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Why Choose Prague for a Macabre Travel Destination
If you enjoy a bit of creepy nightlife or dark history, then Prague might be the perfect choice for your next weekend - or weeks - away.
The city is known for its ridiculously beautiful architecture, stunning views over the Vltava River and Charles Bridge at dawn... but beyond all of Prague's picture-perfect photo opportunities, lies a much more sinister and macabre history - and a long one at that!
Although every major European city has its own dark history, whether it be serial killers, ghosts, the plague... or all three. And of course, let's not forget that all of Europe suffered tragedies during WWI and WWII, as well as Eastern Europe being devastated further by the Soviet regime. Nevertheless, not everywhere has embraced this history - and that's fine, so long as they are able to move on from it without doing so.
But Prague has fully embraced it, and so many aspects of the city's tourism revolve around the dark side of history, making Prague the perfect holiday destination for dark AND spooky tourists.
Prague has so many macabre offerings, from ghost tours and creepy escape rooms to haunting memorials and heartbreaking day trips. I would go so far as to say that even if you're not into the macabre, it's still impossible to have any kind of Prague holiday that doesn't crossover into it a little bit. Even the most major attractions like the Prague Castle or the Charles Bridge have pretty grim histories. And yes, you could choose not to learn about them, but then why even leave your home in the first place?
Especially because I believe one of the reasons Prague has championed this dark history is because they are proud of their history of resistance against their oppressors - and they can't tell that side without accepting the bad parts, as well.
In short, Prague possesses the perfect blend of culture and creep.
So to ensure you plan out the perfect dark and spooky themed Prague holiday, we have put together this ultimate spooky and macabre guide with all our top recommendations. This guide includes everything from the graves to visit to awesome dark tourism day trips to spooky tings to do at night in Prague, and even some local folklore!
At the bottom of this Prague travel guide, you will find ALL of our Prague - and possible day trip - articles for even more suggestions to help you plan the perfect macabre holiday! Make sure to book your accommodation before you go, there are numerous options for airbnbs, hotels and hostels in Prague!
When to plan your Spooky Prague Holiday
To be fair, no matter what time of year, you'll be able to find spooky activities to fill up your time. But our recommendation is to avoid peak season (summer season May to August) and over Christmas. This is for two reasons:
1) During summer the days are so long that many of the activities that happen at night just won't be as atmospheric. Personally, a ghost walk in the dark is just much creepier than one in daylight.
2) We're just not big fans of crowds. If you're also not a big fan of crowds, then definitely avoid peak season in Prague because it gets pretty damn busy!
However, if you hate the cold and you're not overly keen on chasing ghosts in the snow, then the perfect months of the year to holiday in Prague are September - November and January - April.
Top 3 Dark Tourism Sites in Prague
The Heydrich Terror Memorial
Reinhard Heydrich was one of the darkest figures in Prague's history.
As a top ranking Nazi official, he was sent to Prague to wipe out the resistance.
His efforts only incited them more, and in June 1942, Heydrich died following an attack.
Those responsible were found in hiding beneath a church and massacred. Today, the church basement has been converted into a small museum and memorial.
Location: Resslova 9a, 120 00 Nové Město
The Museum of Communism
Prague's Museum of Communism has grown from a tiny, quirky museum to a rather large and immensely comprehensive affair.
The walls are packed with information about the era of Soviet rule in Czechoslovakia throughout the 20th century, complete with videos, photos and communist memorabilia.
Seriously, if you're the kind of person who reads everything (we are!), you can easily spend hours wandering through here.
Location: V Celnici 1031/4, 118 00 Nové Město
The KGB Museum
If the Museum of Communism doesn't satiate your interest, make sure to schedule a tour of the KGB Museum during your Prague holiday.
This relatively small museum is comprised of a large, private collection of memorabilia and weapons related in some way to KGB activity, such as espionage or covert operations.
In addition to those of the KGB and NKVD (former KGB), there are also artefacts from the Czech secret service (Sbor národní bezpečnosti).
Location: Vlašská 591/13, 118 00 Malá Strana
Top 3 Spooky Prague Attractions
Ghost tours
Most cities have their fair share of ghost stories and legends. But Prague seems to take pride in being an exceptionally haunted city. Nearly anywhere you go in the city has a supernatural connection.
Don't believe me? Check out this incredibly detailed interactive map of ghost stories and legends around Prague.
There's even a Museum of Prague Ghosts and Legends!
So it should come as no surprise that there are numerous ghost tours available all times of day.
Check out the tours on offer with Get Your Guide here.
Shoulder of St Valentine's
Maybe it's just me, but keeping the shoulder blade of anyone on display - even a saint - is weird.
