best things to do in prague

Introduction : 33 Best Things To Do In Prague

Prague stole my heart the moment I stepped onto its cobblestone streets. There’s something magical about this city that feels like you’ve walked straight into a fairy tale – those spires piercing the sky, the castle looming above, and the gentle flow of the Vltava River cutting through it all. I’ve visited three times now, and each time I discover something new that makes me fall in love with Prague all over again.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more Czech charm, I’ve put together this list of the 33 absolute best things to do in Prague. From the obvious must-sees to the hidden gems most tourists miss, consider this your friendly insider guide to one of Europe’s most enchanting capitals!

1. Explore Prague Castle

Let’s start with the obvious – you simply can’t visit Prague without exploring its magnificent castle complex. It’s not just any castle; it’s the largest ancient castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records! I spent nearly an entire day wandering through its courtyards, palaces, and gardens.

The St. Vitus Cathedral inside the complex will literally make your jaw drop with its soaring Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. My tip? Get there early to beat the crowds, and don’t skimp on the audio guide – the history here is too rich to miss.

2. Cross the Charles Bridge at Sunrise

Want to know the secret to experiencing the iconic Charles Bridge without battling throngs of tourists? Set your alarm and get there for sunrise! I dragged myself out of bed at an ungodly hour on my second visit, and it was 100% worth the lost sleep.

The bridge, with its 30 baroque statues and breathtaking views of the castle and river, takes on an almost mystical quality in the early morning light. Plus, you’ll actually be able to take photos without twenty strangers photobombing you. Win-win!

3. Get Lost in Old Town

The historic center of Prague begs to be explored without an agenda. The winding cobblestone streets, colorful baroque buildings, and hidden courtyards create a labyrinth that’s perfect for aimless wandering. I stumbled upon some of my favorite cafés and shops this way!

Old Town Square sits at the heart of it all, surrounded by incredible architecture spanning several centuries. Grab a trdelník (chimney cake) from one of the street vendors and just soak in the atmosphere. This is people-watching at its finest.

4. Watch the Astronomical Clock Show

Speaking of Old Town Square, make sure you’re there on the hour to witness the famous Astronomical Clock do its thing. Dating back to 1410, this medieval wonder puts on a small mechanical show every hour between 9 AM and 11 PM.

Is it somewhat underwhelming compared to the hype? TBH, yeah. But it’s one of those Prague experiences you just have to check off your list. Plus, the clock itself is a remarkable piece of medieval engineering that’s survived wars, revolutions, and centuries of history.

5. Visit the Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Prague’s Jewish Quarter contains some of the most moving historical sites in the city. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its layered tombstones (they had to bury people 12 deep due to space constraints), tells the story of centuries of Jewish life in Prague.

The Spanish Synagogue absolutely blew me away with its intricate Moorish-inspired interior. It’s like stepping inside a jewelry box! The Jewish Museum, spread across several historic synagogues, houses artifacts that survived the Holocaust – a powerful reminder of the community that once thrived here.

6. Take in the View from Petřín Hill

Need a break from the urban hustle? Head to Petřín Hill, Prague’s green lung. You can hike up or take the funicular railway to the top. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city.

While you’re up there, climb the Petřín Lookout Tower – often called “Prague’s Eiffel Tower” (though it’s a much more manageable 299 steps). On a clear day, you can supposedly see the highest peak in the Czech Republic, Sněžka. I’ll take their word for it – I was too busy photographing Prague spread out below me like a miniature model village!

7. Sample Czech Beer

You can’t visit Prague without diving into its legendary beer culture. The Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other nation in the world, and after tasting their pilsners, I completely understand why!

From historic breweries like U Fleků (brewing since 1499!) to modern craft beer pubs, Prague offers incredible variety at prices that will make visitors from Western Europe or North America weep with joy. Three bucks for a perfect pour of world-class beer? Yes, please!

8. Cruise the Vltava River

See Prague from a different perspective by taking a river cruise on the Vltava. I opted for a sunset cruise, and watching the castle and city lights come alive as the sun dipped below the horizon was one of the highlights of my trip.

