Run in Prague, run baby run

Old Town

Let’s start at Namesti Republiky square, which is very convenient given the number of public transport lines you’ll find there (but like all urbirun tours, you can start wherever you like, you just need to pay attention to the route direction). 

And very soon you can open your eyes wide in front of the Art-Deco Municipal House, located right next to the Powder Tower, an ancient city gate dating from the 15th century, which forms the entrance to the Old Town.

You will then enjoy the pedestrian streets lined with magnificent facades, leading you to the Old Town Square, dominated by the bell towers of Tyn Cathedral, and the famous Astronomical Clock Tower, which dates back to the 15th century. It has two magnificent dials, guarded by various characters, including a skeleton holding a rope and an hourglass… yes, time does fly… Let’s remind you that if you go there on the hour, you’ll see it come alive with a farandole of figures marching past, in front of a myriad of mobile phones stretched overhead (but as you’re running early in the morning, you’ll escape the phones thing).

Charles Bridge

Other pretty little streets will take you to Charles Bridge, another symbol of the city, since it was built in 1357… Yes, that’s a long time ago… Along its 515 metres, you’ll be encouraged by the many statues, which were installed there in the 17th century. At the foot of the statue of St John Nepomuk, you’ll see 2 smaller golden ones. In fact, the little statues have developed a patina from being caressed by passers-by, to bring them good luck and ensure that they return to Prague some day. It’s up to you to make a stop. 

And beware if you run across the Charles Bridge in the middle of the night, it won’t be so quiet, as legend has it that the statues come down from their pedestals and gather there for long, passionate discussions.

Mala Strana and the Castle hill

You then enter the Mala Strana district,  through a beautiful gate. This area is surrounding the castle, and dotted with small baroque palaces built by the nobility who wanted to stay close to the centre of power.

The climb up to the castle is a little strenuous, but it’s good for the eyes, as you can enjoy some great views over the city.

Once inside the castle complex, which is almost 600m long, you run by St Vitus Cathedral, the country’s largest church, which is the heart of the castle.

Running down from the hill offers some beautiful views over the city, so don’t hesitate to stop and enjoy. urbirun is not a race…

When down, take a look at the courtyard of the Kafka Museum, where you’ll be greeted by two men urinating… but no worries, it’s a work by artist Cerny.

The Moldau River and back to the center

Back in the Mala Strana district, you’ll be guided to other incredible works by Cerny: three astonishing statues await you somewhere on the banks of the Moldau: impressive giant babies with chubby buttocks…

The passages along this river offer beautiful views of the river, which will make you forget the countless cobblestones of this city…

Back on the west bank, we guide you to a statue of Kafka (once again the inevitable Cerny) that will turn your head…

The route ends running along the large Vaclav Avenue, which was the centre of the tragic Prague Spring demonstrations in 1968, during the uprising against the Communist regime, and which is now lined with quite capitalist businesses…

And here you are, back at the start, proud of yourself, because although you’ve passed countless cafés and bars, you haven’t given in to the temptation of a beer…

Well done, now you can enjoy it. Without any remorse, as it’s also a local landmark…

Bonus

In addition to our urbirun Prague audio tour, you can download this tour and others in .gpx format from the urbirun.gpx boutique.