Prague is hot every season. I noticed that immediately arriving there at the end of March. It wasn’t even high season and the city was overrun with tourists. I asked locals about it and apparently it’s always like that. I was a little disappointed, realising it would be difficult to take pictures without people obstructing the view. So I decided there was only one thing left to do; making sure to escape the crowds in Prague by waking up early or get out of the old town to explore other parts that weren’t that busy. That way I was able to see the most famous sights without tourists bumping into me and to have a more relaxed time in this wonderful city.

How to escape the crowds in Prague?

Catch the sunrise on the Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)

At what time you have to wake up to catch the sunrise depends on when you’re there. I made sure to be on the bridge 30 minutes before sunrise (end of March that meant 6.00 am!). The only people you’ll encounter on the bridge on that time are fellow photographers and a few drunks on their way back home. It’s the only time you’ll be able to walk freely over the bridge, being able to still see the cobblestones and hear the river water flow. When the sun rises it’s amazing to experience the sky turning into different colors from dark blue to purple, pink, gold and blue.

Enjoy an empty Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)

After enjoying the sunrise on the Charles Bridge I visited the Old Town Square. It was completely empty at 8.00 am. I was able to take pictures of me and the Astronomical Clock without any people in them and enjoy the beautiful façades of the many impressive houses around the square.

Climb the Old Town Hall Tower

At 9.00 am you’ll be able to climb the Old Town Hall Tower. Make sure to take the elevator in the upper part. It was rewarded with a price for best design. If you’re here early you can enjoy the views from the top without people constantly passing by behind your back.

Visit the Old Jewish Cemetery

When you’re there at opening time (9.00 am) on Sunday you’ll be able to experience the cemetery quasi all by yourself. It’s a surreal place, especially when you realise there are about 200 000 graves. When the cemetery was full, they just started to layer the graves.

Discover the Spanish Synagogue

This synagogue is the most recent synagogue built in Prague. Its Moorish Revival style architecture makes it stand out. I was surprised so little people were here to explore it.

Climb up the hill to Letna Park

After visiting the jewish quarter I climbed up the hill to Letna Park. Since it was still only about 10.00 am there weren’t a lot of people on top. Most people were still starting their day in the old town. The view from Letna Park on all the bridges and the old town is breath taking.

Walk up to Strahov Monastery

If you would like to see an impressive library where there aren’t that many visitors, you should give the Strahov Monastery a visit. I wanted to visit the Klementinum library, but it was closed due to reconstruction, so this was a great alternative! And the view from the restaurant over there is amazing! Make sure to walk back down via Petrin Park. The views on your way are simply stunning.