More about: 12 Best Things To Do in Prague
Prague is one of the most spectacular cities in Europe and, in my opinion, its beauty deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. Its aesthetics will transport you back to medieval times, its impressive buildings will dazzle you and its gastronomy will make your mouth water with flavours from the Old Continent. Here are 10 things to see and do on your trip to Prague.
1. Stroll around the Old Town Square, home of the astronomical clock
Prague's central square is an architectural gem and is so well preserved that it's surprising to learn that it survived World War II with only minor damage.
You will always find it full of tourists, especially during the peak tourist season and the Christmas season in Prague. Therefore, I recommend that you book a tour of Prague with tickets for the clock, or if you prefer to walk around on your own, you should at least book tickets for the clock. Take note: it is wonderful to walk around the square and its surroundings.
2. Enter Prague Castle, a monument that stands the test of time
Prague Castle is definitely worth buying tickets for. It is one of the largest in the world. Located on the top of a hill overlooking the Vltava River, it encloses behind its walls an impressive collection of buildings that have been built over time. My recommendation is to visit Prague Castle with a guided tour, because the experience is never the same as when someone gives you all the historical details.
Its twin-towered church, St. Vitus Cathedral, is a marvel; the Golden Lane is a charming little alley; and the Royal Palace is a time machine of a building. There is a lot to see around Prague Castle. The park surrounding the castle is a beautiful landscape and one of the best places for a stroll. Oh, and the sunset from the top of the castle is amazing. There are also some interesting places to eat near Prague Castle.
As for your visit, here are the opening hours of the castle complex and the ticket prices for Prague Castle. Finally, here you have all the information on how to get to Prague Castle. If you are going to Prague with children, you can be sure they will love it.
3. Marvel at the view of the Vltava River from Letná Park
Petrin Hill is one of the most beautiful parks in Prague, without a doubt. It is the highest hill in Prague, from there you will have one of the best views of Prague, but climbing it can be quite a hike so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. If you don't feel like walking, you can take the funicular by purchasing a general public transport ticket. You can also book a guided tour of Prague.
4. Visit the spa town of Karlovy Vary
Unique architecture, thermal spas and a very peaceful atmosphere. If these three things sound good to you, you'll love booking a trip to Karlovy Vary About two hours' drive from Prague, the best way to get to Karlovy Vary is to book a tour to Karlovy Vary from Prague.
It's one of the most popular excursions from the Czech capital and its main attractions are its healing hot springs and the clean air you can breathe as you stroll through its charming streets. Take note of everything you have to see if you go to Karlovy Vary and enjoy your visit.
5. Cross the Charles Bridge, a Gothic wonderland
Whether it's for its views of the Vltava River, the breathtaking skyline, or the beautiful promenade it offers, walking across the Charles Bridge is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Prague for the first time.
In fact, you're bound to cross its gigantic bridge more than once during your visit to the Czech city, as it connects the Old Town with Malá Strana and is one of the central points from which to reach Prague's main sights. In fact, it's a key stop if you book a tour of Prague's Old Town.
6. Kutná Hora, home of the Sedlec Ossuary
One of the most popular excursions from Prague is a visit to the famous Sedlec Ossuary in the town of Kutná Hora. It is a chapel decorated from top to bottom with human bones, a Gothic wonder and an attraction for those who love curiosities.
It is located 80 kilometres from the capital of the Czech Republic and you can book an excursion to Kutná Hora from Prague. I recommend that you don't miss the historical centre during your visit, as it has been declared a World Heritage Site for its architectural interest.
7. Take a cruise on the Vltava, an alternative tour of the city
To see the city from a different point of view, I recommend a cruise on the Vltava River. You have several options, from a sightseeing cruise along the river and the canals of the city with an aperitif, to a romantic evening cruise with gourmet dinner on the Vltava River, which is one of the many things to do in Prague at night.
