16 Best Things to Do in Prague

Known in Medieval times as the Kingdom of Bohemia, modern-day Czechia is a hugely popular tourist destination in the heart of Europe.

Prague, Czechia’s historic capital, is a treasure trove of diverse architecture, rich culture, and a thriving food and drink scene. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Praha or you’re returning to see more of this stunning city, here is our travel guide to the 16 best things to do in Prague.

1. Fill up on Goulash

Beef goulash is one of the most popular dishes in Prague, and no visit is complete without sampling a steaming hot bowl. Consisting of tender beef in a rich gravy and most often served with bread dumplings, this is a very filling dish and a real winter warmer.

Of course, vegetarians should skip this —if that’s you, sample the bramboračka instead. This rich potato soup is served inside bread and is guaranteed to leave you feeling full and happy.

A great way to sample some of Czechia’s most famous dishes is to take a food tour, but if you’d prefer to go it alone, these are our favorite spots to fill up on goulash:

• Restaurant Mlejnice – Traditional spot with fantastic beers and goulash served in bread. Book in advance.
• U Krále Jiřího – one of the cheapest spots in Prague. Fill up on goulash and pasta for around 5 euros.
• U Fleku – a popular spot in a picturesque setting. Often full of hungry tourists, stick around for the live music.

2. Stroll Across the Charles Bridge

Straddling the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge is one of the most famous sights in Prague. The bridge is steeped in history — at one time, it was the only way to move between Prague’s Old Town and Prague Castle, and countless poems and novels mentioned it. Nowadays, it’s a great spot to snap a romantic selfie — go early or late to avoid the crowds.

3. Snap a Photo of the Dancing House

The Dancing House is the nickname given to the quirky Nationale-Nederlanden building. Also known as Ginger and Fred, this interesting example of architecture was created by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and makes a great photo spot.

4. Go on a Guided Tour of Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is where many of the city’s most important historical moments have unfolded, and tourists now flock here to soak up the atmosphere of the square while shopping and cafe hopping. The best way to learn about this fascinating part of Prague is by taking a walking tour. Many tour providers aoperatein the city tandspend a few hours telling tales about Prague’s fascinating past and pointing out must-see spots in and around the square.

Tour highlights typically include:

• Horse Gate – the Medieval gateway to the square when it was a horse market. It’s now demolished, but you can visit where it once stood.
• Trdelnik – traditional sweet pastries. Your guide will take you to the best place in Wenceslas Square to pick some up.
• Wenceslas Monument – a bronze statue dedicated to Saint Wenceslas. Makes a great spot for people watching.

5. Walk Among Czech Emperors at Prague Castle

The Prague Castle Complex dates back to the 9th century and has served as the seat for emperors, kings, and presidents. St. Vitus Cathedral is the main attraction, but visitors should also check out the tiny houses on Golden Lane and Alphonse Mucha’s spectacular stained-glass windows.

6. Immerse Yourself in Czechia’s History at the National Museum

The National Museum is located at the top of Wenceslas Square and is the largest and oldest museum in the Czech Republic. Its captivating exhibitions explore national and international nature and history.

The sheer size of this museum complex means that it can be difficult to see everything if you’re short on time. Here are three areas not to be missed:

• The Historical Building – a superb example of neo-Renaissance architecture. It features natural history exhibitions, including fossils, minerals, and animal bones.
• The New Building – a modern glass and concrete structure. See exhibits on 20th-century history, including artifacts from Nazi and Communist occupations and the history of Czechoslovakia.
• Underground Corridor – connects the Historical Building to the New Building. A rolling film projects onto the walls, showing the evolution of Prague. Expect imagery from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras.

7. See David Černý’s most Controversial Sculpture

David Černý is a controversial sculptor, and his work featuring a saint riding an upside-down horse is perhaps his most famous. You’ll find this sculpture on Passage Lucerna, where there are lots of other interesting places to explore:

• Catch a movie at the well-preserved Kino Lucerna cinema.
• Do a spot of shopping at the charming boutiques.
• Grab a coffee at the Kavarna Lucerna cafe.

8. Do Some People Watching in Old Town Square

Prague’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a lively place to hang out and people-watch. Dating back 600 years, Old Town Square is home to many of the city’s most famous sights, including the Prague Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the gothic spires of the main church.

If you’re visiting at Christmas or Easter, don’t miss the fabulous seasonal markets that are held in this square.

9. Pay Homage to John Lennon

The John Lennon Wall is a much-loved piece of urban art that was originally painted after the Beatles rock star was killed. Located in the Bohemian neighborhood, the original mural has long since been painted over, but new additions to the work make it feel like a living, breathing homage to Lennon and his beliefs in peace and love.

10. Taste Prague’s Most Famous Beer

The Czech Republic is home to the world’s first Pilsner beer, and its origins are at the bottom of Wenceslas Square. To discover the history of this iconic Czech beer, book a spot on Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience. This 90-minute tour culminates in a beer tasting so you can see for yourself why Czech people are so proud of their Pilsner.

If you’d prefer to do your tasting in a tavern, here are some of the best Pilsner Urquell pubs in the city:

• Lokál – a beer hall serving beer from 12 tanks. Up to 1,500 guests visit daily; expect a lively atmosphere.
• U Zlatého Tygra – located in the heart of Old Prague. A huge food menu will help soak up the many beers you’ll drink here.
• U Veverky – a traditional spot serving cold beer and hot food. Tourists and locals head here for the friendly atmosphere.

11. Zizkov Farmer’s Market

Zizkov Market is one of the country’s most famous, and as it happens four times a week you should have no trouble finding time to visit during your trip. Zizkov takes place on Jiřího z Poděbrad square and is where you can pick up fresh produce and prepared meals including a rich bouillabaisse from the fish stall.

12. Relax in Praha’s Pretty Gardens

One of the best things about Prague is that, like many other European capitals, it has some beautiful green spaces in which to relax.

• Wallenstein Garden – located in Malá Strana and famous for its owls, drip wall, free-roaming peacocks, and bronze statues.
• Vrtba Garden – a lesser-known park featuring a geometric design and superb views of Petřín Hill and its mini Eiffel Tower.
• Letná Park – go for the kinetic sculpture of a moving metronome and the lively beer garden.
• Kampa Island – said to be one of the most picturesque parks in the city, take a picnic and a great book.

13. Explore the Jewish Quarter

Czech Jews can trace their heritage back to the 9th century and the merchants of trade caravans. Their history has been tumultuous, to say the least, and only parts of the original Jewish Quarter remain today.

If you want to learn all about the Jewish Quarter and the rich culture and tragic struggles of its inhabitants, take a guided tour. Tours run throughout the summer and winter seasons and provide a fascinating look at the Jewish history of the Czech Republic.

For those who prefer to take things at their own pace, these are the sights not to miss:

• Jewish Cemetery – the most crowded graveyard in Europe, where more than 100,000 souls have been laid to rest.
• Maisel Synagogue – a neo-Gothic structure. During WWII, it stored the property of the Czech Jewish communities.
• Spanish Synagogue and Franz Kafka Memorial – dating back to the mid-19th century and designed in the Spanish Moorish style. Don’t miss the statue of Kafka, Czechia’s most famous citizen, nearby.

14. Explore Prague’s Global Cuisine

As we’ve already noted, Czechia has its own incredible food scene. However, if you need a break from hearty stews and heavy soups, explore the global food scene instead. Menus are mostly provided in English to help you navigate your culinary adventure.

Some of our favorite international spots are:

• Nám – authentic Vietnamese dishes such as nem (spring rolls), bun cha (grilled pork noodles), and com chien (fried rice).
• Big Smokers American BBQ – expect house-smoked meats, juicy sandwiches, and a wide range of traditional BBQ sides.
• Indian Jewel – a huge range of meat-free dishes makes this a popular spot with vegetarians. Try the butter paneer or the Bombay aloo.

15. Get to Know Hip Naplavka

Naplavka is a stretch of riverside and one of the trendiest areas in Prague. It’s a great place to head for scenic strolls, cafe culture, and nightlife. Here are three of our favorite spots in the area:

• (A)void Cafe – friendly staff, craft beer, and a killer Moscow mule.
• Kayak Beach Bar – a floating bar with a volleyball court and Latin American parties at night.
• LAb – coffee and cocktails with a focus on sustainability and great views of the water.

16. Enjoy Effortless Views of Prague

Prague’s funicular runs from Lesser Town to Petrin Hill and is a fun and easy way to access some of the best views of the city. There are some interesting tourist attractions to explore on the way up, including the Petrin Tower and the Štefánik Observatory. If you’re in the mood to stretch your legs after the ride up, the walk back down to the city takes you through pretty woods and parklands.

Enjoy All the Best Things to Do in Prague

Whether you’re heading into the city as a day trip or have several days to dedicate to sightseeing, you’re certain to fall in love with Prague and its endless tourist attractions and activities. We hope you enjoy exploring these best things to do when you visit Prague. What will you do first?