Prague: WWII & Operation Anthropoid Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Prague’s WWII scars with stories of resistance, courage and loss

You’ll walk through Prague’s Old Town with a local guide who brings WWII stories to life—from scarred squares to secret hideouts and the haunting crypt at SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. Expect honest history, surprising details, and time to reflect in places most visitors miss.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my morning in Prague staring at a quiet street corner where—our guide Martin said—history turned on itself. The city looked so calm, but as we set off from Tynska, I kept noticing these odd little marks on buildings. Martin had this way of pausing mid-sentence, letting us actually hear the hush that must’ve hung over Old Town during the occupation. He pointed out where the wing of the Old Town Hall was destroyed in ’45—hard to picture now with all the tourists and café chatter. Someone in our group asked about daily life back then, and Martin just shook his head for a second before answering. You could almost feel the weight.

We wandered through Wenceslas Square, past the old Baťa Department Store (which I’d only known for shoes), and he told us about Operation Anthropoid like it was yesterday. There was this building where resistance fighters hid—he showed us the window—and suddenly it wasn’t just a story anymore. I caught a whiff of roasted chestnuts from a vendor nearby, which felt weirdly comforting after hearing about betrayals and executions at Petschek Palace. The weather kept shifting between drizzle and sun; maybe fitting for such heavy stories.

The last part hit me hardest: standing inside SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, down in the crypt where those Czech paratroopers made their last stand. It was cold and smelled faintly of candle wax, even though no one had lit any that day. Martin let us sit in silence for a minute—no speech, just footsteps echoing overhead—and honestly, I still think about that moment sometimes when Prague feels too beautiful to be real. So yeah, if you want a day trip through WWII Prague that doesn’t sugarcoat anything (and includes entry to places you’d never find alone), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — World War II history and key sites

• Meet in front of Tynska 627/7
• Learn WW1 consequences and rise of Hitler
• Discuss Sudeten Deutsche Party and Munich Agreement
• View Gothic church in Old Town
• See Old Town Hall wing and Prague Uprising
• Hear about 1939 student executions and Heydrich
• Learn about Operation Anthropoid and resistance
• Visit Baťa Department Store and Heydrich assassination
• Hear Lidice village tragic story
• See favorite Nazi hotel
• Visit Petschek Palace Gestapo Headquarters
• Pass National Museum building
• Pass Prague New Town street and covert operations
• Learn about 1945 Prague bombing
• Visit SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
• Visit memorial and crypt of Czech paratroopers

Top questions

How long is the WWII & Operation Anthropoid tour in Prague?

The walking tour lasts approximately three hours.

Does this tour include entry to SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral?

Yes, entry to SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is included with your guide.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins in front of Tynska 627/7 in Prague 1.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour covers sensitive historical topics and is not recommended for small children; children up to 6 years are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Will there be public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to walking between sites.

What key sites are visited during this WWII walking tour?

You’ll visit Prague Old Town, Wenceslas Square, Charles Square, Petschek Palace, and SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral including its crypt memorial.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through central Prague with stops at key WWII sites like Wenceslas Square and Charles Square; entry with your local guide into SS. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral plus time inside its memorial crypt before finishing nearby—all woven together by personal stories you won’t get from any signboard.