Here are some suggestions so that you can choose the one that suits you best depending on the time of day or if you want to combine the experience with another activity:
- Dinner cruise in Prague, from AED 227
- Panoramic cruise in Prague, from AED 77
- Lunch cruise in Prague, from AED 177
- Guided bus tour of Prague with lunch and cruise, from AED 252
8. Don't miss the Jewish Quarter, one of the best preserved in Europe
The Jewish Quarter tour, also known as Josefov, is one of the city's highlights. It is situated between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River, and its architecture is equal parts beautiful and historically interesting.
In the 13th century, the Jewish communities were expelled from the city and forced to live in this quarter, and over the centuries it became home to more and more Jewish people. It was not until the 18th century that Emperor Josef II opened the ghetto and allowed Jewish people to live in any neighbourhood in Prague.
This is one of the tours of Prague that I recommend you to do without forgetting to visit the Jewish cemetery in Prague.
9. Be sure to visit the Terezín concentration camp, a stain in history
Taking an excursion to the Terezín concentration camp from Prague will allow you to get to Terezín from Prague without worrying about transport or timetables, but the best thing is that many excursions include a tour of the Terezín concentration camp in English
On this visit, you can tour the interiors of this 18th-century fortress, which was converted into prisons and barracks for Germany's Jewish population. You will be able to visit the museum that exists today, the crematorium, and the cemetery and see at first hand the living conditions that the Jewish people had in this place.
10. Taste Czech gastronomy
It should be a crime to leave a city without trying its most typical dishes. If you've been wondering what to eat in Prague, Czech cuisine not only has a lot to offer, but it's also very reasonably priced.
Get a list of the best places to eat in Prague. And if you want to be on the safe side, you can book a food tour of Prague. And don't forget (of course) the beer. Some of Prague' s best breweries are also among the best in Europe and various beer tours of Prague are also available.
11. Visit Konopiste Castle, a medieval Bohemian fortress
Konopiste Castle is a popular excursion for those travelling to Prague for its historical interest, as its last owner was Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, whose famous assassination was the trigger for World War I. Today, Konopiste Castle is a protected monument of the Czech Republic.
Today, Konopiste Castle is a protected monument of the Czech Republic whose galleries house impressive collections of weaponry, tapestries and works of art.
The best thing is that the castle is just over 40 minutes' drive from Prague, and on the way you can admire the beautiful views of the Bohemian region. Once at Konopiste Castle, you can tour the fortress inside and out and admire the beautiful gardens.
12. Take a trip to the nearby towns
You've probably already heard of the Prague-Vienna-Budapest circuit. These three European cities are so close that visiting them all in one trip is a popular choice. Prague is an ideal place to start this tour, but if you don't want to do it all in one trip, don't worry; you can get to Budapest from Prague without passing through Vienna, and you can also go to Vienna from Prague without including Budapest in your route.
Of course, these are not the only excursions you can do from Prague. Another popular one is a visit to Dresden from Prague and if you explore excursions around Prague you will find more options.
Extra information for planning your trip to Prague
Last but not least, here are some tips for planning your trip to Prague. The most important, in my opinion, is to choose the right time of the year to visit the Czech capital because in Prague in winter the cold weather can be an impediment that prevents you from enjoying your trip to the fullest. In any case, whether it's winter or summer in Prague, there are plenty of things to discover in this city.
What to see in Prague depending on your travel dates
Prague's beauty means that you will find tourists in the city all year round. Also, being a large city, most months of the year you have plenty of activities to choose from besides the typical sightseeing tours. Here are articles on the best months to travel to Prague that will tell you what you can do in each month:
- 10 things to see in Prague in January.
- 10 things to see in Prague in February.
- 10 things to see in Prague in March.
- 10 things to see in Prague in May.
- 10 things to see in Prague in August.
- 10 things to see in Prague in September.
- 10 things to see in Prague in October.
- 10 things to see in Prague in November.
- 10 things to see in Prague in December.
How long to stay in Prague
Time is precious when you are on a trip, so you should make the most of it. In my opinion, the minimum number of days you need to see Prague is 3, but if you are going to stay less days you can save time by planning your itinerary in detail and organising your transfers from the airport to the centre of Prague in an optimal way. In any case, here are some itineraries by days: