Located in the heart of Europe, Prague is a vibrant and diverse city and an exciting, budget-friendly alternative to Europe’s other tourist hotspots. Prague’s international airport and its modern infrastructure make it easily accessible from other cities in Europe. We have come up with a list of the top things to do in Prague to make sure you visit this amazing capital city on your next trip to Europe.
Old Town
The historic heart of Prague is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the Middle Ages. You will find monumental architecture and hidden cobblestone streets on your way to the Old Town Square. You can’t miss Old Town City Hall and the Astronomical Clock. Make sure to time your visit to see the clock welcome a new hour and climb up the stairs at City Hall, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view!
Josefov District
Nestled in Prague’s Old Town, the historical Jewish Quarter is well worth a visit. Along the Art Nouveau boulevards, you’ll discover small streets, many synagogues and the jewish cemetery. Prague is home to the oldest active synagogue in Europe, called Staronovà synagoga. Note that you can purchase a single ticket to visit many of the historic monuments in the Josefov District.
Charles Bridge
Commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV, this Gothic bridge is Prague’s most famous monument. Placed along the bridge, you will find many Baroque statues of Czech historic figures. Charles Bridge is usually buzzing with market vendors, artists and musicians. Take a stroll in the evening as well, the atmosphere is just amazing
Visit at least one of Prague’s many museums
Prague has more than 100 museums and galleries. Amongst the most popular ones, you’ll find the Museum of Communism which allows the visitor a glimpse into the communist past in former Czechoslovakia and the country’s fight for freedom. Definitely schedule a few hours for this museum. Another recommendation is the Franz Kafka Museum. Even if you are not into literature, this museum is a special experience and a great tribute to the famous writer. Tip: Just down the street from the Kafka Museum, you’ll find an English bookshop called Shakespeare, a wonderful hidden gem.
Around the Vltava River
You can spend hours strolling around the Vltava River. On the weekends, you will often find food markets along the river, a favorite amongst the locals! Walk down south from Charles Bridge to take a glimpse at the Dancing Towers, another famous monument in Prague. Just under Legion Bridge lies Strelecky Island, a magnificent spot if you need a little rest from walking around all day. Make sure to check ongoing events when you are in Prague, this little island sometimes hosts concerts and festivals.
Local Cuisine & Beer
The Czech Republic offers a wide range of local delicacies. Most traditional dishes include beef or pork, often with rich gravy sauce and a side of potatoes. If you visit Prague in the winter, you’ll appreciate the many soups. Make sure to try the local goulash! If you are vegetarien, you will have no problem finding great options in one of Prague’s many modern (and instagrammable) cafés and restaurants.
If you love pastries, you’ll be tempted on every street corner. Trdelnik, a dough roll filled with cream, is originally a Slovak pastry, but can be found everywhere in Prague. And of course, you can’t leave Prague without discovering the famous Czech beer: The Czech Republic famously has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world! You will stumble upon hundreds of beer gardens in Prague, we recommend trying local beer from one of the many breweries in the city.
Tip: If you plan your trip around Christmas, make sure to visit a Christmas Market in Prague.
John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is a popular sight in Prague, expect to see many tourists here. A symbol for peace and love, this wall was covered in street art over the years and is now almost like an open-air gallery. You can easily include this sight on your itinerary as it’s located just a few minutes from Charles Bridge.