Planning a trip to Prague? Don't miss this list of the very best things to do in Prague - straight from a local. From the must-see tourist attractions, to fun and quirky sites, to hidden treasures in the city - there's a little something for everyone!
After living and working as freelancers in Prague for 15 months, it's safe to say that we've done a lot of exploring.
And after having countless friends, family members, acquaintances, and readers message us asking about the best things to do in Prague, we decided to go ahead and make a little list. (Ok, it's kind of a big list.)
Prague has become one of the most visited cities in the world! And for good reason. It's literally bursting with gorgeous views, rich culture, and unique and interesting things to do.
If you're just getting started with your trip planning, make sure you also stop by our Prague Neighborhood Guide, which will give you a great overview of Prague's districts and the best places to stay.
Things to Do in Prague
Grab a Prague Card!
Ok, while not a destination in itself, the Prague Card is one of the best things going for tourists in Prague.
It gives you admission to 60+ attractions, including nearly all of the main tourist sites in the city. Plus, you get the chance to take a river boat cruise and city bus tour.
It's available in 3-5 day increments, and I always recommend it to first-time Prague visitors!
Take a Private Walking Tour
This 5-hour private walking tour is one of the very best way to get familiar with Prague. You'll get a taste of all the popular sites like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, while touring the city center neighborhoods of Old Town and Mala Strana. There's even an optional river boar cruise with lunch.
This one is a popular choice among our readers!
Take a Self-Guided Tour Of Prague's Strangest Sculptures
Prague is home to some of the most unique (and certainly the strangest) sculptures in the world. Many of them are tucked into the architecture of the city, and you'd walk right by if you didn't know they were there.
Take this self-guided walking tour and grab photos with these eclectic sculptures!
Attend a Concert in a Palace
Who can say they've attended a concert in a real life palace?
Lobkowicz Palace is the only privately owned building inside the Prague Castle complex. It's home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and listening to them play in this Baroque Concert Room is a real treat for the ears!
Eat Like a Local
I'm a huge foodie (see my food blog over here!), so one of my first priorities in any new city is the food! And a food tour is a great way to let the locals introduce you to their favorite eats.
This evening food tour will take you to secret wine cellars, backstreet bistros and tiny, family-run cafés, to sample all of Prague’s best food and drinks.
You'll also get a peek at some famous sites along the way - like the John Lennon Wall, Kampa island and David Cerny’s sculptures. A wonderful way to spend an evening in the city!
Wander Prague's Jewish Quarter
Prague's Jewish Quarter is one of the most intriguing parts of the city. It's brimming with unique history, gorgeous synagogues, and delicious foods.
The best way to experience the Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, is on a guided tour so you don't miss out on the rich stories and history of the area.
Visit Old Town Hall & Climb the Tower
Don't miss visiting Old Town Hall, at the center of the Old Town District in Prague. The complex includes five building, including a Gothic tower and huge astronomical clock. Don't skip climbing the tower for incredible views of Prague!
It's best to book tickets in advance to avoid the crowds at this popular spot!
Take an Electric Bike Tour
This unique bike tour takes you to some of the most scenic locations in Prague. You'll get amazing photo opportunities from vantage points all around the city. And you'll do it all from the comfort of these easy-to-ride electric bikes! How fun is that?
Take a Day Trip to Pilsen
If you're a beer lover, you may enjoy taking a day trip to PIlsen - the birthplace of Pilsner beer! Check out the small town and tour the original Urquell Pilsner Brewery.
It's one of the many unique day trips available from Prague.
Visit the Dancing House Gallery and Rooftop
The Dancing House is one of those quintessentially Prague sights - you'll marvel at how it's even stnading with it's unique design!
Inside is an interesting art gallery, and access to a small rooftop terrace with one of the best views in Prague.
Prague Day Trip to Terezin Concentration Camp
Another worthwhile day trip from Prague is Terezin Concentration Camp. Take a tour of the barracks ad museum, and visit the Holocaust Memorial which pays tribute to the many victims of the Holocaust.
Visit Letna Park and Beer Garden
Letna Park sits above the city and provides one of the most beautiful views of Prague that you're likely to find. It's also the home of a quirky giant metronome. Yep - I told you Prague has some interesting art! It's a great place to grab an Instagram photo.
And more importantly, it's the home to the Letna Park Beer Garden. Grab a delicious brew and enjoy the view from this lovely park!
Enjoy a Medieval Dinner
This fun dinner experience gives a new meaning to "dinner and a show". You'll enjoy an entertaining evening of swordsmen, jugglers, and belly dancers while feasting on a delicious 5-course meal. Of course, it includes unlimited beer as well. What's not to love?
