Prague: WWII Underground Cellars & Operation Anthropoid Crypt

Summary

Walk Prague’s wartime scars from secret cellars to the crypt where resistance made its last stand

You’ll walk Prague’s streets with a local guide who brings WWII stories to life—from secret resistance flats to medieval cellars used as bomb shelters. See rare artifacts up close and descend into the crypt beneath Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, where Operation Anthropoid’s final moments echo quietly. It’s not just history—it feels personal by the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it felt near the Powder Tower, even with trams rattling past. Our guide, Petr, waved us over—he had this way of talking like he’d lived every story himself. Right away we were off down cobbled streets, past the Municipal House where he pointed out bullet marks I’d never have seen. He told us about Czechoslovakia being born right there—his voice dropped a little when he mentioned it. I caught a whiff of roasted chestnuts from a street cart and almost lost the thread for a second.

I didn’t expect to step inside someone’s old flat—the “secret flat” Petr called it—where resistance fighters hid out. The wallpaper was peeling and there was this musty smell, but it made everything feel closer somehow. We saw archive photos of the Astronomical Clock after the bombing; I’d stood in that square before but never pictured it half-ruined. On Paris Street, people hurried by, not noticing the small memorials tucked between fancy shops. Petr paused at what used to be the Nazi headquarters and just let us stand there for a minute—no speech, just silence and cold stone.

The underground cellars were colder than I thought they’d be—damp stone under my hand, echoes bouncing weirdly as we ducked through low arches. There’s this private collection of WWII artifacts down there: ration cards, helmets, even a battered radio. Someone in our group asked if they ever found anything new in these tunnels; Petr grinned and said sometimes coins or buttons turn up after heavy rain. It was odd thinking about people huddled here during air raids while life went on above.

But nothing really hit me until we reached Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral. The crypt is just…quiet in a way that sticks to your skin. You can still see bullet holes in the walls from when the paratroopers made their last stand after Operation Anthropoid. Petr lit up for a moment explaining how they held out longer than anyone expected—I think he was proud in that complicated Czech way that doesn’t show off much. I still think about that silence down there; it felt heavy but also kind of hopeful, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — WWII history and Operation Anthropoid

• Meet in front of Powder Tower
• Hear story of Czechoslovakia's establishment
• See Czech national Resistance secret flat
• View Hall and clock ruins archive photos
• Pass Prague uprising memorials
• Walk by former NSDAP headquarters
• Pass through Jewish quarter
• Explore medieval underground WWII air raid shelter
• Visit Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
• Enter Crypt and Operation Anthropoid museum

Top questions

How long does the WWII in Prague tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours including all stops.

Is entry to the Operation Anthropoid crypt included?

Yes, entry to the crypt and museum under Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is included.

Does this tour include public transportation?

Yes, your ticket for public transportation is included in the tour.

Are small children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the tour.

Will we see original WWII artifacts?

Yes, you’ll see a private collection of WWII artifacts in the underground cellars.

Is this a small group tour?

Yes, groups are kept small for a more personal experience.

Does the tour visit Prague’s Jewish Quarter?

The route passes through Prague's Jewish Quarter as part of the walk.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to medieval underground cellars once used as bomb shelters at U Kunstatu Palace, access to a private WWII artifact collection, admission to Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral plus its crypt museum dedicated to Operation Anthropoid, as well as your public transportation ticket for getting around Prague—all guided by someone who knows these stories inside out.