Petřín Lookout Tower
Petřín Lookout Tower is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Prague audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Prague Prague guide
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About Petřín Lookout Tower
An octagonal steel lookout tower on Petřín hill, built in 1891 as a homage to the Eiffel Tower; 299 steps climb to sweeping views over Prague.
The Petřín Lookout Tower is a steel lattice observation tower on Petřín hill, built in 1891 for the Jubilee Provincial Exhibition by the Club of Czech Tourists. Standing about 63.5 metres tall and octagonal in cross-section, it is a homage to the Eiffel Tower rather than a replica, and it was not built by Gustave Eiffel. Because it crowns a hill high above the Vltava, its top reaches nearly the same elevation above sea level as the Eiffel Tower's summit.
A climb of 299 steps, or a ride in the lift, leads to a viewing platform over the city's roofs, domes and river. The hill is reached by the Petřín funicular, also opened in 1891 and once powered by water ballast. Nearby stands the Mirror Maze, a neo-Gothic pavilion housing distorting mirrors and a diorama of Prague's 1648 defence against the Swedes. The tower is run today by the City of Prague Museum.
Did you know? Despite the resemblance, the Petřín tower is a homage to the Eiffel Tower, not a copy, and Gustave Eiffel never touched it. Its cross-section is octagonal, with eight sides, where the Paris tower has four.
How long should you spend at Petřín Lookout Tower?
Plan about ~30 min at Petřín Lookout Tower. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Petřín Lookout Tower worth visiting?
Petřín Lookout Tower is one of the 35 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Prague, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Prague
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Petřín Lookout Tower and read more:
Day 1 of the Prague in 2 days itinerary →Day 1 of the Prague in 3 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Petřín Lookout Tower
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