Take a Sightseeing Cruise on the Vltava River
I can't think of a more relaxing way to see the city than a river boat cruise down the Vlatva River. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail and snack while a local guide tells you all about the city. You'll view Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the National Theatre, and more as you cruise down the river.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Enjoy the convenience of a bus tour at your own leisure with the hop-on/hop-off open top bus. The route takes you all around Prague, stopping at all of the popular tourist attractions including Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter.
Pair the bus tour with a Prague Card for a really economical (and fun) way to tour the city.
Join a Photography Tour
I"m big into photography, and spent the first several weeks in Prague scouting out all the best photo spots in the city. Of course, it's much faster to let a pro show you around.
On this 3-hour photography tour, you'll get a professional photographer to show you around the best photo locations and give you some tips and tricks for taking home amazing images of Prague!
Day Trip to the Bone Church
If you have the time, another fantastic day trip is to Kunta Hora, which is the home to the should-be-famous Bone Church. This odd Gothic Church is literally decorated with the bones of it's former wealthy patrons.
Take in the View
As you all know, Ia m quite the shutterbug. So one of my first priorities upon arriving in Prague was to find all the best photo spots in the city. Check them out here and plan your own little photo tour of the city!
Learn about Czech Beer
The Czech Republic has a long history of beer brewing. Even if you're not a beer connoisseur, it's worth taking the time to try some of the offerings. They can be quite different than the beers you'll find in Western Europe or the US.
At this popular beer tasting, you'll try everything from pilsners to porters, and learn all about Prague's brewing traditions.
Old Town Ghost Tour
Ready for some spooky fun? Enter the shadowy streets of Prague’s Old Town, and learn about some of the ghosts that haunt the night. You'll visit Gothic churches that are sitll under the spell of the undead, and market squares and graveyards that claim to be haunted to this day.
These guys claim to give the "most accurate" ghost tour of Prague. I don't know whether that's true, but it sure is fun!
Play Glow Golf
Ready for some pure, silly fun? If you're looking for a family-friendly activity, this one is sure to be a hit. Glow Golf is one of Prague's newest attractions.
Play a game of golf under UV lights, and check out the glowing murals inspired by the city's history. There are UV face paints available if you want to get creative! It's getting strangely popular, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
Prague's Museum of Senses
This one-of-a-kind museum is totally worth a stop. It's filled with mind-bending interactive exhibits and optical illusions. You won't spend all day here for sure, but tickets are cheap and it's bursting with fun photo ops!
Party on a Pub Crawl
Prague sure loves to party, and a pub crawl through the city is a fantastic way to meet other travelers that are in town for a good time!
This pub crawl is the one my readers recommend most often. You'll meet at a local pub to start off with an unlimited "power hour", where you'll have your fill beer, wine, absinthe and vodka. You'll move on to visit two more local bars, and then finish out the evening with VIP entrance to the 5 story nightclub Karlovy Lazne.
See a Black Light Theater Show
Now this a show that you won't find anywhere else. It's a 4D performance filled with mesmerizing special effects. Even the kids will like this one!
Prague Beer Bath (With Unlimited Beer)
Yep, you read that right. In Prague, we love our beer so much that we bathe in it.
Beer baths became popular in the Middle Ages, and are said to cleanse the pores, increase circulation, regenerate skin and hair, and revitalize the senses. But don't worry - this beer spa is run by professional practitioners.
Don't you want to tell your friends and family you took a beer bath in Prague?
Prague: Czech Beer Museum Entrance and Tasting
This fun museum is a great way to get to know Czech beer, which has a rich history in the region. Learn the secrets behind the brewing process, and enjoy tastes of 4 Czech beers. Plus, bottle your own beer with your own label at the end of the visit.
Day Trip to Karlštejn Castle
This beautiful Gothic castle is nestled in the charming town of Karlstejn, which is just a short drive from Prague. You can wander the beautiful grounds and take a tour of the historic castle. The scenery alone is worth the drive!
Visit Vysehrad Castle
Vysehrad Castle is often referred to as Prague's Second Castle. Not nearly as well known as the famous Prague Castle, it's nevertheless a beautiful place to visit.
In fact, the view from Vysehrad is one of the most scenic spots in all of Prague. It's totally worth a stop, and take a tour of the castle itself if you have the time!
Walk Across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a Prague icon - and no trip is complete without a stroll across it. Don't miss the famous sculptures, the museum, or the chance to climb the lookout towers on either side of the bridge!
I've pulled together some of my own favorite tips for visiting Charles Bridge over here!
Tour Prague Castle
Prague Castle is another must-see site for a Prague first-timer.
