These days, it's actually an entertaining complex for those who like a view. There’s a café, restaurant and viewing platform in the tower as well as a garden restaurant with lots of green space underneath and a mini-golf course.
At 216 meters, it's the tallest building in Prague and boasts the highest viewing platform in the country. Stick with me as I walk you through everything about this fascinating tower, from its communist-era beginnings to why there are giant crawling babies on its exterior. Yeah, you read that right... babies.
When was Prague TV Tower built?
The Prague TV Tower (or Žižkov Television Tower if you want to sound like a local) popped up between 1985 and 1992. It was born during the dying days of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia, which explains a lot about its brutalist "charm."Construction started while the communist government was still trying to block Western TV and radio signals. The nearby residents absolutely hated it at the time. They complained that their historic neighborhood was being invaded by a piece of brutal, high-tech architecture.
But here's the ironic part, by the time workers put the finishing touches on it, the Velvet Revolution had already brought an end to the communist regime in 1989. Talk about bad timing! The tower's original purpose became pretty much pointless, but they finished it anyway and opened it to the public in 1992. Classic government project, right?
Who designed the TV Tower?
The tower came from the mind of architect Václav Aulický, working alongside structural engineer Jiří Kozák. These guys weren't going for subtle, their design screams high-tech architecture from that era.Aulický drew inspiration from space-age aesthetics and Soviet constructivism. The unique design features three concrete pillars that support nine pods and multiple transmitter equipment. The futuristic look was intentional, symbolizing Czechoslovakia's technological progress and ambitions.
While Aulický likely anticipated some controversy over his unconventional design, he probably never expected it would become infamous as one of the world's ugliest buildings.
Why is Žižkov Tower called the "2nd Ugliest building"?
The tower earned its less-than-flattering nickname after consistently landing near the top of various "World's Ugliest Buildings" polls. Its main competition? Boston's City Hall, which often grabs the #1 spot. (Sorry, Boston!)So what makes it so ugly? Imagine dropping a giant metallic space rocket in the middle of a city famous for its medieval beauty. Standing at 216 meters (709 feet), it dramatically disrupts the city's famous skyline of Gothic spires and baroque domes. The tower's industrial appearance, with its metallic tubes and pod-like structures, seems almost alien against the backdrop of a city known for its medieval beauty.
The locals absolutely hated it at first. Many Žižkov residents were convinced it was built to spy on them or block free radio from the West. But here's where things get interesting: over time, however, many Prague residents have developed a love-hate relationship with the tower, gradually accepting it as part of their city's identity and unique appeal.
Why are there babies on the Žižkov Tower?
OK, let's talk about the elephants (or rather, babies) in the room. Yep, those are giant faceless infants crawling up and down the tower. Because... why not?These bizarre sculptures, called "Miminka" (Babies), were added in 2000 by Czech artist David Černý. His original plan was just a temporary art installation, but tourists loved them so much that they became permanent in 2001.
And the weirdest part? Černý never really explained what they mean. Some artsy types claim they represent Prague's rebirth after communism, while others think Černý was just trolling the tower itself, adding something playful to an otherwise serious structure.
Whatever his reasons, these faceless infants have become Prague's most photographed oddity. I still find them a bit creepy, but in a fascinating way.
If you want to see these babies up close without craning your neck, head over to Kampa Park near Charles Bridge. Černý placed a few bronze samples of the babies crawling around there too.
What you need to know if you want to visit Žižkov Tower
If you're intrigued by this unusual landmark, here's everything you need to know before planning your visit to the Prague TV Tower.1. Can you go up the Žižkov Tower?
Yes, visitors can absolutely go up the tower. The observation deck sits 93 meters up in one of those futuristic pods, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Prague. On clear days, you can see for nearly 100 kilometers, allowing you to see not just the entire city but also much of the Bohemian region.The view is honestly spectacular. You'll spot all the postcard favorites: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Vltava River snaking through it all. While more centrally located towers like those on Old Town Square or Charles Bridge give you an Old Town view, from here you get a much more encompassing vista towards downtown and out into the suburbs. It's a totally different perspective.
Besides the views, three cabins offer multimedia installations on different Czech themes, including UNESCO heritage sites and Prague historical monuments.
2. When can you visit?
The observatory is open from early morning until late night, giving you plenty of options to fit it into your schedule. You could start your day with morning views or end your evening watching the city lights twinkle below.3. Can you stay in the Žižkov Tower?
