Monday, March 31, 2025
Spring is in full swing, making it the perfect time to explore Prague’s architectural and historical gems.
The April program of the nonprofit organization Open House Prague offers a rich selection of themed walks in Czech, English and recently also in French language, providing insights not only into the history of specific locations but also into the stories of the personalities connected to them.
Those eager to discover Prague can explore the Malá Strana, Strahov, and Michle. Here are some recommendations for guided walks and tours of usually inaccessible sites.
Love Stories From Malá Strana (tour in English)
Writer Marcia Davenport, politician Madeleine Albright, art collector Meda Mládková, first lady Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk, actress Shirley Temple Black or the millionaire couple Alfred & Martha Stern – the lives of all of these important figures were once tied to Malá Strana (also called Lesser Town in English), one of the oldest parts of Prague where the American and Czech worlds have collided in the past.
Join the tour on Sunday, March 30 at 2.30 p.m. and hear stories of romantic relationships from the turbulent 20th century!
Prague’s Iconic Stadium (tour in English)
With a capacity of 250,000 people, the Great Strahov Stadium truly is one of the biggest venues of its kind in the world. This colossal monument has hosted Sokol rallies, huge mass gymnastics events, and even concerts of music legends. Today it is used by AC Sparta Praha for football practice, but there have been signs that the stadium might transform into a modern center of technology in the future…
Learn more about the fascinating history of this giant and enjoy beautiful views of the stadium from the stands! The tour takes place Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m.
A One-of-a-Kind Water Tower (tour in English)
A gem of industrial architecture that combines elements of modernism with geometric Art Nouveau, the water tower in Michle has stood for nearly 120 years. Designed by eminent Czech architect Jan Kotěra, the tower has been renovated recently and is now open to visit. On Sunday, April 20 at 2.30 p.m., organizers will take you to the top of this 42-meter high monument as well as into the underground water tank and machine room.
The guide will talk about the history of the waterworks as well as its technological and architectural peculiarities. A must-see for fans of unique industrial architecture!
La Bohème Française I (tour in French)
Did you know that when French troops occupied Prague in the mid-18th century, the French king resided at Prague Castle for nearly four years? Or that the Prague streets Denisova and Legerova are named after French Slavists who studied Slavic languages, literature, history, and culture? These scholars advocated for the Czech national movement and played a crucial role in the creation of the First Czechoslovak Republic in 1918.
Explore Hradčany and Malá Strana and uncover places that reflect the deep ties between Prague and France from the Middle Ages to the present day – from John of Luxembourg, a regular at the French court, to French President François Mitterrand, a secret supporter of Czech dissidents. The tour La Bohème Française (The French Bohemia) takes place on Sunday, April 27, 2025; 2.30 p.m.
How to Buy Tickets?
Tickets for year-round events by Open House Prague must always be reserved in advance on the website or through the newly available mobile app, which can be downloaded for free on iOS and Android.
Festival Open House Prague
At the beginning of April, the list of buildings for the 11th edition of the Open House Prague festival will be announced. The festival will take place from May 12 to 18, 2025, featuring a series of accompanying programs – including debates, lectures, guided tours, walks, exhibitions, and other events.
The festival will culminate on the weekend of May 17 and 18 with the opening of 125 usually inaccessible buildings and spaces across Prague. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore both public and private buildings for free – from historic palaces and prestigious villas to industrial landmarks and contemporary new constructions.
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