Ten Things to do in Prague

A maze of passages and cobble-stone streets, Prague’s Old Town will strike you for its distinctive charm and fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Famous for its emblematic Market Square, it encompasses most of the city’s landmarks and many characteristic shops and cafes. We suggest you enter the Old Town from the Eastern gate, the majestic 65-metre-tall Powder Tower (Prašná brána) and start your exploration from the Old Town Square. One of the most beautiful squares in Europe, it houses many architectural gems such as the Old Town City Hall, whose 70 metre-tall tower offers spectacular views of the cityscape, the Týn Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, and the Jan Hus Memorial. The Old Town also include the Josefov District, the historical Jewish quarter hosting several sights of interest such as the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Europe, and a monument to writer Franz Kafka. While admiring the numerous historic buildings, try some local delicacies at the many food stalls you will find in the square.

While exploring Prague’s city centre, take a break to watch the renowned Medieval Astronomical Clock strike the hour. The clock, attached to the Old Town Hall building, dates back to the 15th century and is the oldest working clock in the world. Permeated with legends and allegories, the Orloj, as it is called, is among Prague’s most visited landmarks, attracting flocks of visitors who want to witness the change of the hour. The clock features representations of the zodiac signs, four statues symbolizing the bad aspects of human nature, and figures of the twelve apostles controlled by a sophisticated mechanism that sets them in motion when the clock strikes the hour.

Prague Castle is a must-see on your to-do list, no matter what season you visit or how many days you stay in the Czech capital. Built towards the end of the 9th century, the fortress boasts a rich history, earning it the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The castle complex consists of massive buildings dating to different eras from the 10th to the 14th century and extending over 70,000 square metres. It includes the Old Royal Palace, the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica and the picturesque Golden Lane, hosting the old, reconstructed houses of the goldsmiths and defenders of the castle. This colourful lane, which occupies the area along the Northern side of Prague Castle, was inhabited by illustrious personalities such as Franz Kafka, the Nobel Prize winner Jaroslav Seifert, and the famous fortune-teller Madame de Thebes. Before leaving, check out the old prison in the Daliborka Tower, which you can access from house no.12.

The imposing St. Vitus Cathedral is part of the Prague Castle fortifications and one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Built during the 14th century as an expansion of the pre-existing basilica, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslaus and Adalbert is Prague’s largest temple and has served as a catholic church, coronation site and burial place of many patron saints, clergymen, sovereigns and aristocrats. You can access the cathedral through the Western entrance, opposite the passageway between the Second and Third Courtyard of Prague Castle. Admire the Neo-Gothic interiors, the majestic stained-glass windows depicting the story of the cathedral, and the beautiful St. Wenceslas Chapel. For a unique view of Prague’s skyline, climb the 300 steps of St. Vitus Cathedral’s Great South Tower and enjoy the panorama from its top.

A stroll on the iconic Charles Bridge is among everyone’s favourite things to do in Prague. Built during the 14th century, the city’s oldest bridge is by far Prague’s most visited site, crossing over the Vltava River and connecting the Old Town with the picturesque Malá Strana quarter. If you want to catch the bridge at its best and enjoy a stroll away from the tourist crowds, visit it at dawn- do not forget to take some stunning river-view pictures. Like many other river cities in Europe, such as Paris, Bordeaux, or Frankfurt, Prague can be discovered from an alternative point of view by embarking on a cruise boat. The Vltava, the longest in the Czech Republic, cuts through the city and is an essential element of the Czech capital landscape. Join a tour to admire the best of Prague's landmarks and enjoy a romantic dinner on the water.

