Prague is upgrading its city centre with a completely redesigned pedestrian guidance system. Along a four-kilometre route, modern orientation points are being installed to replace the previously used signposts.
Prague is introducing a completely new pedestrian guidance system along a four-kilometre route from Wenceslas Square to the Výstaviště exhibition grounds. A total of 23 modern elements replace the outdated previous signposts and are intended to provide both locals and visitors with significantly more intuitive orientation. The system is part of the city-wide Čitelná Praha project and is currently being implemented gradually in the centre.
The new navigation system, developed as part of the Čitelná Praha (Readable Prague) project, was tested over several years in different city districts. It is now being presented for the first time as a cohesive overall concept – along a route connecting tourist hotspots, parks, and residential areas. The heart of the system consists of maps oriented in the direction pedestrians are facing, using a clear, structured, and easily understandable graphic language.
Objective: better orientation, easing tourist flows, enhancing urban space
The ambition is high: the municipal organisations ROPID, the City Planning and Development Institute IPR, the Technical Administration of Roads, and Prague City Tourism aim with the new system to provide both locals and tourists with more intuitive orientation. At the same time, footpaths are intended to become more attractive, visitor flows more evenly distributed, and public space enhanced.
Obelisks and directional signs – the new backbone of pedestrian navigation
Along the route, 15 obelisks have been placed, providing combined information: maps of the immediate surroundings, overview maps of the wider city centre, silhouettes of significant landmarks, markings of metro and tram lines, and an alphabetical street directory.
A particular feature is the five- and fifteen-minute walking time radii marked on the maps – a quick visual indicator of how long it takes to reach the main destinations. The same maps will also be found in metro stations and at new stops in the future.
In addition, eight text-based directional signs complement the system. These are mainly mounted on existing lamp posts to avoid further intervention in public space. Each directional sign also shows the approximate walking time, further easing orientation.
Prague tests, evaluates – and expands
The section in Prague 1 was completed at the end of November, with installation in Prague 7 expected by mid-December. In spring, a comprehensive user test of the entire route will begin. The findings will feed into the final methodology, which will then be rolled out across Prague from 2026 onwards.
Already, at least 50 additional elements are planned – including around Wenceslas Square, Republic Square, Prague Main Station, Masarykovo nádraží, Hradčany (Prague Castle), and Letná.
Since 2023, 20 elements have already been tested at various locations across the city – including the Štvanice Bridge, Palmovka, Wenceslas Square, along Dukelských hrdinů Street, and at Rajská zahrada and Dolní Počernice stations.
Part of the city-wide “Čitelná Praha” project
The pedestrian guidance system is a central component of the comprehensive information and orientation system Čitelná Praha, the foundations of which were established in an international tender in 2022. This also includes the gradual modernisation of navigation systems in the metro, at stops, in public transport vehicles, and on streets – including digital panels and new signage.
