A Guide to Prague for Book Lovers
Prague is one of my favorite literary cities in Europe. There are so many amazing things to do for book lovers in the Czech capital. And the city itself looks like something straight from the pages of a fairytale.
I just recently visited Prague for the second time, and I was able to visit even more literary places around the city on this trip. So today I wanted to share my favorite bookish things to do in Prague with you!
Prague has been designated as one of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature, and it has been known as a cultural and intellectual hub for centuries. One of the most famous literary figures from Prague is Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague in 1883 and is best known for his bizarre and surreal novel The Metamorphosis.
When it comes to bookish things to do in Prague, you’ll find beautiful libraries, charming bookstores, and Kafka-related locations on this list. Ready to immerse yourself in the literary side of Prague? Let’s go!
1. Strahov Library
Prague is home to several stunning libraries, and I’ve actually written a whole guide about them already. Check that out if you want specific details on exactly how to visit the libraries on this list.
The first one you should visit is the Strahov Library. Located at Strahov Monastery, which dates back to the 12th century and is on a hill above Prague Castle, there are two beautiful and historic library rooms you can view here: the 17th-century Theological Hall and the 18th-century Philosophical Hall.
Your ticket to the library also includes the Cabinet of Curiosities display. I recommend getting here first thing in the morning so you can enjoy viewing the library rooms without any crowds. Also, note that you can’t actually go in the libraries for preservation reasons — you can only view them through an open doorway. I still found this to be very much worth it, because the library rooms are so gorgeous!
2. Klementium Baroque Library
The next historic library you can’t miss in Prague is the Klementium Baroque Library. This one is located in the Klementium, a complex of buildings in the heart of the Old Town dating back to the medieval era. The vast collection of the National Library of the Czech Republic is housed in the Klementium.
A small part of the complex is open for tours, and visitors can see the Klementium Baroque Library, as well as Meridian Hall and the amazing viewpoint from the Astronomical Clock Tower.
Much like the Strahov Library, you can’t actually enter this 18th-century library. The lighting is also kept low for preservation reasons. But it’s one of the most amazing libraries that I have ever seen!
3. Municipal Library of Prague
A very different sort of library to visit is the Municipal Library of Prague. This large public library in the Old Town is pretty unremarkable — but the real highlight is the “Book Tunnel” located in the lobby.
This is a public art installation with the official name Idiom. It’s a cylindrical tower made of more than 8,000 books, and inside, there are mirrors that create the effect of peering up and down an endless tunnel of books. It’s a very cool installation, and I think it’s definitely worth checking out — it’s free, too.
However, I highly recommend checking the library’s schedule and arriving early on a morning when it opens at 9 AM. The Book Tunnel is cool, but not cool enough to wait an hour just to snap a few photos. I went at 9:30 AM, and there were only a few people there, but later that day, the line was down the block.
4. Franz Kafka Museum
Franz Kafka is definitely the most famous writer to come from Prague. This Jewish Czech writer, born in 1883, is known for his works such as The Metamorphosis and The Trial. The term “Kafkaesque” is used to describe nightmarishly complex and bizarre situations like those found in his novels.
You can learn more about the writer’s life and works at the Franz Kafka Museum. Located in an unassuming pink building in Prague’s picturesque Lesser Town, just five minutes from the famous Charles Bridge, this museum houses a collection that includes many artifacts related to Kafka’s life.
Spoiler alert, I did not personally visit this museum because I found the ticket prices to be a bit steep (around $14.50 for adults and $10.50 for students and seniors), but the museum is well-regarded.
5. Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore
Just a couple of minutes down the street from the Franz Kafka Museum is my favorite bookstore in Prague. Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore is an English language bookstore that reminded me a lot of the famous Shakespeare and Company in Paris, and not just because of the name.
Similar to the Paris bookstore, Shakespeare and Sons in Prague is a ramshackle old place with two levels of tomes, including new and used books. There are comfy places to sit and peruse the pages of a book before you purchase. Unlike Shakespeare and Company in Paris, this bookstore was not super crowded.
Shakespeare and Sons is the perfect place to pop in and browse for a while, or get some reading material for your trip. This is a must-visit bookstore while in Prague, and I’m glad I came across it!
6. Globe Bookstore and Cafe
Another excellent English language bookstore to check out while you’re in Prague is Globe Bookstore and Cafe. This one is located in the New Town of Prague, about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
When you walk in, you’ll discover the bookstore, which features a great selection of new books with a little upstairs section. The rest of the space is the cafe, and there are plenty of tables. This would be a good place to come to read or work on your laptop for a while, as you enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
The cafe serves a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu every day. There are also a variety of events that take place here in the evenings, including pub trivia, open mic night, literary readings, and more.
7. Franz Kafka Bookstore
I just happened to stumble upon the Franz Kafka Bookstore in Prague while I was walking to check out the nearby Franz Kafka Monument, and it’s a gem. This cute little bookstore is located in the Old Town.
As the name suggests, you will find various special editions of Franz Kafka’s books here. But this bookstore also stocks plenty of other tomes, including a section focused on books about Prague.
Although it’s not the largest bookstore and doesn’t have places to sit like Shakespeare and Sons or the Globe Bookstore and Cafe, it’s still worth popping in here for a few minutes to browse.
8. Franz Kafka Walking Tour
Finally, one more great thing to do in Prague for book lovers is a Franz Kafka walking tour. If you’re interested in learning more about this author while exploring the city, this is the perfect way to do so.
This 2.5-hour walking tour will take you through Prague’s Old Town, Lesser Town, and Jewish Quarter, where you will discover important sites linked to Kafka. You’ll see the city through the writer’s eyes, including visiting the area where he was born and the areas where he studied and worked in Prague.
You’ll finish off the tour at one of Kafka’s favorite cafes in Prague, where a coffee or tea is included. If you’re a Kafka fan or just want to see Prague in a unique way, this seems like it would be an excellent tour.
Things to Do in Prague for Book Lovers
This guide showed you the best things to do in Prague for book lovers.
From libraries to bookstores to museums and more, there is a lot of literary history to discover in this beautiful city. With a few days in Prague, you can easily fit all of these bookish activities in your itinerary.
Enjoy your trip to Prague!
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