Yet for many, these holy relics are, well, holy. It takes all kinds, I guess.
If creepy relic body parts are your thing, head over to the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul at Vyšehrad.
Prior to its discovery in the basilica's vaults in 2002, no one knew that St Valentine's shoulder blade was being kept safe within. In fact, no one really knows how or when it ended up in the vault, though it is suspected it was put there for safe keeping during the communist era.
Address: Karlovo nám. 10, 120 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad
Thief of Saint James Church
Annoyingly, this church was closed both times we tried to go, despite being within opening hours.
However, if you're able to get in, there is a sinister hand awaiting just next to the door.
Legend has it that a thief tried to steal valuables from the church, but his arm was seized by the statue of the Virgin Mary. Unable to free the thief's arm, it was amputated and hung up as a threat to others with nefarious plans.
Another local story about the church suggests that Count Jan Vratislav of Mitrovice was buried alive in a tomb within the church.
Address: Malá Štupartská 635/6, 110 00 Staré Město
Prague's 3 Most Important Cemeteries
Old Jewish Cemetery
The exact opening date of the Old Jewish Cemetery is unknown. The oldest visible gravestone dates back to 1439.
However, the cemetery is buried on levels, and it is believed to rest on over 100,000 additional graves. Because the oldest burial date is unknown, it is possible that Prague's Old Jewish Cemetery is not only one of the oldest remaining Jewish cemeteries in Europe, but possibly the oldest.
Location: Široká, 110 00 Josefov
Olšany Cemetery
Olšany Cemetery first opened its doors in 1680 to house the copious amounts of plague victims.
At the time, it was outside of the city, but today it is fairly central, lying just outside of the up-and-coming Zižkov neighbourhood.
Though it was once a plague cemetery, today Olšany is the oldest - and largest - public cemetery in the city of Prague.
Location: Vinohradská 1835/153, 130 00 Praha 3
Vyšehrad Cemetery
Established in 1869, the Vyšehrad Cemetery is the most recently added section of the Vyšehrad estate.
Despite being one of Prague's youngest cemeteries, Vyšehrad has become the final resting place of many Czech cultural elite. This alone makes it one of the most important cemeteries in the city.
It's well worth a visit for the quirky gravestones and killer city views.
Location: K Rotundě, Vyšehrad, Praha 2
Notable Graves to Visit
Judah Loew ben Bezalel
Judah Loew Ben Bezalel, also known as Rabbi Loew (or Löw) is an important figure in Prague's Jewish history.
At the beginning of the 1600s, during the oppressive reign of Rudolf II, the Holy Roman Emperor, things weren't great for Prague's Jewish community. Rabbi Loew sought to protect them by creating a supernatural creature; the Golem.
As the Golem wreaked havoc on the rest of the city, Rabbi Loew was able to broker a deal to save Prague's Jews from the Christian zealot, Rudolph II.
Judah Loew Ben Bezalel is buried in the Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague's Jewish Quarter.
Location: Široká, 110 00 Josefov
Jan Palach
Jan Palach is a Czech hero.
In 1968, Czechoslovakia was experiencing a period of political liberalisation referred to as the Prague Spring.
The Soviets, afraid of losing control of the region, initiated the Warsaw Pact Invasion on 20 August 1968. Overnight, over 250,000 troops from Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, Poland and the Soviet Union invaded Prague.
On 16 January 1969, a young Czech student named Jan Palach marched into Wenceslas Square and set himself on fire in protest.
There are two memorials dedicated to him in the old town. His grave is located in the Olšany Cemetery.
Location: Vinohradská 1835/153, 130 00 Praha 3
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka, of course, is Prague's most beloved writer. He was, however, almost virtually unknown during his lifetime.
His most famous works are The Trial and his novella, The Metamorphosis.
If you are a fan of Kafka, or merely curious to learn more about him, visit the Franz Kafka Museum or see him riding a golem outside the Spanish Synagogue.
I didn't actually know until researching for this that Franz Kafka essentially starved to death due to the fact that he had laryngeal tuberculosis and eating was too painful. Not a fun way to die.
His grave can be visited in the Jewish section of the Olšany Cemetery.
Location: Izraelská 1, 130 00 Praha 3
Tycho Brahe
Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer and nobleman.
In stark contrast to Kafka, Tycho Brahe famously ate himself to death. Except he didn't exactly. He was at a banquet in Prague and didn't want to get up to relieve his bladder as it would be a breach of etiquette. As a result, he contracted a bladder infection and died several days later.
