12 Best Things To Do in Prague
Are you ready for a real trip back in time? The capital of beauty awaits you and here are the tips and must-see places you can't miss during your visit to Prague.
The roofs of Prague | ©Dimitry Goykolov
Prague is one of the most spectacular cities in Europe, and in my opinion its beauty is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Its aesthetics will transport you back to medieval times, its impressive buildings will leave you open-mouthed and its gastronomy will make your mouth water with flavours from the Old Continent. Here are 10 things to see and do on your trip to Prague.
1. Stroll around the Old Town Square, home of the astronomical clock
Prague's central square is an architectural gem, and it's so well preserved that it's even surprising to learn that it survived World War II with only minor damage.
You'll always find it packed with tourists, especially during the peak tourist season and Prague's Christmas season, and although its astronomical clock is a slightly overrated tourist attraction, be sure to take a stroll in and around this wonderful square.
2. Enter Prague Castle, a monument to the passage of time
Prague Castle is definitely worth buying tickets for. This is one of the largest castles in the world, and certainly the city's main point of interest. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the Vltava River, the castle encloses behind its walls an impressive collection of buildings that have been built over time. My recommendation is to visit Prague Castle with a guided tour, because the experience is never the same as when someone gives you all the historical details of the monument. If you go to Prague with children, you can be sure they will love it.
Its twin-towered church, St. Vitus Cathedral, is a marvel; the Golden Alley is a charming little street; and the Royal Palace is a time machine of a building. There is a lot to see around Prague Castle. The park surrounding the castle is a beautiful landscape and one of the best places to take a stroll on a sunny day in Prague. Oh, and the sunset from the top of the castle is amazing. Also near Prague Castle there are some interesting places to eat after your visit.
As for your visit, here are the opening hours of the castle complex and the ticket prices for Prague Castle. Finally, here is all the information on how to get to Prague Castle.
3. Marvel at the views of the Vltava River from Letná Park
Petrin Hill is one of the most beautiful parks in Prague, without a doubt. Petřín Hill is the highest hill in Prague, from there you will have one of the best views of Prague, but climbing it can be quite a hike so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If you don't feel like walking, you can take the funicular by purchasing a general public transport ticket.
4. Visit the spa town of Karlovy Vary
Unique architecture, thermal spas and a very peaceful atmosphere. If these three things sound good to you, you'll love visiting Karlovy Vary. About two hours' drive from Prague, the best way to get to Karlovy Vary is to book an excursion to Karlovy Vary from Prague. This is one of the most popular excursions from the Czech capital and its main attractions are its healing hot springs and the clean air you can breathe as you stroll through its charming streets. Take note of everything you have to see if you go to Karlovy Vary and enjoy your visit.
5. Cross the Charles Bridge, a Gothic wonderland
Whether it's the view of the Vltava River, the breathtaking skyline from the bridge, or the beautiful walk across the Charles Bridge, it's a must-see experience for any first-time visitor to Prague.
In fact, you're bound to cross the gigantic bridge more than once during your visit to the Czech city, as it connects the Old Town with Malá Strana and is one of the central points from which to reach Prague's main sights.
6. Kutná Hora, home of the Sedlec Ossuary
One of the most popular excursions from Prague is a visit to the famous Sedlec Ossuary in the town of Kutná Hora. It is a chapel decorated from top to bottom with human bones, a Gothic marvel and an attraction for people who love curiosities.
Kutná Hora is located 80 km from the capital of the Czech Republic and I recommend that you do not miss its historic centre during your visit, as it has been declared a World Heritage Site for its architectural interest.
7. Take a cruise on the Vltava, an alternative tour of the city
To see the city from a different point of view, I recommend a cruise on the Vltava River. You have several options, from a sightseeing cruise that takes you along the river and the city's canals with an aperitif, to a romantic evening cruise with gourmet dinner on the Vltava River which is one of the many things to do in Prague at night.
8. The Jewish Quarter, one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe
Prague's Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions, and one of the Prague tours I recommend you do without forgetting to visit Prague's Jewish cemetery.
It is located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, and its architecture is equal parts beautiful and historically interesting. In the 13th century, the Jewish communities were expelled from the city and forced to live in this quarter, and over the centuries it became home to more and more Jewish people. It was not until the 18th century that Emperor Josef II opened the ghetto and allowed Jews to reside in any neighbourhood in Prague.
9. Terezín concentration camp, a stain on history
A trip to the Terezín concentration camp from Prague will allow you to get to Tezerín from Prague without worrying about transport or timetables, but the best thing is that many excursions include a tour of the Tezerín concentration camp in English. On this visit you can tour the interiors of this 18th-century fortress, which was converted into prisons and barracks for the Jewish population of Germany. You will be able to visit the museum that exists today, the crematorium, and the cemetery and see first-hand the living conditions of the Jewish people there.
10. Visit Konopiste Castle, a medieval Bohemian fortress
Konopiste Castle is a popular excursion for visitors to Prague for its historical interest, as its last owner was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose famous assassination was the trigger for World War I. Today, Konopiste Castle is a protected monument of Prague.
Today, Konopiste Castle is a protected monument of the Czech Republic whose galleries house impressive collections of weaponry, tapestries and works of art.
The best thing is that the castle is just over 40 minutes' drive from Prague, and on the way you can admire the beautiful views of the Bohemian region. Once at Konopiste Castle, you can tour the fortress inside and out and admire the beautiful gardens.
11. Take a trip to the nearby towns
You've probably already heard of the Prague-Vienna-Budapest circuit. These three European cities are so close that visiting them all in one trip is a popular choice. Prague is an ideal place to start this tour, but if you don't want to do it all in one trip, don't worry; you can get to Budapest from Prague without passing through Vienna, and you can also go to Vienna from Prague without including Budapest in your route.
Of course, these are not the only excursions you can do from Prague. Another popular one is a visit to Dresden from Prague, and if you explore excursions around Prague you'll find even more options.
12. Taste Czech gastronomy
It should be a crime to leave a city without trying its most typical dishes. If you've been wondering what to eat in Prague, Czech cuisine not only has a lot to offer, but it's also very affordable. Get a list of the best places to eat in Prague and don't forget (of course) the beer. Some of Prague' s best breweries are also among the best in Europe.
Extra information for planning your trip to Prague
Last but not least, here are some tips for planning your trip to Prague. The most important, in my opinion, is to choose the right time of the year to visit the Czech capital because in Prague in winter the cold weather can be an impediment that prevents you from enjoying your trip to the fullest. In any case, both in the winter and in the summer you will have things to discover in Prague.
Prague in the most visited months of the year
Prague's beauty means that you will find tourists in the city all year round. Also, being a large city, most months of the year you have plenty of activities to choose from besides the typical sightseeing tours. Here are articles on the best months to travel to Prague that will tell you what you can do in each month:
- 10 things to see in Prague in January
- 10 things to see in Prague in February
- 10 things to see in Prague in March
- 10 things to see in Prague in May
- 10 things to see in Prague in August
- 10 things to see in Prague in September
- 10 things to see in Prague in October
- 10 things to see in Prague in November
- 10 things to see in Prague in December
How long to stay in Prague
Time is precious when you are on a trip and you should make the most of it. In my opinion, the minimum number of days you need to see Prague is 3, but if you are going to stay less days you can save time by planning your itinerary in detail and organising your transfers from the airport to the centre of Prague in an optimal way. In any case, here are some itineraries by days: