Attraction
Prague Castle
The vast hilltop seat of Bohemian kings and Czech presidents, home to St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica and Golden Lane.
Petřín Lookout Tower
A steel lookout tower built in 1891 on Petřín Hill, loosely modelled on the Eiffel Tower, with 299 steps and a lift to views over the whole city.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation tower
- Area
- Malá Strana, Prague, Czech Republic
- Official site
- prague.eu
Good to know
- Lift
- Café
- Exhibition
- Information centre
Why we recommend it
Petřín Lookout Tower was built for the Jubilee Exhibition of 1891, after members of the Czech Tourist Club had admired the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is a much smaller steel structure, with an octagonal rather than square plan, but because it stands on the top of Petřín Hill its viewing platforms are high above the city. The tower is now run by Prague City Tourism, the city's official tourist organisation.
The climb is the main event. A staircase of 299 steps leads to two observation platforms, and from the upper one the whole of Prague spreads out below: the castle and St Vitus Cathedral close by, the bridges over the Vltava, the spires of the Old Town and the hills beyond. On clear days you can see far across Bohemia. There is a lift to the upper platform for an extra charge, a small exhibition about the history of Petřín Hill in the basement, a café and a souvenir shop.
The tower is set in the Petřín gardens, a long green slope of orchards, rose gardens and woodland paths that is one of the most pleasant places to walk in the city. Nearby are the Mirror Maze, built for the same exhibition, and the Štefánik Observatory, and combined tickets are available. The early bird discount for the first hour after opening is worth using, as queues for the stairs and lift build up later in the day. Opening hours vary by month, so check before you go.
The tower suits most visitors, and children usually enjoy the maze and the climb. Accessibility is limited: the lift for wheelchair users only reaches the lower platform. The stairs are narrow and get crowded, so allow around an hour including the gardens. Buy tickets from Prague City Tourism, the official seller, rather than from resellers.
The Petřín funicular from Újezd has been out of service, so check whether it is running before you plan your route. Otherwise you can walk up from Újezd tram stop through the orchards in about half an hour, or take tram 22 to Pohořelec and walk along the hilltop past Strahov Monastery, which is the easier, flatter option.
Petřín Lookout Tower FAQs
How many steps are there in Petřín Lookout Tower?
There are 299 steps to the top platform. A lift is also available for an extra charge.
Is there a lift?
Yes. A lift goes to the upper platform. Wheelchair users can only use the lift to the lower platform because of limited space at the top.
Is the Petřín funicular running?
The funicular has been out of service. Check its current status with the Prague transport operator before your visit.
How do I get to Petřín Lookout Tower?
Walk up through the orchards from Újezd tram stop, or take tram 22 to Pohořelec and walk along the hilltop past Strahov Monastery.
Is there a discount for early visitors?
Yes. Admission is discounted during the first hour after opening, except on some holidays.
What else is nearby?
The Mirror Maze, the Štefánik Observatory, the Petřín gardens and Strahov Monastery.
How tall is the tower?
Close to 60 metres, but it stands on the top of Petřín Hill so the views are much higher above the city.
Who runs the tower?
Prague City Tourism, which is also the only official ticket seller.