His gravestone is in the Church of our Lady before Tyń in the Old Town Square. His body has been exhumed twice - once to determine his cause of death (burst bladder, not poisoning as was initially assumed) and to determine the material his artificial nose was made of (brass, not silver or gold as was once believed).
Location: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Staré Město
3 Scary Things to do in Prague at Night
Bohnicky Cemetery of Fools
I can't get over how awesome the name of this cemetery is. The Bohnicky Cemetery of Fools sounds like something out of a horror movie - NOT a real place!
But in fact, it is a real place and its history makes it even crazier.
The Bohnicky Cemetery is the burial ground for the now abandoned Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital.
If you're looking for creepy things to do at night in Prague, then book a nighttime ghost tour of Bohnicky!
Underground Ghost tours
Prague has a pretty extensive underground dungeon network. As tourists/regular people, we don't really have access to most of it.
But, if you're like me, and you love being underground (I may have been a mole in a past life), then wandering underground to see medieval torture devices and prison cells needs to be added to your prague holiday itinerary!
Most of the tours take place throughout the evening, making it an ideal thing to do at night in Prague.
Prague Fear House
If you enjoy haunted houses or live scary experiences, definitely check out the Prague Fear House.
Supposedly the first haunted house in Europe, the Prague Fear House is a quick 20 minute experience in the Prague catacombs.
Following the Fear House, visitors can head to the creepy Fear Bar to drink away the terror.
Head over in the evening and make a night of it!
Location: Vodičkova 32, 110 00 Nové Město
Chilling Prague Nightlife
Nightmare Horror bar
This fantasic bar is perfect for those who love to mix spooky holidays with their nightlife. One of the best things to do at night in Prague is head to the Nightmare Horror Bar - a horror themed bar!
Plus, you can tell your friends you played with a Chainsaw (rum, sweet and sour lemonade, strawberry mix, mint and brown sugar) while on holiday...
Complete with Freddy Krueger statue.
Location: Záhořanského 2007/7, 120 00 Nové Město
Cheapeau Rouge Bar
The original building that Cheapau Rouge is built upon was once called the Devil's Tavern.
Once the Devil's Tavern was burnt down, another building was built and then became abandoned. It was believed to be haunted due to many reported noises coming from within.
While the ambience isn't particularly spooky, the owners have embraced the dark history and much of the decor involves skulls and things in jars.
Location: Jakubská 2, 110 00 Staré Město
Green Devil's Absinthe Bar
The name says it all, really. If you like absinthe, you can't go wrong with Prague's Green Devil's Absinthe Bar.
Plus, there's plenty of spooky decor - perhaps made infinitely creepier by intoxication.
Location: Týn 637/7, 110 00 Staré Město
Bonus: Alternatively, enjoy a Death by Penicillin at the Alchemist's Bar.
Location: Provaznická 386/1, 110 00 Staré Město
Local folklore: Kabourek the water sprite
Kabourek is a small water sprite who lives in Čertovka stream, which in the English language translates to the Devil’s Stream.
In olden times, Kabourek drank at the pub with the locals, and as he is a water sprite, the bartenders would provide him with a bucket of water to rest his feet in. In modern times, however, the bartenders stopped offering the bucket of water, which greatly offended Kabourek. Now, out of disdain for pretty much everything modern, Kabourek avoids the pubs.
However, if you're planning on drinking in Malá Strana, you might find yourself being approached by a rather small, grumpy looking man who asks you to bring him a pint of beer at a nearby pub.
You don't have to say yes, but Kabourek would probably appreciate it if you do.
Prague's Most haunted spots
Prague's Old Town
Although all of Prague's old town seems to be haunted by spirits, there are two particular areas where you're most likely to see spirits: the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter.
In addition to being haunted by all three spirits mentioned below, another of my favourite spooky beings is the ghost of a former cult member who haunts a building near the square. Apparently she tells new residents that they have no right to be there.
Near the Basilica of St. James, there is the ghost of a Latvian soldier with a demonic face who haunts local pub goers.
Charles Bridge
Many spirits haunt the famous Charles Bridge. The most famous supernatural story of Charles Bridge is of St John of Nepomuk.
Nepomuk is said to have taken the confession of the Queen of Bohemia, but would not tell it to her husband, King Wenceslas IV, who asked Nepomuk what she confided.
So, naturally, the king had him locked up, tortured and thrown off the bridge in a casket. Five stars appeared where he drowned and it then later the bridge collapsed.
A soldier who then rebuilt the bridge with the help of the devil, was tricked into losing his wife's soul.
Prague Castle
Plenty of spirits haunt the whole area around Prague Castle, but it is the St. Vitus Cathedral in particular that seems to draw the ghosties.
