30 Essential Things to Do in Prague for Any Traveler

Prague is easily one of our favorite cities in Europe!

It’s a beautiful place full of history, cobbled streets, art, great food, and of course, beer. I always find myself coming back to Prague, and unlike many other cities, the city keeps on giving and I find more and more things to do and see each time.

There’s never a bad time to visit Prague; whatever the season, you’ll find ways to entertain yourself and you’ll get to see a different and equally intriguing side to the city.

Whatever time you visit Prague, there are countless things you can do which are suitable for everyone. So, whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff, or intrepid explorer, here are our favorite things to do in Prague.

Visit Prague Castle

The iconic image of Prague is often of its towering castle, standing proudly above the Vltava River. So naturally, visiting it should be at the top of your list of things to do in Prague.

The largest ancient castle in the world, you could easily spend a few hours in Prague Castle wandering around the grounds (which is free) and climbing to the top of the tower to see the best views of Prague. (Well, it’s the best view in my opinion anyway!)

The views on the walk up to the castle are amazing as well, so a visit here is definitely worth your time, no matter how long you are staying in the city.

Insider’s Tip: Prague Castle is a large complex, and there’s a lot to see and do. A small group guided tour is an excellent way to see the highlights, learn about the castle’s history, and skip the long lines. Check out the Prague Castle tour for more details.

Get lost in Prague’s Old Town

A stunning, beautiful, and simply magical place, you have to wander through the Old Town in Prague. It is definitely in the top 3 of things to do in Prague!

With maze-like cobbled streets, old historical sights, quaint shops, local pubs, and family-run restaurants, this place holds a special place in my heart (and I’m sure of many others!).

Try a Trdelnik in the Old Town

When in the Old Town, do not leave without trying a delicious Trdelnik.

An amazing warm pastry that’s lightly sprinkled with cinnamon, you can choose to have it served with or without ice cream (who would have it without?!). Available in many stalls around the Old Town, try the ones by the astronomical clock and enjoy it while you take in the atmosphere. You won’t regret it.

Take a river cruise

If you’re looking to see a different side of Prague, seek shade from the sun, or you just love boats, then taking a river cruise on the waterways around the old city is a must. The Vltava River and other waterways are often called the “Prague Venice”, so why not see for yourself if that’s true?

I did this activity recently because it was thrown in as an extra with my bus tour, but it was actually really pleasant!

Top tip: Want to do a river cruise but don’t have a lot of time? Slot in this 45-minute sightseeing cruise into your itinerary! Take in Prague’s sights from a different perspective, and cruise down the Vltava River to the Devil’s Channel. It’s a great way to take a break from all the walking you’ll be doing.

Get a bird’s eye view of Prague from Petřín Lookout Tower

The Petřín Lookout Tower is a 63.5m tall steel framework tower built completely for the purpose of observation. At the top of a steep hill and up 299 steps, you can take in stunning sweeping views of Prague for miles around.

Some people say this is where you can get the best view of Prague, but I tend to disagree. While it is completely worth doing, even just for the hike up the hill or taking the funicular alone, I love the view from the tower in Prague Castle too much to jump on board with this sentiment.

That said, the surrounding park is absolutely stunning and it’s worth it to take a walk around. Definitely come here for that if nothing else! And if you’re still feeling energized enough to take on the tower, go for it (or just take the lift up instead).

Take a leisurely stroll across Charles Bridge

One of the most iconic bridges in the world, Charles Bridge connects Prague Castle and Old Town Prague — and it does so gloriously.

Regardless of the season, the bridge is always full of life, packed with crowds, artists, street vendors, musicians, and tourists alike. Take in the vibrant atmosphere, check out the stunning views of the river and the castle, and just revel in the feeling of being in Prague.

Lined with 30 sizeable statues mounted on both sides of the bridge, don’t forget to make a wish when you rub the bronze plaque for luck!

Spend an evening at the legendary U Buldoka pub and music bar

A stylish pub with a unique atmosphere, U Buldoka is worth a visit, even just for a drink.

Here you’ll find a unique atmosphere where both locals and tourists mix effortlessly. The walls are covered with postcards from around the world as well as “souvenirs” from Czech football players and athletes. Pop in for a drink, and taste a slice of Prague life!

Eat at Villa Richter, and take in some of the best views of Prague

While it’s worth coming here for the amazing views of this classic red-roofed city, there are also a few other reasons why Villa Richter should be your top choice when it comes to food.

