Whether you love architecture, culture, history, or simply walks with stunning views, Prague will always charm you with something special. We've got 10 top tips for things to do in Prague – plus three special ones as a bonus. You're sure to find something you’ll love here!
Share:This is a timeless classic that never disappoints: a journey from the former Royal Palace through Old Town Square and Charles Bridge to Prague Castle. You can take this walk a hundred times, and you'll always discover something new along this path, once traversed by the coronation processions of Czech kings. Though it measures only about three kilometers, you can explore various detours along the way and enjoy other hidden corners of Prague.
One of Prague’s incredible features is that it isn’t flat; even near its center, there are many elevated spots and hills worth visiting. Which ones should you not miss? Certainly Petřín Hill with its observation tower, Prague Castle with its spectacular views, and we highly recommend a visit to Vyšehrad, a stroll through Letná Park, or a trip to Vítkov Hill with the statue of Jan Žižka and the National Memorial. On clear days, breathtaking views are guaranteed from Prague’s highest point, the modern Žižkov TV Tower. For lesser-known views of the city, head to Děvín above Žvahov or Kavčí hory.
Prague is undoubtedly a green city, full of parks and forested areas both large and small. Close to the center, you can explore the green belt under Petřín Hill, Letná Gardens, Vítkov Hill, or Riegrovy Sady. Folimanka Park, Vyšehrad, and Stromovka are also great choices. For longer walks or hikes, head to Prokopské Valley or Divoká Šárka.
In our experience, there are two types of people: those who dislike cemeteries and those who find them fascinating. The latter enjoy the peace and the chance to reflect on the impermanence of life and their own priorities. Prague offers plenty of opportunities for such contemplation. The most famous cemetery is perhaps Vyšehrad’s Slavín, the final resting place of many notable figures, including writer Karel Čapek, composer Bedřich Smetana, Nobel laureate Jaroslav Heyrovský, painter Alfons Mucha, and the first post-revolution president Václav Havel. Or perhaps it’s the Old Jewish Cemetery near Old Town Square that holds this title – it’s hard to say. If you’re a cemetery enthusiast, don’t miss the sprawling Olšany Cemetery either.
Prague offers a wealth of culinary experiences. Among the most famous restaurants is the U Fleků brewery and restaurant, boasting over 500 years of beer brewing tradition. For an otherworldly experience, visit Oblaca Restaurant high up in the Žižkov TV Tower. Prefer dining by the water? Try one of the floating restaurants, like Marina Ristorante near Mánes Bridge. For a restaurant made famous by a celebrity chef, Café Imperial by TV chef Zdeněk Pohlreich is a great option. Truth be told, Prague is full of excellent restaurants with reasonable prices, offering gems of both Czech and international cuisine.
If you’re coming to Prague for nightlife, you’ll appreciate the city’s variety of bars. Some of the best-known ones include Duplex Club on Wenceslas Square and Hard Rock Café near Old Town Square. For the highest concentration of bars, head to Dlouhá Street, which starts near Old Town Square. If we were to highlight one venue, it would undoubtedly be Moon Club, featuring a stunning glass ceiling and great ambiance. The bar scene in Prague truly has something for everyone.
The most famous museum in Prague is undoubtedly the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square. Reopened in 2018 after extensive renovations, it boasts stunning decor, a 22.5-meter-long blue whale skeleton, and diverse collections covering various periods in Czech history. Tech enthusiasts should visit the National Technical Museum at Letná, while others might enjoy the National Memorial at Vítkov, the Bedřich Smetana Museum near Charles Bridge, or the Public Transport Museum in Střešovice.
Art lovers will undoubtedly want to visit Prague’s galleries. The most famous is the National Gallery, housed in the Trade Fair Palace, which features art from the late 18th century to the present, including works by Pablo Picasso and Josef Mánes. Other notable galleries include the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art and the Kampa Museum, offering a unique collection of modern art. Don’t miss the Picture Gallery at Prague Castle, which houses treasures from Emperor Rudolf II’s collection.
Whether visiting with kids or alone, animal and plant lovers will enjoy the Prague Zoo and Botanical Garden, located near Troja Castle. The zoo spans 58 hectares with 10 kilometers of trails and features exotic animals in near-natural habitats, including a gorilla pavilion, African House, penguin pavilion, and Elephant Valley. The Botanical Garden’s outdoor exhibits showcase nearly 20,000 plant species, with the tropical Fata Morgana greenhouse being a true highlight.
Recommending shopping destinations in any city can be tricky without knowing exactly what you’re after. In Prague, the most famous shopping areas are Pařížská Street, Na Příkopě Street, the Palladium shopping mall, and Wenceslas Square. While Pařížská Street is known for luxury goods, the other locations offer a mix of quality shops. Other notable shopping centers include those at Anděl and Chodov. For souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of options along tourist routes in the city center, ranging from Czech glassware to Russian nesting dolls and more.
They say seeing a city from the water offers a whole new perspective, and in Prague, this is definitely true. Fortunately, you can choose from a variety of Vltava river cruises – from short, one-hour trips in the city center to longer cruises to the Slapy Dam. Options include cruises with or without refreshments, festive rides for special occasions, and evening cruises. Most of them depart from the embankment in the city center.
If you love railways or just unusual experiences, take a ride on the Prague Motor Train (usually running on weekends). Start from Prague’s Main Station, where you shouldn’t miss the original Art Nouveau building from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. From there, you’ll pass through the over 1-kilometer-long Vinohrady Tunnel and cross one of Prague’s landmarks, the steel bridge over the Vltava from 1901. Then, head toward two massive viaducts above Prokop Valley, which earned the route its nickname, Prague’s Semmering, after the famous Austrian alpine railway.
After Prague Castle, Karlštejn is perhaps the most famous Czech castle, and its distinctive silhouette is instantly recognizable to most Czechs. Founded in 1348 as a private residence for Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV, the castle has witnessed significant events in Czech history. In the early 15th century, it even housed the Czech coronation jewels. You can visit with guided tours or easily reach it by train – a 40-minute ride from either the Main Station or Smíchov Station.
MyPrague.eu, December 2024
