Nerudova Street

One of the most beautiful streets in Prague is the famous Nerudova Street (in Czech Nerudova Ulice), a picturesque street leading from the Lesser Quarter Square to the Castle.

The climb up to the castle is rather steep, but you can rest along the way with a stop in one of the many cafés and restaurants, go shopping in the delightful little shops or browse in the art galleries.

Prefer the descent? You can get to the castle by tram and walk down Nerudova Street on the way back. Uphill or downhill, it is a must-see.

Of course, being included in all the classic routes in the centre of Prague, Nerudova Street is certainly not an oasis of tranquillity, but despite the hustle and bustle it still retains its old-world charm. It is the ideal place to capture the essence of this wonderful city, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a look at the winding alleys that branch off from it, which are perhaps even more authentic and evocative.

The signs on Nerudova Street

Until house numbers were introduced, houses and buildings in Prague were recognisable by their signs. The ones on Nerudova Street are among the most beautiful in the whole city and have made this already popular street even more popular with tourists.

During your walk along Nerudova Street pay special attention to these signs, which are among the most interesting:

• House at the Cat (house number 2)
  
• House at the Golden Anchor and At the Three Violins (house number 4)
• House at the golden key (house number 27)
• House at the golden wheel (house number 28)
• House at the Green Shrimp (house number 41)
• House at the Black Lion (house number 45)

Buildings and shops on Nerudova Street

Several embassies are located on Nerudova Street. Also, at 51 Nerudova Street is AMI, a highly original shop that will make your eyes glaze over with wonder. It is a puppet shop: on sale are plaster and wooden marionettes, puppet theatres, puppets, including rarities and antique objects. You will take a wonderful leap back in time, full of fantasy!

Curiosity: the writer Neruda

Nerudova Street is dedicated to the Prague writer Jan Nepomuk Neruda,who lived here in the first half of the 20th century. Do not confuse him with the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda: the latter’s real name was Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto; he chose the pseudonym precisely in homage to the Czech writer.