10 Things to Do in Prague

Castles, cliffs, and barrels overflowing with beer await you in this fairytale European city.

Prague offers a plethora of options for unforgettable experiences. It is one of Europe's most impressive and romantic cities, with its dazzling streets, imposing bell towers, and charming bridges. Its rich architecture, featuring Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical buildings, stitches together its cultural wealth. Here, the city of Franz Kafka and the mythical Golem, of the Habsburgs, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and old Bohemia, proudly narrates its traditions.

However, Prague does not only live in the past. Fresh ideas and a developing food and wine scene coexist with its history. Where the past meets the future, you will discover superb hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Prague and the Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

You can discover the well-known sights, such as the Astronomical Clock, Wenceslas Square, and Charles Bridge, but here you will also find other suggestions for those seeking original experiences in Prague.

Discover the Infant Jesus of Prague

The Infant Jesus of Prague, also known as the Child of Prague, is located in the heart of Malá Strana and is a Roman Catholic statue of Jesus Christ as an infant. Daily, hundreds of faithful visitors come to this sacred place to pray and worship, hoping their wishes will be granted. The statue is housed within an elaborate gilded shrine, and while its origin remains unknown, it dates back to the 16th century.

Explore the Old Town Square

Despite Prague's rich history of invasions, the Old Town Square has remained relatively untouched since the 10th century. Crowds of tourists flock to the historic streets, filling the outdoor restaurants daily. The square is an ideal place to admire the city's magnificent architecture. If that's not enough for you, then the various street performers, musicians, and merchants are sure to entertain you.

Enjoy the Astronomical Clock chiming

While in Old Town Square, visit the Old Town Hall to witness the impressive display of the mechanical clock chiming the hour. The clock is located on the south side of the town hall and is considered Prague's jewel. Built in the 15th century, and despite the damage and repairs it has undergone throughout its life, it is widely considered the best-preserved medieval mechanical clock in the world. Its hourly performance never ceases to impress spectators.

Walk across Charles Bridge

Whoever said that “the best things in life are free” could easily have been referring to Charles Bridge in Prague. A simple stroll across this 14th-century bridge is one of the most pleasant and memorable experiences of your visit. The bridge was built in 1357 by Charles IV to replace an older one that had been swept away by floods. Although completed in 1390, with its impressive statues added in the 17th century, the bridge was not named after Charles until the 19th century.

Visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle, located in Hradčany (the Castle District), is undoubtedly the city's most popular tourist attraction, and it's easy to see why. The breathtaking castle was traditionally the seat of Czech rulers and is now the official residence of the president. Entry to the castle grounds is free, although many buildings, such as St Vitus Cathedral, St George's Basilica, and Golden Lane, can be visited with a combined admission ticket. To get priority entry and avoid long queues, purchase the special ticket. St Vitus Cathedral is visible from all over Prague, and while it appears ancient, it was actually completed in 1929. Many treasures await visitors, such as the tomb of St John of Nepomuk, the magnificent Chapel of St Wenceslas, and the superb Art Nouveau stained-glass windows. Within the castle grounds is also the mysterious Golden Lane, named because, according to legends, alchemists sought a reaction here that would turn ordinary materials into gold. Despite the street's name, it is disputed whether alchemists ever worked or lived here. The Czech-Jewish writer Franz Kafka used a house on the street for about two years, as he enjoyed the quiet environment it provided for his writing.

Find a two-meter Sigmund Freud

Walk through the imposing urban complex of Staré Město in Prague's Old Town and cast your gaze upwards. You’ll be surprised to spot a two-meter sculpture of the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, hanging from a metal beam above the cobblestone streets. This unusual artwork has become so popular that it has been exhibited in cities around the world, including Chicago, London, and Berlin. Often interpreted as an attempted suicide, the sculpture has also prompted several calls to emergency services since its creation.

Watch a puppet theatre show

It won't take long to realise the locals' passion for puppets. The city is home to over 20 specialised puppet shops, 30 puppeteers, and even a puppet museum. The Czech love for puppets likely dates back to the 12th century when figures were used for entertainment at royal events and ceremonies. The best places to watch a puppet show in Prague are the National Marionette Theatre and the Spejbl & Hurvínek Theatre, both offering popular performances.

Take a Vltava River cruise

Seeing Prague from the Vltava River is a unique experience that offers a different perspective on its many historic buildings and monuments. City cruises are competitively priced and often include lunch or dinner, depending on the time of day. Opting for a cruise of two hours or more will allow you to enjoy the tranquillity of the Vltava River's quiet banks and escape the hustle and bustle of Prague's city centre.

Try a world-famous beer (or two)

Czechs claim they have the best beer in the world, and Prague is the perfect place to put that to the test. The city's wide selection of bars offers famous Czech beers like Budvar and Staropramen, along with craft beers from the country's top microbreweries. Most Czech beers are light, fresh, and have a tall head. Beer enthusiasts should visit the Prague Beer Museum, which offers more than 31 beers on tap.

Climb the 299 steps to Petřín Hill

Petřín is a hill on the left bank of the Vltava River, offering splendid views of the city and being one of Prague's greenest spaces. It's a pleasant walk to the top of the hill, and there are plenty of benches to rest on while admiring the views during the ascent. Alternatively, you can take the funicular from the Lesser Town to the top of Petřín Hill. At the summit, you'll find a miniature Eiffel Tower, landscaped gardens, and the unusual Church of St Michael, a wooden building transported from Ukraine. 

From visiting Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral to exploring the mysterious alleys of Malá Strana and cruising the Vltava River, every moment in this city is filled with magic and history.

We hope we've helped you clarify what truly deserves your attention in this wonderful European capital.