Many cruises include dinner or drinks, but even the basic sightseeing ones offer unique views you can’t get from land. The gentle lapping of water against the boat while you glide under the Charles Bridge – pure magic.

9. Visit the Lennon Wall

After John Lennon’s murder in 1980, this ordinary wall became a symbol of peace and resistance against the communist regime. Covered in Lennon-inspired graffiti, Beatles lyrics, and messages of hope, it’s a colorful testament to the power of peaceful rebellion.

The wall constantly changes as visitors add their own contributions, making it a living piece of art. I left my small mark during my first visit in 2015, and it was long gone when I returned in 2019. That’s part of its charm!

10. Experience the Dancing House

Nicknamed “Fred and Ginger” (after Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers), this modern architectural marvel stands in stark contrast to Prague’s predominantly medieval and baroque buildings. Designed by Frank Gehry, the Dancing House appears to be, well, dancing along the riverfront.

Head to the rooftop bar for a drink with a view. The cocktails are a bit pricey by Prague standards, but the panorama of the castle and river is worth every crown. I sipped a perfectly made Old Fashioned while watching the sunset, and it remains one of my favorite Prague memories.

11. Explore Vyšehrad Fortress

Want to escape the tourist crowds? Head to Vyšehrad, Prague’s “other castle” perched on a hill south of the city center. Legend says this is where Prague was founded, and the peaceful grounds include a stunning church, a cemetery where famous Czech composers and artists are buried, and spectacular views of the Vltava River.

I barely encountered other tourists when I visited, making it a perfect retreat after the bustle of the main attractions. The beer garden here offers cold pilsners with million-dollar views – what more could you want?

12. Hunt for David Černý Sculptures

Czech sculptor David Černý has filled Prague with provocative and often hilarious public sculptures. From the giant babies crawling up the Žižkov TV Tower to the two mechanical men peeing messages into a fountain (yes, really), his work adds a quirky dimension to the city.

Finding these sculptures became a fun scavenger hunt during my visits. My personal favorite? The upside-down horse with St. Wenceslas riding it in Lucerna Passage – a cheeky parody of the grand St. Wenceslas statue in Wenceslas Square.

13. Shop at Havelská Market

Dating back to 1232, this open-air market sells everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s more authentic than the tourist markets in Old Town Square, with better prices and more interesting finds.

I picked up hand-carved wooden puppets, local honey, and some vintage Czech posters here. Even if you’re not buying, the market offers a glimpse into local life away from the tourist trail.

14. Visit the National Museum

Recently renovated after being closed for years, the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square houses an impressive collection spanning natural history, art, music, and Czech culture. The building itself, with its grand neo-Renaissance architecture, is worth visiting even if museums aren’t usually your thing.

The panoramic views from the dome are a hidden gem – you can see all the way down Wenceslas Square and beyond. FYI, the museum is free on the first Monday of each month if you’re traveling on a budget!

15. Experience Prague’s Café Culture

Prague’s historic cafés once hosted intellectuals like Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Café Louvre, Café Savoy, and Grand Café Orient offer a glimpse into this golden era, with their elegant interiors and traditional Czech pastries.

I spent a rainy afternoon at Café Louvre with a book, a slice of medovník (honey cake), and excellent coffee. The waiters still dress formally, and the whole experience feels delightfully old-world. Sometimes the best travel experiences happen when you just slow down!

16. Explore Prague’s Quirky Museums

Beyond the traditional museums, Prague offers some delightfully offbeat collections. The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians, the Museum of Historical Chamber Pots and Toilets (I’m not making this up), and the Apple Museum are just a few options for when you need a break from churches and castles.

The Franz Kafka Museum with its bizarre peeing statue fountain in front is worth visiting for fans of the author – the exhibits do a great job of connecting Kafka’s life with his surreal literary work.

