Things to do in Prague
The complete travel guide to the capital of the Czech Republic
Since the early 90s, Prague has become one of the most decided destinations for international travelers. The beer was cheap, the vibe was fantastic, and there were loads of things to do in Prague. As a result, the city’s tourist industry boomed, and Prague remains still a popular destination. However, the 90s are long gone, and the city is not as cheap as it used to be. No matter what, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the city of Franz Kafka, and that’s what this Prague travel guide intends to cover.
Specifically, in this travel guide to Prague, you’ll find info about how to reach the city and the best places to stay. Of course, you’ll read about the must-see Prague attractions but also about less known ones. Moreover, I’ll share some Prague travel tips about food, budget, and guided tours that’ll give you a fuller experience of the capital of the Czech Republic. Last but not least, you’ll find a short section with facts about Prague that highlight its significance.
So, let’s start now with the best things to do in Prague and the travel guide to one of the most beautiful European capitals. Simply navigate through the sections and find everything you need to know about the city.
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How to get to Prague
Prague enjoys a strategic location in the heart of Central Europe, and plenty of options exist to reach it. In this section of the Prague guide, I’ll explain how you can get to the city.
To Prague by plane
The easiest way to get to Prague is, of course, by plane. The International Vaclav Havel Airport is one of the busiest in continental Europe. The airport lies 15 km (9 miles) away from the city center, and the journey to the city center takes half an hour by car and 40 minutes by public transport.
Flight times to Prague will give you an even better idea of the city’s location. For example, you’ll need 1 hour and 50 minutes to Prague from London, Paris, or Rome. In addition, several airlines fly directly to the city, and the prices are competitive due to the low-cost flights.
To find the best flights to Prague, I recommend searching via Kiwi. Kiwi is a flight aggregator comparing dozens of flights between your hometown and Prague. You can search here for the best flights to the capital of the Czech Republic.
To Prague by train
One more fantastic option to visit Prague is by train. I traveled from Berlin to Prague several times by train, and it was a pleasant journey. Train travel gives you a better idea about the country, and traveling from Germany to Prague will expose you to nature’s beauty, especially after leaving Dresden behind. It’s a ride across the river Elbe, and you’ll see beautiful villages and stunning nature.
That said, if you travel from any neighboring country to Prague, the train is a cheap and environmentally friendly way of transportation. The website of the German Railways will show you all available connections to Prague, and if you book in advance, you can find return tickets for less than 50 euros. Simply visit bahn.com and add your dates and see your itinerary.
Tip: If the Deutsche Bahn confuses you, I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to make the most out of your train journey. Check it out.
To Prague by bus
If you travel from the neighboring countries, you can also reach Prague by bus. Modern buses are far cozier than the old ones, and most of them come with free wi-fi and a socket next to your seat. You can find the best prices for bus traveling here.
The best things to do in Prague
Due to its stunning architecture and century-old history, Prague is a paradise for sightseeing. Walking around Prague’s streets will feel like walking in an open-air museum. Every corner in downtown Prague has its landmark, and if you manage to avoid the masses of people visiting the city, you’ll discover spots of unique beauty. The city has 1,300,000 inhabitants, and if you add the tourists, you can get an idea of how crowded it can be downtown.
Since most of Prague’s must-see locations will be crowded, I’ll add some info on skipping the lines and the long waiting times. Usually, it’s better to pre-book your entrance to the sites of interest; otherwise, you might lose valuable vacation time. Anyway, here are the best things to do in Prague.
Visit the Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square (Czech: Staroměstské náměstí) is probably the most historic place in the city. Located between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square is a paradise for architecture lovers. You will see an impressive patchwork of different architectural styles. For example, you’ll see the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn with its 80 m high towers and close to it the St. Nicholas Church, which is a baroque church.
However, the famous square has seen darker times, and there are memorials to prove it. The Habsburgs beheaded several people during the Old Town Square executions, and among them were Maxmilián Hošťálek and Jan Jesenius. Last but not least, Old Town Square hosts the statue of Jan Hus, a religious reformer burned for his beliefs.