In what might be the weirdest hotel concept ever, yes, you absolutely can sleep in the Žižkov Tower. The tower houses what they call the "Tower Park Praha One Room Hotel". And they mean ONE room. Literally, there's just one hotel room in the entire tower.This exclusive accommodation sits 70 meters above ground with floor-to-ceiling windows showing off the city. The room features contemporary design with all the amenities of a five-star hotel, including a free minibar, Nespresso machine, and luxurious bathroom.
The coolest part? You'll be the only guest in the entire hotel. That means seriously personal service, like having your own private tower for the night. You'll need to book way ahead, since, again, ONE room.
4. Is Prague TV Tower worth it?
Look, I know I've spent half this article poking fun at how ugly this thing is, but visiting the Prague TV Tower is 100% worth it. And I'm not just saying that.The views alone make it worthwhile. Sure, Prague Castle has nice views, but from the TV Tower you can see EVERYTHING. There's a reason they call Prague "The City of a Hundred Spires," and from up here, you can count every single one of them.
Want my insider tip? Visit either early morning (to avoid crowds) or during sunset when Prague turns golden. Nighttime is pretty magical too, with the city lit up below like a giant Christmas display. And winter visits after a snowfall? Absolutely magical, like being inside a snow globe.
The Oblaca Bar up there specializes in bespoke cocktails, making it perfect for a sunset drink. The café is great too if you're not looking for a full meal but still want to sit and soak in those views.
But it's not just about the views. The tower itself is a fascinating piece of Czech history, a concrete-and-metal time capsule from the transition out of communism.
A complete renovation in 2012 added most of the components you see today, transforming it from a pure broadcast tower to an entertainment complex. And those weird babies turned it from merely an eyesore into something culturally significant.
5. Practical Tips for Visitors
- Book online to skip lines. Trust me, standing in line while staring up at giant crawling babies gets old fast, especially in summer.
- Weekdays are way less crowded than weekends. I once had the observation deck almost to myself on a Tuesday morning.
- Bring binoculars if you're interested in spotting detailed architectural features from above
- Check the weather beforehand. Fog or heavy rain can turn your panoramic experience into an expensive view of clouds.
- The restaurant up there (Oblaca) is surprisingly good. Not just overpriced tourist food with a view, but actual decent cuisine.
- Give yourself 1-2 hours to soak it all in. The view deserves more than a quick selfie and dash.
- Wear comfy shoes. You'll be standing a lot while gawking at the cityscape.
- Heads up: the tower sways slightly on windy days. Not enough to be dangerous, but enough to freak out people with height issues. Just saying.
Nearby Attractions
The Žižkov neighborhood itself is worth exploring after your tower adventure. Once a working-class district, it's now Prague's hipster central, packed with cool bars, cafes, and restaurants. It's close to the center yet in a peaceful area, making it perfect for spending a couple hours away from the tourist crowds.Some nearby attractions include:
| Attraction | Description | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Žižkov Television Tower Garden ("Miminoo") | A beautiful garden restaurant with lots of outdoor seating serving a mix of Czech and Italian cuisine. Sometimes they host little cultural events here. | You're already there! |
| Mini-golf course | Located at the base of the tower if you fancy a casual game after your visit. | You're already there! |
| Mahler Gardens | A peaceful green space perfect for relaxing after your visit. | 5-minute walk |
| Jiří z Poděbrad Square | A local hangout with a gorgeous church and regular farmers markets. Definitely worth wandering over if you're in the area. | 5-minute walk |
| Žižkov Old Jewish Cemetery | A hauntingly beautiful historical site dating back to the 17th century. | 10-minute walk |
| National Monument on Vítkov Hill | Another great viewpoint plus some serious Czech history. | 15-minute walk |
| New Town with Wenceslas Square | Shopping opportunities. | 20-minute walk |
| Old Town Square | With its famous Astronomical Clock. | 30-minute walk or 10 minutes by tram |
| Prague Castle | One of Prague's most iconic landmarks. | 40 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by public transport |
Conclusion
The Prague TV Tower is like that friend with the weird laugh, jarring at first, but eventually it becomes their most endearing quality. In a city that sometimes feels frozen in medieval perfection, there's something refreshingly odd about this communist-era space needle with babies climbing all over it.What makes the tower special isn't just the views (though they're amazing). It's how this building transformed from a symbol of oppression to a quirky landmark that makes people smile. It's a reminder that beauty standards change, and sometimes, the ugly duckling doesn't become a swan, it becomes something much more interesting.
So next time you're in Prague, take a break from the postcard-pretty Old Town and check out this concrete curiosity. After all, how often do you get to visit the second ugliest building in the world? That's definitely worth a spot on your Instagram feed.
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