17. Catch a Classical Concert

Prague’s connection to classical music runs deep – Mozart premiered Don Giovanni here, and the city was home to Dvořák and Smetana. You’ll find concerts happening nightly in beautiful churches and concert halls across the city.

I splurged on tickets to the Municipal House for a string quartet performance, and the combination of the stunning Art Nouveau surroundings and perfect acoustics made for an unforgettable evening. Even if you’re not a huge classical music fan, the settings alone make these concerts special.

18. Taste Traditional Czech Cuisine

Czech food is hearty comfort fare that’s perfect after a day of sightseeing, especially in colder months. Goulash, svíčková (marinated sirloin with cream sauce), and roast duck with red cabbage and dumplings are must-tries.

For the full experience, head to a traditional Czech pivnice (beer hall) like U Pinkasů or Lokál. These places serve farm-to-table Czech classics alongside tank-fresh Pilsner Urquell. Just don’t expect a light meal – the Czechs don’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes!

19. Visit the Strahov Monastery Library

Book lovers, prepare to drool. The Strahov Monastery houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, with two magnificent baroque halls filled with ancient volumes, globes, and frescoed ceilings.

The Philosophical Hall with its walnut book cabinets and ceiling depicting the history of human knowledge literally made me gasp when I entered. It’s a bit pricey to get the full tour that allows you inside the halls (rather than just peeking from the doorway), but absolutely worth it for bibliophiles.

20. Take a Day Trip to Karlštejn Castle

Just a 40-minute train ride from Prague’s main station brings you to the fairy tale Karlštejn Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking a charming village, this 14th-century Gothic castle was built by Emperor Charles IV to house the imperial crown jewels.

The surrounding countryside offers lovely hiking opportunities if you want to make a full day of it. I combined the castle tour with a forest hike and lunch at a village pub serving game and foraged mushrooms – a perfect day away from the city!

21. Experience Czech Spa Culture

The Czech Republic has a strong spa tradition, and you can sample it right in Prague. Beer spas offer the novelty of soaking in a tub of beer ingredients (while drinking unlimited beer, of course), but there are also traditional wellness spas if that sounds too gimmicky.

I tried the beer spa experience with friends and laughed through the whole thing. Is it a bit touristy? Sure. Was it a hilarious memory we still talk about years later? Absolutely!

22. Visit the Mucha Museum

Alphonse Mucha’s distinctive Art Nouveau style has become synonymous with Prague. This small but exquisite museum showcases his gorgeous posters, paintings, and decorative works.

If you fall in love with Mucha’s style (and trust me, you will), you can spot his work throughout the city, from the stained glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral to the decorations on municipal buildings. His distinctive flowing-haired women and perfect pastel color schemes make his work instantly recognizable.

23. Join a Food Tour

I always try to take a food tour early in my visits to new cities – it helps me get oriented, learn about local specialties, and find places to return to later. Prague’s food tours typically include tastings of Czech pastries, open-faced sandwiches, local cheeses, and plenty of beer or wine.

Our guide introduced us to pickled cheese (much tastier than it sounds!) and explained how Czech cuisine has evolved from its peasant roots. The four-hour tour ended up being an excellent crash course in both Czech food and history.

24. Explore Letná Park

This sprawling park offers some of the best views in Prague, especially from its iconic beer garden overlooking the Old Town and its bridges. Once home to the world’s largest Stalin monument (demolished in 1962), today it’s where locals come to relax, exercise, and socialize.

The giant metronome that now stands where Stalin once did makes for a unique photo op. I spent a lazy Sunday afternoon here, watching skateboarders perform tricks while families picnicked nearby – a slice of local Prague life away from the tourist crowds.

25. Visit the Technical Museum

This surprisingly fascinating museum celebrates Czech engineering and technological achievements. From vintage cars and locomotives to astronomy and photography exhibits, it showcases the nation’s innovative spirit.

