The Allure of Prague Underground Hidden Gems

Prague has many layers of history stacked on top of each other. Fires and floods forced the city to raise its street levels. This left older rooms and tunnels deep underground. Today, these spaces serve as museums, bars, and galleries. Exploring these spots gives you a break from the crowds. You can learn more at the official Prague.eu tourism portal.

Industrial sites are becoming very popular with urban explorers. These locations show the raw side of Czech history. The Bubenec plant is a prime example of this trend. It features stunning brickwork and massive iron machinery. Visiting these sites feels like stepping back in time. It is a perfect choice for those seeking something different.

12 Top Prague Underground Hidden Gems to Explore

Here are the best spots to visit for an underground adventure. These include industrial landmarks and historical cellars. Check out our quick picks for easy planning:

• Best overall: Historic Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bubenec
• Best for families: Speculum Alchemiae
• Best rainy-day: Nuclear Bunker Bezovka
• Best free spot: Lucerna Passage

1. Name: Old Wastewater Treatment Plant (Stará čistírna) Type: Industrial Heritage Why go: It is a UNESCO-listed industrial gem with original steam engines. Best for: Architecture lovers Where: Bubenec district Time: 90 minutes Cost: ~300 CZK Getting there: Take bus 131 to the Goetheho stop. Tip: Book the "underground adventure" tour to see the sewers.
2. Name: Speculum Alchemiae Type: Experience Why go: Discover a hidden 16th-century alchemy lab found after a flood. Best for: Families and mystery fans Where: Old Town Time: 45 minutes Cost: ~250 CZK Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look for the secret door behind a bookcase.
3. Name: Nuclear Bunker Bezovka Type: Military Site Why go: This massive Cold War shelter could hold 5,000 people. Best for: History buffs Where: Žižkov Time: 2 hours Cost: ~600 CZK Getting there: Take the tram to Olšanské náměstí. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground.
4. Name: Old Town Hall Cellars Type: Sight Why go: See 12th-century Romanesque and Gothic rooms beneath the tower. Best for: History enthusiasts Where: Old Town Square Time: 1 hour Cost: ~250 CZK Getting there: Metro Line A to Staroměstská. Tip: This tour is often included with the tower ticket.
5. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates Type: Military Site Why go: Walk through narrow tunnels to see original Charles Bridge statues. Best for: Viewpoints and history Where: Vyšehrad Fortress Time: 45 minutes Cost: ~150 CZK Getting there: Metro Line C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Visit at sunset for amazing city views afterward.
6. Name: Lucerna Passage Type: Hidden Passage Why go: See the famous upside-down horse statue and Art Nouveau design. Best for: Quick photos Where: New Town Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from Wenceslas Square. Tip: Visit the Lucerna Music Bar entrance for a retro vibe.
7. Name: Crypt of the Heroes Type: Experience Why go: Learn about the paratroopers who fought in WWII. Best for: Somber history Where: New Town (St. Cyril and Methodius) Time: 1 hour Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: Walk from Karlovo náměstí. Tip: Read the history of Operation Anthropoid before you go.
8. Name: Podskalská Customs House Type: Museum Why go: Explore the history of Prague's timber rafting and river life. Best for: Local culture Where: Výtoň Time: 1 hour Cost: ~100 CZK Getting there: Tram 17 to Výtoň. Tip: Enjoy a beer by the river after your visit.
9. Name: Divoká Šárka Caves Type: Nature Why go: Explore natural rock formations and small caves in a city park. Best for: Hikers Where: Prague 6 Time: 3 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Tram 26 to the end of the line. Tip: Bring a flashlight for the darker corners.
10. Name: Kampa Island Water Wheel Type: Sight Why go: A hidden wooden wheel near the Devil's Stream. Best for: Romance Where: Malá Strana Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk from Charles Bridge. Tip: Look for the small bridge with many padlocks.
11. Name: Strahov Monastery Cellars Type: Experience Why go: Taste historic beers in a cellar dating back centuries. Best for: Foodies Where: Strahov Time: 2 hours Cost: ~500 CZK (with tasting) Getting there: Tram 22 to Pohořelec. Tip: The IPA is highly recommended.
12. Name: Loreta Prague Crypt Type: Sight Why go: See unique 18th-century frescoes depicting death and resurrection. Best for: Art lovers Where: Hradčany Time: 1 hour Cost: ~200 CZK Getting there: Walk from Prague Castle. Tip: Check the carillon bell schedule before visiting.

Planning Your Trip to Bubenec and Beyond

Visiting Bubenec is easy with Prague's public transport. Most people take the metro to Hradčanská and then a bus. You can find more travel info on Visit Czechia. Always check the tour times for the wastewater plant in advance. Most tours are in Czech, but English ones are available on weekends. The plant is cool and damp, so wear sturdy shoes.

Safety is important when exploring underground sites. Stick to guided tours in bunkers and sewers. Many of these spaces are protected by law. Respect the history and do not touch the machinery. Most sites allow photography without a flash. For more general history, visit the Prague Wikipedia page.