The best 20 things to do in Prague!
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This post is filled with the best things to do in Prague for first time visitors no matter when you plan on visiting Prague Czech Republic.
Prague is a visually stunning city, the beauty of the art-nouveau buildings, cobbled streets and delicious Czech cuisine makes it one a must-see city in Europe.
I found so many things to do in Prague, some of my favourites were walking across the Charlies Bridge to explore Lesser Town, seeing the Easter market and doing the Eating Prague food tour.
Prague has hundreds of places to visit catering to a wide range of tastes and interests. This guide gives you a “Don’t Miss” list of the top 20 places to visit in Prague and other things to do to in Prague to make sure you have a memorable time in this stunning European city.
This city guide showcases the best 20 things to do in Prague, where you’re there for a weekend city break or a week.
20 Things to do in Prague
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
You can’t visit Prague without visiting Old Town Square. Found in the 12th Century the Square has been the backdrop to many historical events.
It is one of the main sites in Prague and where you’ll find many attractions in Prague such as the Astronomical Clock, the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn, the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, Old Town Hall, Rococo Kinsky and the monument to Jan Hus.
Prague’s Old Town Square is also filled with Art Nouveau building, charming cobbled stone side streets and café serving up traditional Czech food.
I recommend visiting the Old Town Square early in the morning to have it all to yourself and avoid the masses of other tourist taking pictures with their selfie sticks, as this is a one of the many Prague tourist spots.
Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj)
Seeing the Astronomical Clock is one of the top things to do in Prague. The clock dates back to almost 600 years, making it the third oldest astronomical clocks in the world and the oldest one that is still working.
The clock mechanism itself has three main components: the astronomical dial, “The Walk of the Apostles” and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months.
The clock shows the ‘walk of the Apostles’, which can be seen first at 9:00 am and every hour until 11:00p. But unfortunately, the clock is under repair until August 2018.
Opening Hours: January – December Mon 11.00 – 22.00/ Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 09.00 – 22.00Admission Fee: Adults 250 CZK /Reduced 150 CZK/ Family 500 CZK/mTicket 210 CZKAddress: Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock (Staroměstská radnice s orlojem) Staroměstské náměstí 1/3 110 00 Praha 1- Staré Město
Jan Hus Monument (Pomník Mistra Jana Husa)
Jan Hus was burned at the stake in 1415 for opposing Vatican control over the local church, and there is a striking monument to him.
The monument to Jan Hus in the centre of the square is an impressive memorial commemorating his martyrdom.
There are also benches that line the base of the status that which you can sit on and take in the sites of Prague’s Old Town Square.The Old Town Square homes many of the top tourist attractions in Prague.
Goltz Kinsky Palace (palác Kinských)
This beautifully adorn Rococo Kinský Palace is the former residence of the Goltz family in the 18th century and now serves as the National Gallery in Prague.
DETAILS
Opening time | January – December Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10.00 – 18.00
Entrance Fee | Basic 150 CZK/Reduced 80 CZK
Address | National Gallery in Prague – Kinský Palace (Národní Galerie v Praze – palác Kinských) Staroměstské náměstí 12 110 00 Praha 1- Staré Město
The House at the Minute
The building’s façade is decorated with sgraffito, depicting scenes from Greek mythological and biblical and is an example of Czech Renaissance townhouse architecture.
Old Town Hall – The Old Town Hall was established in 1338 as the seat of the Old Town administration.
The oldest part of the complex consists of a beautiful Gothic tower with a bay chapel and a unique astronomical clock – known as the Orloj.
You can also do a guided tour of the Old Town Hall complex.
Which includes the historical halls, the Gothic tower with a view (a great way to see Prague from above), the chapel and the underground areas.
DETAILS
Opening Hours | January – December Mon 11.00 – 22.00/ Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 09.00 – 22.00
Admission Fee | Adults 250 CZK/ Reduced 150 CZK/ Family 500 CZK/m Ticket 210 CZK
Address | Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock (Staroměstská radnice s orlojem) Staroměstské náměstí 1/3 110 00 Praha 1- Staré Město
Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
The Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses over the Vltava River connecting Old Town with Lesser Town.
