17 Unique Things To Do In Prague On A First Visit

Imagine being surrounded by stunning spired castle-like buildings, statue-adorned bridges, and a river flowing through it all. It’s true: the capital of Czechia (Czech Republic) is one of the most photogenic cities on our planet and there are so many things to do in Prague!

We’ve been coming here since the 1990s and it still excites and delights. The historic heart is as memorizing as ever and newer additions like Dancing House and Embankment Bars add 21st-century style. 

As a result of Prague’s popularity, there has been a surge in tourism.  However, don’t worry; it’s possible to have a fantastic visit any time of year!   

From our own experience, we curated this guide to fun things to do in Prague during a first visit with a few fantastic off the main tourist trail restaurants!

Where is Prague?

Prague is smack bang in Central Europe, south of Poland and Germany.  The city has developed along the longest river in the country – Vltava – which flows for 435 km (270 miles).

Prague was the capital of the ancient European country of Bohemia. As a result, its regal status established an early university and also helped build many of the lavish buildings still standing today.  

17 Top Things To Do In Prague

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Prague to make your trip a fabulous one! As you will see, there’s more than enough for a fun-filled 3-day Prague Itinerary. And if you can, stay 4-5 days do it all!

The main areas to explore during a first visit are Staré Město (the old town) and Malá Strana (lesser town) which is across the Charles Bridge.

1. Explore Prague’s Old Town Main Square 

Sipping a coffee at an hour when Staromestske Namesti (the old town) is still half asleep is a perfect introduction to Prague’s UNESCO heritage city center. Streets will be quiet and the many touristy shops around here closed.

Dating back to medieval times, this square has always been at the heart of city life and today is no different. Perhaps the activity has shifted to tourism from cattle trading, but whatever the goings on, majestic buildings preside over it.

A main sight to enjoy around the square is The Old Town Hall (you will find the famous astronomical clock fixed to it). This building also has a tower to climb for great city views and if you’re up for it dungeons underground to explore.

Tyn Church is another impressive building that towers up into the sky with its gothic twin spires. Look closely, as interestingly, they are slightly different sizes as was common in the era it was built.  It’s hard to imagine it’s been here since the 1300s! 

Visit the gallery inside and maybe drop in for a concert. Do visit here when darkness falls as it’s simply beautifully lit up.  

You will also see a large statue in the center of this square.  This is of Jan Hus, a philosopher and hero of the Czech people.  He bravely pushed for religious reformation but was sadly burnt to death for his efforts in 1415!

2. Watch The Astronomical Clock Show

The Old Town Square Clock deserves its own section in any top things to do in Prague list. Although this ‘performance’ lasts only a few minutes, the hourly show, at what locals call the ‘Orlog’, draws huge crowds. 

This happens from 9am to 9pm daily. At first sight, it may feel like a bit of an anti-climax given it’s over so quickly. You will see the 12 apostles parade just above the clock through small openings and as the doors shut, the show is done!

So, try to go back in time in your mind as you watch the show. Appreciate that this astronomical mechanism dial was built in 1410!! The zodiac signs below were added on towards 1500. Finally, check out the roman numerals and Arabic inscriptions.

If you take our suggested Walking Tour (See #3) you will learn more about this incredible antiquity.

3.  Free City Walking Tour with 100 Spires City Tours 

This is hands down the best way to orientate yourself to central Prague.  Although we’ve been to Prague many times, this is a ‘gotta do’ activity. Local guides, like us travel bloggers, keep ahead of what’s new (or not) and want to help you have the best of times!

Jakub and his colleagues at 100 Spires City Tours are friendly, energetic and knowledgeable making this a great first day activity.

4. Climb The Powder Tower

If you love the idea of climbing up almost 200 spiral stair steps for Old Town city views, buy yourself a ticket to the Gothic Powder Tower. This is the only one remaining from the original 13 city gates. The tower’s position also separated the old and new town districts.

Open from 10 am to 6pm (longer in summer) it’s 8 Euros to enter. There is a viewing deck at 44m and the structure itself is over 60 meters tall.

Originally designed to be beautified as a city entrance, it’s been used for diverse activities including as a coronation site, and a gunpowder storage facility.

While you are here, check out the performance theatre Municipal House. Maybe get yourself tickets for a fantastic classical or other musical performance.

5. Cross Prague’s Charles Bridge

This may be the most photogenic spot in Prague. A stone bridge, built back in the 14th century, connects the old town square to the castle perched ahead on a main hill!

If you like views from up high, book yourself a spot to climb up the Charles Bridge Tower which is basically the entrance from the old town.  It’s a bit of a work out at almost 140 steps but you will be rewarded by amazing views.  Do book in advance! It opens at 10am.

