Best Things to Do in Prague: A Guide For First-Time Visitors
Prague is a gorgeous and well-preserved medieval city filled with tourists all-round the year. It’s a city where fairy tale meets reality and one of the best architecturally rich cities in Europe. Prague is more affordable than some of the other European cities and still provides the perfect mix of rich history, great sightseeing, and delicious food. It is for this reason that Prague should be on your bucket list. This guide to the best things to do in Prague will show you just why so many tourists flock to this beautiful city.
A city steeped in history, Prague is known for its diverse architecture, great nightlife, hearty food, and cheap beer. Prague has something to offer everyone.
So what is Prague known for?
Named “the city of hundred spires”, Prague is known for its Old Town Square, Gothic Churches, Castle, and the medieval Astronomical Clock. This gorgeous city is filled with parks, incredible history, orange–tiled roofs, and charming bridges.
There are so many things to see and do in Prague that you could easily spend over a week exploring the medieval city. This guide provides you with the best things to do in Prague, especially on your first visit. Most of the attractions on the list are either free or as close to free as possible.
Best Things to Do in Prague
This Prague travel guide includes a list of the best places to visit in Prague.
1. Visit Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square is a landmark of the city and a good starting point for exploring the city. The center of the city is swarmed with tourists, musicians, and performers. You’ll find the square filled with restaurants around the perimeter where you can grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat. But beware, the restaurants and cafes cater to tourists and are overpriced.
Day or night, you’ll find the square always bustling. People watching is unbeatable here. Sit on a bench, grab a bite and watch as people pass through the square. The square is the perfect spot to admire some of Prague’s wonderful architecture.
Other attractions within the square are the Astronomical Clock, City Hall, and St Nicholas Church.
2. Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
The world’s oldest working astronomical clock is located in Old Town Square, by the Old Town Hall. Time your visit so that you can watch the clock strike the hour. Every hour the clock puts on a show where a skeleton rings his bell, twelve apostles walk by, a rooster crows, and then the clock chimes.
The mechanisms of the clock from over 600 years ago are still functional today despite being built in the fifteenth century and having been damaged and repaired over its lifetime.
Probably a bit overhyped but still well worth the watch if you have time on your hands. Best of all it’s a free attraction to do in Prague.
3. Stroll across Charles Bridge – One of the best things to do in Prague
Charles Bridge is one of the most famous pedestrian bridges in the world and one of the top attractions in Prague. It spans the Vltava River and connects Old Prague Centre to Mala Strana, which means “Little Side”. Charles bridge took about 50 years to build. How crazy is that! A walk across this 14th-century bridge is one of the most memorable experiences when visiting Prague. It has now become a gathering place for statues and monuments, and some of the best sculptures in the city.
You can choose to visit the bridge by day or night or both. Personally, I loved walking down the bridge at sunset just as the lights switch-on in the city and reflect over the statues on the stone bridge. The atmosphere is magical and you’ll see exactly why I refer to this city as a fairytale.
Charles Bridge is one of the most visited bridges in the world, and is busy no matter when you visit it! It’s definitely one of the unmissable things to do in Prague.
Note: Being one of the top attractions in Prague, this spot has been known to be popular for pickpockets. So, be cautious with your money and personal belongings while strolling across the bridge.
4. Jewish Quarter
The Jewish quarter, also known as the Jewish Ghetto or Josefov, is located between Old Town and the Vltava River. It is said that in the 13th century the Jews living in Prague were ordered to vacate their homes and settle in this one area. Synagogues, buildings, and tombstones crowded this small area in Prague.
These days the area looks a bit different with modern buildings thrown into the mix. You’ll find the Pink Synagogue and the old Jewish Cemetery here.
5. Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral
Perched upon a hill, this stunning castle is located in Hradcany (Castle District). It is one of the top Prague attractions and is visited by millions of tourists each year. The castle itself is breathtaking and offers incredible views of the city. It is known to be the largest ancient castle in the world and is one of Prague’s most visited landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best things to do in Prague and showcases some of the different architectural styles within the complex.
Entry to the castle grounds is free although many buildings such as the St Vitus Cathedral, Basilica of St George, and Golden Lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket. The castle grounds are a fine example of spectacular architecture. You are bound to spend all day exploring everything it has to offer.
What can you visit for free?
- Walk around the castle grounds
- Watch changing of the guards
- Prague Castle Gardens
- Enter the western part of the St. Vitus Cathedral
Situated within the grounds of Prague Castle is St Vitus Cathedral. It is a stunning gothic-style structure that has intricate stained glass windows throughout its walls, an abundance of arches, gargoyles, and massive Gothic spires that soar into the sky. But the real treasures lay inside the cathedral. Make sure you see the 14th-century mosaic of the Last Judgement, the tomb of Charles IV, the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, and the art nouveau stained glass created by Alfons Mucha.