Charles Bridge is Prague’s oldest bridge and was built to replace Judith Bridge which was damaged by flooding in 1342.The Stone, or Prague Bridge, has been called ‘Charles Bridge’ since 1870.
The Gothic style bridge is flanked at each end by fortified towers (Lesser Town Bridge Towers, Old Town Bridge Tower) and was reserved for kings to pass under during their coronations.
I would recommend the best time to visit the Charles bridge would be either at early (7:30 am to 9:00 am) when there are no other, or just a few tourists were crossing the bridge or later in the evening to get a beautiful view of the Prague at night all lit up. Walking across the bridge later in the evening is also very romantic.
Clementinum (Klementinum in Czech)
The grounds of the Klementinum, is one of the largest historic complexes in Europe, built from the 16th to the mid-18th century.
The complex included the UNESCO Memory of the world site the Czech National Library. One of my top recommendations is to visit the Baroque Library Hall, which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world due to its beautifully painted ceiling (frescoes).
No photography is allowed in the Baroque Library Hall.You can also visit the Astronomical Tower at Klementinum; however, this can only be done via 45-minute guided tour.
The tour also allows you access to the Meridian Hall, Baroque Library Hall and Vyšehrad Codex.
DETAILS
Opening Times | January – February Whole week 10.00 – 16.30/ March – October Whole week 10.00 – 18.00/ November – December Whole week 10.00 – 17.30
Entrance Fee | Basic 300 CZK/ Reduced 200 CZK/ Family 900 CZK Fee: Klementinum Guided Tour, Adults 300 czk
Wenceslas Square
Located in New Town, Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and culture in Prague.
The square has been the sight of many historical events including demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings.
The square is named after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. On first viewing Wenceslas square, it resembles a boulevard more than a square.
Address | New Town, 110 00 Prague 1, Czechia
Upside Down Horse
Hanging from the ceiling of the Art Nouveau Lucerna Palace in Prague, is a king Wenceslas rides triumphantly astride… an upside-down, apparently dead horse.
This is said to be a mocking tribute to the past leadership of Prague. The sculpture was created by Prague-born artist David Černý.
This sculpture is a must if you like obscure art, of which you’ll find many around Prague.
Man Hanging Out – I had walked down this cobblestone street in Prague’s Old Town twice before looking up and seeing what looked at first like a suicide attempt.
Another sculpture from David Černý, the work known as “Zavěšený muž” (“Man Hanging Out”).There is obscure art dotted around Prague so keep your eyes peeled.
Prague Dancing House
The Dancing House is also known as (Fred and Ginger) and was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic, in cooperation with Canadian architect Frank Gehry and completed in 1996.
The building’s design is said to reflect a woman and man (Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair) dancing together.
There is also a great little café on top of this building that gives you a magnificent view of the river and Prague castle in the distance.
I would recommend visiting this café if only for the view of the city.
Address | Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Statue of Franz Kafka
The Franz Kafka statue is a neat installation to watch. You’ll see forty-two moving panels which forms the face of Franz Kafka.
The panels move periodically by 90 degrees in layers conforming and disfiguring Kafka’s face.
The statue was created by David Cerny and is located in the Quadrio shopping centre. This is one of the more fun things you can do in Prague.
Address | Statue of Kafka Spálená 22 11000 Praha 1- Nové Město
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
Crossing Charles Bridge you can explore Mala Strana or more commonly called Lesser Town.
This name derives from its position on the left (west) bank of the river Vltava, on the slopes just below the Prague Castle.
Lesser Town is where you’ll find an array of vibrant terracotta rooftops, trams and Art Nouveau buildings.
Also, you can hire classic cars to ride around this area in, this is another attraction for tourist in Prague.The town was initially called the New Town beneath the Prague Castle.
After Charles IV founded the New Town of Prague in 1348, the town was renamed the Lesser Town of Prague. There also Prague walking tours of Lesser Town.
St. Vitus Cathedral
This Gothic cathedral, took almost 600 years to complete and is the largest church in Prague.
The cathedral’s impressive interior is home to the beautifully decorated St Wenceslas Chapel with the tomb of St Wenceslas, the crypt where Czech kings are buried, and the Crown Chamber, where the Crown Jewels are kept.
Address| III. nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1, Czechia
Prague Castle
Prague Castle, is a popular tourist attraction and I recommend you visiting it first thing in the morning to avoid the tour buses.