What’s so unique about this bridge are the 30 gothic statues that adorn both sides. They are periodically removed for renovation and some have been replaced over the years, but the associated legends and stories are still going strong!

You will find artists and musicians along the bridge. It’s fun to stop and admire their work or listen to some beautiful classical music as the sun sets!

What is fascinating about Prague’s 16 or so bridges is that they were built as long ago as 1402 (Charles Stone Bridge) and as recently as 2014 (The Troja Arch Bridge)!

6. Explore The Back Streets of Mala Strana District

Once you have had your fill of the old quarter and bridge, head into the quieter streets of Mala Strana (lesser town in English). As you leave the bridge, you will pass through an arch with two towers. The small one is called Judith Tower, and the taller one, well, it’s simply called the Tall Tower!

Enjoy walking along Mostecka Lane cobbles and admiring highly decorated buildings and views to St Nicholas Church, with its stunning baroque style architecture. Continue until you reach Nerudova and then Uvoz streets.  

This is our favourite part of Prague because you can wander around with fewer fellow tourists. Also, you can spot local breweries, cafes and restaurants so take your pick and hang out with locals.  

Prices are lower in this part of Prague. Yet, honestly the food quality is better with more authentic and everyday food choices than in heavily tourist areas.

7. Sign The John Lennon Peace Wall

Perhaps less expected in this UNESCO heritage old town is a wall of graffiti! But there’s more to this than meets the eye and it’s definitely worth a short walk from Charles Bridge to check it out.

Apparently messages started appearing on this wall as far back as the 1960s/70s when ‘pop’ music was banned here and freedom of speech limited. 

When John Lennon was tragically assassinated, a slab bearing his name was erected but authorities painted the wall green to remove any lyrics or words promoting ‘peace and love’. 

But there is a happy ending to this story. When the Velvet Revolution happened here at the end of 1989, the wall was transformed into the city’s hub for free speech.   You can add your own message here too!

8. Visit Prague Castle & Golden Lane

Getting There: Google Maps Link Prague Castle. Hours: 6am to 10pm Castle Grounds; Interior Area 9am to 5pm. Go Early to Avoid Crowds!

Plan for a full morning in this part of Prague as you head over to the castle which is really more like a small village!  Not only is the walk here fantastic, but the scale of this royal palace that greets you is surprising. 

The castle complex covers 110 acres (45 hectares) – now that’s big!! In total, there is the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Daliborka Tower, Golden Lane and Cathedral. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the tomb of the St Wenceslas whom you may recognize from the Christmas carol. 

We recommend buying a ticket because there is so much to see and enjoy inside.  Interestingly, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral took almost 300 years to build with the first construction back in 1644!! 

Think that’s old? The original castle site dates back to the 9th century! Climb up the south tower of the cathedral for more amazing views!!

If you visit on a sunny day, why not relax in the grounds after your visit with a picnic. This is a lovely way to escape the busier old town for a few hours. Hradcany Square has a small garden area with benches for a pause in touring the various castle sights.

9. Admire Prague’s Jewish Quarter

You may visit this district of Prague on a walking tour where you will learn more of the difficult history of Jewish residents.  We also suggest returning to explore more of the area on your own as it is very central, located between the old town district and the river. And a bonus, you will find great shopping here!

Sadly many original important architectural structures from centuries of Jewish life here were demolished leaving only 6 synagogues and the town hall with its two clocks.

After many years of neglect, the decision was taken to rebuild the quarter. As a result, it attracts many visitors who enjoy the old and newer aspects of this important part of Prague.

The Spanish Synagogue is quite unique with its moorish influenced design and worth going inside. Also, native of Prague, Franz Kafka, is remembered with a dedicated monument and if you’re interested you can also visit his home.

10. Ride The Tram Around Town

We love traditional tram rides when visiting older European cities because these routes weave through areas that are hard to discover on your own.

Operating like a hop on-hop off service, you can use them to get around town more quickly if your time is limited.

In Prague Tram 42 route is touted as the best for visitors to use as it includes the castle and other main sites. Or just ride the circuit and enjoy different sights around the city.

11. Enjoy Exploring Havel’s MarketPlace

Outdoor markets are a great way to check out local foods, produce and often local arts and crafts at reasonable prices.  

Havelska Street Market – or Havel’s Market as it’s known as – is a perfect introduction to Prague’s foodie culture.  Stroll the pedestrianized street, sample and snap up some Czech treats during your stay. It’s tucked between Old Town Square and St Wenceslas Square.

Another option, if you love farmers markets, is the riverside Naplavka Market on Saturday mornings from 8am.

