Petrin Tower is a steel lookout on Petřín Hill in Prague’s Malá Strana, built in 1891 with the Eiffel Tower as its inspiration. From its observation levels, you can look across the Vltava, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the city’s red rooftops. Reaching the tower takes you through the surrounding park, so the visit can include a walk among the hillside paths. You can climb the stairs or use the elevator; sunset brings the city skyline into view as daylight fades.
A tower built for the 1891 exhibition
Petřín Tower was built in 1891 for Prague’s General Land Centennial Exhibition. Its designers took inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, although the Prague structure is much smaller. The steel tower rises 63.5 metres above Petřín Hill, whose summit is about 318 metres above sea level. Together, the hill and tower put the viewing levels high above the city.
The tower served as an observation point and a transmission tower. Its Eiffel-inspired outline is easy to spot from other parts of Prague, but the hilltop setting is central to the experience: the tower rises from the greenery of Petřín Park, west of the Vltava.
Views from the observation levels
From the tower, look out over the Vltava and the city’s closely packed red roofs. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge are among the landmarks visible from above, along with the historic centre and church spires. The open panorama also makes this a useful stop for getting a sense of how the city spreads around the river.
There are two observation levels. The upper level is the one to head for if you want the broadest view; the lower platform can be skipped if you are short on time. On a windy day, the tower may sway, and the conditions at the top can feel cold, so dress for the weather rather than the temperature at street level.
Reaching the tower and getting to the top
The approach is part of the visit. Petřín Park has walking paths on the hillside, but reaching the tower on foot involves an uphill climb. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to continue exploring the park after your visit. The funicular is another way to reach the hill when it is operating; its service status is not provided here, so check before planning your route around it.
At the tower, you can climb 299 steps to the observation levels or take the elevator. The stairs can be slippery in winter, so the elevator is a practical alternative in those conditions. If you want to look more closely at the view, binoculars are available for an additional charge.
Make it part of a Petřín visit
The tower stands within a larger green area, so there is room to make the outing more than a quick viewpoint stop. Petřín Park and its hillside paths provide a quieter change of pace from the streets below. The Mirror Maze and Štefánik Observatory are also on the hill, and Strahov Monastery is nearby. Choose one or two additions according to how much time you have rather than trying to fit every stop into the tower visit.
For a city view at changing light, plan to arrive around sunset. The skyline and rooftops look different as the daylight fades, but the hilltop can be cold and windy. If you would rather focus on the walk than the climb, take your time on the park paths and use the elevator for the tower itself.
Preguntas frecuentes
How many steps are there at Petrin Tower?
There are 299 steps to the observation levels. An elevator is also available.
What can you see from Petrin Tower?
The views include Prague’s rooftops, the Vltava River, Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
When is a good time to visit Petrin Tower?
Around sunset is a good time for views of the city as daylight fades.
Is Petrin Tower near other attractions?
Yes. The Mirror Maze and Štefánik Observatory are on Petřín Hill, and Strahov Monastery is nearby.
