Things to Do in Prague: 11 Must-See Attractions

Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is a treasure to be discovered, full of fascinating corners that mark the rich history of the Czech Republic. With its rich history and diverse architecture, Prague offers countless things to do that cater to lovers of the old and the new.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the top things to do in Prague, offering expert insights and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re drawn to its storied past or its vibrant present, Prague has something special for every traveler.

Explore Prague’s Top Attractions in the City Center

Most must-see attractions on your Prague bucket list are conveniently located within the city center, making exploring them easy on a nice walking tour. The Vltava River runs through the heart of the city, dividing Prague’s center into five distinct areas: the Old Town, New Town, and Jewish Quarter on one side and the Lesser Town and Castle District on the other. 

So, what landmarks and attractions can you find within a stone’s throw of the city center?

Here are 11 ideas:

1. Powder Tower (Prašná brána)

This capital city earned its nickname due to the numerous towers and spires that reach the sky all over Prague, and this is one of them. 

Located on Republic Square, you can reach it by metro, getting off at the Náměstí Republiky station. For a small fee of 100 CZK, you can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Prague. It is ideal for taking photos, especially at sunset.

The Powder Tower is in the city center, separating the Old Town from the New Town. It’s one of the most impressive monuments in the city, dating from the 15th century. Its primary purpose was to be one of the 13 gates to the city’s walls, and it got its name because it was later used to store gunpowder.

Tip: Stay a while to admire the Municipal House next to the Tower. Besides the Jerusalem Synagogue, it is probably the most famous example of Art Nouveau architecture in the Czech capital.

>Stay connected while you travel with a SIM Card for the Czech Republic<

2. Old Town Square of Pague

No visit to Prague is complete without walking around the Old Town streets and crossing the Charles Bridge. Prague’s historic center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are many tourists and locals in this area at any time of the year, so one of the things to do in Prague is simply sipping coffee in one of the cafes and enjoying people-watching. You can reach the Old Town Square by tram or metro, getting off at Staroměstská station. While you’re there, check out these interesting buildings:

The Old Town Hall with the Prague Astronomical Clock. Old Town Hall is a must-go place when visiting Prague. It is one of those towers that gave Prague its nickname. Perhaps the most exciting thing about it is the Astronomical Tower and the Astronomical Clock, or Orloj. Every hour, moving figures of Apostles do the “Walk of the Apostles.” The Astronomical Clock also shows the position of the sun and the moon and has medallions representing months. 

The Church of Our Lady before Týn bears immense religious and cultural significance. It was a sanctuary for the followers of Jan Hus during the Hussite Wars. It is a magnificent Gothic building with two spires that reach 80 meters in height.

Nicholas Church dates back to the 18th century. It is a baroque church with twin towers in central Prague. It boasts an old organ that is still used for concerts today. There is another Nicholas Church in the Lesser Town that stores the original organ Mozart used to play while in Prague.

3. Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most famous attractions. It can be easily reached on foot from the city center. This stone pedestrian bridge is adorned with 30 statues and offers an incomparable view of the river Vltava and Prague Castle. Don’t forget to touch the statue of San Juan Nepomuceno when crossing the Charles Bridge; they say it brings luck.

4. Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí)

Wenceslas Square is one of the Czech capital’s main commercial and administrative centers. You can reach this bustling square by metro, stopping at the Muzeum station. It stretches from the statue of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, at the lower end to the National Museum at the upper end. You can find one of the Prague tourist information centers here.

Today, this square is ideal for shoppers, as it is full of shops, from international brands to local souvenir sellers. In the past, it was the site of many significant demonstrations, celebrations, and events.

Look around to find a unique monument. Namely, there is a cross that looks like it melted into the ground. This is a memorial to Jan Palach and Jan Zajíc, two Czech students who set themselves on fire in protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.

5. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

When you visit Prague, getting a tour guide or doing a self-guided tour to explore the Jewish Quarter is a good idea. This area holds so much history of the Jewish community in Prague. You can visit the antique and second-hand bookstores or go on one of the Franz Kafka tours. Here are some notable buildings to explore here:

The Old-New Synagogue (Alteneu Shul) is Europe’s oldest active synagogue. There is a legend about the Golem that is hidden in the attic of this synagogue. The Golem was created by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel to protect the Jewish people. 

The Old Jewish Cemetery is an interesting site due to its crowded tombstones. The cemetery was active from the 15th to the 18th century, but it didn’t expand in size. As a result, the Jewish community had a unique layered burial practice. The tombstones are layered up to 12 in some areas. The Cemetery belongs to the Jewish Museum today. 

