There is no shortage of things to do and see in Prague, and that’s what makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Popularly known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is home to a number of historic sites and cultural attractions that are sure to captivate you.
And that’s not to mention its fair share of beautiful parks, world-renowned museums, delectable restaurants, and nightlife options. To help you create an unforgettable experience in this magical city, I’ve put together a list of 27 of the best things to do in Prague. Let’s get started!
Things To Do In Prague
1. Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Square is the best place to start your visit in Prague. It has been the city’s main hub for centuries, and it’s still the beating heart of Prague today. The square is surrounded by beautiful Gothic buildings, the most notable of which is the Old Town Hall with its iconic Astronomical Clock.
This clock was installed in 1410, and it is the world’s oldest still-operating astronomical clock. It comprises three main parts: the astronomical dial, which shows the position of the sun and moon in the sky; the calendar dial, with its zodiac symbols; and the hourly clock face. Every hour, on the hour, the clock puts a show where the figures of the 12 Apostles appear.
The Astronomical Clock is definitely one of the most popular Prague attractions. Therefore, I suggest arriving 15-20 minutes before it strikes the hour, so you can see the full effect.
Read More: 15 Best Things to Do in Prague in Winter
2. Stroll Around Charles Bridge and Take in the Views
Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague, and it’s also one of the best places to get a panoramic view of the city. The bridge was commissioned by Charles IV in 1357, and it spans the Vltava River, connecting Old Town with Lesser Town.
The bridge is 620 meters (2,034 feet) long and 10 meters (33 feet) wide, and it’s lined with 30 statues (most of which date back to the 18th century). Among the most popular statues are those of Saint Luthgard, Saint John of Nepomuk, and the Holy Crucifix and Calvary.
Strolling along Charles Bridge is one of the best things to do in Prague, and it’s also a great way to get a feel for the city’s history and architecture. Guided tours are available, but I recommend just taking your time and enjoying the views at your own pace.
And being one of the top attractions in Prague, expect Charles Bridge to be crowded, especially during peak tourist season. So if you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.
Read More: 10 Best Parks in Prague
3. Visit Prague Castle and Explore its Grounds
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, and it’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. The castle complex was founded in the 9th century and has served as the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and Presidents of Czechoslovakia.
Nowadays, Prague Castle is one of the most important cultural institutions in the Czech Republic. Within its walls, you’ll find some of the most popular sights in Prague, including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and Golden Lane.
I recommend spending at least half a day exploring Prague Castle and its grounds. Start your visit with a stroll through the castle gardens and then head to the Old Royal Palace to see the changing of the guard. Make sure also to visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic.
4. Marvel at the Hilltop Fortress (Vysehrad)
The Hilltop Fortress of Vysehrad is one of Prague’s top attractions that should not be missed. This 10th-century castle is located on a hilltop overlooking the Vltava River and the city. This fortress was once the seat of power for the Premyslid dynasty, the first ruler of Bohemia. Today, Vysehrad is a popular park with gardens, monuments, and two stunning churches; St. Peter and Paul Basilica.
During the summer months, the Hilltop Fortress is a great place to catch a concert or open-air theatre performance. This makes for a perfect spot if you’re looking for the best things to do in Prague with kids. Plus, the views of the city from Vysehrad are incredible!
5. Tour Wenceslas Square and Soak up the History
Wenceslas Square is the main square of Prague, and it has a long and rich history. The square was first established in the 13th century and was originally called Horse Market. In the 14th century, it was renamed Wenceslas Square after Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.
Wenceslas Square has been the site of many important historical events, including the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, the proclamation of Czechoslovakian independence in 1918, and the student protests of 1989.
Today, Wenceslas Square is one of the popular things to see in Prague. It is home to many of Prague’s best hotels, restaurants, and shops. Make sure to walk down the square and soak up its history.
