25 Best Things to Do in Prague (Czech Republic)
Here is our list of the best things to do in Prague. From jazz music, puppet shows and pork knuckles to an astronomical clock and a mind maze, without further ado.
Explore the medieval streets in the daylight, meander down the riverside in the evening. And if all of the sight seeing becomes too tiring you can always relax with some hearty Czech cuisine and a choice of the finest lagers in the world.
Top 1 - Best things to do in Prague: See the Infant Jesus of Prague
Top 1. See the Infant Jesus of Prague
Located in the Mala Strana in the heart of the city. The Infant Jesus of Prague (also known as the Child of Prague) is a Roman Catholic statue of Jesus Christ as an infant. Everyday hundreds of believers pay a visit to this shrine to pray, bow and make wishes hoping that they will come true. The statue itself is encased in an ornate gilded shrine and while the origin of the figure is unknown. It has been dated back to the 16th Century.
Top 2 - Best things to do in Prague: Explore the Old Town Square
Despite Prague’s lively history of invasions, the Old Town Square has remained relatively untouched since the 10th Century. Swarms of tourists crowd the historical streets, packing out the alfresco restaurants everyday. The square itself is the perfect place to admire the wonderful architecture Prague has to offer. And if that isn’t your thing then the various street performers, musicians and merchants that line the streets here will certainly keep you entertained.
Top 3 - Best things to do in Prague: Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour
Whilst in the Old Town Square, time your visit to the Old Town Hall so that you can watch the spectacle of the mechanical clock marking the turn of an hour. The clock itself is on the south face of the town hall and is the pride of Prague. It was built in the fifteenth century and despite being damaged and repaired during its lifetime. It is widely regarded as the best preserved medieval mechanical clock in the world. The show at the top of the hour never fails to disappoint the many onlookers.
Top 4 - Best things to do in Prague: Stroll across the Charles Bridge
Whoever said that “the best things in life are free” may well have been referring to the Charles Bridge in Prague. A simple walk across the 14th Century bridge is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of visiting Prague. The bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV to replace an older bridge that had been washed away by floods. Although completed in 1390, with the striking statues added in the 17th century. The bridge did not take Charles’ name until the 19th century.
Top 5 - Best things to do in Prague: Witness the old Jewish Ghetto
The Jewish quarter, also known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town and the Vltava River. Its history began in the 13th century when Jews living in Prague were ordered to vacate their homes and settle in this one area. The Jews were banned from living anywhere else in the city. And were joined by fellow exiled Jews from other European countries. To add to their hardship, many buildings in the area were destroyed in the late 19th century when the cities layout was remodeled. Fortunately, many significant historical buildings remain including six synagogues and are well worth a visit.
Top 6 - Best things to do in Prague: Visit Prague Castle
Located in Hradcany (the Castle district). Prague Castle is without a doubt the city’s most popular tourist attraction and it is easy to see why. The breath-taking castle has traditionally been the seat of Czech rulers and is today the official residence of the president. Entry to the grounds of the castle are free although many buildings such as the St Vitus cathedral. Basillica of St George and Golden Lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket. If you want priority access to skip the huge lines you should buy the Skip the Line. Prague Castle Tickets, for a guided tour you should consider this 2.5-Hour Tour (including admission ticket).
Top 7 - Best things to do in Prague: See the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral
Top 7. See the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral
As mentioned previously, the St Vitus cathedral is one of the attractions located in the castle grounds. It is visible from all around the city of Prague. Although the cathedral looks many hundreds of years old, it was in fact completed in 1929. Many treasures await visitors including the tomb of St John of Nepomunk. The splendid Chapel of St Wenceslas and the magnificent art nouveau stained glass.
The Vitus Cathedral is included in this top rated tour: 2.5-Hour Prague Castle Tour (including admission ticket)
Top 8 - Best things to do in Prague: Golden Lane – Playground for Alchemists
Also located within the grounds of the castle is the mysterious Golden Lane, so called because, according to legends. Alchemists had to look on this street to find a reaction to turn ordinary materials into gold. Despite the streets name, it is debated whether alchemists ever worked or lived here. Czech-Jewish writer Franz Kafka used a house on the street for around two years. As he enjoyed the peaceful environment it provided whilst writing.
Top 9 - Best things to do in Prague: Eat a Pork Knuckle
This meat lovers dish, also known as Koleno, is a rather large hunk of pork knee and is very popular in Czech (and also German) cuisine. Expect the meat to marinated in beer and served with pickled vegetables and dark Czech bread. Eating such a large chunk of meat can attract the attention of plenty of onlookers. But the mix of aromatic tender pork and crispy skin renders the dish well worth eating despite of the audience.
