National Theatre

An evening at the National Theatre is one of the most rewarding things to do in Prague, and it is far less formal and expensive than many visitors assume. The neo-Renaissance building on the Vltava embankment was paid for by public collections as a symbol of the Czech national revival. It opened in June 1881, but only weeks later a fire destroyed the dome, the auditorium and the stage. A second national fundraising drive collected a million florins in 47 days, and the theatre reopened in November 1883, rebuilt by Josef Schulz to the original design of Josef Zítek.

The building is a showcase of the artists of that generation, from the sculptures on the façade to the painted ceiling of the auditorium and the curtain. The National Theatre today runs opera, ballet and drama companies, and they perform not only in the historic building but also at the State Opera near the National Museum and at the Estates Theatre in the Old Town, where Mozart's Don Giovanni had its premiere in 1787. Czech opera, especially Smetana, Dvořák and Janáček, is the obvious choice for visitors: Rusalka and Libuše are part of the repertoire, alongside international works.

Many productions have English surtitles, and some drama performances offer them too, so check the details for each show before you book. Tickets are sold online through the theatre's own website and at the National Theatre box offices, and it is wise to buy from the official site rather than from resellers. Seats range from the stalls and boxes to inexpensive upper galleries with partial views, which makes a performance accessible on most budgets. There is no strict dress code, but audiences follow the usual theatre etiquette and many people dress smartly, especially for opera.

A performance suits couples, music lovers and anyone wanting to see the interiors in use. Arrive in good time to explore the foyers and the balcony over the river during the interval. Guided tours of the building are also offered on some dates for those who cannot attend a show.

The theatre stands at the corner of Národní třída and the embankment, opposite Slavia café and next to the modern glass New Stage. Národní divadlo tram stop is outside, and Národní třída metro station on line B is a short walk away.