Paris Street (Pařížská ulice) is an elegant street lined with trees running parallel to the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town Square to the riverside.
Named after the city of Paris, this street aims to embody the spirit of fine living and sophisticated style. Paris has long been viewed as an epicentre of art, fashion, and innovation, let alone in the 19th century. The period was characterised by the rise of renowned painters and significant technical innovations, including advancements in architecture, exemplified by the construction of the Eiffel Tower. As a result, we have not only a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Prague (Petřín Tower), but also our own Paris Street.
However, to be fair, it must be said that the Paris Street you see now is only a fraction of the original plan. It was supposed to be much longer, reaching as far as the National Museum in Wenceslas Square! Luckily, those plans did not materialise due to the resentment of local inhabitants and financial contraints. Although renovation of the area was necessary, we would have lost many more invaluable older buildings that way. Fortunately, the Old New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue nearby were spared too, so many visitors use the street as a convenient way to reach the Jewish Quarter.
The architectural styles represented in Paris Street include Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance, and Neo-Baroque, among other experimental styles from that period that are challenging to categorise. Many buildings are also adorned with beautiful Art Nouveau floral elements. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning facades, which often resemble palaces, such as number 6 and 15.
It is difficult to imagine that the area had not looked that grand before the street was widened and Paris Street (Pařížská ulice) was created. On the contrary, it was part of the neglected Jewish Quarter, with cramped, dilapidated buildings mainly for the poor. A programme of urban modernisation led city planners to demolish the old structures and widen the street to maximise natural light and bring more fresh air in. This was part of a wider programme to upgrade the city’s infrastructure, enhance its aesthetic appeal, and allegedly also to fight the spread of diseases. Construction began in the late 1880s, and the area quickly became a hub for the city’s affluent classes, characterised by its opulent shops and impressive architecture. As Prague emerged from the shadows of World War I and into a new era of artistic revival and economic prosperity, Paris Street became synonymous with high fashion, high-end boutiques and glamorous cafes.
During World War II, Paris Street was used for military operations and access to the river because it was conveniently wide for large military vehicles. Fortunately, it was spared extensive damage from the conflict. Nevertheless, the post-war period brought a shift as Czechoslovakia fell under Communist rule, which led to neglect and decay of some of the buildings. Many shops closed or were repurposed, so it became an ordinary street with state-owned grocery shops, newsagents, travel agencies and grey neglected facades.
Paris Street is now widely recognised as the heart of luxury shopping in Prague. International brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier share space with boutique shops that offer products for demanding clientele. When it comes to property rental prices along Paris Street, they reflect the exclusivity of the location. Prices for flats naturally also reach impressive heights, so Paris Street is often called the most expensive street in Prague.
Whether or not you wish to visit any of the upscale shops, this street is an ideal addition to your exploration of the city, with its elegant buildings and tall trees. No wonder this charming street is busy with pedestrians. It is an ideal connection between the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter’s important landmarks. It is a beautiful and vibrant area, whether to a smaller or larger degree reminiscent of Paris.