As the Prague castle is one of the prime things to see in Prague and is very popular with tourist.
The castle grounds are free to get access, but you’ll need to pay to access the Golden Lane.
You can also do your own self-guided tour of the Prague castle, following the routes below.There are three types of tickets if you want to tour the different parts of the Castle.
They include:
Circuit A | St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle “, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower, and Rosenberg Palace.
Circuit B | St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and the Golden Lane with Daliborka Tower.
Circuit C | Exhibition “The Treasure of St. Vitus Cathedral”, Prague Castle Picture Gallery.
I would give myself around 2 hours to wander around the palace taking in the different building, information and photos. Here is a Prague tourist map.
This maps gives you a list of Prague attractions, top things to do in Prague and Prague city tours.
DETAILS
Opening Time | November – March Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 09.00 – 16.00/ Sun 12.00 – 16.00/ April – October Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 09.00 – 17.00/ Sun 12.00 – 17.00
Address: Prague Castle | Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert (Katedrála sv. Víta, Václava a Vojtěcha) Pražský hrad – III. Nádvoří 119 00 Praha 1- Hradčany
Golden Lane
This tiny street between the Bílá Tower and the Daliborka Tower is lined with colourful houses and is located in the Prague Castle.
The lane was built initially in the 16th century, to house the castle guards, it takes its name from the goldsmiths that lived there in the 17th century.
Although the lane was temporarily called the Street of Alchemists or Alchemists’ Alley, however, alchemists have never worked or lived there.
The Golden Lane is a part of the Prague Castle A and B circuits.
Opening Hours | April – October Whole week 09.00 – 17.00/ November – March Whole week 09.00 – 16.00
Lennon Wall
Shortly after the death of John Lennon, this stone wall surrounding the Maltese Gardens was transformed into an impromptu memorial with a painting of the singer’s face.
Lighted candles accompanied quotes from John’s songs about world peace and freedom.
Slogans criticising the totalitarian regime soon appeared. The wall now remains as a colourful display of messages and tags and is now a Prague attraction.
Address | John Lennon Wall (Zeď Johna Lennona) Velkopřevorské náměstí 118 00 Praha 1- Malá Strana
Prague Food Tour
You can’t visit Prague without trying out the delicious local cuisine. Read my review on the Prague food tour guide and what traditional Czech foods you should try while visiting Prague.
With Eating Prague you also get a city sightseeing Prague walking tour. Now you don’t have to worry about what to eat in Prague, as you’ll learn about the Czech cuisine.
What to do in Prague at Night?
If you are anything like my brother who likes to see the city he is visiting after hours, researches the best bars and nightclub that the city has to offer.
Then this is the section for you.Prague is not known for its nightlife, but there are a few beautiful places around the city where you can live it up and enjoy Prague after hours.
Abrakadabra Bar – Promises you a magical night in the centre of Prague. The venue also has live music and great cocktails.
Double Trouble – If you’re looking for a wild night in Prague, then this is the place to visit. The quality of the club’s atmosphere did deteriorate as the night when on due to ‘stag parties and guys trying to outdo each other’, but if you arrive before these groups, you can have a wonderful time at this club.
AghaRTA Jazz Club – One of the most popular Jazz venue in Prague and just off Old Town Square. This small intimate venue with its quartet of jazz players and divine cocktails will have you bopping your head to the smooth jazz beats. A must if you like jazz.
Prague Pub Crawl – if you’re looking for something fun and into Bar or Pub crawl, then consider doing the Prague Pub crawl, which takes you to cool bars around the city.These are just a few ways you can enjoy Prague at night.
Things to Note
Don’t take it personally if you are not greeted warmly or do not want to make small talk.
This is not rudeness but directness something you might not be used to but is common in most European countries.
I would keep small talk to a minimum and to only what you need to say. English is not widely spoken in Prague, so knowing a few words of Czech will help you out.
These are the just a few of the top things you can do in Prague, whether your are spending a weekend or a few weekend in Prague.
These were my favourite things to do in Prague. Have you visited Prague what’s your favourite things to do and see in Prague were?
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Prague is such a spectacular city. We want to visit next winter but aren’t sure about the cold!