See the Astronomical Clock
No visit to the Old Town Square in Prague is complete without stopping at the world-famous Astronomical Clock (Czech: Pražský Orloj). This medieval clock is attached to the Old Town Hall, the city’s most iconic landmark. First installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is the third-oldest worldwide and the oldest that still operates.
For an object so old, its mechanism is impressive. It owes its operation to three components: a) the astronomical dial (dealing with the position of the Sun and Moon), b) the Catholic saints on the clock’s sides, and c) the so-called “Walk of the Apostles,” which shows moving Apostles figures and among them a skeleton representing Death. The “Walk of the Apostles” takes place every hour and is one of the most beloved spectacles for travelers.
You can also climb up the Old Town Hall tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the Old Town. The queue can be very long; however, you can pre-book your ticket for the Astronomical Clock here.
Cross Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most photographed (and Instagrammed) places. This arched bridge made of stone dates back to the Middle Ages and connects Prague’s Castle and the Old Town. Although it seems like a typical European landmark, its significance exceeds well beyond its photogenic looks. In fact, this bridge helped Prague establish a trade route between Western and Eastern Europe.
The bridge crosses the Vltava River and owes its name to King Charles IV, the man who initiated its construction in 1357. However, it wasn’t before the early 15th century that the bridge was concluded. Charles Bridge replaced the Judith Bridge that stood on the spot and was severely damaged by a flood. The original name of the new bridge was Stone Bridge, and the usage of the name Charles Bridge came much later, around 1870.
See Prague through the eyes of Franz Kafka
The city of Prague was sealed by one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century: Franz Kafka. Prague’s most prominent son lived and worked his whole life in the city, and apart from sealing 20th-century literature, he also left his mark on the city. There are two statues in Prague commemorating Franz Kafka, and both are equally bizarre. At Old Town Square, you can see where Kafka was born, but there are several other locations the writer frequented.
If you are a Franz Kafka fan or are willing to discover him, I wrote a separate blog post about every location in Prague connected to Kafka. You can read more about Franz Kafka and the city here.
Alternatively, you can also book a guided Franz Kafka tour here, which will bring you to several locations, including the Jewish Quarter.
Visit the Prague Castle
Just off the city center, you can visit Prague Castle. You’ll most likely need a tram to visit the Castle and keep in mind that you’ll have to walk a steep road before reaching it. The Castle is a historical location, and it was founded in 880. It was used as the seat of Bohemian Kings, and its role continues to be strong until today: it is used as the seat of the Czech Republic President. Prague Castle made it even to the Guinness Book of Records for being the biggest ancient castle in the world.
Within Prague Castle, you’ll also see the famous (and obscure) Golden Lane. This narrow street was supposedly a place once frequented by alchemists: rumors have it that they tried to convert cheap materials into gold. However, there’s no proof that alchemists really lived at Golden Lane despite the name. And, since Kafka is everywhere, there’s also a house where he spent two years writing.
A visit is a must even though it’s relatively expensive if you want to enter and shoot photos: it will cost you approximately 15 euros. Pre-booking your ticket and skipping the line is better; you can pre-book your Castle ticket here.
On the other hand, several licensed guides offer tours if you’d like to learn more about the Castle and have a guided tour. Book here the best guided tour to the Castle.
See and be seen at the Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the economic and cultural center of Prague New Town. Named after the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas, the square is the liveliest place in the city. Oddly enough, even though it’s known as a square, the truth is that it resembles an avenue: it has a length of 750 meters, and on its upper side, you’ll find the National Museum.
The square is full of impressive buildings, and the nearby metro station is the busiest in the city. That’s the perfect place to stroll around and see local life unfolding in front of your eyes. Pickpocketing is a thing here, so keep an eye on your belonging while walking around.