The absolute best way to tour the castle is by purchasing tour tickets in advance, which will get you a local guide and the ability to skip the (sometimes very long) lines. Alternatively, admission is included with a Prague Card.
I've pulled together some of my own insider tips for visiting Prague castle here!
Gail says
My husband and I are going to Prague in October. I am considering booking a hotel for eight nights and I saw your recommendation for Hotel Neruda, which looks very nice. We are also considering the Hotel Leonardo, which is more expensive. Do you know of this hotel? My in laws stayed here and really liked it but I don't think they did much research and it seems more touristy and in a busier part of Old Town. We are 64 and 71 and can walk well. Any thoughts?
Katie Matthews says
Hello Gail!
Thank you so much for your message. Prague can be quite beautiful in October, and it's a nice time of year to visit, as it's not as busy as during the height of the summer. I'm sure you'll have a lovely trip!
Re. your question, I expect you'd probably be in good hands in either place :) The reason we recommend Hotel Neruda is because, when I first started adding hotels into our Where to Stay in Prague guide, it's the hotel that our readers kept booking over and over again. People seem to love it.
In terms of comparing them:
Both are in great locations. Hotel Leonardo is on the "old town" side of the river, but it's in a quieter section. The busiest (and rowdiest) section of old town is right near the square, and this is still a walk away from that.
If I recall correctly, there are a few bars close to the Leonardo - about a block away - but I don't think that would impact the noise level or your experience much. It is close to a main tram thoroughfare, so it will be convenient if you plan on taking public transport much! Design Hotel Neruda is on the historic Neruda street, which is busy in the days but quiets down in the evenings. So I'd say Design Hotel Neruda is going to be more calm and tranquil, but Hotel Leonardo may be slightly more convenient with transport. Both are very close to Charles Bridge, which is nice!
So again, I really do think both would be quite nice - it just depends what you prefer :)
For Design Hotel Neruda, we've enjoyed working with them and haven't heard a single bad thing back from the people who've booked based on our recommendations. If you do decide to go with Neruda, we have organised a deal with them for an additional 8% discount, plus a room upgrade, if available - you just have to book directly with the hotel and use the promo code, wandertooth, when you book. When I do the math over 8 nights, that would make Neruda about $90 less expensive over the 8 days compared to Leonardo (at least when I look at the prices for Leonardo on Booking.com).
I think you're probably in good hands with whichever hotel you choose, Gail!
We hope this helped, and feel free to reach out with any additional questions! Enjoy your travels :)
Shayna Swantek-Morrison says
We're just starting to plan our first trip to Prague. This guide, and whole blog really, is fantastic and majorly helpful! Thank you, from a fellow Canadian :)
Katie Matthews says
Great to hear, Shayna! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and we'll do our best to answer them :)
Zoe says
Amazing extensive list - just wish i had it when we were in Prague last year - at least im now prepared next time we get over there thank you
Katie Matthews says
Hope you make it over to Prague again one day soon - it's such a beautiful city, it deserves lots of time :)
Stacey Richards says
We are going to Prague on December 4th-12th with 6 adults and two children ages 8 and 4. We are staying in an apartment right near Old Town. What would you suggest as some options for us this time of year knowing we are traveling with children. We are willing to do some day trips and take turns spending time with the kids. I am the only one in the group that has been to Prague but is was about 17yrs ago. We are all fairly seasoned travelers. Thanks, Stacey
Katie Matthews says
Hi Stacey! The first thing that comes to mind is Prague Zoo, which is apparently one of the best in the world. We never made it there ourselves, but we've heard from friends that it's a lot of fun, although I suppose it would be somewhat weather dependent at that time of year. The Czech Republic also has a long tradition of puppetry and marionettes, which may be interesting, depending on the kids. Prague has a National Marionette Theatre that puts on a marionette version of Mozart’s Don Giovanni (more info and tickets), which might be fun. There is a newish lego museum in Prague, which would be great when it's cold and you need to warm up. If you visit the castle, there's a small shop known for being the best Trdelník in the city - Creperie U Kajetána (Nerudova 248/17). Trdelník is a chimney cake, which you can get with Nutella and other toppings, so I expect most kids would enjoy this. There’s also a pretty funny David Černý Sculpture in the Franz Kafka Museum courtyard (free to enter the courtyard) called, simply, Piss. Featuring two bronze men peeing (water) on a map of the Czech Republic, the best part of this statue is its interactivity: if you text a message to +420 724-370-770, the statues will pee out your message! I think most kids would find this pretty hilarious :) I hope this helps, or at least gets a list started for you :) Happy travels!