What is a Paternoster Elevator?

A paternoster is a passenger elevator that consists of a chain of open compartments. These compartments move slowly in a continuous loop. One side moves up while the other moves down. There are no doors to wait for. You must time your step perfectly to enter or exit. This design was popular in the early 20th century. Today, they are quite rare due to modern safety rules.

Prague has preserved many of these technical monuments. They offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Many people wonder what happens at the top of the loop. Do the cabins flip over? The answer is no. They stay upright as they shift from the up-track to the down-track. It is a smooth transition that feels like a slow-motion carnival ride. Riding one is one of the most unique places in Prague experiences you can have.

Best Places to Find Paternoster Elevators in Prague

Here are the top locations to experience these historic lifts. Please remember that many are in working office buildings. Always be respectful of the people working there. Here are our top picks for your 2026 tour:

• Best overall: New City Hall (Magistrát)
• Best for history: Petschek Palace
• Best for families: Lucerna Palace
• Best free option: Faculty of Law

1. Name: New City Hall (Magistrát) Type: iconic sight Why go: This is the most famous and accessible lift in the city. Best for: first-time riders. Where: Mariánské náměstí, Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take Metro Line A to Staroměstská. Tip: Check the Prague New City Hall opening hours for tourists before you go.
2. Name: Lucerna Palace Type: unique local experience Why go: It is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau arcade near Wenceslas Square. Best for: atmosphere and photography. Where: Vodičkova Street, New Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free (access via the office entrance). Getting there: Metro Line A/B to Můstek. Tip: Look for the entrance near the Great Hall.
3. Name: Czech Technical University (ČVUT) Type: indoor/academic Why go: This lift is used daily by students and has a great industrial feel. Best for: seeing a working campus. Where: Technická Street, Dejvice. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line A to Dejvická. Tip: It is located in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering building.
4. Name: Petschek Palace Type: museum/indoor Why go: This building has a dark history as the former Gestapo headquarters. Best for: history buffs. Where: Politických vězňů, New Town. Time: 45 minutes (including a tour). Cost: Small fee for guided tours. Getting there: Short walk from Main Railway Station. Tip: You usually need to book a tour to see the interior.
5. Name: Ministry of Transport Type: viewpoint/nature Why go: The building sits right on the Vltava riverbank with great views nearby. Best for: seeing government architecture. Where: Nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 17 to Těšnov. Tip: Be very quiet as this is an active government office.
6. Name: Ministry of Agriculture Type: indoor/government Why go: It features a beautifully maintained wooden lift. Best for: seeing classic craftsmanship. Where: Těšnov, New Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B/C to Florenc. Tip: The lobby often hosts small exhibitions.
7. Name: Czech Radio Building Type: iconic sight Why go: This historic building played a huge role in the 1945 uprising. Best for: radio and media fans. Where: Vinohradská Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (lobby access). Getting there: Tram 11 to Vinohradská tržnice. Tip: Check the Prague official site for special open-house days.
8. Name: Faculty of Law, Charles University Type: indoor/academic Why go: A massive and impressive lift in a grand neo-classical building. Best for: students and architecture lovers. Where: Náměstí Curieových. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Tram 17 to Právnická fakulta. Tip: The building itself is a masterpiece by Jan Kotěra.
9. Name: YMCA Building Prague Type: unique local experience Why go: It is one of the oldest functional paternosters in the city. Best for: central location. Where: Na Poříčí, New Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Náměstí Republiky. Tip: The building has a nice cafe on the ground floor.
10. Name: Main Post Office Type: indoor/market Why go: The building is famous for its stunning mural-covered hall. Best for: a quick stop while sending postcards. Where: Jindřišská Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Wenceslas Square. Tip: Photography is sometimes restricted in the main hall.
11. Name: Komerční banka Type: indoor/business Why go: A rare example of a paternoster inside a functioning bank. Best for: seeing how modern business meets old tech. Where: Na Příkopě. Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Metro Line B to Můstek. Tip: Visit during banking hours and stay in the public areas.

Essential Tips for Riding a Paternoster Safely

Riding a paternoster is fun but requires attention. You should always watch your step when entering. Do not try to bring large luggage or strollers inside. The cabins are small and do not have doors. Keep your hands and feet inside the compartment at all times. If you feel nervous, watch a few people go before you try. You can learn more about how to ride a paternoster elevator safely to build your confidence.

Many people worry about staying in the lift at the top floor. It is perfectly safe to stay inside. The cabin will move horizontally and then start its descent. You will see the internal machinery of the building. It is a fascinating view for anyone interested in engineering. However, some buildings may ask you to exit at the top floor. Always follow the signs and instructions from security guards.

Planning Your Prague Paternoster Tour

Most of these lifts are located in the city center. You can easily visit three or four in a single morning. Start at the Paternoster elevator Prague New City Hall for the best experience. Then, walk toward the Main Post Office and Lucerna Palace. Use the efficient tram and metro system to reach Dejvice or Vinohrady. This is a great way to see hidden gems in Prague Old Town and beyond.

The best time to visit is on weekday mornings. Most office buildings are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On weekends, many of these locations are closed to the public. Always carry a small amount of Czech Koruna just in case. Some buildings might have small exhibits that require a fee. For more general travel info, visit the Visit Czechia website. Enjoy your unique mechanical tour of the Golden City!