Freud above your head
One of the most fun things to see in Prague is the statue of Sigmund Freud hanging from a metal beam. That’s one of Prague’s oddities, and you can find it at Stare Mesto in the Old Town. Many people think that somebody is about to commit suicide, and there are loads of calls per year to the local police station. Freud’s sculpture in Prague became a cult urban element that still fascinates people.
Other cool things to do in Prague
There are various other things you can enjoy in Prague. Therefore, this subsection is dedicated to Prague activities that you can enjoy either solo or with groups of friends. Check out some of them for a more local Prague feeling: apart from sightseeing, immersing in the local culture is one of the greatest things while traveling.
Cruise the River Vltava at night
One of the best things to do in Prague is to take a night cruise on the River Vltava. Apart from discovering Prague’s beauty at night, you’ll also enjoy some panoramic views. Illuminated Prague is stunning, and its landmarks are visible even from far away.
There are plenty of options to choose from, from a short cruise to dinner on the boat. The most affordable option (14 euros) is the 50-minutes cruise of the Vltava, where you’ll see the city’s highlights. On the other hand, you can also book a 3-hour dinner cruise and enjoy either international or Czech cuisine (49 euros).
Enjoy a Medieval Dinner with unlimited drinks
Czech cuisine is famous for its delicious food and fantastic beer. Together with the food, you can enjoy a medieval show with belly dancers and swordsmen. You can have the best of both worlds, and a 3-course dinner will cost you 42 euros. And: you can drink as much as you want. You can book the delicious Medieval Dinner here.
Visit the Terezin Concentration Camp
The European soil has seen very dark days, and Prague is no exception. The Tarazin Concentration Camp has a sad but interesting story, and it was much different than any World War II camp. The easiest way to visit it is by joining a guided tour, where you’ll learn everything about Czech-Jewish history and the Holocaust. There are loads of tours on offer. Here’s the most affordable one, but if you’d want, you can also book a private tour.
See the Black Light Theater
People come all over the world to watch this spectacular show. The Black Light Theater is one of the most famous things to do in Prague, and if you’re in town, it’ll be a pity to miss it. That’s an interactive 4D show performed in silence and resembles a dream. This visual performance is a memorable experience, and it’s also a great thing to do in Prague for families (23 euros). See more and book your seat for the Black Light Theater.
Where to stay in Prague
As I wrote earlier, Prague’s tourist industry boomed in the last couple of decades. Therefore, it doesn’t surprise that there are loads of accommodations around the city for every budget. Quite obviously, the place that everyone wants to stay is in the Old Town of Prague because of its beauty. However, the city center feels packed all year long, and the prices are not low anymore. That said, it’s actually a good idea to consider other options, just off the center.
In this section, you’ll find the best hotels in Prague, and I’ll also share where I stayed when I last visited the city.
The best hotels in Prague
The list of the best Prague hotels (in the Praha 1 area) is not exhaustive, and it’s based on a) my personal opinion and b) the opinions of other travelers that recently visited the city. Feel free to use the interactive map at the bottom of this subsection to find more accommodation options.
Hotel Pod Věží. That’s a small hotel set in two different historic buildings next to the iconic Charles Bridge. It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets due to its location and price. Located in Prague’s Lesser Town, Hotel Pod Věží is next to every attraction, like Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square. The rooms are clean, have coffee/tea making facilities, and free wi-fi is available. Book your room at Hotel Pod Věží.
BoHo Prague Hotel. It doesn’t get better if you enjoy small and luxurious hotels in downtown Prague. The BoHo is just 600 meters away from Old Town Square, and it has an on-site restaurant with an excellent atmosphere. The rooms are cozy and tastefully decorated, and some of them have a seating area. See the BoHo Hotel.
MOOo by the Castle. That’s one bizarre name, but don’t let it fool you. MOOo by the Castle offers several apartments in a historical 16th-century building just 400 meters from the Castle. You can expect all modern facilities and every flat comes with a kitchen, a living room, a sofa, and a flat-screen TV t’s slightly off the city center but it’s a short walking distance to reach it. And it’s definitely quieter. See the MOOo by the Castle.
