best of Prague’s architecture — a cross-section of styles from the 20th and 21st centuries. Alongside the buildings and their stories, we’ve added cultural and historical context to help visitors and expats understand the complex background in which these iconic structures were created.”
— Štěpán Beneš, Mapamátky Content Director & Architect
Did you know…
On which island in central Prague is the Werich Villa located?
On which island in central Prague is the Werich Villa located?
Kampa Island
What is the name of the gallery created from a former transformer station at Klárov?
What is the name of the gallery created from a former transformer station at Klárov?
Kunsthalle Praha
In which Prague district is Bílek Villa located?
In which Prague district is Bílek Villa located?
Hradčany
Who initiated the construction of the new Orangery at Prague Castle?
Who initiated the construction of the new Orangery at Prague Castle?
Václav and Olga Havel
What stone did Plečnik use for the giant bowl in the Paradise Garden?
What stone did Plečnik use for the giant bowl in the Paradise Garden?
Mrákotín granite
Who designed the Southern Gardens of Prague Castle?
Who designed the Southern Gardens of Prague Castle?
Jože Plečnik