12.  Have Fun On & Around The River Vtlava

Prague’s river is a destination in itself.  Beyond strolling over the bridges and watching river life, there are cruises, islands and a burgeoning embankment nightlife to discover. Kampa Island is popular for relaxing on.

Enjoy an evening at one or more of the glass fronted circular Embankment Vault Bars or aboard a floating restaurant/bar, moored at the quayside. These are between Naplavka and Rasinovo, the same spot as the Saturday market above.

On the water side of the quay are old barges, boats and docks moored up, open for dinner and/or drinks. Pop up Beer Gardens are fun too in the summer months!

The views from here of the castle and city silhouette are fabulous at night when the buildings and bridges are all lit up. 

If you prefer your action on the river, take a short (50 minute) Vtlava Cruise through the Devil’s Channel which includes some fun tales and folklore. You can buy tickets on line from the boat operator Prague Steam Boats.

13. Climb Petrin Hill (or Take the Funicular)

This is a ‘not to miss’ activity in Prague during a first visit and to return to.  When you are over in the Mala Strana district, make your way to the funicular stop (Petrin Hill Cable Car) which will whisk you to the top of the hill.  

Just buy your ticket at the stop before you board. Note: you can’t use a regular tram ticket! Or, if you prefer, climb up to the peak which is at 327m.

As well as Petrin Tower you will discover beautiful city views and a Rose Garden on the hillside. With thousands of rose varieties, it’s a romantic and fragrant spot to pause at for a little while.

And if you have kids with you, they will love the small but fun Mirror Maze.

14. Stroll St Wenceslas Square & Visit National Museum 

Today this square is a hub of shopping and feels quite modern compared to other parts of Prague. 

At one end you will see a massive statue of St Wenceslas on a horse which has been here for over 100 years. Wenceslas I was the King of Bohemia from 921 to 935.

The National Museum is located just behind this statue and is absolutely worth visiting in our view.  The interior of the building itself is incredible having been fairly recently renovated. It’s also a great way to escape a hot afternoon (or a cold one!) 

15. Pay Respects at National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror 

Take an hour to pay respects to the Czech exiled paratroopers who in 1942 assassinated the Nazi 3rd in command in Prague. 

They, and other aides, hid in the crypt of St Cyril and St Methodius Church until they were discovered as a result of one of the team giving up their location.

A massive gunfight followed but they stood their ground. Next, the Nazis forced the local fire brigade to pump water into the crypt.

Realizing they were severely outnumbered and the situation was hopeless, the heroes died by suicide shooting themselves.  The exhibit and memorial is a moving, fitting tribute to their undaunted bravery.

We visited this as part of a walking tour about socialist times, which we highly recommend.  You can also visit this memorial on your own.

If you have seen the film Anthropoid (2016), you will know the story of the incredibly brave men and the impact they had on this regime by eliminating one of the most feared Nazi leaders.

16. Enjoy Prague’s Unique Street Art

Wander through the cobbled streets of Prague and look up! You might see a 7 ft hanging sculpture of Sigmund Freud, or a woman holding onto an umbrella.

Spot the colourful butterfly plane attached to a building and a huge Franz Kafka rotating head. Many of these fun and creative works of art are by Czech artist David Cerny.

Some may find these silly, but personally we feel they are a brilliant balance to the gothic and medieval marvels around the capital.

17. Sample Czech Food and Drinks

Foodies – you will love Prague! As a cosmopolitan city, every type of cuisine is on offer, and there’s options for every budget.

Our biggest recommendation is to stay away from Old Town ‘tourist’ traps for food and drinks.  You’re going to pay more and get poorer quality! Here’s several places we have enjoyed eating during our travels to Prague:

• Three Golden Stars (U Tri zlatych hvezd) offers terrace and inside seating and a reliable Czech menu.  The building is 300+ years old and located near St Nicholas Church, also a venue for classical concerts. Getting There: Google Maps link to Three Golden Stars  

• Kolkovna Brewery create their Pilsner style lager and also offer a tasty menu of Czech and international food. It’s a fun place for an hour or two in town. Getting There: Google maps link to Kolkovna Brewery.  

• Deer Restaurant does serve venison, but so much more with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. The building is part of is a national monument and shows off gothic and baroque design.  Sit outside in the garden! Getting There: Google maps link to Deer Restaurant.  

• U Kroka is a family run restaurant offering a wonderful fresh ingredients menu. Most guests are Prague guests and those of us visitors who find out about it.  Top service along with delicious food and wine. Getting There: Google maps link to U Kroka.  