*If you like MOOo’s style but prefer to stay in the Old Town, MOOo has a city center hotel. See MOOo downtown here.
Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague. Boutique hotels are on the rise in Prague, and some are stunning. Pytloun is a boutique hotel located straight at Wenceslas Square and offers modern rooms with a view. The rooms have everything you need, even a Nespresso coffee machine, and some of them come with a balcony. Pytloun serves daily breakfast on the second floor, and you can choose different cold and hot dishes from the buffet. See Pytloun Boutique Hotel.
Golden Star. The city is an architectural paradise, and some hotels are located in such buildings. One of the finest examples is the Golden Star, set in a fantastic Baroque building close to Prague Castle. The Golden Star enjoys panoramic views of the Old Town and features a 270-years-old staircase. The rooms are spacious and carefully decorated, and there’s also a restaurant with traditional Czech cuisine. Book your room at the Golden Star.
Hotel Waldstein. One more historical Prague hotel is set in a 14th-century building just a few steps away from Charles Bridge. Hotel Waldstein has beautiful rooms with modern furniture, and you’ll find coffee and tea-making facilities. Plus, there’s a daily breakfast buffet in a vaulted Renaissance cellar. See the Hotel Waldstein.
Where I stayed in Prague
I chose for my stay the wonderful Seven Wishes Boutique Residence. The name might sound flamboyant, and you might think it’s pricey. Well, it’s not. This is an aparthotel in the neighborhood of Karlín. It’s just three stops with the tram to the Old Town, and it’s definitely quieter there. Karlín is the up-and-coming neighborhood of Prague, with lots of bars and cozy restaurants. The Seven Wishes Boutique Residence itself is a new aparthotel (est. 2018) that offers well-equipped and spacious flats at a reasonable price.
The so-called Superior Room with Balcony costs off-season 60 euros per night; however, you should expect a higher (or even double) price during the high season. There is no breakfast in the Seven Wishes, but there is a supermarket nearby, and every room has a kitchen. I highly recommend the Seven Wishes: my flat was 50 sq.m., clean and the wi-fi was fast and reliable. Actually, whenever I return to Prague, I will stay there.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Prague.
Where to eat & drink in Prague
Despite its relatively compact size, Prague is a buzzing capital. While there are loads of places to eat and drink, and it’s hard to make an exhaustive list, there’s one thing to consider. As a rule of thumb, avoid eating and drinking around the Astronomical Clock: for the standards of Prague, the prices are astronomical, too. Honestly, you should eat or drink there only if you can’t walk anymore.
During my stay in Prague, I tried a couple of restaurants. Most of them were close to my hotel, and since Prague is bigger than you might think, you’ll probably eat close to your accommodation too. So, below you’ll find the places I enjoyed the most during my stay in Prague. If you also decide to stay in Karlin, make sure to bookmark these places. Every link next to them shows the exact location on Google Maps.
- Gate. Very close to the Seven Wishes Aparthotel, Gate is a bar restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. Although the food is decent, it won’t be your most memorable dining experience. However, Gate has a great vibe, and the personnel has a fantastic attitude. Any main dish and a drink won’t cost you more than 15 euros. See the Gate on Google Maps.
- Adele. That’s a cafe-restaurant straight at Republic Square. From Adele, you can observe the life of the big square while sipping a cup of coffee -and that’s an ideal break after a long day out. See Adele on the map.
- Cafe Frida. My kind of place. Cafe Frida has an easy-going attitude, located in a nice area of Karlin. I ate here twice because the food was delicious and the place was full of locals (not the case in the city center). The menu consists of a mixture of Mexican food, American burgers, and a variety of cocktails. You should expect to pay less than 15 euros for a main dish and glass of wine. See Cafe Frida.
