Planning a trip to Prague but feeling overwhelmed with the number of things there are to do? Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 things to do in Prague based on my recent trip there!
Prague is filled with architecture, history, and food! Visiting in the winter means you’ll get the chance to visit the famous Christmas markets but the summer offers longer and warmer days for exploring and day trips. Remember that Prague is a big city so it’s important that you plan your trip and make sure you know everything about its world-famous public transport network.
If you’re planning your trip to Prague then check out Agoda for some of the best rates on hotels in the city.
1) Explore the old town square
Prague’s old town square has been a busy focal point for locals and visitors alike for hundreds of years. The bustling streets around it are lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes. The square is a great place to admire Prague’s architecture and see some of the Czech capital’s most photographed attractions.
If food or architecture isn’t your thing then the streets are lined with musicians and street performers who’ll keep you entertained. The Old Town square is also where you’ll find the famous Christmas markets if you’re visiting during the festive period.
2) Walk across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge crosses the Vltava river which separates the old town and the castle grounds. Built-in 1357 it has served as the main connection to the Old Town for many years. The bridge stretches 516 meters across the river and is lined with locals playing music as well as singing traditional songs!
Taking a stroll across the bridge is one of the best ways to start your morning. Go for a stroll down the riverbanks for a picture without the crowds!
3) Visit Prague Castle
The Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of Prague. And for good reason. Historically the castle has been home to Czech leaders.
Today it is the official home of the Czech President. You’re able to explore the castle grounds for free however visiting other areas such as the St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George are at an additional charge.
Visiting on the hour means you’ll witness the guards changing posts. Get here early if you want the best view as it gets super busy!
4) Check out the John Lennon Wall
(Get there nice and early in the day if you want to avoid queues for photos).
The ‘Lennon Wall’ is a wall that has been painted with graffiti (or street art depending on how you see it) since the 1980s. It has been filled with lyrics from Beatles songs, John Lennon tributes, and many other images referencing to world issues.
Although it’s hundreds of miles from Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, this spot is a must-visit for Lennon fans. You’ll also find the Lennon pub just round the corner if you need a beer to refresh from all the walking!
5) Enjoy Prague's Nightlife
If you’ve heard rumors about Czech beer… they’re probably right! The Czech Republic is renowned for its beer. Light and hoppy is the go-to for most locals but recently darker beers are also appearing on the scene too. Expect to see Czech lagers such as Budvar and Staropramen as well as many craft beers in smaller and independent bars.
There’s plenty of trendy and more up-market bars to enjoy too. Some of these require that you book in advance so be sure to make arrangements before you visit!
If you’re a big beer fan then make sure to Czech out the Prague beer museum where you can sample a wide range of beers and drink the day away! There are also a number of Czech beer tours available if you want a more immersive experience.
6) Get a photo in front of the dancing house
The dancing house is a famous Czech building designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry in the early to mid-’90s. Although swarms of tourists flock here for photos with the oddly shaped building it actually houses a restaurant on the top floor which is the only part available to the public.
You’ve got to admit it, it makes for a pretty cool photo!
P.S… If you’re interested in what camera I’m using then check out this post.
7) Watch the Astronomical Clock come to life
Fancy seeing one of the oldest but most visited spectacles of the old town? Every hour on the hour this magical clock comes to life. Small figurines parade around the clock face as the hour chimes.
The clock’s performance lasts about 45 seconds and tells tales of Prague history from the 15th century. If you take the time to study the meanings and stories behind it then you’ll appreciate it more.
The crowds gather round the clock around 15 minutes before the hour so you’ll find it easily enough! Don’t let the crowds worry you though, you’ll still be able to see the clock’s show even if you’re not near the front.
8) Sample some traditional Czech Cuisine
So you’ve tried the beer, enjoyed a few coffees but what about the food? The Czech Republic is great for the foodies. One of the great traditional meals is pork knuckle (known as Koleno by the locals).
Some other great traditional meals/snacks are;
- Goulash (Gulas)
- Pork Schnitzel (Rizek)
- Baked Mincemeat (Sekana pecene)
- Smoked meat (Uzene)
- Beef and Tomato soup (Rajska omacka)
Check out some of the best places to eat in Prague here.
9) Climb the clocktower to see Prague from above
Want to view the Old Town from a different perspective? Climbing the clock tower (part of the old town hall) will give you a whole new view of Prague.
The tower which stands 66m tall and offers 360 degrees views of the city, takes about 15 minutes to climb. There’s also a lift for anyone who struggles walking or uses a wheelchair.
You can find out more details on the Prague Tourism website.
A great alternative perspective of Prague for about the same price as a Mcdonalds meal.
10) Visit the museum of Senses
Need some time out from walking? Prague has a number of great museums to check out…
If history isn’t your thing then one of the best museums to check out is the museum of senses. The museum offers a couple of hours of fun and laughter which will really challenge your mind.
You’ll experience amazing optical illusions, experience feelings you never even knew you had and even get the chance to lay on a bed of nails if you dare!
You can check out the latest exhibits and find ticket information on the museum’s official website.
So when you plan your trip to Prague make sure you get all the best bits in there, don’t just spend your whole time drinking their beer!!
I hope this post helps you when deciding where to spend your time in Prague. As always if you think I missed anything then drop a comment below. If you enjoyed the post then please feel free to share it!
Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later!
Great post! Very informative and you have taken a variety of interests into account.
Author
Thanks so much Jean! Glad you enjoyed the post!
I’ve never been interested in visiting Prague until I read this post ( I’m sure my husband will thank you). Great job! I can’t wait to visit now.
Author
Thanks very much! Glad you liked the post!
Prague is such a beautiful city and I hope to go there one day. Thanks so much for sharing this list of thing to do in this city.
So many great things to see and do. Saving this for later since Prague is on our family bucket list.