Štefánikova hvězdárna

Štefánik's Observatory is one of Prague's most famous spots for anyone drawn to the night sky. It stands on Petřín Hill, at the southernmost tip of Hradčany, right above the city centre. Open to the general public, its main mission is to popularise astronomy — making the universe accessible and engaging even for people looking through a telescope for the first time.

The observatory opened in 1928 and is now run by the Prague Planetarium and Observatory, a public organisation. Over nearly a century, it has become a place where generations of Praguers and visitors alike come to discover the beauty of the sky under expert guidance.

Opening hours change with the length of the day across the seasons. The core offering is evening observation of planets, the Moon, and deep-sky objects, but on weekends, holidays, and in summer, the programme extends into daytime hours too — when you can watch the Sun, sunspots, or the planet Venus through the telescope. The observatory also offers lectures, exhibitions, and other activities: an astronomy club and course for young people, and a two-year astronomy course for older enthusiasts.

A visit here pairs beautifully with a walk around Petřín Hill, which is also served by the famous funicular and lookout tower. It's an ideal choice for an evening in Prague, when you want an experience beyond the usual sightseeing. If you're planning to spend several days in the capital, it's worth booking accommodation within reach of the centre and adding stargazing as a romantic finish to a day spent discovering the city.