Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. The city which lies at the heart of Europe is rich in history and culture, there are many landmarks that are to be discovered. Pragues is also known as the “city of a hundred spires”, for its numerous Gothic church spires. Spend your time getting lost in the narrow streets of the old town or you can even try some delicious beer whilst you’re here. Prague is nothing short of a fairytale, and it is definitely an exciting city to visit!
Get the most of Prague with these 21 things to do …
MUST-DO
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Prague. Located in the Castle district (Hradcany), the castle sees 1.8 million visitors annually. The castle is an ancient symbol of the Czech State and was once the home of Bohemia’s kings. This is also the largest castle complex in the world (according to the Guiness Book of World Records), and it has the most stunning views. Within the castle are many of Prague’s most visited sites such as St. Vitus Cathedral, the Powder Tower and the Old Royal Palace. So try and spend as much time as you can here exploring the different places. Today the castle is the official residence of the president.
Note: Although you are free to walk around the castle’s grounds and gardens at no cost, a charge is incurred in order to explore it’s interiors more.
Go to Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is another iconic attraction in Prague. This bridge is one of the most recognizable old bridges in Europe and is 650 years old! It spans over the Vltava river and connects the Old Prague Center to Mala Strana.
There are also statues that you will come across on your stroll (30 in total), the most notable are the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and John of Nepomuk, who was the country’s most revered saint. On the bridge, walk across the cobbled pathway and take in the views around you. Apart from the (many) tourists, you will also find several artists and buskers.
Walking across Charles bridge is truly an unforgettable experience (you may even find yourself coming back here several times on your trip to re-digest the breathtaking views).
Tip: Try and also stroll across Charles Bridge at night time, you will not be disappointed!
Petřín
Petřín is one of the greenest spaces in Prague. The hill sits on the left bank of the Vltava River and offers incredible views of Prague. It is 320 meters above sea level, hence considered one of the highest elevations of any of Prague’s green spaces. If you continue up Petřín hill, you will find the Petřín Lookout Tower. The 62m-tall tower was built in 1891 by the Czech Hikers Club. It is unmistakably a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower. Climb the 299 steps to the top, or take a lift for some wonderful panoramic views of Prague.
On the hill, you will also find the Hunger wall. Built in 1362, the medieval defensive wall stretches from the gate of Strahov Monastery all the way across Petřín and down nearly to the base of Ujezd.
Tip: Either take the hill by foot, or hop on a funicular (it runs every 10 to 20 minutes).
The Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock is located in the Old Town Square of Prague. This is one of the best free things to do whilst in Prague. Built in the early 15th-century, the Astronomical Clock springs to life each hour. On the hour, there are 12 apostles which pass through the window right above the astronomical dial.The clock has two faces which are in themselves great sources of information. They tell you the time (try and look for the point where the golden hand meets the Roman numerals), but also the day and month of the year, the zodiac sign, and the times of sunset and sunrise.
Tip: The Astronomical clock gets very busy, so try and get here 5-10 minutes before the hour if you want a good picture!
St Vitus cathedral
St Vitus Cathedral can be found within the grounds of the Prague castle. The cathedral is the Czech Republic’s largest and most important Christian church, and was built over a time span of almost 600 years (it was only completed in 1929). The stunning cathedral features a mixture of architectural styles, an amalgamation of modern Neo-Gothic and 14th-century Gothic styles, along with Baroque and Renaissance influences.The cathedral also houses treasures such as the tomb of St John of Nepomunk and also the ornate Chapel of St Wenceslas.
Climb to the top of the St Vitus’ cathedral tower (which is nearly 100 metres high), for a uniquely splendid view of Prague.
Beer Museum
Prague is very famous for its beer, so a trip to the beer Museum makes a lot of sense! Monks used to brew beer in monasteries! As of recently, there are about 250 Breweries of all sizes in the whole of the Czech Republic. The beer museum in Prague is particularly dedicated to appreciating this ancient craft.
You first get to find out more about the background and history of beer brewing. You will then have a more in-depth beer experience tour, and you will be shown some of the secrets behind classic beer brewing, including how malt and beer are made. Beer tasting is also included. There is a chance to make and bottle your own beer, you can choose to add a custom label which is designed by you.
This is a really fun and novel experience, and is definitely recommended!
