12 Most Haunted Places in Prague for Ghost Hunters
Prague is a city of magic and mystery. Many people believe that haunted places in Prague hold secrets from the past. Dark alleys and old stone bridges hide legends of ghosts and spirits. You can feel the history as you walk through the cobblestone streets at night. The city has survived wars, fires, and dark times. These events left behind many spooky stories for travelers to find. This guide will help you discover the most chilling spots in the capital. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love history, these sites are worth a visit. You can learn more about the city on the official Prague tourism portal. Let’s look at some of the most secret places in Prague where legends come to life.
Quick Picks for Ghost Hunters in Prague
Are you in a hurry to find some ghosts? Here are our top recommendations for a spooky trip. These picks cover different needs for every type of traveler. Prague offers everything from quiet cemeteries to loud ghost tours. Check these quick options before you start your full adventure.
- Best Overall: Charles Bridge (Headless Templar)
- Best for Families: Museum of Alchemists and Magicians
- Best Free Site: Old Town Square at midnight
- Best Rainy Day: Church of St. James (The Thief's Arm)
12 Most Haunted Places in Prague to Visit
Prague is famous for its legends. Each corner of the Old Town seems to have a resident ghost. These stories have been told for hundreds of years. Most of these sites are easy to reach on foot. You can see many of them in one single night walk. Here are the top 12 haunted places in Prague for your list.
- Name: Charles Bridge Type: Iconic Sight Why go: To see the Headless Templar who rides a white horse. He is said to appear to those with pure hearts. Best for: Photographers and night walkers. Where: Between Old Town and Lesser Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Staromestska metro station. Tip: Visit after midnight to avoid the huge daytime crowds.
- Name: Prague Castle Type: Iconic Sight Why go: Legend says a flaming carriage pulled by black goats appears here. It is a sign of bad luck for the city. Best for: History buffs. Where: Hradcany district. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free for grounds; paid for interiors. Getting there: Take Tram 22 to Prazsky hrad. Tip: Check the official castle site for evening opening hours.
- Name: Old Town Square Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This is where 27 noblemen were executed in 1621. People say their ghosts return every year on June 21st. Best for: Central location. Where: Staromestske namesti. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line A to Staromestska. Tip: Look for the 27 white crosses on the ground near the Town Hall.
- Name: Faust House Type: Sight/Experience Why go: It is named after the man who sold his soul to the devil. There is a hole in the ceiling that never stays fixed. Best for: Fans of dark legends. Where: Karlovo namesti, Prague 2. Time: 15 minutes (exterior only). Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Metro line B to Karlovo namesti. Tip: The building is now a pharmacy, so you can only see the outside.
- Name: Olsany Cemetery Type: Nature/Cemetery Why go: It is the largest graveyard in the city. Visitors report seeing dark shadows and feeling cold spots near the old graves. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Zizkov district. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro line A to Flora. Tip: Read our guide to Olsany Cemeteries and Kafka's grave for more details.
- Name: Vysehrad Fortress Type: Nature/Viewpoint Why go: A headless French soldier is said to guard the gates here. He was killed during a siege in the 1700s. Best for: Sunset views. Where: Prague 2. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free for the park. Getting there: Metro line C to Vysehrad. Tip: This site is a UNESCO World Heritage location and very peaceful. Discover more Vysehrad hidden gems before you go.
- Name: Karlova Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: Home to the Mad Barber who lost his mind after his wife died. He now chases people with a razor. Best for: Atmospheric walks. Where: Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from the Astronomical Clock. Tip: This street is very narrow and gets crowded, so go late at night.
- Name: Museum of Alchemists and Magicians Type: Museum Why go: Explore the lab of Edward Kelley, a famous occultist. The attic is said to be haunted by his failed experiments. Best for: Families and indoor fun. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Around 250 CZK. Getting there: Walk from Malostranske namesti. Tip: This is one of the most unusual museums in Prague for curious travelers.
- Name: Church of St. James Type: Unique Sight Why go: A mummified human arm hangs from the ceiling. It belonged to a thief who tried to steal from the altar. Best for: Seeing something truly weird. Where: Near Old Town Square. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk from Namesti Republiky. Tip: Look up immediately to the right after you enter the main door.
- Name: Ungelt Courtyard Type: Neighborhood Why go: The ghost of a Turkish man is said to haunt the area. He carries the head of his lover in a box. Best for: Romantic but spooky vibes. Where: Behind Tyn Church. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: There are many nice cafes here to relax in after your ghost hunt.
- Name: Kampa Island Type: Nature/Sight Why go: The Fiery Wheel is often seen rolling down the banks of the river. It is the spirit of a greedy miller. Best for: Riverside walks. Where: Mala Strana. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from Charles Bridge. Tip: Look for the old water wheels still spinning in the stream.
- Name: Novy Svet Type: Neighborhood Why go: A headless monk is said to walk these quiet streets. He rings a bell to warn people of danger. Best for: Escaping the crowds. Where: Near Prague Castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Loreta. Tip: Use our Novy Svet Prague guide to find the best photo spots.
How to Explore Haunted Places in Prague Safely
Prague is generally a very safe city for tourists. However, walking at night requires some basic common sense. Always stay in well-lit areas when moving between haunted sites. It is best to explore with a friend or a small group. Many companies offer guided ghost tours that provide extra safety. These tours also share deeper stories you might not find alone. You can also explore Prague underground tours and bunkers for a different thrill. Respect the local rules when visiting cemeteries or churches. Keep your voice down and do not touch the old monuments. Most haunted sites are in the city center, making navigation easy. Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven cobblestone streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there ghost tours available in Prague?
Yes, Prague has many ghost tours. Most start in the Old Town Square after dark. These tours lead you through narrow alleys and share local legends. They are a great way to see haunted places in Prague with a guide. You can book them online or at tourist kiosks.
What is the most haunted place in Prague?
Many locals consider Charles Bridge to be the most haunted. It has many legends, including the Headless Templar and the spirits of those who fell into the river. The bridge's long history of executions and battles adds to its spooky reputation. It is best visited late at night.
Is it safe to visit Prague cemeteries at night?
Most cemeteries in Prague close their gates at sunset. It is not legal or safe to enter them after hours. However, you can visit during the day to see the beautiful and eerie monuments. Olsany Cemetery is particularly famous for its atmospheric and haunting beauty during daylight.
Prague is a city where the past always feels present. Visiting haunted places in Prague is a unique way to see the city. You can discover legends that have shaped the local culture for centuries. From headless knights to mummified arms, the stories are truly unforgettable. Remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a camera. If you want to see more hidden spots, check out the secret passages and courtyards in Prague. Enjoy your spooky adventure in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
Official resources
Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.
- Prague.eu — Official city tourism portal; unverified.
- Praha.eu — Official municipal government portal; unverified.
- Visit Czechia — National tourism board; unverified.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Official UNESCO heritage listing; unverified.
- Prague Castle — Official landmark domain; unverified.
- National Museum — Major national museum; unverified.
