Nestled atop the scenic Petřín Hill in Petřín Park, Petřín Tower offers visitors a unique opportunity to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
It may come as a surprise to many travellers that Prague’s “Mini Eiffel Tower” is only two years younger than the original in Paris. Built for the World’s Jubilee Exhibition in Prague in 1891 to celebrate the Emperor’s jubilee*, it was also intended to showcase the best the Czech nation had created. (*Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef I’s forty-year reign.)
The idea was to build a structure that could rival other famous European observation towers, at a time when many people were fascinated by various technological and industrial advancements. The Czech tower was financed by the Czech Tourist Club (Klub českých turistů), some of whose members had actually seen the original Eiffel Tower and been truly impressed by it. It incorporates elements of the Art Nouveau and Gothic styles to create a visually appealing structure that blends perfectly into the surrounding parkland.
Surprisingly enough, it took only four months to build, compared to the more than two-year period needed for the original tower in Paris (opened in March 1889). While some people may think that it was rather cheeky of our Czech ancestors to have built a replica, it was a matter of both national pride and genuine admiration for the iconic tower. You probably also know that it is not the only Eiffel Tower replica in the world. There is another one in Las Vegas, for example, and also in Shanghai. Actually, not just the Eiffel Tower replicated there, but a decent part of Paris as well.
Although the Petrin Tower is inspired by the Eiffel Tower and resembles its smaller, younger sister, it is not an exact replica. The main difference is that its cross-section is octagonal, not square. Also, it does not stand on four individual columns. Its entrance hall covers the entire space beneath its legs. The Petřín Tower is 63.5 metres high, but thanks to the 318-metre hill it was built on, the viewpoint is actually slightly higher than that of the 330-metre “real” Eiffel Tower. On a clear day, visitors can gaze upon the Vltava River winding through the city, the stunning spires of Prague Castle and the charming rooftops of the Lesser Quarter and Old Town below. You might even be able to see Snezka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic, which is 150 km away and 1,603 m high in the Krkonoše Mountains.
Unlike Prague’s tallest tower, the Žižkov TV Tower with its distinctive ‘UFO’ design, the view from the observation platform of the “‘Mini Eiffel Tower”‘ is unobstructed and there is no glass. If you do not want to climb the 299 steps to the upper viewing platform, there is also a lift. (Although it was originally intended for use by the elderly or people with special needs, the general public can also use it free of charge. However, this depends on availability, so priority may be given to certain people if the tower is very busy.)
To avoid the crowds in the high season and enjoy a quieter experience, try to visit the tower early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it can be quite windy at higher altitudes.
The easiest way to reach the Petřín Tower is to take the tram to Prague Castle or the Castle District (stop Pohorelec) and walk from there, passing the Strahov Monastery. A few metres from there you can stop to admire the magnificent views of the whole valley. You can complement this with a delicious lunch at the monastery brewery/restaurant nearby, and you will surely feel on cloud nine, even without climbing the Petřín Tower.
When the Petřín funicular is operational again, you may wish to take it up to the Petřín Tower from Újezd, which you can reach by tram. Before the new funicular is completed (2026), the only other option apart from walking from the Castle District is to climb the steep hill from Újezd. (Please use the PID app or website for updated connections to Újezd or Pohořelec, to buy electronic tickets and to find out more about the funicular.)
When planning your visit to the Petřín Tower and the Castle District (Hradčany), consider exploring the surrounding Petřín Park and its other attractions.