My favourite supernatural tale concerning St. Vitus is that of Master Jindrich, a discontented cook who snapped one day and decided to kill and serve up his master's dogs for dinner.
Don't get me wrong, any animal cruelty makes me angry, but I love this story because miserable old Jindrich got his comeuppance as today his ghost is often chased and attacked by local dogs.
Supernatural Figures to Look out for on Your Prague Holiday
The Prague Golem
The legend goes that Rabbi Loew (see above) created the Golem to save the Prague Jews from Rudolf II and the other anti-semites of the city.
Personally, I think pretty much any depiction of him is pretty endearing. Nevertheless, he is a large, impossibly strong, uncontrollable supernatural being. If you do happen to see him, it's probably best to run the other way.
Head to Golem Biscuits for tasty golem biscuits (Bonus: they're vegan!)
The Iron Knight
Jáchym Berka, or the Iron Knight, was a medieval knight who fell in love with a young woman. They became betrothed, but while off at war, Berka heard rumours of her infidelity.
When he returned, he murdered her, but not before she cursed him with her dying breath. He turned to stone and is cursed to wander the streets of Prague every 100 years seeking redemption.
However, he can only receive it through the kiss of a virtuous maiden. Only mildly sexist...
The 12 Headless Ghosts
Legend has it that every year on June 21, the ghosts of 12 headless ghosts can be seen walking from St. Vitus Cathedral to the Old Town Square.
The 12 ghosts are the spirits of some of those who were executed on 21 June 1621 following their involvement in the Bohemian Revolt.
After the execution, 12 of the executed men's heads were taken to Charles Bridge. The heads were hung over the side and left there until the Saxon Army invaded in 1631.
The lighter side of Prague's dark Offerings
Bloody Knee
Bloody knee is the only official vampire myth of Prague (but not of the Czech Republic); and it's now my favourite vampire myth of all time.
Bloody Knee is a timid vampire who hangs out in Olšany Cemetery. He waits for you to trip and cut your knee so he can run up and lick your bleeding wound.
As a side note: there were several graves discovered in the 1990s in Čelákovice, a small town just outside of Prague, that archaeologists believe were used in the 10th and 11th centuries for vampire remains (as per the beliefs of the time).
Alchemy
Nowadays we think of alchemy as being more magic than science, but throughout history, those identifying as alchemists sought to better understand the world.
Although legends of turning lead into gold and eternal youth abound, many alchemists were also invested in creating panaceas, or a universal remedy for all diseases. (Don't get me wrong, they were in it for the eternal youth, as well).
Alchemy in Prague has a long, rich history and you can even visit the Speculum Alchemiae, the alchemy lair of Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II.
Escape Rooms
I am terrible (T E R R I B L E) at escape rooms. But I think they're great fun. And many of the escape rooms available in Prague center around the city's dark past.
Get Your Guide has a Communism themed escape room, a bomb diffusion room and the Devil's Bible room. Book here.
The Puzzle Room has a Golem themed room.
MindMaze offers an alchemy themed option.
Or break out of a nuclear bunker with Break Out Games!
The Memorial to the Victims of Communism
The Soviet's communist regime destroyed so many Czech lives.
It is estimated that nearly 400,000 Czechs were directly affected by communism in some way.
This sculpture, created by Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek and architects Jan Kerel and Zdeněk Holze, was unveiled in 22 May 2002, and is a heartbreaking representation of life under communism.
Location: Újezd 420, 118 00 Malá Strana
Jan Palach Memorial
The Jan Palach Memorial: The house of Suicide and the House of the Mother of Suicide.
Yeah, I'm not gonna lie, I absolutely love the ridiculous name of this piece. I also love that it's interpretive - but which one is which?
Check this one out if you get the chance. And if you're in Wenceslas Square, try not to trip over the Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc memorial cross!
Location: Alšovo nábř., 110 00 Staré Město
Old Town Square Execution Memorial
In 1621, 27 men were executed for their role in the Bohemian Revolt. Most of them were beheaded, though a handful were hanged.
This simple, but effective memorial is so often completely overlooked, despite being located in the busiest area of the city.
Next time you're in the Old Town Square, remember, and look down.
Location: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, Praha 1
Top 3 Dark Tourism Day Trips from Prague
Lidice Memorial and Museum
Lidice was hands down the most heartbreaking place I've ever been.
In retaliation for Reinhard Heydrich's assasination, the Nazis murdered thousands of Czechs, and sent even more to concentration camps.
What many people don't know is that they also completed wiped the towns of Lidice and Ležáky off the map after massacring most of the residents.
Visiting the Lidice memorial and museum is a short, chilling day trip from Prague, but one I cannot recommend enough.