- Hergetova Cihelna. That’s the cafe outside of the Franz Kafka Museum. It’s a tranquil spot, just off the Charles Bridge. High-quality coffee and a selection of delicious cakes. If you happen to be there, don’t miss the chance to visit the museum. See Hergetova Cihelna on the map.
- Antonínovo pekařství. That bakery with the difficult name offers a wide selection of bagels, sandwiches, etc., plus excellent coffee. If you are staying in Karlín and your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, this is definitely a place to have a nice (and cheap) one. That’s one of the most local places I discovered in Prague. See Antonínovo pekařství on the map.
- Parlor. Finally, the Parlor is the price where I had the best espresso in town. You can also have breakfast at Parlor, and I enjoyed every time I sat there. See Parlor on Google Maps.
How to budget for Prague
Back in the ’90s, Prague was one of Europe’s nicest and cheapest places. Things have, of course, changed since then. While many people still consider Prague a really cheap destination, the truth is that it’s not that cheap anymore. On the contrary, I actually found Prague to be rather expensive.
As mentioned in the previous sections, accommodation in Prague is moderately priced. While you’ll find plenty of pricey places nowadays, that’s still not the case all around the city. The only time everything becomes more expensive (but that’s not just a Prague thing) is during the summertime. The accommodation prices tend to double, and you can expect costs on the steep side. If you visit Prague off-season, you can find nice hotels with 50-60 euros per night; be ready to spend 80-90 euros during the summertime.
Compared to my previous visits to Prague, the food was what impressed me the most in terms of cost. While spending 15-20 euros for dinner is still not that expensive, you’d pay less than 10 euros a decade ago for the same meal. That said, food is not cheaper than in Berlin, for example.
The museum prices are also steep, and I found the Castle of Prague overpriced. The ticket currently costs 250 crowns (15 euros), and if you’d like to shoot photos, you must pay another 3 euros.
At least the public transport is still affordable in Prague, and it’s wise to buy a pass. I got one for 72 hours which cost me approximately 12 euros. I used it a lot, and it’s really useful because Prague is much bigger than you might think.
All that said, if you visit Prague as a couple you should expect to spend approximately 90 euros per day. This includes accommodation (40-50 euros per person per night during the high season), a proper meal (15 euros), expenses for a light lunch (10 euros), plus a museum entry per day.
FAQ about Prague
Finally, in the last section of this long Prague travel guide, I’ll reply to some of the most questions about the city. Feel free to ask in the comments below if you have more questions, and I’ll make sure to add them here.
When it’s the best time to visit Prague?
The best time to visit Prague is in the shoulder months: June and September. The weather will be pleasant, but the city won’t be that crowded and the prices will be slightly lower.
On the other hand, visiting Prague off-season (like March or November) will give you a more relaxing experience. The prices are usually low, and the city won’t have many tourists. However, the weather can be unstable, and you should expect some rain.
Is Prague safe?
Prague is as safe as every European capital. While you should be cautious in crowded places like Charles Bridge or Wenceslas Square, it will be hard to get into trouble. Use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings.
What to do on a Prague city break?
On a Prague city break (or a long weekend), you should:
- Walk the Charles Bridge.
- See the Astronomical Clock.
- Have a traditional dinner.
- See the Kafka Museum.
- Visit the Castle.
- Take a river cruise with dinner.
What is Prague’s Dancing House?
The Dancing House is one of the most famous contemporary buildings in Prague. It even has a name: Fred and Ginger. It derives from the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers due to their resemblance to a dancing couple. Built back in 1992, the building brought lots of controversies. Nowadays, travelers can even rent a room at the Dancing House.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is slowly reaching European standards in terms of pricing. While it’s still cheaper than other big cities, it’s not the ultra-cheap destination it used to be in the 90s.
More about Prague: The best private tours in Prague, Prague stories & musings, Following Franz Kafka in Prague
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Last Updated on July 16, 2022 by George Pavlopoulos