The Spanish Synagogue should definitely be a part of your Prague itinerary. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful and unique synagogues in Europe because of its fascinating Moorish Revival architecture. Inspired by Sephardic Jews, it is adorned with gold and vibrant colors.

6. Museum of Communism (Muzeum komunismu)

Located near the Old Town Square, on Na Příkopě Street, the Museum of Communism offers a fascinating look at life under the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia. For the CZK 290 admission fee, you can enjoy a series of interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts from the period. It is open every day from 9:00 to 20:00.

This museum is located near a casino and McDonald’s, which is not without its symbolism and the contrast between the communist regime and the symbols of capitalism.

7. Boat Trip on the Vltava

A boat trip on the Vltava River gives you a unique perspective of Prague, Charles Bridge, and many interesting buildings along the river. Discover what inspired the great composer Smetana to create one of the most iconic pieces of music in history.

Several companies offer cruises with prices ranging from CZK 300 to 1,000, depending on the type of cruise. Some of them include dinner and live music. It’s a great way to admire the city, especially when the dusk light illuminates the monuments.

During the cruise along the Vltava River, you can see Dancing House (Tančící dům) from several points. Its architecture is truly unique. It resembles two people dancing, sometimes called Fred and Ginger. The architecture of the Dancing House contrasts with its surroundings, which makes it even more interesting. 

Tip: If you’re fascinated by unique architecture, you can visit a cafe at the top of the Dancing House.

8. John Lennon Wall (Lennonova zeď)

The John Lennon Wall on Kampa Island has become a symbol of peace and freedom. This wall is full of graffiti inspired by Beatles songs and messages of love and peace. When John Lennon was assassinated in 1980, Czechoslovakia was still under the Communist regime. After that event, a portrait of Lennon appeared on the wall as a tribute to him. 

Even though the government painted over it that many times, it just kept growing and transforming into what it is today—a symbol of peace, freedom, and love. Everyone can write their own message on the Lennon wall, so if you want to leave your mark here, make this a part of your Prague itinerary. 

9. Prague Castle (Pražský hrad)

Prague Castle is a very popular tourist destination in the entire Czech Republic and not just Prague. This is the largest castle complex in the world and houses Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. It is also the home of the charming Golden Lane, with its colorful houses.

This largest ancient castle is located on the Hradčany hill and was the seat of the Bohemian kings during the Middle Ages. You can reach it by tram. Ticket prices vary depending on the venues you want to visit, but access to the castle area is free. It is a perfect place to explore, enjoy the panoramic views of the city, and take impressive photos.

Tip: Charles IV was both King of Bohemia and one of the Holy Roman Emperors, which made Prague the imperial capital.

10. Staropramen Brewery

Delicious beer is an important part of Czech culture, and visiting the Staropramen brewery is a great way to dive into this tradition. Located in the Smíchov district, admission costs around CZK 280 and includes a beer tasting. Discover the brewing process and taste real Czech beer.

Staropramen is usually associated with their Czech Pale Lager (Světlý Ležák) and Dark Lager (Tmavý Ležák). However, this is not the only brewery in this city of beer. Try Amber Lager (Polotmavý Ležák),  Czech Wheat Beer (Pšeničné Pivo) or the tasty Pilsner beer. 

11. Mirror Maze

Together with the Industrial Palace, this maze was built in 1891 for the General Land Centennial Exhibition. It is a fun walk through the corridors of this labyrinth of mirrors and ends up in the “Hall of Laugher” in the end. Besides the fun play of mirrors, this maze also has a diorama showing the battle between Prague’s people and the Swedish army during the Thirty Years’ War.

Tips to Enjoy Your Trip to Prague

Prague is definitely one of the most wonderful European cities. Visiting the capital of the Czech Republic is a journey through culture, history, and architecture. To make your trip even more memorable, we have listed some tips that will help:

• Explore on foot: Prague is a very walkable city, and most sights are relatively close. Taking a walking tour lets you discover the beauty hidden in its cobbled streets and historical corners at your own pace. 
• Admire art and architecture: Those enjoying art and architecture should visit the National Theatre, National Library, and even the Main Train Station, which are special landmarks of this city.
• Enjoy the local gastronomy: You must try the traditional trdelník (chimney cake) and klobása (sausage), which are also available as street food. Visit the local markets and street vendors for an authentic gastronomic experience.
• Live the music: Prague has a rich musical tradition. Catch a classical music concert in one of its historic churches or discover the local jazz and rock scene in one of the city’s many bars.
• Consider using tourist cards to explore Prague: This can help you get excellent discounts and even free admission to some places. 
• Stay connected with Holafly: Connecting to the internet during your trip can make your life much easier. You can look for directions, ask for information, and keep in touch with your loved ones.

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Katarina M Arsic

Senior Writer

With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.

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