Are you planning a trip to Prague and want to know what is worth experiencing in the Czech capital?
Planning a last minute trip to Prague?
Here are my favourite places to stay & things to do in beautiful Prague.
🛌 Places to Stay:
1. The Julius Prague (my favourite hotel in Prague, perfect location and nice rooms)
2. Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa (beautiful luxury hotel near the Prague Castle)
3. Hotel King George (affordable hotel in the Old Town)
🇨🇿 Top Activities & Tours:
1. Prague Castle (there are so many things to see in the whole castle area!)
2. Private Beer Spa experience with unlimited beer (yes it's touristy, but you are a tourist)
3. The Official Prague City Pass is a good idea if you want 'free' public transport and easy access to a wide range of attractions
In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Prague and some of my favourites and hidden gems.
Look forward to a trip to one of Europe’s most beautiful and cheapest capitals.
We start straight and hard and go to the things to do in Prague that you must take advantage of on your city break. All cities have top sights that must be visited – Prague is no exception.
1. Prague Castle 🏰
Prague Castle is a must-see on a trip to the Czech capital. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the castle was built around 880 and is the world’s largest castle complex, with an area of over 70.000 square meters.
There is thus not just a single castle, but many sights gathered in the same area.
The castle itself is beautiful from the outside, but it’s inside the area that you really get to see why the court is Prague’s best-known attraction.
2. St. Vitus Cathedral
In the castle complex, we find, among other things, St Vitus Cathedral.
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of Prague’s most impressive and historic buildings in the heart of the city’s Old Town. The cathedral is known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful details that date back to the 14th century.
Completing the cathedral took over 500 years, resulting in various styles and architectural elements. The large rose window on the facade is a notable feature, with its colourful stained glass and intricate patterns.
Inside the cathedral, you can admire the beautiful paintings, sculptures and frescoes that adorn the walls and ceiling.
Some chapels also contain some of Prague’s most precious religious artefacts, including relics of saints and the crown jewels of the former royal family.
The cathedral is beautiful from the outside but a must-see from the inside.
We bought this skip-the-line ticket to Prague Castle on my recent trip to Prague Castle, which worked brilliantly. We just showed the ticket on the mobile and went straight in.
The ticket gives both access to St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George’s Basilica and the Golden Lane, the next attraction in Prague on the list.
3. Golden Lane
Golden Lane is a small, charming street in Prague located inside the castle complex.
The lane was initially built in the 16th century to house the castle’s guards and craftsmen but was later inhabited by ordinary people and artists.
The name “Golden Lane” comes from a legend about an alchemist who lived on the street and is said to have tried to create gold from other metals.
Although he failed, his experiments with chemicals and minerals inspired many other scientists.
Today, Golden Lane is a popular tourist destination for its colourful houses and historical significance. Here you can take a walk down the street and see the tiny houses, which are still furnished as they would have been in the 16th century.
Some houses even have small exhibits, which are pretty fun to see.
Golden Lane has also had some famous residents over the years, including the poet Franz Kafka, who lived in number 22 for a short period in 1916-1917. His stay at Golden Lane inspired him to write some of his best-known works.
The Golden Lane is a fascinating part of Prague’s history and culture and a must-see for any visitor who wants to delve into the city’s rich past.
You must have a ticket to “enter” the street, and you cannot buy a ticket just for the street.
Instead, you must have a ticket valid for the entire castle complex – this can be the ticket I mentioned before.
4. Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)
Charles Bridge is located quite close to Prague Castle, so it is obvious to take the trip over Charles Bridge when the trip goes to the castle. Just look at the picture above and see why you should cross the Charles Bridge when you go to Prague.
The bridge remained built in solid stone in the 15th century and is over 500 meters long.
It is quite an impressive bridge you simply have to experience on your holiday in Prague.
5. Try a Medieval dinner
Experience Prague’s medieval atmosphere in a unique way with this medieval dinner with unlimited drinks.
The event takes place in an authentic medieval basement restaurant, where you will be entertained by musicians and actors in traditional costumes.
The menu includes a variety of authentic Czech dishes served on wooden boards that add an extra rustic feel to the experience.
You can also enjoy unlimited drinks such as beer, wine and soft drinks. This medieval dinner is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Prague’s history and culture in a fun and different way.
And then it gets extremely good reviews – see more about the dinner and book here.
6. Staré Město – Prague’s Old Town
Prague is an old city, and ancient cities usually have a district where the buildings are a little nicer & more charming than in the rest of the city. This is also true in Prague’s Old Town, called Staré Město.
