Prague is the historic capital of the Czech Republic that every traveler will love! From the moment you arrive, the colorful buildings and small winding streets make it feel like you’re in a medieval fairy tale. Still, when looking for what to do in Prague on your first visit it’s sure to be overwhelming. Not to worry though! Here’s a mix of fun and unique things to do in Prague so you can make the most out of your trip to this legendary city.
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Best Things to do in Prague Czech Republic
1. Old Town Square
Right in the heart of the city center, Old Town Square is the perfect spot to start your adventures in Prague. Here you can climb to the top of Old Town Hall, see the Prague Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the House at the Minute.
While standing in the center of the square, it’s easy to look around and see the historical importance. Dating back to the 10th century, it once served as an important marketplace visited by merchants from all over Europe.
2. Astronomical Clock Show
Every hour on the hour from 9am to 11pm is the famous Astronomical Clock show. As the bells ring there are small figures that appear in the clock windows and move. While it only lasts a few moments it is still one of the most fun things to do in Prague if you happen to be in the area!
Holding the title of the oldest working astronomical clock in the world, it is actually over 600 years old! In addition to the time, it also shows the months, holidays, and even movements of the sun and moon.
3. Climb The Prague Towers
One of the biggest draws to Prague is its historic towers. The most famous is the Old Town Hall Clock tower which we’ve covered above. However, don’t miss out on the Old Town Bridge Tower, Powder Tower, and the Petrin, which is modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris!
If you’re interested in climbing to the top of these towers make sure to wear sturdy shoes! Many of them have over 200 steps up the winding staircases. Yet, once you reach the top of these historic towers you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the city.
Our two favorite views were atop the towers over Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. However, there are so many others worth seeing. You can even buy a combined pass so you can experience them over multiple days.
→ 6 Must-Climb Prague Towers For an Amazing City View
4. Walk Across the Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is hands down the most famous of the many bridges in Prague Czech Republic. As the oldest stone bridge in the city, it has become an iconic symbol with millions of tourists making the walk over it annually.
The bridge is named after the Emporer Charles IV who is credited with being the most important King of Bohemia. What’s wild, is this is the same bridge that royalty used to walk over during coronation ceremonies!
Coming from Prague Old Town, you too can cross over the Charles Bridge on your way to the castle and what’s known as Lesser Town. Make sure to do it as early as possible in the day to see it without the crowds.
5. Explore the Prague Castle
The history of the Prague Castle goes back to the year 880 and is made up of a massive network of buildings. In fact, it’s actually known as the largest castle complex in the world! While visiting Prague, plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the castle. You can pre-book your official ticket online to save time or even take a guided tour!
With the castle covering such a huge area it will take a few hours to see it all. Start your visit at any of the included sections such as the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica, or Golden Lane! After that, don’t miss out on the Royal Gardens and Queen Anne’s Summer Palace which is on the opposite side of Lesser Town.
→ Prague Castle Guide: Top Tips to Know Before Your First Visit
6. Taste Traditional Czech Specialties
The food in the Czech Republic is hearty and full of strong flavors. If it’s your first trip to the country you’re in for a real treat! Many of the best meals we had were after a long day of walking and started with a large cold Pilsner beer.
So what should you order? Some of our favorite meals were the pork with sauerkraut & bread dumplings, fried cheese, beef with cream sauce, goulash, fruit dumplings, and roasted duck!
If you have limited time you may want to consider hopping on a 4 hour guided food and walking tour. Either way, it won’t be hard to find a delicious meal in Prague.
→ Best Czech Food in Prague: 11 Delicious Dishes We Tried & Loved!
7. Stop at the Saturday Farmers Market
Located between the Railway and Palacky bridges, the Náplavka Waterfront Farmers Market is a great place to grab an early lunch! There are dozens of stalls selling kielbasa, strudel, and everything in between. Of course, there are also stands with beer and wine from open to close.
We came hungry and shared a few things from the different stalls. There is also some amazing-looking produce and local goods for sale. One thing is for sure… You won’t leave the Farmers Market on an empty stomach!
8. Spend the Afternoon at a Museum
Prague is a year-round holiday destination and visiting a museum is especially great in the colder months. Trust us when we say there is a museum in Prague for everyone!
Prague is home to the National Museum showcasing the history of the country. It also has a museum of Communism, the National Gallery Prague for art, and even one dedicated to sex machines.
9. Go Shopping on Paris Street
Depending on your budget, this will either be shopping or window shopping! As you make your way from Old Town Square down the famous Paris Street, you will find some of the most luxurious designer goods in the world on display.
This beautiful tree-lined street has Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, and so much more. Yet, even if you’re not looking to spend, it’s still a fun place to stroll around in Prague Czech Republic.