Terezín Ghetto & Concentration Camp
In the age of Fake News, anywhere that highlights the dangers of propaganda seems particularly relevant and necessary.
The Terezín Ghetto and Concentration Camp, located about 45 minutes from Prague, was used as a Nazi propaganda camp during WWII.
The conditions there were considerably better than most camps as inmates were allowed to create art, put on plays and participate in sports.
Regardless, over 30,000 people died at Terezín, and it remains an important reminder of the dangers of "fake news."
Sedlec Ossuary
Sedlec Ossuary is one of the most popular day trips from Prague, and with good reason!
This unique bone church houses the skeletal remains of over 40,000 people. Although most are merely stacked, many of the bones have been used in designs created by woodcarver František Rint, including a royal family crest and a larger, ornate chandelier.
Creepy, right?
Personally, I think it's rather beautiful and I'm totally fine with my remains being used this way when I die.
Curl up with a scary book Set in Prague
Innocence; or, Murder on Steep Street by Heda Margolius Kovály
A murder mystery about cinema employees during communist era Czechoslovakia? Yes, please!
But seriously, this is one of my favourite books of all time and I wish more people would read it so I can talk about how great it is.
Buy it here! If you're more into non-fiction, the author's memoir is also riveting - and heartbreaking.
The Golem by Gustav Meyrink
If a surrealist horror that takes place in early 20th century Prague sounds like it might be in your wheelhouse, then I thoroughly encourage you to pick up The Golem by Gustav Meyrink.
That's it, that's my pitch.
Buy it here!
The widow killer by Pavel Kohout
Imagine bombs are falling on the city of Prague, the Nazis rule the city with terror... and there is a crazed madman savagely murdering people.
His latest victim? A well connected German woman.
But she won't be his last.
I'm all about gory, period piece murder mysteries. Weirdly specific, I know. But if you are too, buy it here!
HHhh by Laurent Binet
Binet's innovative debut novels follows Czech resistance fighters Jozef Gabcík and Jan Kubiš before, during and after the assasination of Reinhard Heydrich.
HHhH examines their motivations and their hopes for themselves and their country.
Although a tad too meta at times, this is a book that will stay with you.
Buy it here!
Articles to Plan the perfect Holiday in Prague
Articles about the Dark side of Prague
Prague is a city full of dark and sordid history. Myths, legends and ghost stories abound in Prague. As do more recent historical sites associated with tragedy and loss during times of war and occupation. But Prague has embraced this past. The Czech people are nothing if not resilient[...]
The city of Prague is home to many cemeteries. Although I was unable to find exact numbers, there seem to be at least a dozen cemeteries through the city and its outskirts. I’ve read in a few places that there are actually upwards of 30 within the city limits! However, we have not yet been […]
Reinhard Heydrich is considered to be one of – if not the most – heinous member of the Nazi Elite. Even amongst the Nazis, Heydrich’s cruelty was renowned; Adolf Hitler referred to Heydrich as ‘The Man with the Iron Heart.’ And that should tell you everything you need to know about him[…]
The Golem is one of Prague’s most enduring legends. And though he pops up from time to time elsewhere, he is nowhere near as ubiquitous as he is in Prague. Read all about the legend, his importance to the city and where to find him[...]
Articles about Alternative things to do in Prague
Tired of being recommended the Prague Castle as a must-visit destination? Or maybe you’ve already been to Prague several times and you just want something new? Perhaps, like us, big attractions and large crowds just send your anxiety into overdrive. Either way, I feel you; you’re simply looking for something weird, unusual or just plain different to add to your upcoming Prague itinerary[…]
Lucky for us the history of Prague’s statues goes way back. For hundreds of years, many of these statues were used as navigation tools by the illiterate. And why not? After all, as you’ll see, some of these statues are pretty unique! Who wouldn’t know what you mean when you say, “Meet me by the statue that looks like an evil knight?”[…]
Articles about Dark Tourism Day Trips from Prague
It’s taken me a while to decide what to write about the Lidice museum and memorial. I keep starting sentences and deleting them. Then restarting and deleting that, as well. Lidice was difficult to visit, and it’s damn hard to write about[...]
As a dark tourist, I believe every concentration camp and ghetto is interesting, important and incredibly necessary to visit. However, Terezín, also called Theresienstadt, always stands out to me as particularly unique for three reasons[…]
As soon as I read about Sedlec Ossuary Bone Church, located just outside of Kutná Hora, I was smitten. Visiting Sedlec Ossuary and Kutná Hora makes for an easy day trip from Prague, securing them both as fairly popular tourist destinations[...]
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