6. Take a Boat Ride on the Vltava River
One of the best ways to see Prague is from the water, and a boat ride on River Vltava is one of the city’s most popular things to do. Several companies offer boat cruises, and you can choose between a sightseeing cruise, dinner cruise, and even a party cruise.
I recommend opting for a sightseeing cruise so you can learn about the city’s history and see its most important landmarks from the water. The boat ride lasts about an hour, and it’s a great way to relax and take in the sights of Prague.
Read More: Best Places to Visit near Prague by Train
7. See the Lennon Wall and Other Graffiti Art in the City
The Lennon Wall is one of the most unique things to see in Prague. It’s a tribute to John Lennon, and it’s covered in graffiti art. The wall started as a small memorial after his death in 1980. But over the years, it has become a canvas for local artists and a symbol of freedom and love. The Lennon Wall is located in Mala Strana, just a short walk from Charles Bridge.
8. Visit the National Theatre to See a Play or Opera
A visit to the National Theatre is one of the best things to do in Prague for culture lovers. The neo-renaissance building was completed in 1881 and is home to the Czech National Opera and the Czech National Ballet. Catch a performance of one of the world-renowned opera or ballet companies here, or see a play by one of the Czech Republic’s best theatre groups. I recommend seeing an opera or a ballet, as the Czech Republic has a long and rich tradition in both genres.
9. Visit the Jewish Quarter and Learn About its History
The Jewish Quarter is located in Josefov, the smallest district of Prague. This was once the ghetto for Jews living in Prague and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the Jewish Quarter is one of the most famous places in Prague, and it is home to some of the city’s best-known sights, including the Old-New Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, and the Pinkas Synagogue.
Make sure to spend some time exploring the Josefov district and learning about the history of the Jewish people in Prague. I recommend taking a guided tour of one of the synagogues, which will give you a better understanding of the Jewish religion and culture.
10. Shop for Souvenirs at the Havelska Market
The Havelska Market is a covered market located in Old Town Square. It dates back to the 13th century, and it’s one of the best places in Prague to find souvenirs. You’ll find a wide variety of items for sale, including wooden toys, dolls, puppets, glassware, jewelry, and more.
The Havelska Market is also great for picking up some traditional Czech food, like kolache pastries or Slavic sausage. I also recommend trying a trdelnik, a popular Czech pastry made of rolled dough that’s grilled and then coated in sugar and cinnamon.
Read More: 11 Best Christmas Markets in Prague
11. Enjoy Nature at Jeleni Prikop, a large Park in Prague
If you need a break from all the sightseeing in Prague, head to Jeleni Prikop, a large park located just a few minutes from Old Town Square. This park is great for a relaxing stroll, a picnic, or even birdwatching. This is the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air, relax, and recharge your batteries before continuing with your sightseeing. So be sure to include a visit to Jeleni Prikop Park on your list of things to do in Prague.
12. Visit the Mucha Museum to See works by Alphonse Mucha
Alphonse Mucha was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and graphic artist. He is best known for his distinctive style, which often featured women with flowing hair and ornate dresses. The Mucha Museum is dedicated to his life and work, and it houses the largest collection of his art in the world.
If you’re interested in Art Nouveau or Czech history, then a visit to the Mucha Museum is a must. The museum is located in Prague’s Old Town, and it’s easy to combine with a visit to other nearby Prague attractions. I recommend spending at least an hour here to appreciate Mucha’s work fully.
13. Visit the Petrin Tower for Panoramic Views of Prague
The Petrin Tower is a 63-meter tall tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It was built in 1891, and it’s one of the best places in Prague to get panoramic views of the city.
There are two ways to get to the base of the Petrin Tower. You can either take a 30-minute hike up Petrin Hill or take the funicular railway. I recommend taking the funicular because it’s much faster and only a few minutes’ ride.
Once you’re at the base of the tower, you’ll have to take another 299 steps to get to the top. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Prague’s Old Town, the Vltava River, and the castle complex.
