Viewing Terraces in Terminal 1 and 2
Take a moment to visit a viewing terrace and observe aircraft and tarmac activity up close using binoculars.
For all airplane enthusiasts, viewing terraces are available in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and admission is free of charge. You will find infographics comparing different types of planes and a clear map of the airport, highlighting points of interest in the area. You can watch planes preparing for take-off and completing their landing, and you can also enjoy a piece of cake and a cup of coffee.
One terrace is located in the public area of the Terminal 2 departure hall, in front of the entrance on the second floor near the U Václava restaurant. The other terrace is part of the Runway Restaurant and is accessible only from the airside public area. Please note that this viewing terrace is not accessible during the winter season.
Observation Terrace at POP Airport
Another attractive spot for observing and photographing aircraft is the observation terrace at the POP Airport outlet and entertainment centre, located near Prague Airport. From this vantage point, you can monitor landing and departing aircraft in real time while viewing detailed flight information on a large screen. You can also listen to live communications between pilots and the control tower, and enjoy highlights of interesting aircraft from a spotter’s perspective.
Tip: You can use the roof of the Šestka Shopping Mall for great photos, join photo excursions organized by Prague Airport, or take advantage of the designated openings in the airport fence to observe and photograph aircraft. There are 54 of these openings, all strategically located at optimal spots for capturing the best shots.
Spotting platform near Kněževes
The spotting platform near the village of Kněževes offers aviation enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to observe aircraft operations up close, all while enjoying the scenic countryside adjacent to Prague’s Václav Havel Airport. The current platform, an upgrade over its predecessor, stands almost two meters higher and 51 meters further from the runway, providing an enhanced and safer viewing experience. Convenient facilities include litter bins and a chemical toilet, with plans underway to add a playground in the near future to further enrich the visitor experience.
Access to the platform is straightforward: an unpaved gravel path from Na Staré silnici Street leads directly to the site, and a parking area is conveniently located about 100 meters away. Public transportation is also an option, as the village of Kněževes is accessible by bus, making this attraction ideal for both local visitors and travelers from afar. The airport management has demonstrated a strong commitment to engaging with the public by continuously developing areas like this platform and other observation points to draw in aviation fans.
In addition to the platform, a rampart near Kněževes offers views of aircraft taking off and landing from a distance of approximately 200 meters, focusing on operations at the north runway adjacent to Terminals 1 and 2. Although weather conditions such as rain, snow, or wind can affect visibility, many enthusiasts appreciate the unique challenges they present. The area has been improved to allow unobstructed photography after the removal of physical barriers, with designated openings that help capture the best angles of the runway activity. Visitor regulations now limit the mound’s capacity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, and while lighting incense sticks is prohibited, smoking is permitted. Additional touches, such as trash can covers that serve as ashtrays and a new shrub bed at the front of the mound, subtly remind visitors of the ongoing enhancements being made to this dedicated viewing area.
Spotting Platform near Hostivice
The spotting platform in Hostivice is smaller than the one in Kněževes. It overlooks the intersection of runways RWY 12/30 and RWY 06/24, giving you a great view to watch and photograph all the activity on the airfield above the fence line.
You can reach this platform only on foot or by bike. Don’t worry—it’s a pleasant four-kilometre walk starting from Cihlářská Street in the nearby town of Hostivice.