Literary named “the Lesser District” or the “Little Quarter”, the Malá Strana neighbourhood is undoubtedly one of Prague’s most alluring jewels. Full of quaint cobblestone streets, Baroque and Renaissance palaces and beautiful gardens, the area sits at the foot of Prague Castle’s hill and elegantly combines its architectural and cultural wealth with the modern vibe of traditional restaurants, pubs and clubs. Among the highlights of Malá Strana, we recommend you check out:

• The Wallenstein Garden: built in the 17th century, this elegant Baroque garden is the perfect place to take refuge from the summer tourist crowds. A majestic loggia, an ornamental pond and an enormous fake stalactite grotto convey a unique allure to the garden.

• The John Lennon Wall: this living tribute to the Beatles’ leader and pacifist activist has stood through the decades despite the graffiti being white painted several times. The wall is covered with political messages, lyrics from the Beatles’ songs, and a painted image of Lennon.

• St Nicholas Church: characterized by its distinctive green cupola, the church (not to be confused with the homonymous church in the Old Town Square) is a magistral example of Baroque architecture and a venue for classical music concerts.

Prague offers countless opportunities to enjoy great food, ranging from five-starred restaurants to the typical food stands you will come across all over the city. To make your Czech gourmet experience complete, make sure to try some of these sweet and savoury local specialities:

• Grilované klobásy: try this delicious grilled sausage sandwich, served with mustard or other sauces, that you can find at every food stall and beer garden in the city.

• Nakládaný hermelín: Pickled cheese is a must if you want to eat like a local in Prague. Try it with dark bread, onions and peppers for an authentic traditional taste.

• Dumplings are part of many Czech traditional dishes, such as goulash or raiska omáčka, a beef soup with sweet tomato sauce and dumplings.

• Trdelník (chimney cake): another typical local treat, this exquisite cinnamon sugar pastry can be found anywhere in Prague in different, mouthwatering versions.

For a relaxing afternoon, after fully immersing yourself in Prague’s sightseeing, head to the Stromovka town park. Located in the Bubeneč district on the floodplain of the River Vltava, this majestic Royal-deer park was created in the 13th century and since then served as a royal residence, a hunting lodge and a military encampment site. Stromvoka is the largest park in the Czech capital, hosting beautifully designed gardens, ponds and fountains, and several historical buildings, making for a perfect destination for a funny picnic, a bike ride or simply a walk amidst the green, especially if you visit Prague with children. The park features many paths ideal for enjoying Nordic Walking, jogging, in-line skating or cycling, several playgrounds, a Planetarium, the Academy of Fine Arts, and two restaurants. A nice walk through the park will lead you to Prague Zoo, located on 60 hectares of terrain in the Troja district.

With a short walk from the Astronomical Clock, you will reach another unconventional gem. A stunning example of Baroque architecture, Prague Library is worth a visit for its spectacular interiors and rich history. The Baroque library is included in the National Library of the Czech Republic. Founded in 1722 by the Jesuit monks, the library belongs to the Klementinum buildings complex and is among the most beautiful libraries in the world, hosting over 20,000 historical books. Take some time to admire the majestic hall and its sumptuous ceiling frescos painted by Jan Hiebl, depicting scenes of education and the portraits of saints and patrons of the University. The Baroque library, which visitors are allowed to see only from a viewing point, also hosts a unique collection of geographical and astronomical globes created by the Jesuits and ancient astronomical clocks.

If you want to escape the urban chaos without leaving the city centre, head to the beautiful Petřín Hill, and enjoy a relaxing excursion surrounded by green. Located close to the Vltava River and Prague Castle, the hill rises 327 metres above sea level and is covered with parks hosting outstanding attractions that you will equally enjoy when visiting Prague with children or on a solo trip. You can reach the top of Petřín Hill by hiking along a wooded path or taking the funicular starting on Újezd Street and running every 10-15 minutes. Once on the top, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Czech capital’s skyline from the Petřín TV Tower, small-scale reproduction of the Eiffel Tower, have fun in the Mirror Maze, or enjoy a pony or horseback ride. Petřín Hill also hosts an observatory, a lovely rose garden, and the stunning Romanesque-Baroque Church of St. Lawrence.