Top 8 Things to do in Prague – the Ultimate Guide
Prague is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, it really does feel fairytale-esque exploring Prague’s Old Town cobblestone streets. Prague has stunning architecture, picturesque corners everywhere you turn, tons of history, fun nightlife & more. If it’s your first time visiting I’ve compiled the top 8 things you must do on your first trip to Prague.
There’s tons more you can do if you have longer to explore of if you’ve visited before, but these are the best 8 things to do in Prague in my opinion! You can also see my full Prague Travel guide here!
Disclaimer: This article contains some links where I earn commission through booking. There is no extra cost to you, and I only recommend things I’ve used and love or places I’ve stayed and enjoyed!
8 Top Things to do in Prague
Explore Old Town Square
Old Town Square is Prague’s oldest and most famous square of Prague’s Old Town. The gothic style architecture originates from the 10th century. Some of thr highlights of the Old Town Square include the:
- astrological clock
- Old Town Hall
- Church of Our Lady before Týn
- Baroque Church of St Nicholas
- Rococo Kinský Palace
- Stone Belll Gothic House
This area is free to explore, although to learn more about what you’re seeing I highly recommend a walking tour (see below)
For the best views of Old Town Square grab a drink at Hotel U Prince Rooftop Terrace!
Take a Walking Tour
A walking tour is one of my favorite things to do in any European city with a lot of history. There are a variety of free walking tours you can do in Prague, generally the tour is free and the tour guide is working for tips only, so make sure you bring cash to tip! Most walking tours include:
- Old Town
- Charles Bridge
- Lesser Town (neighborhood across the Charles Bridge)
- Jewish Quarter
Another option is this paid walking tour that also includes a traditional lunch & a 1 hour boat cruise.
Walk the Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Prague. Construction on this medieval stone arch bridge started in 1357, and it still is actively in use today. It is lined on either side with a total of 30 statues of saints. This is a lovely place to visit at sunset to catch vies over Prague castle as the sun sets. It’s stunning
It’s free to visit the Charles Bridge.
Visit Prague Castle
The Prague Castle dominates the Lesser Town of Prague. It’s famous for being the world’s oldest and largest ancient castle complex, and it really is massive. It can be a bit confusing to visit as it’s so big and includes many of the streets and areas around the castle.
Certain parts of the castle are free to visit, while some require a ticket to enter. The courtyards and gardens surrounding the castle are free to visit + a small area of St. Vitus Cathedral. You can also visit Golden Lane for free outside of castle opening hours. Golden Lane is a colorful street where workers of the castle lived.
Tickets get you access to Old Royal Palace, Basilic of St. George, Golden Lane and St. Vitus Cathedral. I highly recommend a skip the line ticket if you’re visiting during spring, summer or fall. The lines can get insanely long.
See the Lennon Wall
An anonymous artist originally created the Lennon wall after the murder of John Lennon along with art & Beatles lyrics. It soon became people to express irritation with the communist regime in then Czechoslavakia. The wall has been repainted multiple times since its inception, usually as a form of protest.
Take a River Cruise
I love a good river cruise in European cities. The Vltava river separates the Old Town and Lesser Town neighborhoods of Prague. It offers stunning views of both sides of the city. This walking tour combines a 1 hour river cruise and lunch and is a great way to see the Old Town and Lesser Town.
See the Dancing House & Head of Kafka
Dancing House
Prague’s Dancing House is one of the most unique pieces of modern architecture in Prague. The building was designed by Frank Gehry, a world-famous architect. The building is also sometiems referred to as “Ginger and Fred” because the dancing towers mimic the famous dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair. The location of the Dancing House is significant because it was the location of an apartment building destroyed by the U.S. bombing of Prague in 1945
The most impressive part is the outside, but you can also go inside for free (it’s a hotel)
Rotating Head of Kafka
The Rotating Headof Kafka by artist David Cerny is another interesting modern thing to see in Prague. The memorial is inspired by Kafka’s short story Description of a Struggle
Infinity Book Tower
This is another cool find in Prague, the Infinity Book Tower at Municipal Library of Prague. It’s a tower comprised of 8,000 books and has mirrors at the top and bottom to creates the illusion of infinity. Admission is free.
Best Things to do in Prague Map
Where to Stay in Prague
Hotel Paris Prague
I loved this classic, old-school, Art Nouveau style hotel in Prague Old Town. Hotel Paris was upscale, clean, and felt like how I picture fancy hotels being back in the day. They had a stunning cafe, a restaurant/bar, and a spa in the basement.
Josephine Old Town Square Hotel
I stayed at this hotel on my recent trip to Prague for the Christmas Markets and it was the absolute perfect location, it’s only a 2 minute walk from Old Town Square. This hotel is located in a historic building and has a traditonal feel with antique furniture and decor. I would recommend it just on the location alone!
How Many Days to Spend in Prague
2 Days
Prague is a fairly small city, and can easily be explored in 2 days. If you have longer you can keep yourself busy, but if you’re trying to do Prague in a weekend of combine your trip with a few other citiies 2 days is enough time to see the higlights of Prague!