OTHER GREAT THINGS TO DO
National Museum
The National Museum of Prague is located right in the heart of Prague at the head of Wenceslas Square. The museum comprises five specialised institutes. The Historical Museum, the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Library of the National Museum, and the Czech Museum of Music. The museum houses nearly 14 million items. The building is magnificent, featuring some of the most stunning architecture that you will find in Prague.
At the museum you will also find many beautiful paintings, statues and frescoes. Learn more about Czech history through the permanent exhibitions at the museum
Tip: if you are not interested in museums, visit the National Museum at night when it is particularly impressive, with the front facade illuminated.
Josefov
Josefov is the old Jewish ghetto in Prague. It is located between Prague’s Old Town Square and the Vltava River. There is a lot of beautiful architecture to discover and rich culture packed at the end of every street. Whilst in the quarter, visit the old Jeiwsh cemetery and see the thousands of weathered tombstones that had to be crammed into a small piece of land.
The Jewish Quarter is packed with history and you can explore Jewish Museum which consists of the six remaining synagogues standing within the quarter. The Maisel Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Klaus Synagogue. The museum is among the oldest Jewish museums in the world since its establishment in 1906, so it is certainly worth a visit.
Wenceslas Square
Walking around Wenceslas square is a great way to spend your afternoon. The square was named after the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas. Known as the “Times Square of Prague”, Wenceslas square is bustling and lively. You will find the square in Prague’s New Town (Nové Město). Wenceslas square is the city’s main shopping area, there are many restaurants and tourist attractions. However it also had been the site of many of the country’s most influential demonstrations, protests, and celebrations.
You will also find the work of David Černý. There is a massive statue of St. Wenceslas astride his horse at the square.
Prague’s oldest museum is also in Wenceslas square (The National Museum).
Strahov Library
Strahov Library is a must for the lovers of all things books! The library is part of The Strahov Monastery which dates back to the 12th century. This is the second oldest monastery in Prague. Strahov Library consists of two beautifully decorated Baroque libraries. The Philosophical Library and the Theological Library. You will find the first printings of more than 1000 books on subjects such as religion, medicine law, astronomy and Latin.there are many rare old volumes and manuscripts at the library, some including the famous 9th-century Strahov Gospel. The painted ceilings and the ancient books really take you back in time.
There is much to uncover and get stuck into whilst at the Library. Even if you don’t particularly enjoy books, the buildings are so beautifully designed, that they are worth the visit.
Wallenstein Garden
Wallenstein Garden is lined with bronze statues which depict Greek gods. The statutes however are copies as the originals currently stand outside the royal palace of Drottningholm near Stockholm. The baroque garden is located near the base of Prague Castle, and it offers pleasant views of the castle. Wallenstein Garden houses its own palace; Wallenstein Palace. The palace which once served as a residence for Imperial Generalissimo Albrecht von Wallenstein now houses the Senate of the Czech Republic.Outdoor concerts also sometimes take place here at the garden, so there is a lot to explore.
A stroll around Wallenstein Garden is a really tranquil experience and provides an escape from the busy streets of Prague’s Malá Strana.
Prague’s Night Life
The Nightlife in Prague is one for the books. Prague’s old town offers you the most exciting night out with it’s several clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants. You will not be disappointed! Try some of the cheapest beer you will ever drink and party late into the night. The streets and the people are vibrant and free, you cannot help but fall more in love with Prague after a night out ! There is also a huge underground rock and roll scene to explore and there are many different music venues to which cater to those devoted rock fans.
Prague nightlife is alive and kicking right up until the sun comes up.
Explore the Old Town Square
Old town square is the picture of Prague which every tourist has in their minds. This square is the most significant square of historical Prague, and it dates back all the way to the 12th century. It is also beneficial to note that this is one of the few ‘squares’ in Europe actually shaped like a square! A trip to the Old Town Square is like a journey back in time. Here you will find the famous Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, Old Town hall, Jan Hus Memorial and also St. Nicholas Church.
The square itself is one of the best places to begin exploring Prague, and it serves as a fitting place to admire the wonderful architecture Prague has to offer.
Tram Ride
A tram ride is just one way to experience Prague’s excellent public transport system. Not only is Prague’s network of trams one of the oldest in Europe, it is also the third largest in the world, following Moscow and Budapest. Over 300 million passengers are transported by tram per year.
Hopping on a tram urantees you an interesting journey! Ride either the historic 91 or 23 Prague trams, and be taken through some of the most important landmarks of Prague.
