Centuries of history, culture, and wonder await you in the city of a hundred spires. Traveling to the Czech Republic? Lucky you. You’ll never run out of things to do in Prague.
Take the beauty of Paris, the charm of Rome, and the best beer you can find. What do you have? Prague. Over the last two decades, this city has become the top European hotspot. In times past, most travelers chose the more touristy cities like London and Venice; this lovely city had been largely overlooked. Let’s Take a look at all the things to do in Prague.
A European Hotspot
Walk the streets and you’ll see a blend of the old and new. History is around every corner and under the very ground you walk upon. It hasn’t been long since the Czechs were freed from Communism. In the light of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, Europe was handed a gem of a city. Unsurprisingly, visitors flock in droves and on a hot summer’s evening, you feel like you’ll share the Charles Bridge with thousands of other eager travelers.
But even the crowds can’t take away from its beauty. The city truly is a spectacle to behold – a 14th-century stone bridge, hilltop tower, and lazy river all seem like something plucked straight from a child’s fantasy storybook page. All you need now is some classical music. Cue Smetana’s Moldau symphony. There are so many exciting things to do in Prague.
There’s Art At Every Turn
While the galleries may not have the glitz and glamor of the Louvre, they certainly have their own distinctive charm. Prague’s Bohemian art truly offers much to be admired. Stare in wonder at the golden glow of the Gothic altarpieces in St. Agnes, the luscious art nouveau on display at Alfons Mucha, and the magnificent collections from constructivists held within the Veletrzni Palac. This is one of the most spectacular things to do in Prague.
Prized Brews
Here’s one of the best things to do in Prague. The world just got a little bit better. In Prague, coffee and beer are an integral part of the culture. So naturally, you have to partake.
Since the invention of Pilsner in 1842, the Czechs have gained a world-renowned reputation for producing some of the world’s finest brews. Even internationally famous brand names can’t compare to some of the locally-crafted goodness. Try the frothy good stuff here and you’ll be ruined forever. We swear, nothing back home will taste nearly as good. That’s what importing is for, right?
In the same fashion, Prague’s pubs offer a stellar amount of beer on tap, so drink up while you can. You won’t be able to hold your own with the locals but you can certainly try. Good luck pronouncing the brew names though. You’re on your own there. All we’ve got to say is that bar hopping is one of the best things to do in Prague.
City Explorations
Enter the labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, tight alleyways, and stunning architecture. This city is a web of wonders at every turn. Get lost and you’ll stumble upon some of the best holes in the wall you could ever imagine finding. This is a paradise for the aimless wanderer.
Furthermore, just several blocks from the charming Old Town Square, you’ll find ancient chapels, green gardens, cozy cafes, and lively pubs. Not to mention, these all come without a tourist in sight. You’ve just gotta get away from the souvenir shops and find the more authentic places. We’re here to help you find the best things to do in Prague.
Here Are Some of Our Favorite Things to Do in Prague
One of the greatest joys of travel is living for exploration. While you might have your little list of must-see places, let the city guide you. Neighborhoods like Vinohrady and Bubenec offer rewards for those who seek to find them. Let’s get started.
1. Visit the Dancing House
Come here first. Seeing the Dancing House is one of the best things to do in Prague. This is one of the most striking buildings in the city. For years, the space where the Dancing House stands was once an empty parking lot. A Neo-Renaissance house once stood there, before being demolished by an air attack in 1945 during WWII.
Standing apart from the rest of the Neo-Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture, the Dancing House was one of the most controversial buildings in Prague. Moreover, it earned quite the reputation in the city and in Europe. It literally represents a dancing couple. Now, it’s one of the most famous spots in the city. Furthermore, for the purchase of just one drink, you can get some of the best views in the city.
2. Grab a Cappuccino at Cafedu
Credit: Yelp
After seeing the Dancing House, go grab a cup of delicious coffee. Looking for the hippest cafe in the city? We’ve already found it. Join the college students and local freelancers for a delicious cup of joe at Cafedu. The interior is chic, modern, and cozy. Long string lights dangle from the ceiling, walls of light bleached wood catch the sunlight, and a spiraling staircase leads to a library room upstairs. This is the perfect place for travelers to unwind and warm up after a long day of exploring.
3. Walk the Charles Bridge
If you’ve walked the Champs Elysee in Paris, the Charles Bridge is similar. It’s crowded, eager painters line the sides, selling their art, and it has a great view of the river. Yes, it’s touristy but you have to see it. Look on any travel list and you’ll find the Charles Bridge noted as one of the top things to do in Prague.
Equally important – when else will you get the chance to tread across 14th-century architecture? Cross the bridge, stop by one of the local waterfront restaurants and snap some pics from afar. Walking the Charles Bridge is cool but you will take the best pictures after you cross it. We guarantee it.
