Zizkov TV Tower in Prague: observation deck tickets, the Black babies and the view from 93 meters
The Žižkov Television Tower has towered over Prague for more than thirty years (as of 09/2026, CzechTourism portal). The structure is 216 meters tall, the observatory sits at 93 meters, and the restaurant at 66 meters. Locals are still split into two camps: some see it as a symbol of modern architecture, others call it the ugliest building in Czechia.
You're probably here for the practical details. How much a ticket costs, how late the observation deck stays open, how to get there without a car, and where to eat with a panoramic view. Below we break down each point in order, with prices, hours, and the route from the metro.
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What the tower on Žižkov is
💡 In short:
- Observatory and observation deck: ticketed entry, open daily until midnight.
- Oblaca restaurant and bar: no ticket needed, free entry (as of 09/2026, Tower Park visitor page).
- Getting there from the center: metro A, Jiřího z Poděbrad station, about 250 m on foot (per the map).
- Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.
© ŠJů · CC BYPhoto: ŠJů, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe tower stands on the border of the Žižkov and Vinohrady districts, about two kilometers from the central squares (per the map). Formally it's a television center that broadcasts signal, and at the same time a tourist attraction: part of its floors are occupied by the Tower Park Praha complex.
The panorama here is a full 360 degrees. By day you can see tiled rooftops, Petřín in the distance, and Charles Bridge; by night the city turns into a scattering of lights.
History and controversy around the tower
It was built from 1985 to 1992, designed by architects Václav Aulický and Jiří Kozák (according to the CzechTourism portal). The glass, metal, and concrete in medieval Prague were met with skepticism. But the city needed a TV signal, so the construction was carried through to completion.
The result is a complex of three concrete pillars that support the observation levels. The tower's silhouette evokes different associations: some see a spaceship, others a rocket at launch. At night it's lit in the colors of the Czech flag.
The debate over its appearance hasn't stopped the tower from becoming one of Prague's symbols. Today it houses a television center, an observatory, a restaurant, and a hotel.
David Černý's babies on the pillars
In 2000, ten babies appeared on the pillars (as of 09/2026, Tower Park Praha website). Today the tower carries their fiberglass replicas, while the bronze figures are installed on Kampa. The figures crawl up the concrete, and the spots for them were personally chosen by sculptor David Černý. Each baby weighs several hundred kilograms.
The sculptures are purely decorative and do not affect the tower's structure. Everyone wants a photo with the babies in the background, and the spot near the first pillar is usually taken.
© Raimond Spekking · CC BY-SAPhoto: Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsOblaca restaurant, bar, and One Room Hotel
At 66 meters, the Oblaca restaurant and bar operates (according to the official Tower Park website, 09/2026). Prices are above the Prague average, but the tables are arranged in a circle, so the panorama opens up from any of them. The interior is high-tech, so you get a complete break from the medieval center here.
© DXR · CC BY-SAPhoto: DXR, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsSince 2014, Oblaca has been among the top twenty restaurants in the Czech Republic and receives the highest "three lions" rating (as of 09/2026, towerpark.cz). For dinner on Friday and Saturday, it's best to book a table in advance: there are few window seats.
In the center of the room, a spiral staircase goes up, with the name of another world TV tower engraved on each step. The staircase leads to the One Room Hotel, which has just one room. From it, including the bathroom, you can see Prague, which is why the room is popular with couples and newlyweds. You need to book it well in advance.
Observation deck: tickets and opening hours
© Sage Ross · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sage Ross, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsWhat's inside the tower | Height | What to see there |
|---|---|---|
Observatory | 93 m | 360° panorama and interactive exhibition |
Oblaca | 66 m | restaurant and bar with a view |
One Room Hotel | 70 m | the only room in the tower |
Heights: 09/2026, official Tower Park website.
The observation deck is at 93 meters, and the ticket gives access to both the deck and the observatory with a small interactive exhibition. It is open daily and usually closes at midnight (as of 09/2026, official website).
Prices are average for observation decks; check the exact cost for your visit date in the Tower Park online store. An important detail for planning: the tower ticket office does not accept euros, payment is in Czech crowns only, and purchased tickets are non-refundable (according to the visitor information page, 09/2026). Buying online saves you from the queue and from currency issues.
Choose your visit time deliberately. In winter it's windy at the top; in summer, after 11:00 a crowd gathers at the glass. Go in the morning or an hour before sunset: that way you catch both the daytime panorama and the evening lights.
Tours and tickets in Prague
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How to get there: metro, tram, and transfer
The closest metro station to the tower is on line A: Jiřího z Poděbrad, about 250 m on foot (according to the map). From the central stations it is a few stops, and then you walk straight down the street and see the tower above the rooftops.
Trams also stop at Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, including lines 11 and 13 (according to the Tower Park practical page). Public transport does not go right up to the entrance; from the stop you walk past the market on the square.
If you have suitcases or arrive at night, a taxi or transfer is more convenient. From Václav Havel Airport the trip takes about half an hour (according to the map). A transfer booked in advance saves you from looking for a taxi at night.
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Žižkov Television Tower on the map
Tower address: Mahlerovy sady 1, Prague 3, Mahler Gardens park. GPS coordinates: 50.0811, 14.4493 (according to the map). The parking lot at the entrance is small, and there may be no free spaces.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How much does a ticket to the observation deck cost?
The price is average for observation decks; check the exact price for your visit date in the Tower Park online store. The ticket office accepts only Czech crowns, and purchased tickets are non-refundable. Buying online is more convenient: you do not stand in line and pay without any currency issues.
Is the deck open in the evening?
Yes, the observatory is open daily and usually until midnight. In the evening you can see the city lights, and the tower itself glows in the colors of the Czech flag.
Can you get into the Oblaca restaurant without a ticket?
Yes. Entry to the restaurant and bar is free; you do not need to buy a separate ticket. You take the elevator up to 66 meters, order a drink, and look out over Prague from your table. For weekend dinner, book a table in advance.
What are those babies hanging on the pillars?
They are ten figures by sculptor David Černý; the pillars now hold fiberglass copies. They were installed on the pillars in 2000 to reconcile residents with the tower's modern appearance. Each figure weighs several hundred kilograms.
How do you get there from the city center?
From the center, take metro line A and get off at Jiřího z Poděbrad station. By car, it is easier to drive to Mahler Gardens park, but the parking lot at the entrance is small.
In short: what is worth booking
A trip to the tower is easy to plan with a simple rule. If you only want the view, buy a ticket to the observatory. If you want dinner with a panorama, book a table at Oblaca.
If you are traveling as a couple and want to spend the night in the tower, book the One Room Hotel well in advance. If you have suitcases, see the airport transfer options in the section above.
For accommodation near the tower, check Trip.com, and tours and excursions in Prague are collected in the GetYourGuide selection.
A small editorial team writing guides for independent travel. We travel ourselves, but we haven’t been everywhere, so we check prices, opening hours and how to get there against official sources.