Týn Church
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of Prague’s most recognizable buildings. The gothic masterpiece can be found in the Old Town Square. Týn Church was built from the mid-14th to the early 16th centuries. The exterior features grand twin spires which are 80 meters tall and stand at each side of the building. The two spires support four smaller ones. At the end of the 17th century, the interior was reworked in Baroque style. The main altar with its Virgin and the Holy Trinity and the tomb of Tycho Brahe are both great depictions of the Baroque work that was done in the church. Today, Týn Church still has regular Roman Catholic church services.
Týn church is one place every tourist should visit! An awe-inspiring sight during the day, and even more so at night!
Zoo day
A day to the zoo is just what you need as the cherry on top of your trip to Prague. is the most visited zoological garden in the Czech Republic, and is also thought to be one of the best zoos in the world. It sees more than 1.5 million tourists every year. The zoo which opened in 1931, has been in existence for more than 80 years. About 5000 animals are housed at the zoo which is laid out in zones, with names such as African Savanna, Elephant Valley, the Plains, Northern Forest and the Indonesian Jungle. Prague Zoo is spread over 60 hectares, so there is a lot of ground to cover. There are many activities to keep the kids engaged but also several refreshment stands and restaurants should you get tired.
A visit to the Prague zoo is surely a unique but also enriching experience.
Obecní dum
Obecní dum, also known as the Municipal house, was built from 1905 to 1911. The civic building is considered one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in the city. The building interior is simply beautiful, featuring many fine stained glass windows and important paintings. It contains a complex of rooms, including a modern Czech restaurant, a Czech beer hall style restaurant, a traditional café and several exhibition rooms.Inside Obecní dum, you will also find Smetana Hall. This is Prague’s largest (and most important) concert venue. The Classical concerts which take place in the Smetana Hall boast the largest orchestras to play the city.
Enjoy a concert or try out a restaurant, whatever you choose, you will have an exceptional time at Obecní dum.
Lennon Wall
The John Lennon wall is situated in Grand Priory Square, which is not too far from Charles Bridge. The 30 metre wall of art symbolizes freedom of speech and the non-violent resistance of the Czech youth. The wall is covered in paintings of John Lennon, peace signs but also song lyrics by the Beatles. Ultimately, the wall will forever keep on changing, as artists and passers-by add their own bits and pieces each day, so it is a lovely photo opportunity.
Go to the wall and inspect the different languages, words and colors which you will find all over. There are also many nice restaurants to explore by the wall too. Just around the corner, there is a pub dedicated to John Lennon and is complete with a Beatles jukebox – so why not try your hand at some karaoke!
Letná Park
Letná Park is located on the river embankment of Letna Hill. Climbing up to the park offers you the most picturesque perspective over Prague. You will capture the best view of the River Vltava and all of its bridges. There are lots of open spaces, but also winding paths at Letná Park, so you can really appreciate the greenery all around you. The park used to be home to a giant statue of Stalin, however this was destroyed in the 60’s. There is now a large metronome put in its place, which is to symbolise that all things pass.
At the park, there are many beer gardens to choose from, so you can sit back and relax whilst enjoying a refreshing pint.
Public Transport Museum
The Public Transport Museum in Prague was opened in 1993 by the Prague Public Transport Society. Essentially, the museum houses a very unique collection of vehicles such as trams and buses, and also other artifacts that are paramount in recounting the history of public transport in Prague. It is located in an old tram depot and houses over three dozen historical vehicles. You can finish your trip to the museum with the vintage tram tour of the City. This tour starts from the operational part of the depot attached to the museum, number 41, and returns to the museum. It is a great way to see all of Prague’s most popular attractions.
The museum is relatively cheap to get into so it is definitely worth a visit. It offers a fun day out and is just a lovely way to learn more about the history of Prague.
A BONUS
Second Ugliest Building in the World
The second ugliest building in the world is known as The Žižkov Television Tower. The building itself sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the rest of Prague’s charming architecture, so it will not be hard to miss. It stands very tall at 216 metres, and the tower is actually the tallest building in Prague, boasting the highest viewing platform in the country. The building is a representation of what 1960 communists in the Soviet Union thought the future would look like.
If you have space on your itinerary to fill, venture here to see the group of ten giant crawling babies on the towers. The interesting work was completed by David Černý.