10. Prague Jewish Quarter
Also known as Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter is one of the most interesting and historic parts of the city. The Jewish people of Prague have seen their fair share of horror over the last 1,000 years but amazingly managed to persevere through it all.
A symbol of their longstanding traditions is the Altneuschul. If you can believe it, this is Europe’s oldest active Synagogue! Make sure to take a walk by here and also visit the Pinkas Synagogue and Holocaust Memorial.
11. Jump in a Beer Bath
In Prague, you can take a bath in a full tub of beer at the Original Beer Spa! This unique spa session will have you soaking in a tub of warm water full of hops, yeast, and herbs.
What makes it even better is that you’ll have a beer tap next to the tub with unlimited beer. Yes, you heard that right. This is not only one of the best things to do in Prague, but easily the most unique spa experience we’ve ever had.
→ The Ultimate Spa Experience For Every Beer Lover in Prague
12. Hang Out at the Beer Gardens
Let’s stay on the topic of beer… Because I mean, we are in the beer capital of Europe after all! If you are visiting in the summer months then one of the top things to do in Prague is to go to the outdoor beer gardens.
Obviously, drinks flow freely with everyone enjoying giant mugs of local Prague Czech Republic beer. At many of the gardens, there is a food stand selling local food specialties. It’s a great place to grab a snack or dinner while you hang out with friends.
One thing to be aware of is that there is usually a small deposit for the glass. Once you’re finished with your beer you will receive your deposit back in cash. Our favorite Prague beer gardens were Riegrovy Sady which has an awesome grill as well as Letná Beer Garden for the beautiful view.
13. Take a Prague River Boat Cruise
At all times of day, you’ll see dozens of boats cruising down the Vltava River. This is a fun way to get out onto the water and take in the city from a different perspective!
There is a range of different companies that offer everything from a sightseeing Cruise to Devil’s Channel to a 3-Hour Dinner Cruise. Whatever you’re into, there is surely a boat cruise in Prague for you!
14. Experience a Medieval Dinner & Show
The Medieval Dinner Show is one of the most popular things to do in Prague! While it is touristy, the history of these restaurants is incredible. It’s actually a great activity to learn more about the city while eating some delicious traditional food.
Keep in mind these taverns have been around for centuries! Pick between a three or five-course meal as you enjoy unlimited drinks with the show.
15. Boat Bars for Sunset
We mentioned the river boat tours, but there is also another fun way to hang out on the water. Right by the Jiraskuv Bridge, there are over a dozen stationary boats and small cafes to enjoy.
16. See the Vysehrad Fortress
While the castle is a must on your trip to Prague Czech Republic, don’t miss out on the Vysehrad Fortress. It has its own beautiful story about the origins of the city!
Among the legends is one of Princess Libuse and the Women’s War. Its position on the hill above gives a great view of Prague and one of the best ways to see it is on a guided tour of the area.
17. Hit the Manifesto Market
The Manifesto Market is an amazing place to meet friends and grab dinner after exploring Prague. It’s full of different stalls selling everything from Indian to Mexican food, and many other international specialties.
This market is very hip and popular with the younger crowd in Prague. If you can’t find a seat, head to the second level where there are lots of tables overlooking the marketplace.
18. Ride the Prague Historic Tram
Only running on the weekends and national holidays, the historic tram will give you a feel of what it was like to travel around Prague in the early 1900’s!
With a weekend pass, you can ride on both tram number 41 and 42 all around the city. The tram acts like a hop-on hop-off service so you can use it to see Prague’s many sites.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your favorite things to do in Prague Czech Republic? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where to Stay in Prague
Ultra Luxury – The Grand Mark Prague – High-end accommodation inside a residential palace from the 17th century and part of the Leading Hotels of the World Collection.
Heart of Old Town – Metropolitan Old Town Hotel – Affordable rooms in the heart of Prague with a beautiful hotel terrace overlooking the city.
Unique Design – Dancing House – Stay inside one of the most famous modern buildings in Prague which has received global recognition for its unique design.
Prague Castle – Hotel Waldstein – This 14th-century building is set just below the Prague Castle. Enjoy being in Lesser Town and just a quick walk to the Charles Bridge.
Hostel Stay – Prague Dream Hostel – Popular hostel within walking distance of many of the main Prague sites.
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Czech Republic Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Italy to Prague for under $40 USD!
Rental Car: Discover Cars is perfect for traveling abroad. Rent a car and spend one week visiting smaller towns like Telc, Kutná Hora, and Český Krumlov.
Public Transportation: Using public transportation in the Czech Republic is extremely affordable and easy! To pre-book buses use Omio to compare the best routes all over the country.
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Prague. You can book everything from skip the line Prague Castle tickets to the famous Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks, and even take a 3 Hour River Dinner Cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