St Vitus Cathedral is Czech Republic’s largest Christian church. If you are feeling adventurous you can climb the 287 steps to the top of the spire of the cathedral for some spectacular views of Prague.
If you want priority access to skip the huge lines you should buy Skip the Line for a guided tour. You should consider this tour (including an admission ticket).
One of the top things to do in Prague at night is to find a spot from where you can enjoy the castle illuminations. It’s simply magical and like a fairy that comes to life.
Note: If you want to catch the changing of the guard’s ceremony, be there just before midday which is when this takes place.
If you are thinking about whether or not to take a guided tour, the answer is it entirely depends on how much you really want to see and learn and the amount of time you have on your hands. Some guided tours last as long as 3 hours and if you don’t have that kind of time or are visiting Prague only for a day or couple of days, then I’d suggest skipping the tour altogether.
6. Take a walk down Malá Strana
After you are done exploring Prague Castle, head down to Mala Strana neighborhood. Here you can marvel at the century-old buildings or the historic cobblestone streets.
At its heart, you’ll find restaurants, pubs and some small shops. You can find a number of hidden gems if you have the time to wander through.
7. Walk Through Wallenstein Garden
Wallenstein Garden is made up of lush greenery, ponds, and sculptures that depict heroes from Greek mythology. The garden has become a pleasant place for relaxation for locals, and a venue for cultural events hosted by the Senate. It’s truly an oasis in the busy city.
The entrance to the Palace Garden is right next to the Malostranská metro station. If you are traveling with kids, they will love the pond with fish and peacocks roaming around the garden. It’s the perfect attraction in Prague for families.
Note: The gardens are closed between mid-October and early April.
8. Strahov Monastery
If you are looking for out-of-the-box things to do in Prague, the Strahov Monastery fits the bill. The Strahov Monastery dates back to the 12th Century. The library within the Monastery is simply spectacular. It is divided into two halls that contain thousands of rare volumes of religious and philosophical books, making it a haven for book lovers.
There is now a basilica (Basilica of Our Lady) here along with the famous library and museum. You can visit the library for a fee (a bit overpriced in my opinion)
9. Admire the John Lennon Wall
One of the more unique things to do in Prague is to visit the John Lennon Wall. This homage to the singer and songwriter is a vibrant work of art that you won’t want to miss. You’ll definitely want to grab your camera and take a shot in front of the John Lennon Wall. The wall is filled with graffiti and pieces of lyrics from the Beatles song. This Prague tourist attraction is very popular, especially with fans wishing to pay homage to the band. You are welcome to leave your own mark on the wall.
10. Enjoy a Glass of Czech Beer
The Czech Republic has the highest per capita consumption of beer in the world. It is known to produce some of the best beer in the world. The bars in the city offer famous Czech lagers such as Budvar and Staropramen alongside craft beers from the top microbreweries in the country. Most Czech beers are light beers, brewed naturally from hand-picked hops.
Did you know that beer is cheaper than water in some of the Czech restaurants?
11. Check out the Nightlife in Prague
Prague has become well known for being a party central spot. Prague Nightlife is vibrant and like no other. There are over 600 bars, nightclubs, beer gardens, jazz clubs, and lounges in Prague, so you’ll never have a dull moment in the city. Definitely some of the more fun things to do in Prague at nighttime.
12. Visit Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is located in the heart of New Town Prague. It’s a lively part of the city filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. The square is home to some of the most beautiful and significant buildings in the city.
In the center of the square, you’ll find a statue of King Wenceslas in front of the National Museum. While a major center for business and retail, the Square has been a historical site for many demonstrations, protests, and celebrations.
If you’re visiting at Christmas, there is a large Christmas Market that’s worth checking out.
13. Marvel at the Views from Letna Park
Be sure to check out the view from Letna Park. If you don’t want to climb the stairs that lead you to the park, you can take a tram to the park. Here you’ll find amazing views of the River Vltava and its bridges. With its location being just above the city on a hilltop, it’s so easy to take some beautiful photographs of Prague.
This is a beautiful spot to visit if you are looking to have a relaxing afternoon. Take a picnic basket along with you and people watch while you are there. Letna Park is a great place to enjoy a beer on a good day. Letna Park is one of the best things to do in Prague with kids.
14. Petrin Tower
Petrin Tower is named after the hill on which it stands. It is almost like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and offers panoramic views of Prague. Climb the 299 steps of the 60-meter (200-foot) Petrin Tower, modeled after France’s iconic landmark, to get a bird’s eye view of the winding streets below.
15. The Dancing House
The dancing house is a weird yet wonderful example of the famous architect Frank Gehry’s work right in the middle of the city. This is definitely one of the more unusual attractions to visit in Prague and one of the most photographed attractions in the city.
16. Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument sits high on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. Situated within the fort is the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, as well as the Vyšehrad Cemetery, containing the remains of many famous people from Czech history. It also contains Prague’s oldest Rotunda of St. Martin from the 11th century.
If you have additional time in Prague, be sure to visit Vyšehrad. Apart from there being a lot to see within the grounds itself, the views of the city from here are spectacular. This is definitely one of the less crowded attractions in Prague.
What are the unmissable things to do in Prague?
- St Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square are undoubtedly some of the best things to do in Prague
Getting Around Prague
While the main city center is very walkable, you will definitely use public transport to get between each district.
Like many other cities in Europe, Prague has excellent public transportation. Prague’s network of trams is the third-largest after Moscow and Budapest. The best way to see parts of Prague is to hop on a tram and take a ride through the city. If you want to capture some of Prague’s important landmarks, ride trams 91 or 23 which will take you past these. Definitely, something to keep in mind if you are visiting Prague for the first time.
You can buy four types of tickets: 30 minutes without transfers, 90 minutes with transfers, a 1-day ticket, or a 3 days ticket. You can choose the type of ticket to buy depending on how much you plan to walk around the city.
How long do you need in Prague
The list of the best things to do in Prague can easily be covered in 3 days. Of course, the more time you have, the more of the city you will be able to discover. Check out my guide on 3 days in Prague to find the perfect itinerary.
If you are in the city for only a day, I’d suggest you cover the top things to do in Prague by jumping on a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you past the main attractions in the city.
Where to Stay in Prague
When visiting a new place, deciding which neighborhood to stay in can be a lot of work. Prague is relatively small and an easily walkable city. Prague is full of excellent neighborhoods, whether you want to be in the heart of it all, or closer to the nightlife, I’ve got options to cover you.
So what are the best areas to stay in Prague? Here is an outline of some of the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors so you can base yourself accordingly during your visit.
· Old Town
Old Town is the most centrally located neighborhood in Prague. If you want to be centrally located and near Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, then Old Town is for you. This is where most tourists tend to stay during their first visit to Prague.
· New Town
New Town is great for those who want to be within walking distance of Old Town but yet a bit away from the crowds. It’s a great area to stay in Prague for those looking for more budget-friendly options. You’ll find the Dancing House located in this area.
· Malá Strana
Malá Strana is the neighborhood for you if you are looking to be near Prague Castle and in a bustling neighborhood. It provides a quieter environment than Old Town but is still in the heart of the city and close to all the main sights. It’s the perfect neighborhood for families visiting the city.
· Vinohrady
Vinohrady is a quieter neighborhood in Prague and provides you with more of a local life experience. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in this area. It’s only a few tram stops away from the New Town and Old Town.
· Žižkov
Žižkov is predominantly a residential neighborhood that comes to life after dark. In addition, this neighborhood provides great budget-friendly options for accommodation because it is further away from the city center. If you are looking for great nightlife, this is the neighborhood to be in. Zizkov’s most iconic landmark is certainly the TV Tower.
· Karlín
This newly transformed neighborhood provides some great restaurants, shops, and cafes.
And there you have it guys. This guide to the best things to do in Prague covers all the important landmarks for first-time visitors. It’s definitely possible to see these top attractions in 3 days. Hopefully, this guide helps you put together your very own itinerary for your visit to Prague. Safe travels and enjoy your time in this fairy tale city.
Best Time To Visit Prague
Prague is a year-round destination, but some periods are definitely more popular than others.
In Prague, you can experience four seasons:
- Spring from March to May
- Summer from June to August,
- Autumn from September to November
- Winter from December to February.
The warmest weather lasts from May to September, but this is also the time of the year when the city is filled with tourists and hence the prices for accommodation and attractions are higher than normal.
Off-peak times tend to be a good time to visit; either in Spring (March and April) or early Autumn (September or October), when temperatures are usually pleasant, but there aren’t as many tourists.
However, if you are looking for a different experience, then Winter in Prague is very picturesque. Beware the temperatures do drop below freezing point and you can encounter rain and snow. On the plus side, you’ll have access to Prague’s Christmas markets in December.
Hope this travel guide on the best things to do in Prague helps you plan a perfect trip to this charming European city. It’s one of the best cities in Europe and is not to be missed when you are in this part of the world. If you have any questions or have any suggestions to add to this list of things to do in Prague, please post them in the comments below.
Happy Travels!
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
Best Things to Do In Prague: A Guide For First-Time Visitors
- Visit Old Town Square
- Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
- Stroll across Charles Bridge
- Jewish Quarter
- Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral
- Take a walk down Malá Strana
- Walk Through Wallenstein Garden
- Strahov Monastery
- Admire the John Lennon Wall
- Enjoy a Glass of Czech Beer
- Check out the Nightlife in Prague.
- Visit Wenceslas Square
- Marvel at the Views from Letna Park
- Petrin Tower
- The Dancing House
- Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