14. Get Tickets to a Performance at the State Opera House
One of the best things to do in Prague is to see a show at the State Opera House. The neo-renaissance building was completed in 1888 and is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. It was built by the Germans during their occupation of Czechoslovakia as a response to Prague’s National Theater, which they saw as a symbol of Czech nationalism.
Today, the State Opera House is one of Prague’s most important cultural institutions. It is here you can watch some of the best operas, ballets, and concerts in the city. If you’re a fan of classical music, make sure to get your tickets to a performance here.
15. Visit the Prague Zoo, one of the Best in Europe
The Prague Zoo is often ranked as one of the best zoos in all of Europe, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in animals. The zoo is located in the Troja district of Prague and covers about 60 hectares.
The Prague Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from 650 different species. Some of the highlights include the elephant house, the gorillas, and the giraffes. The zoo also has a unique children’s farm where kids can pet and feed the animals.
This is one of the most popular Prague tourist attractions if you’re visiting with kids. Plan to spend at least half a day at the zoo, and make sure to bring your camera!
16. Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral inside Prague Castle
St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic. It is located within Prague Castle, and it’s one of the most famous attractions in Prague. The cathedral was founded in the 14th century and took almost 600 years to complete. It features a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the tomb of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The cathedral is also home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, some of the most precious jewels in Europe.
Due to its size and beauty, a tour of St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most popular things to do in Prague. I recommend visiting the cathedral early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
17. Learn About Czech History at the National Museum
The National Museum is the largest in Prague, and it’s dedicated to Czech history and art. The museum was founded in 1818 and is housed in a beautiful Neo-Renaissance building. It covers everything from archaeology, zoology, paleontology, and mineralogy to art, music, and history.
The museum’s highlight for me was the archeological exhibit, which included items from the 1st century AD. I also loved the minerals and rocks section, which had some of the most beautiful specimens I’ve ever seen. If you’re interested in Czech history, the National Museum is a must-visit.
18. Go on a Pub Crawl in Prague’s many Beer Halls
If you’re a beer lover, you can’t say you’ve truly experienced Prague until you’ve been on a pub crawl. This city has some of the best beer halls in Europe, and there’s no better way to sample the local brews than by going on a pub crawl.
And since it is famous for its beer halls, a pub crawl is one of the best things to do in Prague. There are traditional Czech beer halls, such as U Fleku, which has been brewing beer since 1499, and modern microbreweries, such as Prague Beer Museum.
No matter which beer hall you choose, you’re sure to have a great time. Just make sure you pace yourself, as the beers can be quite strong.
19. Visit the Czech Museum of Cubism
The Cubist House is a building in Prague that was designed by Czech architect Josef Gocar. The house was built in 1912 and is considered to be one of the best examples of Cubism in architecture. Cubism is an art movement that originated in the early 20th century. It’s characterized by geometric shapes and often includes elements of collage.
Today, the museum is open to the public, and it’s a great place to learn more about Cubism and its influence on architecture. Exhibits include original Cubist paintings, furniture, and sculptures. The museum is small, but it’s a must-see attraction in Prague if you’re interested in art and architecture
20. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Tyn
The Church of Our Lady before Tyn is one of the most iconic buildings to visit in Prague. This Gothic church was founded in the 14th century, and it’s best known for its twin spires, which are visible from all over the city.
Although the church’s design has changed over the centuries, it still retains its original Gothic style. Highlights include the main altar, which is adorned with baroque paintings, 17th-century pipe organs, and fine tombs. I didn’t have much time to explore the inside of the church, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you have the opportunity. So be sure to include it on your list of things to see in Prague.
21. Enjoy Prague’s Nightlife
Prague is best known for its beer, and there are plenty of bars and pubs to enjoy a pint or two. But if you’re looking for things to do in Prague that are a bit more lively, there are also plenty of nightclubs to keep you entertained. If you want to experience the best of Prague’s nightlife, head to Dlouha Street. This is where you’ll find some of the best bars and clubs in the city, including Cross Club, Chapeau Rouge, and Roxy. No matter what kind of nightlife you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Prague.