4. Eat a Medieval Dinner at Stredoveka Krcma
Credit: Stredoveka Krcma
Take just one step into this tavern and you’ll be transported into the Middle Ages. Literally. This tavern was constructed in the 13th century. You will immediately feel the energy radiating from these stone walls. The city has done a great job of up-keeping this tavern and now travelers in the know can enjoy an immersive, themed dinner. Don’t be fooled though. This isn’t one of those cheesy Medieval Times dinners you take the kids to. It’s quite the contrary.
Sit down on a wooden bench at a stone table and forget the outside world. Order some local specialty meat roasted over an open fire and other dishes hard to find anywhere else.While you’re enjoying your meal all of a sudden, a group of bellydancers break into the room. The air is filled with the rhythm of clashing cymbals, banging drums, and the furious strum of an acoustic guitar. Amidst the dancing, swordsmen emerge juggling very real, sharp blades.
Just keep your glass raised and protect your eyes. You should be fine. Unless you happen to be that guy who’s pulled from the audience and made to swallow fire. Yes, this actually happened. Come join in on an epic journey in the Middle Ages!
5. Drink A Beer at the Labyrinth Bar, Vinarna U Sudu
Credit: Yelp
While there are plenty of beer places and basement restaurants in Prague, the U Sudu wine bar is uniquely one of a kind. The underground space is called ‘hell’ and consists of four stone-walled interconnected basements. One hosts foosball tables for competitive games, another a space to dance the night away.
Equally important, is the wine bar. Here, you'll find an amazing selection of drinks from the barrel as well as high-quality pinot grigio and merlot. All bars offer draught Pilsner. In the summer, the beer garden opens up to an eager public in the historic galleried inner courtyard of the house.
6. Experience the Wonder of the Christmas Markets
There’s something spectacular about the Christmas markets here. They’re simply stunning. If you’re brave enough to face a winter in the Czech Republic, this is one of the most amazing things to do in Prague. All across the city and Old Town Square, local merchants set up shop selling artisan crafts, hot mulled wine, together with signature pastries.
The Christmas tree in the center towers over forty feet tall, dripping with icicle lights and decked out with bright ball ornaments. Songs of choirs fill the air and violinist play a beautiful melody. All of your senses are engaged. What an enchanting experience.
7. See Prague Castle Without the Crowds
What’s one of your dream things to do in Prague? How about seeing the castle without the crowds? While most of the time Prague Castle is swarmed with tourists, there’s a way to get around them all and snap the picture of your dreams. You probably didn't think this was possible. But as a matter of fact, it is. There’s a small area next to the castle, called Novy Svet (the New World). Now, this is the Prague of your dreams.
A picturesque row of tiny houses leads up to a cozy cafe, Novy Svet. Here, you’ll find the most delicious coffee served up by the local roasting company, Double Shot. From there, you’ll take an interesting way around the castle along the path Deer Moat. Follow the path along Brusnice Creek all the way through the pedestrian tunnel by architect Josef Pleskot.
8. Sleep In a Fairytale Tower
Credit: Yelp
Get your snooze on in the top of a medieval astrological tower. In the 19th century, Prague was given the nickname, the city of a hundred spires. The number is actually closer to five hundred and lucky guests can book a night’s stay in two of them. Forget Airbnb. Who wouldn’t want to sleep in an ancient monastery in the superb Augustine Hotel? The Tower Suite spans three floors and offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city below. Better yet, it’s on an eye level with the Prague Castle.
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, check out Tower Park Praha. This one-room hotel sits atop Prague’s famous Zizkov Television Tower. Comparatively, it also offers amazing views of the city. When you find yourself wanting a nightcap, there’s a full-service restaurant and bar up there too.
9. Watch A Film In An Arthouse Cinema
One of the best things to do in Prague is to attend the cinema. These aren’t like the traditional movie theaters you’re used to going to at home. On the contrary, these arthouses are set up in old rustic buildings amidst buzzing bars and showcase European and English-language old indie flicks.
One of the best independent theaters is Kino Aero, which can be found in the cheerful Zizkov neighborhood. Head down a covered entryway into an open courtyard for weekend night screenings or 60-crown admission charges on Tuesday mornings. Recently redesigned, the venue also offers a great little bar. Pilsner, anyone?
Are you looking for something a little more private? Check out Bio Oko, a one-room cinema located in a chic functionalist building in the Letna District. It has not only a good wine bar but also creative seating. Take your pick from beach chairs or a Fatboy. We call dibs on the seat in the old car.
Check Off the Top Things to Do In Prague Off Your Bucket List
Go and see Prague. Beyond the cobblestone streets and main tourist attractions lies a diverse vibrant, and culturally rich city to be explored. See it all – hip bars, buzzing markets, and a flourishing art scene. While it may be tempting to hit up all of the hot spots at the top of Google search results, go a little off the grid.
You'll find the best places and make the best memories when you don’t have a plan. Try not to travel with too much of a sense of anticipation. Let the city guide you. Be excited by the unexpected. Make friends with strangers. Try something new. Push your limits. More often than not, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
Do you have any Prague travel tips for us? Or maybe you just have some questions. We’d be happy to answer them as best as we can or just have a chat. Leave a message for us in the comment section below and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
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