The old town is proper in the centre of Prague (on the eastern bank). It is not particularly large, so you can quickly see the town. The old town is naturally a ‘hotspot’ for tourists, as it is beautiful and somehow reminds me of Edinburgh.
But as it is a famous district and attraction in Prague, there is also the possibility of falling into a few tourist traps. Therefore, feel free to look at a site like Yelp or Tripadvisor before you go to a restaurant.
Both are available as an app for smartphones, so it’s easy to pull out the mobile phone and check reviews from previous guests.
Then you are sure that you will get a good meal and not pay an overcharge because you are a tourist.
7. The Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Hall in Prague is one of the city’s most impressive and historic buildings. The building was originally constructed in the 14th century as an administrative centre for Prague.
Here, the city council met to discuss important matters and make decisions.
The Old Town Hall is known for its famous astronomical clock, which still works and can be seen today.
The clock dates from the 15th century and shows not only the time but also the phases of the moon, the sunrise and sunset, and the astrological symbols.
The building has undergone many renovations and extensions over the years, including the addition of the beautiful Gothic tower overlooking the entire city.
The tower is open to the public, so you can enjoy the view of Prague from the top.
You can get tickets to the town hall here.
8. Sightseeing bus & boat in Prague
A bus tour is a good and manageable way to see a big city. It is, of course, also possible to take a bus tour in Prague, where there are several different routes and ticket types.
I have found a trip in Prague that includes a bus ride, lunch and a boat ride on the river. It is thus a guided tour where you get around most of the city and see the most iconic sights.
Suppose you would like to experience the most important sights in Prague in one day and at the same time be able to sit back and listen to a knowledgeable guide tell you about the history of the many beautiful buildings. In that case, you should choose this tour.
Check out the different options at GetYourGuide here.
9. Letna Park & Beer Garden 🍻
Letna Park is one of the most popular parks in Prague, and here you get a fantastic view of the city. The park has many activities, including bike paths, jogging paths and playgrounds.
But the most notable feature of Letna Park is the Letna Beer Garden.
Located in the middle of the park, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold beer after a long day of sightseeing. With its lively atmosphere and beautiful views of the Vltava River, this is a must-see stop on any Prague itinerary.
However, I have to say that I was disappointed when I saw that Letna Beer Garden only took cash in September 2022 😅
However, a little further down in the park, you will find the small café in front of “Stalin“, which takes credit cards.
So even though I didn’t like the name, we got an extremely cheap beer here 😀
10. Beer spa 🍺
The beer spa in Prague is a unique experience that combines relaxation and beer tasting in a very special way.
The beer spa typically takes place in a private room, where visitors can enjoy a hot tub filled with brewery ingredients such as hops, malt and yeast.
While relaxing in the tub, you can enjoy unlimited access to local beers on tap.
One of the wilder beer experiences in Prague, which already offers extremely good beer in all bars, restaurants and cafes.
Perhaps the most fun thing to do in Prague?
Read more about beer spa in Prague here.
11. Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is one of the most famous squares in Prague and a popular tourist destination. This large, open square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and shops and is full of history and culture.
The square has witnessed many important events in the history of the Czech Republic, including demonstrations and political meetings.
Today, Wenceslas Square has many restaurants, bars and hotels, making it a lively centre for the city’s nightlife.
It is also an ideal place to shop or just take a leisurely stroll while admiring the architecture and atmosphere of the iconic square.
12. The Dancing House
The Dancing House is one of Prague’s most unique and modern buildings. Also known as “Ginger and Fred”, as it was inspired by the famous dance scene from the movie “The Story of Ginger and Fred”.
The building is an impressive piece of architecture designed by Croatian architect Vlado Milunić in collaboration with Canadian architect Frank Gehry.
It is known for its crooked and curved shapes that make it a remarkable sight on the Prague skyline.
The Dancing House also houses several restaurants, offices and apartments – it’s even got a hotel, but in my opinion, it’s a bit overpriced, so check out my guide on where to stay in Prague for better options.
It is a popular tourist destination for visitors who want to admire its unusual design and take pictures of this iconic structure.
13. John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is a colourful and creative thing to see in Prague, dedicated to the legendary musician and peace activist John Lennon.
After he died in 1980, the wall was filled with graffiti and messages of peace and love. Since then, it has been a popular gathering place for local artists, musicians and tourists who want to express themselves through graffiti and paintings on the wall.
The wall also symbolised resistance to communism in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, when the regime tried to remove all signs of political freedom and freedom of expression.
There may be better things to do in Prague, but the wall is close to the Charles Bridge.
The streets around the Mala Strana area are super cosy, so the wall is in an area where most tourists pass by.
14. Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is a historic fortress and an impressive cultural centre in Prague. Situated on a hill high above the Vltava River, Vysehrad offers spectacular city views.
The fortress was originally built in the 10th century as part of Prague’s defence system. It was later expanded to include churches, monasteries and other important buildings.
Today Vyšehrad is a popular tourist destination and home to many cultural events, such as concerts and art exhibitions.
Here you can admire the beautiful churches and monuments on the site, including St. Peter and Paul’s Church with its two towers, the old church of St. Martin and the Slavín cemetery with monuments to some of the Czech Republic’s best-known poets and artists.
15. The trendy Karlin area
Karlin is a trendy and lively area in Prague.
Located east of the city centre along the Vltava River, Karlin has undergone a significant transformation since rebuilding after the 2002 floods.
Today, Karlin is known for its vibrant cultural life, with many art galleries, theatres and concert venues.
One of the most popular attractions in Karlin is the beautiful Karlínské náměstí (Karlin Square), which is lined with beautiful historic buildings.
I visited the brewery Dva Kohouti, where we had some really good beers and sat outside in their courtyard, which was super cosy.
Make your way past Karlin to experience a different side of Prague than the one you see in the centre.
16. Petřín Hill
Petrin Hill is one of Prague’s most popular tourist attractions – and the locals love it too. The hill is located in the central part of the city. It offers a beautiful view of the Prague skyline and the river Vltava.
At the top of Petrin hill, you will find an impressive lookout tower reminiscent of The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Built in 1891, the tower is one of the most iconic sights in Prague.
You can take the elevator or climb the stairs to reach the tower’s top and enjoy the city’s amazing view.
In addition to the observation tower, Petrin Hill has several other attractions, including an observatory, a mirror maze and beautiful park areas with flower beds and paths for a nice walk.
See more and get tickets to the tower here.
17. The TV tower in Zizkov
The TV tower in Zizkov is one of the most distinctive buildings in Prague. The tower was built in 1985 and is located in the district of Zizkov, known for its bohemian and alternative environment.
The TV tower is a whopping 216 meters high and offers a fantastic view of the Prague skyline.
At the top of the tower, you will find a restaurant that slowly rotates around, so you can enjoy the whole city’s view while eating.
In addition, the tower also has an observation deck where you can admire the panoramic view of Prague.
Get tickets for the TV tower in Zizkov here.
18. National Museum (Národní muzeum)
The National Museum in Prague (Národní muzeum) is one of the most visited museums in the Czech Republic. It is located in the heart of the city.
The museum was founded in the mid-19th century and houses more than 14 million objects from Czech history, culture and art.
The exhibitions at the National Museum span many subjects, including archaeology, ethnography, art and science. One of the most popular exhibits is the permanent exhibition on the history of the Czech Republic, spanning from ancient times to the present.
The museum also regularly organises temporary exhibitions on various themes, such as Czech culinary traditions or modern art.
The National Museum is an important institution for preserving the Czech Republic’s cultural heritage and a fascinating destination for visitors who want to learn more about the country’s rich history and culture.
19. The Powder Gate Tower
The Powder Gate in Prague, also known as Prašná brána in Czech, is one of the city’s most impressive monuments.
The tower was built in the 15th century as part of Prague’s fortification system. It was later used as a royal depot for gunpowder, giving the tower its name.
The Powder Gate is an impressive structure with Gothic arches and detailed sculptures depicting heroes from Czech history. The tower also has several exhibitions about its history and the history of Prague’s defences and buildings.
The tower’s high vantage point allows visitors to enjoy a magnificent view of Prague’s Old Town and its many sights.
Getting up the tower is very cheap – you can find tickets here.
On my recent trip to Prague, I stayed at The Julius Prague, a stone’s throw from the Powder Gate. I can highly recommend that hotel!
I hope you can use this great guide to the best sights and things to do in Prague.
I have written quite a bit about Prague, as I love the city. You can see all Prague travel guides here.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the best things to do in Prague?
The best sights in Prague are Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall and generally the old town. In this guide, I share several of the city’s best sights.
How many days do you need in Prague?
I would recommend spending at least 3-4 days in the city to get a good feel for its culture, history and sights. You also get a lot for your money when you book a hotel in Prague, so it’s easy to get a cheap trip. If necessary, please look at my guide to where to stay in Prague, where I share hotel recommendations.
Is Prague cheap?
Yes, as a tourist, Prague is incredibly cheap to visit. Compared to many other European cities, Prague is generally a cheap destination. The prices of food, drinks and accommodation are typically lower than in Western European countries. So look forward to a cheap city break in Prague.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?