22. Discover Modern Art at Kampa Island
Kampa Island is a small island located in the Vltava River, just below Charles Bridge. The island is best known for its modern art sculptures, most of which were created by Czech artist David Cerny.
The most famous of these installations is the “babies,” a series of 3 sculptures that crawl with bar codes on their faces. Other notable sculptures on Kampa Island include “Piss,” a sculpture of two men urinating into a pool of water.
Take some time to explore Kampa Island and discover all the interesting sculptures. The best time to visit is in the early morning or evening when it’s not as crowded. And being one of Prague’s best attractions, it’s definitely worth a visit!
23. Visit the Clementinum and the National Library
The Clementinum is a large complex of buildings in the Old Town of Prague. It was founded in the early 13th century as a Jesuit college. Today, the Clementinum is home to the National Library of the Czech Republic, as well as several museums and galleries.
The National Library is one of the highlights of the Clementinum. It is one of the largest libraries in Europe and houses over six million books. The library is open to the public, but you need to get a visitor pass in advance. So why not combine your visit to the Clementinum with a stop at the National Library? After all, it’s one of the best things to do in Prague. And there’s nothing more inspiring than being surrounded by books!
24. Visit the National Gallery in Prague
Another one of the best things to do in Prague is to visit the National Gallery, home to the Czech Republic’s best collection of art. The gallery houses over 20,000 works of art, spread out over different buildings in the city.
The main gallery is located in the Veletrzni Palace. This palace mostly focuses on Czech artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, but there are also works of foreign artists.
Other buildings that are part of the National Gallery include the Kinsky Palace, which focuses on Asian art; Sternberg Palace, which has an extensive collection of Renaissance paintings; and the Convent of St. Agnes, which is home to a collection of medieval art.
Take your time exploring the different buildings and galleries of the National Gallery. I recommend starting with the Veletrzni Palace, as it is the largest and most impressive of the bunch. But make sure also to visit the other buildings, as each has something unique and interesting to offer.
25. Learn About Czech History at the Museum of Communism
The Museum of Communism is one of the unique museums in Prague. It’s dedicated to Czech history from 1948-1989, a time when the country was under communist rule. During this period, many people were oppressed and living in poverty.
The museum does a great job of explaining what life was like during this time. You’ll see exhibits on topics like the secret police, propaganda, and everyday life under communism. I found the museum to be very educational, and it’s definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Prague if you’re interested in learning about Czech history.
26. Fill Your Belly With Traditional Czech Food
There are many things to do in Prague, but one of the best is simply eating and drinking your way through the city. Prague is famous for its traditional Czech cuisine, which is hearty and filling. Some of the best dishes to try include svickova na smetane (beef sirloin in cream sauce), Cesnecka (garlic soup), veprove koleno (braised pork knee), and many more.
For a truly traditional experience, head to one of Prague’s beer halls, such as U Fleku or U hrocha. These large establishments serve up hearty meals and plenty of beer. They can be touristy, but they’re still worth a visit.
27. Enjoy a Prague Segway Tour
If you want to see as much of Prague as possible in a short amount of time, then I recommend taking a Segway tour. This is a great way to see all the major sights in Prague while still having time to stop and enjoy the views.
A few different companies offer Segway tours in Prague, but I recommend using Segway Experience Prague. This company offers tours covering some of Prague’s major sights, including Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the Charles Bridge. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took us to all the best spots in the city.
In summary
With all these great things to do in Prague, you’re sure to have an amazing time in this beautiful city. This city is truly one of Europe’s hidden gems, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it. And f you can’t visit all these attractions in one trip, don’t worry. Prague is a great city to visit again and again.
Where to stay: Best Hotels in Prague