Prague has become seriously touristy in the past decade or two, especially in the summer, so the food and service in the main tourist areas such as the Old Town reflects this.

Villa Richter, on the other hand, is a hidden gem. The locals love to come here for the reasonable prices and great customer service — and of course, the superior food and views. Go where the locals go, we always say!

Observe the world’s oldest astronomical clock

Prague is home to the world’s oldest operating astronomical clock, so naturally, you have to see this when you are visiting the city.

If you’re like me, you may even stumble across it accidentally when you arrive at 6am in the morning! If you do, it makes for a really unique watch as there is nobody else around.

Every hour, the clock chimes and 12 apostles pass through the window above the astronomical dial which is a pretty cool thing to see.

Many people say that it is an anti-climax to see this major site in Prague, but if you watch how the locals get into it, and you come to see it both at peak time in the day as well as by yourself, you’ll appreciate how amazing it actually is.

Hop on and off the sightseeing bus

Every major city has those big, red double-decker buses that offer hop-on-hop-off sightseeing. The last time I was in Prague, even though I have seen everything multiple times, I did it to be a proper tourist for a day!

Long story short, it is actually very good and completely worth the money. Not only do you get to sit down for an hour at a time (an hour per route and there are 3 routes!) and escape the sun, but you also learn so much about the history of the city.

It’s an excellent way to see the highlights of Prague, and you can return to any spot that catches your fancy!

Admire art and sip coffee at Café Jedna

If you feel particularly cultured one day in Prague or you just want to go somewhere cool, take a break at Café Jedna.

Located inside the Trade Fair Palace, this swanky spot is actually an art gallery where you can sit around and eat cake or ice cream too! The cafe serves a wide range of food and coffee, tea, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, so you can actually spend a while in here if you have the time to lounge around.

Stay a night at a fancy hotel like Cosmopolitan Hotel

Looking for a sweet stay in Prague? Go all-out luxury with a stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers style, exceptional service and premier comfort — and all just a stone’s throw away from all the main sights.

Feast your eyes on the 2nd ugliest building in the world

Yep, you heard me right, I said ugliest. Prague is home to this beast called the Zizkov TV Tower which was erected by the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, early ’90s.

A complete contrast to what the rest of the city looks like, it is quite interesting to see the transmitter tower, whether for the views from the decks or even just to contemplate what exactly the Soviets thought the future would look like.

Admire St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague boasts some of the most photogenic churches in all of Europe, and St. Vitus Cathedral is no exception.

Situated inside the walls of the Prague Castle, you will find this beauty that draws tourists from all over the world. While the exterior is stunning, head inside the cathedral to see the true treasures it holds.

Whether you are religious or not, or even if you aren’t particularly bothered with churches or architecture, you won’t be able to help but be in awe of it. Don’t leave Prague without seeing this!

Ride a beer bike

Oh yes, this is a thing and Prague offers it to anyone over the age of 18.

Get on and pedal and spend the next hour or two drinking draft beer, seeing the sights and enjoying the music while you ride. Need we say more?

Take a break at the local favorite, Cacao Café

A local favorite, Cacao Café is the place to go for a decent breakfast or dessert. Weird combination I know, but these are my two favorite things in the whole world!

If you’re partial to sweet things, smoothies and superfoods, this place is for you.

Explore the Lesser Town

Lesser Town is the section across the river, the side where you’ll find Prague Castle and the surrounding hills.

If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a trip to this side of town. Although not as touristy the further from the bridge you go, Lesser Town has numerous local eateries, great pubs and bars, and nature that you can spend some time in.

This is a great area to take in the more local side of Prague.

Stay at the U Zlaté Podkovy

U Zlaté Podkovy at the Golden Horseshoe is a great affordable accommodation option while in Prague. This renovated historical manor offers comfortable contemporary-style accommodation. And it scores major points for location!

Just a short walk from Prague Castle, Petřín Lookout Tower, the Charles Bridge, and countless bars and restaurants, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in Prague now when I go back. Situated the less touristy side of the river, you can enjoy a lovely self-catering apartment all to yourself.

Take a selfie by the John Lennon Wall

You’ll know when you’ve found the John Lennon Wall. You can’t miss the kaleidoscope of color and graffiti art!

Filled with lyrics from Beatles’ songs and images created as a tribute to the man himself, this is an interesting sight to see in Prague as it is continuously changing.

