Guide to Prague – Top 10 Things To Do

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The city is full of beautiful architecture, cultural attractions, and historical sites. It has a rich history going back to the 9th century and is home to some of the most beautiful churches, palaces, and bridges in the world. From its architectural wonders to its vibrant nightlife, Prague has something for everyone.

Prague History

Prague has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, although it wasn’t until 9th century when it became the capital of the Czech Kingdom. It is home to some of the oldest and most historically significant sites in Europe. Prague was at the heart of the Protestant Reformation and was also the birthplace of Franz Kafka. In the 19th century, Prague was the centre of Bohemian culture and a hub of artistic expression. During this time, Prague became known as the “City of One Hundred Spires” due to its abundance of churches and cathedrals. The city was also declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Prague is now a modern city with a population of over 1.3 million people and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. The city is renowned for its beautiful Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance-style architecture, as well as its vibrant cultural scene. From its many museums and galleries to its wide selection of shops, restaurants, and bars, Prague has something to offer for everyone.

Top 10 Things To Do in Prague

When visiting Prague, there are plenty of attractions and activities to explore. Here are some of the top things to do:

1. Visit Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is one of the most famous attractions in Prague and a must-visit for any tourist. The square is lined with stunning buildings from various eras and contains a range of historical monuments such as the Astronomical Clock and Jan Hus Monument. It is a great place to watch the world go by or admire the stunning architecture.

2. Explore Prague Castle

Prague’s castle is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and one of the most popular attractions in the city. The castle is home to several important buildings such as St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George’s Basilica and is surrounded by lush gardens. It is also a great place to take in stunning views of Prague from its many towers.

3. Visit Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is an iconic stone bridge that connects Old Town with Lesser Town over the Vltava river. It is lined with Baroque-style statues depicting saints from the 14th century and is one of the most photographed sites in Prague. Charles Bridge is also a great place to watch street performers or take in stunning views of Prague’s skyline.

4. Take a Tour of Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter is a vibrant area full of culture, history, and entertainment. It is home to several synagogues, museums, and other attractions that tell the story of Prague’s Jewish history, such as the Jewish Cemetery and Old Jewish Cemetery. A guided tour of this area is a great way to learn more about the city’s history.

5. Enjoy a Performance at Estates Theatre

Estates Theatre is one of Prague’s oldest theatres and a great place to see a performance or attend an opera or ballet show. It has been home to some of Europe’s most renowned performances and has seen some of the world’s greatest actors and singers grace its stage.

6. Explore Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is one of Prague’s most famous squares and a great place to explore some of the city’s best attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars. The square is lined with stunning Art Nouveau buildings, monuments, and statues from various eras, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing or people watching.

7. Visit Petrin Hill

Petrin Hill is one of Prague’s most popular parks and a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The park is full of lush gardens, trees, and fountains, as well as several attractions such as the Petrin Tower which offers stunning views from its observation deck.

8. Enjoy a Cruise on the Vltava River

The Vltava River is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks and a great way to explore the city from a different angle. Taking a boat cruise along the river will give you an opportunity to admire Prague’s many bridges, monuments, palaces, and churches from a unique perspective.

9. Tour Vyšehrad Castle

Vyšehrad Castle is an ancient fortress located on top of a hill overlooking the Vltava River. It has been used as a fortress since the 10th century and contains several important buildings such as St Peter and Paul Church and Rotunda of St Martin dating back to the 11th century. Vyšehrad Castle makes for a great day trip from Prague and offers some stunning views from its walls.

10. Shop at Havelské Market

Havelské Market is one of Prague’s oldest markets and a great place to pick up souvenirs or try some local delicacies such as Knedlíky (dumplings) or Trdelník (chimney cake). The market also sells fresh fruits and vegetables, Czech handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and much more.

Tours & Activities in Prague

If you are looking for an even more immersive experience while in Prague, there are plenty of tours and activities you can book in advance that will give you an even more detailed insight into this vibrant city. Here are two popular tours you can book:

Old Town Guided Tour

The Old Town Guided Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of Prague’s most iconic attractions such as Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Church of Our Lady Before Týn, Rudolphinum Gallery, and much more with an experienced guide who will provide interesting insights into each location along the way. This tour lasts approximately 3 hours and covers all major sites within Old Town district including Astronomical Clock located in Old Town Hall Tower which dates back to 1410 AD. This tour also includes entrance fees for various attractions and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about Prague’s history from knowledgeable guides who will provide interesting anecdotes throughout your journey. Book an Old Town Guided Tour here.

Jewish Quarter Tour

The Jewish Quarter Tour provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Prague’s Jewish history through its many monuments and memorials that tell the story of Jewish persecution over centuries within this area as well as learn about Kafka’s life within this district during his teenage years when he lived with his family just a few steps away from Old-New Synagogue which dates back to 1270 AD making it Europe’s oldest active synagogue today. You will also visit Old Jewish Cemetery which dates back to 1439 AD which contains 12000 tombstones from various eras including Baroque style cemetery founded by Emperor Rudolf II in 1573 AD as well as Pinkas Synagogue which has been turned into memorial dedicated to Jewish victims during WW2 with over 77000 names engraved on its walls including Czechoslovak citizens sent to concentration camps during this time period. This tour lasts approximately 3 hours during which you will explore many other sites related to Jewish culture within Prague including Old-New Synagogue which dates back to 1270 AD making it Europe’s oldest active synagogue today Book a Jewish Quarter Tour here.

In conclusion, visiting Prague can be an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for culture, history, art, entertainment or simply just looking for an interesting city break destination with plenty of activities to explore during your stay there! From exploring its stunning architecture to enjoying its vibrant nightlife or learning about its rich history there are plenty of things you can do in Prague that will make your visit there unforgettable!