Vyšehrad is a historic fortress on a rocky rise above the Vltava, south of central Prague. Its broad ramparts, gardens and river views offer a quieter counterpoint to Prague Castle, with room to explore rather than simply queue for a landmark.
The site is steeped in Czech legend: Princess Libuše is said to have ruled here and foretold the founding of Prague. Its surviving layers tell a more tangible story, from the Romanesque Rotunda of St Martin to the Baroque fortifications. The twin-spired Basilica of St Peter and St Paul stands beside Vyšehrad Cemetery, the resting place of cultural figures including Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Alfons Mucha and Karel Čapek.
Walk the ramparts for views over the Vltava and Prague’s rooftops, then leave time for the cemetery and its elaborate monuments. The grounds are generally free to enter, though some attractions charge admission. Vyšehrad metro station is a convenient starting point; wear comfortable shoes for the sloping paths and check opening hours if you want to visit the basilica or cemetery.