Walk around Wenceslas Square

Heard of Good King Wenceslas? One of the main squares and the center of the business and cultural communities in New Town Prague, Wenceslas Square is a must-visit.

This lively square has more shops, bars and restaurants than you can count!

Visit the square and drink in the vibes. Admire the statue of King Wenceslas, see the National Museum, and discover the city’s best beer pubs around the area.

Pay respects at the Old Jewish Cemetery

In the center of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, you’ll find a huge mass grave.

Historically, Jewish people were confined to a very small part of town and had an even smaller part sectioned off as their cemetery. Due to the sizable Jewish population, over time, the headstones had to be moved up so that more people could be buried on top of others.

It’s quite an astonishing thing to see and the adjoining museum is worth a visit, so head over to the Old Jewish Cemetery if you have time on your travels.

Spend some time at the National Museum (or 1 of the 280 museums)

The biggest and most significant museum in Prague is the National Museum, where you will find many science and collection fields as well as millions of items that are testimonies to the development of nature and history.

You’ll find this interesting treasure at the top of Wenceslas Square. But if you don’t fancy it, there are plenty of other museums to choose from!

Try Becherovka, the local favorite alcohol

The Czech Republic is known for its liquors (Becherovka). Seriously, they’ll distill anything!

While you’re here, if you see it on the menu, give Becherovka a try. This potent mix is distilled and blended with herbs and spices, and it’s a local fave. Be brave and down it, or sip it and feel the burn for longer.

Learn why Prague consumes so much beer on a beer tour

There are many, many beer tours in Prague, so depending on your preference, choose a tour that will tick all of your boxes.

The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the whole world, and you will find out very quickly that the beer here is cheaper than water. Find out why this is, or at least just drink lots of it!

Eat a traditional Bohemian dinner

Whether in a local restaurant, with a food tour or with a local Czech family, make sure to enjoy a traditional Bohemian dinner.

Typical Bohemian dishes usually consist of meat and dumplings. And I’m not kidding, they are indescribable. Pair this with a Czech beer, and you’ll be completely replete.

Don’t miss out on this, especially if you’re a foodie!

Do your own “art crawl”

Scattered all around the city are large pieces of art, so why not go and find some?

A lot of sculptures give you an insight into Prague’s cheeky and rebellious spirit, with some pieces making jokes at social norms and political issues. You could research a few pieces and go find them, or you could just wander around and see if you come across a few.

Either way, this activity will take you all over the city, and give you an insight into the pulse of its locals.

Enjoy a food tour in Prague

Prague is rife with food tours, beer tours, walking tours, and cooking classes, so definitely take the opportunity to get involved with something.

Food tours and walking tours, in particular, are very good in Prague! The locals are really friendly and are always looking to give you the best experience; I found that they are so keen to give you an insight into the Czech culture.

Experience Prague nightlife

Prague’s nightlife is famous for good reason.With the streets full of students and tourists and herds of stag and hen parties, it’s no surprise that Prague offers some pretty great clubs and bars that are open all night.

If you’re staying in a hostel, you will see that they offer many nightclub tours or bar crawls every night. And even if you’re not staying in a hostel, you can always join in.

Another great way to party in Prague is to join a pub crawl.

Discover the sights at night

Prague at night is nothing short of impressive. I love to come back and see the main sights in the dark, especially when they are as well-lit as they are in Prague, as they look so majestic.

If you like to wander around in the late evening, go and see Prague Castle, even if it’s just from the other side of the river. It is a magical sight to see and you can get some great snaps.

Set off from Prague on an adventure

Although the city itself doesn’t offer anything remotely adrenaline-filled, it is a great base to use to set off on daily adventures.

Just outside of Prague, there’s an amazing place called Bohemian Paradise where you can hike and trek, climb, camp, cycle, and swim. Other trips can take you off-roading in a 4×4, to volcanoes, even to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Travel Tip: A guided tour is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of a place. Check out these Prague tours, ranging from walking tours to sightseeing cruises and more!

With so much to do (there’s even more than on this list!), it’s no wonder why travelers feel the need to keep returning to Prague to get their fix.

Whether you’ve been to Prague before or not, check out a few of these things on our list of favorites and let us know how it goes!

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out a few of our other articles

• Europe in Winter: The Best Destinations to Visit
• Where to Stay in Prague That Will Fit Any Travel Budget
• 15 Travel Tips for Europe That You Need to Know

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