Top 10 - Best things to do in Prague: Investigate the KGB Museum
This small museum was established by a Russian enthusiast and houses a large variety of memorabilia relating to the secret police of the Soviet Union. You may well be shown around by the collector himself and you can expect to find an assortment of spy cameras, secret weapons and interrogation equipment. Another interesting exhibit within the museum are the photographs of Prague taken by a KGB officer in the year of 1968 in which the streets of the city appear eerily empty.
Top 11 - Best things to do in Prague: Spot a Seven Foot Tall Sigmund Freud
Walk through the sublime urban area of Stare Mesto within the Old Town of Prague and look to the sky. You will surprised to find a seven foot tall sculpture of the world famous psycho. Analyst Sigmund Freud hanging from a metal beam above the cobbled streets at your feet. The unusual artwork has proven so popular that it has exhibited in cities all over the world including Chicago, London and Berlin. Often mistaken for a suicide attempt. The sculpture has also been responsible for several calls to the emergency services since its creation.
Top 12 - Best things to do in Prague: Admire the Lennon Wall
Although Prague is a long way from Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. Fans should certainly check out this shrine to one of the most famous bands of all time. The wall been covered in John Lennon and The Beatles graffiti, lyrics and quotations since the 1980s. And is very popular among tourists and young fans wishing to pay homage to the group.
Top 13 - Best things to do in Prague: Spend some Koruna at the Farmer’s Market
Nestled upon the river embankment just underneath the fortress of Vysehrad. Gourmets would be wise to visit this farmer’s market, which pops up every Saturday. Blend in with the locals as you experience some of the best food (and sights) that the city has to offer. The market usually offers seasonal vegetables, freshly baked bread and cakes, pickles and preserves along with sausages and other specialist meats. Enjoy your bounty whilst sitting by the riverside and watching the people of Prague go about their Saturdays.
Top 14 - Best things to do in Prague: Learn about Communism
Europe is a continent rich in history and political turmoil and the Czech Republic does not buck that trend. The country was a communist nation from 1948 until the Velvet revolution of 1989. Under communist rule, more than 200,000 Czechs arrested and 327 shot dead as they attempted to flee the country. Inside the communism museum you will find photographs, films and even sculptures documenting the state-sponsored terrorism that occurred under communist rule.
Top 15 - Best things to do in Prague: Watch a Puppet Show
It will not take you long to realize that the citizens of Prague are passionate about their puppets. The city has over 20 specialised puppet shops, 30 puppet makers and even a puppet museum. The Czech love affair with puppets probably dates back to the 12th Century. When the figure used as entertainment at royal feasts and ceremonies. The best places to catch a puppet show in Prague are the National Marionette Theatre and Theatre Spejbla & Hurvinek which both offer popular performances.
Top 16 - Best things to do in Prague: Take a Cruise on the Vltava
Seeing Prague from the river Vltava is a unique experience and offers a way to see the many historical buildings and monuments from a different perspective. Cruises within the city competitively priced and often include lunch or dinner depending on the time of day you choose to embark. Choosing a cruise with a duration of two hours or more. That will ensure that you are aboard long enough to escape the hustle and bustle of Prague city center. And allow you to enjoy the serenity of some of the quieter riverbanks on the Vltava river.
Book your cruise beforehand to ensure a ticket: Prague Cruises
Top 17. Drink a world famous beer (or two)
The Czechs claim to have the best beer (pivo) in the world and Prague is a great place to test their claim. The huge choice of bars in the city offer famous Czech lagers such as Budvar and Staropramen alongside craft beers from the top microbreweries in the country. Most Czech beers are light beers, brewed naturally from hand-picked hops.
Increasingly, breweries are producing a dark ale too as an alternative. But most Czechs like their beer light, nicely chilled and with a tall head. Beer aficionados should also ensure a visit to the Prague Beer Museum which offers more than 31 quality beers on tap. Check out this Czech Beer Museum Tour and Bottle Your Own Beer.
Top 18. Walk the backstreets of Mala Strana
Top 18. Walk the backstreets of Mala Strana
Across the river from the Old Town are the baroque backstreets of Mala Strana (the Lesser quarter). Built in the 17th and 18th century by victorious Catholic clerics and noblemen on the foundations of their Protestant predecessors Renaissance palaces. At its heart is the baroque square which offers small shops to browse. Traditional Czech pubs and restaurants and some fantastic views of the river.
