Things To Do

The National Theatre is the place to come if you want to see opera, theater or ballet in Prague.

The National Theatre is the Czech Republic’s representative stage, built with funds from a nationwide collection and first opened in 1881, and for the second time in 1883 after a devastating fire. The spectacular exterior and interior decoration, richly embellished with gold, consists of masterpieces of 19th century Czech painters – Aleš, Ženišek, Hynais, Myslbek, and others. Visit drama, opera and ballet performances together with beautiful spaces unforgettable theater experience.

Prices vary greatly depending on the company and show. You can score cheap opera tickets for 230 koruna (about $10) or ballet and musical theater tickets for as much as 1,100 koruna (about $48), a bargain for what you’d expect to pay at similar venues in the U.S. If you want to save even more, consider attending an afternoon performance. Most performances have English subtitles, so you’ll be able to follow along.

Recent visitors said even if you choose not to take in a show – though those who did loved it – stopping by the building is worth a photo-op to admire the architecture and grandeur of the theater. You can also tag along on a guided tour of the building hosted by Prague City Tourism. Tours are offered to individuals on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Check tour dates here.

The National Theatre sits close to the eastern end of the Legion Bridge (Most Legii). It is accessible from the Národní trída metro station and from a number of trams (9, 17, 18, 22, 36, 53, 57, 58, 59 and 91 all make the Národní divadlo stop).

Check out the National Theatre website for a schedule of shows and other information.