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National Theatre
See opera, ballet or drama in the gilded 1880s National Theatre on the Vltava embankment, a symbol of Czech national revival with English surtitles on many…
Žižkov Television Tower
Prague's 216-metre TV tower in Žižkov, with an observation deck at 93 metres, a restaurant at 66 metres and David Černý's giant crawling babies on its legs.
At a glance
- Type
- Observation deck and TV tower
- Area
- Žižkov, Prague, Czech Republic
- Official site
- towerpark.cz
Good to know
- Observation deck
- Restaurant and bar
- Hotel suite
Why we recommend it
The Žižkov Television Tower is the tallest structure in Prague and impossible to miss from almost anywhere in the city. It was built between 1985 and 1992 to a design by the architect Václav Aulický, and its three steel legs rise 216 metres above the residential district of Žižkov. Locals were far from fond of it at first, but the tower has become one of the city's more unusual attractions, now run as Tower Park Praha.
The main draw is the observation deck at 93 metres, where three viewing cabins give a 360-degree panorama over Prague. Because the tower stands east of the centre, the view takes in the whole historic core, with the castle on the far side of the river, as well as the hills and housing estates that most visitors never see. On clear days you can see a very long way. The cabins also hold exhibitions. Below, at 66 metres, the Oblaca restaurant and bar serves modern food and cocktails, and the tower even has a single-room hotel suite at 70 metres.
Look up at the legs before you go in. Ten giant fibreglass babies by the Czech artist David Černý crawl up the tower; they were first installed in 2000, and the current set are duplicates put up in 2019 after the originals were taken down for cleaning and checks. The babies can be seen up close from the garden by the tower. The tower's construction was controversial for another reason: part of an old Jewish cemetery lay on the site, and the small remaining section of the cemetery can still be seen beside it.
A visit takes about an hour, or longer if you book a meal in the restaurant, which is best reserved ahead for sunset. The tower suits couples, photographers and families, and it is a good alternative to the crowded towers in the Old Town. Check the official website for current opening times and tickets before you go, and choose a clear day for the best views.
The tower is in Mahlerovy sady, a small park in Žižkov. The nearest metro station is Jiřího z Poděbrad on line A, about five minutes' walk away. Žižkov is known for its many local pubs, and the Vinohrady district with Jiřího z Poděbrad square and its market is right next door.
Žižkov Television Tower FAQs
How tall is the Žižkov Television Tower?
The tower is 216 metres tall. The observation deck is at 93 metres and the restaurant at 66 metres.
Who made the babies on the Žižkov tower?
The Czech artist David Černý. The current set of ten babies are duplicates installed in 2019.
Is there a restaurant in the tower?
Yes. Oblaca restaurant and bar is at 66 metres and is best booked ahead.
Can you stay overnight in the tower?
Yes. A single hotel suite at 70 metres can be booked.
How do I get to the Žižkov Television Tower?
Take metro line A to Jiřího z Poděbrad and walk about five minutes.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for the observation deck, more if you eat in the restaurant.
When is the best time to go?
On a clear day for the longest views, or around sunset if you book the restaurant.
What is nearby?
The old Jewish cemetery beside the tower, the Žižkov pubs and the market at Jiřího z Poděbrad square in Vinohrady.