What to do in Prague- 15 Unmissable Things

Prague is one of Europe’s must-visit cities for its wealth of art, culture and history dating back to medieval times. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular traveler returning to the city, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. If you’re looking for ideas of what to do in Prague, here’s our list of 15 unmissable experiences and attractions.

1. Charles Bridge

You can’t come to Prague without embarking on a walk across this historic bridge. Lined with baroque-style sculptures of religious figures, Charles Bridge is a great place to enjoy the atmosphere of the city’s stone-clad structures while people-watching and listening to street musicians. Even if you don’t make it across during a day-time stroll, Charles Bridge looks equally impressive under lights when the sun goes down.

2. Old Town Square

Old Town Square is at the heart of Prague’s historic center, surrounded by Gothic churches and colorful baroque buildings. Throughout the day, jugglers, magicians and other street entertainers perform in front of the famous Astronomical Clock, giving this public square an unforgettable atmosphere. Head here in the evenings for cocktails with views over the square, or for Friday and Saturday night nights for bands and drinks in some of the bars tucked away in the square.

3. Prague Castle

No visit to Prague is complete without a tour of the castle, which stands proudly atop a hill above the Vltava river on the western side of the city. The interior includes St Vitus’ Cathedral and several private chapels, as well as a treasury of more than 1,000 gold items, silver artifacts and gems. Prague Castle is also home to the Presidential Palace, which has been used as the official residence of Czech presidents since 1918.

4. The Litomysl Castle

Around two hours east of Prague is Litomysl, a gorgeous castle complex owned by European royalty since the 16th century. The castle’s wonderfully preserved interiors show burnished wooden floors and hand-painted wall murals, while its rolling parklands have sprawling views across the Czech countryside. For an extra fee you can check out concerts held in the castle courtyard between June and September.

5. Konopiste Castle

Konopiste Castle was once owned by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who was assassinated in 1914 and whose death triggered WWI. Located around 45 minutes from Prague’s city center, here you can discover a series of late-Gothic and Baroque rooms adorned with paintings and antiques. Explore the city’s rich hunting history in the Grand Hunting Hall and find out how cupid fired arrows outside Ferdinand’s bedroom windows.

6. Visit Vysehrad

Vysehrad is an ancient hillfort that runs along the banks of the Vltava River offering fabulous views of Prague’s city center. It boasts a beautiful basilica dedicated to St Peter and St Paul from 1910, as well as a Slavic rotunda from 920AD. Vysehrad was once used by Czech royalty and here you can find peaceful gardens, cafes and galleries overlooking Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.

7. Take a walk through Kafka’s Old Town

Channeling your inner writer is easy when walking through Old Town but this trail goes one step further and takes you through sites that have been connected to Franz Kafka himself. A must-visit on any leisurely stroll is Kafka’s birthplace (Celetná 17). Here he was born and raised in a Jewish family until he moved to a nearby apartment a few minutes away (Maiselova 18). Start at either location and admire everything else in between like the Spanish Synagogue along the way.

8. Enjoy a traditional Czech dinner at Restaurace U Bulinu

For a tasty meal made with locally sourced ingredients, delve into traditional Czech cuisine at Restaurace U Bulinu located near Old Town Square. Think hearty classics like beef goulash with dumplings, braised duck leg with roasted potatoes and cabbage salad or potato pancakes with smoked cheese and pickles. Wash it all down with typical potato-based spirits like Slivovica or Flames, both of which boast an impressive 50% ABV.

9. Shopping in Na Prikope Street

If you want to pick up some souvenirs or explore stores like Zara, Adidas, H&M and others, then look no further than Na Prikope Street in Prague’s New Town area. Home to international fashion names as well as smaller independent stores there’s something here for everyone. If you get hungry then there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes – perfect for that mid-afternoon cuppa or hearty soup lunch after many hours of shopping.

10. Visit Kampa Museum

If you’re interested in modern art then head over to Kampa Park situated just next to Charles Bridge. The Kampa Museum features exhibits from both Czech and international artists such as František Kupka and Salvador Dali, giving insight into the country’s vibrant contemporary art scene. You could easily spend an entire afternoon walking around Kampa and appreciating the sculptures that pepper both sides of this island park set among tranquil parkside paths and cool pavement cafes.

11. Take a guided tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter

Josefov is one of Prague’s most fascinating throwbacks to days gone by. It dates from the middle ages, when Jews were forbidden from living anywhere else in Prague except this quarter – easily identifiable today by ubiquitous Star of David adorning many entrances joined by synagogue branding. With your guide, visit sections of Polish culture still forgotten by most visitors and hear stories beyond those told in books.

12. Letna Brewery Beer Garden & Park

If you’re after some drinks under an open sky then Letna Beer Garden is just the place to be! Enjoy freshly brewed beers produced right onsite in a large greenery covered brewery park full of activities like ping-pong tables and beer darts – yes that’s right – darts thrown while holding a beer! The outdoor benches on the hill give great views of downtown Prague so don’t forget your camera!

13. Experience Goldfingers Prague Clubbing

Goldfingers is one of Prague’s best known nightlife destinations popular among locals and tourists alike for its range of music genres from hip hop to house music with DJs on rotation daily from Friday to Monday from 9pm until 6am. A contemporary décor featuring state-of-the-art lighting systems puts on an electrifying show as guests await for artists such as Avicii or Fatboy Slim who have graced this stage previously.

14. Take lunch at Lokal by Mlynec

For lunchtime fun head over to Lokal by Mlynec located just next to Charles Bridge in Mala Strana filled with locals looking for traditional Czech dishes like beef tartare (a favorite among locals) or easily recognizable sandwich options such as smoked ham and cheese. Cold beer recommendations also abound here so don’t hesitate to catch up with some friends while you enjoy some of Prague’s best lunch time snacks!

15. Take a slow cruise down Vltava River

Last but not least, let’s not forget about one of Prague’s best kept secrets – an evening cruise down the river Vltava! Leave your worries behind as you take in stunning views along both sides of the river including glimpses of Charles Bridge or the National Theatre building – both landmarks giving an unmistakable reminder that you are in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities!

From grand castles and beer gardens to Jewish Quarters, galleries and cruise rides along the river Vltava: there’s no shortage of must-do activities in Central Europe’s acting capital – Prague. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular traveler returning to discover something knew – be sure to check out every item from this list!