Top 19. Immerse yourself in the Prague nightlife
Top 19. Immerse yourself in the Prague nightlife
Prague’s nightlife has it all. World renowned for its jazz and classical music, there are many live music venues in Prague that can provide a good evening of entertainment. Take a stroll down the riverside and arrive at JazzDock which draws some of the best local jazz musicians. For serious clubbers, the Cross Club is an industrial nightclub in every sense of the word. Located in an industrial setting, the interior is a must-see jumble of gadgets, shafts and cranks, many of which move to the music. Want to start in the pubs and end in the largest club of Prague? Then check out this tour.
Top 20. Watch the Changing of the Guard
Arrive at the castle before midday to ensure a good view and watch the ceremonial changing of the guard including a fanfare and flag ceremony. The guards technically serve only the president of the Czech Republic and have some rather strict recruiting requirements including the specification that a guard must be between 1.78 and 1.88 meters tall to serve. The uniforms worn by the guards are unique to the castle guards and are light blue in summer and dark blue in winter.
21. Climb 299 Steps to Petrin Hill
Petrin is a hill on the left bank of the Vltava River, it offers great views of the city and is one of the greenest spaces in Prague. It is a pleasant walk to the top of the hill and there are plenty of benches to rest your legs on whilst admiring the view on the way up. Alternatively, you can ride the funicular railway from the lesser quarter all the way to the top of Petrin Hill. At the summit, you will find a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, landscaped gardens. And the unusual Church of St Michael, a wooden building relocated from Ukraine. Don’t wanna walk? Try this Segway Tour.
22. Watch Skateboarders at the Letna Park
This park, which used to be home to a giant statue of Stalin until it destroyed in the 60’s. It's a popular meeting spot for skateboarders. The park is located on the steep river embankment of Letna Hill. Sit down and relax at one of the many beer gardens here while people watching and if the skateboarders fail to entertain, the cityscape certainly will not.
See our list of recommend hotels in Prague
23. Devour some Pickled Cheese
This Czech delicacy is a must try for the traveling foodie. It is the perfect accompaniment to a cold glass of pivo making it a Czech pub classic. The dish is essentially a soft Camembert like cheese, with an edible rind, submerged and pickled in oil, spices and garlic before being served with chilli peppers and Czech fried bread. This snack is both potently hot and creamy at the same time and is a casual introduction to Czech cuisine. Want more? Then try some of the available Food Tours.
24. Test yourself at the Mind Maze
Inspired by the legends of alchemists, the mind maze in Prague is an interesting and memorable challenge. Upon entering the Mind Maze, you will find yourself locked in the Alchemist’s chamber and will have 60 minutes to escape by solving a series of riddles and puzzles. When you first enter the chamber it looks old-fashioned and rather empty, however as you begin to investigate the objects around the room, you will soon realize there is much more to this small room than meets the eye. Take a friend as teams allowed and two heads are better than one!
25. Enjoy nature at Jelení Príkop (Stag Moat)
If the hustle and bustle of Prague begins to wear you down and you need to unwind, this lesser known location is ideal. Once used as a moat along the backside of Prague castle, this strip of land is now a beautiful stretch of greenery. Enjoy a picnic or pre-dinner stroll within this area and allow yourself time to recover from the tiring exploration of Prague.
Prague, with its timeless allure and enchanting beauty, is a city that leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. We've only scratched the surface with our list of the 25 best things to do in Prague, as this city has much more to offer. As you embark on your journey through this magical city, remember to take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and let the charm of Prague work its magic.
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Whether you're planning a business trip or a leisurely adventure, mini bus hire in Europe through MBS 87 ensures that you can comfortably explore your destination. Speaking of great destinations, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, a city filled with charm and history.
When considering the best things to do in Prague, you can't miss strolling across the iconic Charles Bridge, exploring the enchanting Prague Castle, and indulging in delicious Czech cuisine at local eateries.
With mini bus hire in Europe, you can navigate the city at your own pace, visit the historic sites, and experience the vibrant culture of Prague, ensuring your trip is both productive and memorable.
We've only scratched the surface with our list of the 25 best things to do in Prague, as this city has much more to offer. As you embark on your journey through this magical city, remember to take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and let the charm of Prague work its magic.
>>See more: 25 Top Tourist Attractions In Europe You Should Go
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