The photography section blew me away with its collection of historic cameras and darkroom equipment. It’s an excellent option for a rainy day, and kids especially love the interactive displays. Who knew I’d spend two hours geeking out over old printing presses? ¯_(ツ)_/¯

26. Experience Black Light Theatre

This uniquely Prague art form combines dance, mime, puppetry, and special lighting effects to create visual illusions that seem magical. Several theaters around the city offer different shows, all wordless and therefore perfect regardless of what language you speak.

I caught a performance at Ta Fantastika and was mesmerized by the way ordinary objects seemed to come alive in the darkness. It’s quirky, imaginative entertainment unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

27. Try Trdelník with Ice Cream

While traditionalists will tell you that trdelník (chimney cake) filled with ice cream is a tourist invention, not an authentic Czech treat, I say: who cares when it tastes this good? This sweet pastry is roasted over open flames, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and then filled with soft serve ice cream.

Is it a heart attack waiting to happen? Probably. Will I always get one when in Prague? Absolutely. Some culinary experiences are worth the calories, and this is definitely one of them!

28. Visit the Municipal House

This Art Nouveau gem houses one of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe, along with an elegant café and restaurant. Even if you don’t attend a performance, you can join a guided tour to see the stunning interiors designed by Alphonse Mucha and other prominent Czech artists.

I recommend having afternoon tea in the café with its original 1912 décor. Sitting beneath crystal chandeliers while enjoying perfect pastries feels like time travel to Prague’s glamorous First Republic era.

29. Discover Nový Svět

This tiny, picturesque street near Prague Castle feels like a village frozen in time. Colorful baroque houses line the cobblestone lane, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

I stumbled upon this hidden gem while taking a “wrong” turn after visiting the castle, and it ended up being one of my favorite discoveries. The cute café here, Café Nový Svět, makes for a perfect peaceful break from sightseeing with its garden seating and homemade cakes.

30. Experience Náplavka Riverbank

On warm evenings, locals flock to this riverbank promenade for drinks, food trucks, and socializing. Saturday mornings bring a fantastic farmers’ market with local produce, street food, and crafts.

I joined the sunset crowd with a beer in hand, legs dangling over the riverbank, watching boats glide by and locals walking their dogs. Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences are these simple moments of just being present in a place.

31. Visit the National Theatre

This neo-Renaissance building is a symbol of Czech national identity and cultural independence. After it burned down shortly after opening in 1881, ordinary citizens donated to rebuild it – a testament to its importance to the Czech people.

The guided tours take you behind the scenes of this opulent theatre, including the rooftop terrace with panoramic views. If you can catch a performance, even better – the productions are world-class, and tickets are surprisingly affordable compared to other European capitals.

32. Explore Holešovice

Once a rough industrial district, Holešovice has transformed into Prague’s hipster haven, with art galleries, design shops, food markets, and trendy cafés. DOX Centre for Contemporary Art anchors the neighborhood with its provocative exhibitions and architectural airship on the roof.

Vnitroblock, a multifunctional space with a café, design shop, and gallery in a former factory, embodies the area’s creative spirit. This is where you’ll find Prague’s young creative class hanging out – a refreshing contrast to the medieval center.

33. Learn Czech History at Wenceslas Square

Despite its name, Wenceslas Square is actually a boulevard, and it’s played a central role in Czech history. It was the site of massive demonstrations during the 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended communist rule, as well as the 1968 Prague Spring protests.

The square today is more commercial than charming, but understanding its historical significance adds depth to your Prague experience. The square is bookended by the National Museum and a statue of St. Wenceslas on horseback – look for the small memorial to the victims of communism nearby.

Prague manages to be both a fairytale city frozen in time and a dynamic modern capital with cutting-edge art, design, and cuisine. While the castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square are unmissable for good reason, I hope this list inspires you to explore beyond the obvious highlights.

Whether you have three days or three weeks in the Czech capital, you’ll find yourself constantly looking up in wonder at the architecture, slowing down to savor the food and beer, and probably planning your return visit before you’ve even left. Prague isn’t just a destination – it’s a love affair waiting to happen. Trust me, this city will capture your heart just like it captured mine!