• Hostinec U Dvou Sluncu is a traditional pub with a relaxed atmosphere and a great stop on your way down from the Castle. Great value and a wide selection of menu options.  Getting There: Google maps link to Hostinec U Dove Sluncu

Prague – Travel Basics To Help You Plan

Getting to Prague

It’s extremely easy to get to Prague these days.  The modern airport has flights from all across Europe and from a number of USA cities.

The airport is only 12km/7miles from the city although driving routes take a bit longer. It took us around 20 minutes by ‘Airport Express’ bus to transfer to the airport from the bus/train station on departure.

Multiple low cost carrier airlines fly here from within Europe. Wizz Air, Ryanair are 2 main ones but LOT (Polish) have good connections too.

You can also arrive by train or bus from around Europe, and within Czechia. We travelled recently from Poland (Wroclaw) to Prague by Flixbus. Tickets were $20 for the 4 hour journey, including the border crossing. 

Trains are another great way to get here, but we noticed that some involve quite a few transfers – partly why we took the bus from Poland.

Getting Around Prague

We know that without an outline itinerary or visit plan you can feel a bit overwhelmed knowing where to start in Prague’s city center. 

Prague is made for pedestrian life!  Many of the things to do in Prague that we recommend only involve a short walk, but the city does have a few hills to navigate. 

The town is divided into different districts: Praha 1, Praha 2 etc. Similar to the arrondissements of Paris, district numbers are posted on street signs.

Trams are the most efficient way to getting around Prague and exploring the suburbs. They are plentiful, cheap and reliable.

We also used Uber and it is reliable – just don’t expect someone to drive into the old town to pick you up!

Weather in Prague – What to Expect

Prague has a typical continental climate with cooler winters and warm summers. The city ranges from 250m (820ft) in altitude to 327m (1073ft) if you’re atop of Petrin Hill lookout point!

Generally Spring is an ideal season to visit (April or May) but avoid Easter.  We’ve also spent time here in March, July and  September and always enjoyed wonderful weather. If you prefer slightly cooler but still pleasant temperatures try visiting in March or October.   

For Christmas Market fans, Prague should be on your list.  With a dusting of snow on rooftops and chill in the air, the spires and gothic architectural atmosphere, create a true winter wonderland!

FAQs

What is Prague Most Known For?

Prague was once the capital of Bohemia and the legacy of this pivotal and regal role within Europe remains a vivid story shared through its incredible architecture.  With an Old Town that is itself a UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s a living museum! 

Prague is world famous for Bohemian crystal and this remains a highly sought after product.  Prices have risen since first visiting in the 1990s but this is still a beautiful souvenir to bring back home.

Beer is another big topic in Prague and across Czechia. You will find museums dedicated to brewing, numerous tasting rooms and likely as many bars as Dublin, Ireland.

Oh, and even a Beer Spa if bathing in beer is on your things to do in Prague list.

Does it snow in Prague?

It does and if you are looking to enjoy a winter city break, Prague is a wonderful destination. Honestly, the city is beautiful year round but with a dusting of snow on its spires and frost on riverbanks, it transforms into a winter wonderland.

Realistically, you’re not going to experience massive snow accumulation but pack your winter woolies, a thick coat, gloves and boots. Another key point is that at this time of year, there are way less visitors, so you will have more of the city to yourselves.

If you love the idea of snowy cities, we suggest you read our Guide on Visiting the Baltics enjoying the 3 cities of Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius.

Is Prague Safe for Solo Travel?

Yes! From personal experience of solo travel to Prague we have found people polite and the city generally safe.  That said, there are a growing number of pre-wedding events in Prague giving it a reputation for being a wild at times but don’t let this put you off.

If this isn’t your scene, just stay away from venues known for these parties. In clubs and bars, be careful ordering drinks and pay attention to your surroundings. But, overall, Prague is not a city to avoid as a solo traveler.

How many days in Prague is enough?

If this is a first visit, we suggest 3 days in Prague. Ideally, spend a couple of days around the historic old town. In addition, explore the Petrin Tower area or taking a tour that helps explain life during the communist times. 

If you are here on a weekend, visit one of the farmers markets, festivals or music events in town. Or find time to mingle more with locals in suburbs and you will better experience city life.

There are many local breweries where you can learn more about Czech beer as you sample a few!

Ideally, we suggest if you can spend a full week in Czechia combine Prague with Karlovy Vary.  This is one of 3 UNESCO heritage spa towns in the country.

Wrap Up – Things To Do In Prague

Whether you come to Czechia as a couple or with friends, family or alone, we hope you are inspired by our things to do in Prague gems.

Like many of the Central and Eastern European cities we have spent time in, Prague is a wonderful destination for relaxing, enjoying cafes, walks by the river and delicious foods.