21 of the best things to do in Prague

Prague’s historical attractions

You’ll see incredible historical monuments just about everywhere you look in Prague. But if you just want to visit the city’s biggest and most famous historical attractions, here’s what to do in Prague.

1. Explore the ancient Prague Castle complex

Founded around 800 CE, spectacular Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world.

At this UNESCO-listed site, you can take in numerous awe-inspiring palaces and religious buildings, including the Old Royal Palace and St Vitus Cathedral, where royals are crowned and many patron saints buried.

The Prague Castle complex also includes the picturesque Golden Lane – one of Prague’s most iconic sights – where you’ll find a row of colourful 15th-century houses steeped in history.

Adult entry tickets cost 450 CZK (around £14.50), and you can book a guided tour for an extra 250 CZK (approximately £8) per person.

2. Watch the show at Prague’s Astronomical Clock

One of the best free things to see in Prague is its astronomical clock – it’s one of the oldest in the world!

On the hour from 9am to 11pm, people gather at this medieval marvel in the Old Town Square for an enchanting show.

Watch as figurines representing the 12 apostles process around the Prague Orloj, which features both an astronomical and calendar dial. You’ll know the performance is ending when the golden rooster crows.

3. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Stay in the Old Town Square to visit one of the city’s most impressive gothic buildings. Dating back to the 14th century, the Church of Our Lady before Týn features gothic, renaissance and early baroque architecture, an organ dating back to 1673 and the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe.

It’s free to enter but a donation of 50 CZK (£1.60) is recommended.

4. Stroll across Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge, dating back to 1402, is guarded by 30 statues and sculptures of saints, and offers stunning views of the Vltava River.

Traverse Prague’s oldest bridge during the day to browse artisan stalls, watch street performances, and soak up the festive atmosphere. After dark, the bridge becomes truly magical, with gas lamps leading your way across the ancient cobbles.

5. Wander through the Mala Strana

Prague’s Mala Strana (Lesser Town) is all charming cobblestone streets, pastel-hued townhouses and scenic parks.

Here, you can discover hidden courtyards, buy souvenirs at artisan shops, and visit historic attractions such as St Nicholas Church and the Wallenstein Palace Gardens.

There’s also the much-photographed historic street art wall known as the Lennon Wall.

6. Visit Vyšehrad Citadel

Vyšehrad, which dates back to the 10th century, served as the Czech seat of power for aeons. Over the past millennium, the buildings atop Vyšehrad Hill have been a royal residence, a military fortress and a religious centre.

Today, Vyšehrad Citadel is home to many historical attractions. Here you’ll find the twin neo-gothic spires of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the ancient Rotunda of St Martin and the imposing Vyšehrad cemetery, where many famous Czechs have been laid to rest.

Enjoy sweeping views over the city from the fortress walls.

Prague’s best sights

You’ll come across some of the best sights and attractions in Prague simply by strolling around the city, or indulging in a spot of people watching.

7. Climb Petřín Hill

For a magnificent panorama of the fairytale spires and terracotta rooftops of Prague, hike (or take the funicular) up to Petřín Tower.

This steel construction, built in 1891, resembles a mini Eiffel Tower. Once there, you can ascend the tower by elevator, or brave its 299 steps. The top of the tower stands at 324m (1,112ft) above sea level, giving you incredible sweeping views over the capital of Czechia.

Access to the tower costs 220 CZK (£7.50), and there’s an extra fee for the lift.

8. People watch at Wenceslas Square

At the heart of Prague’s New Town, you’ll find vibrant Wenceslas Square, complete with a mighty statue of St Wenceslas. Lined with shops and cafes, this is a fantastic people watching spot – simply kick back with your morning coffee and watch the world go by.

9. Cruise down the River Vltava

Many cruises operate on the River Vltava, from informative history tours to romantic dinner and drinks experiences. Whichever type of cruise you opt for, you’ll get a stunning view of the city, but it’s especially beautiful lit up at night.

Prague’s top museums and galleries

Prague is, unsurprisingly, packed with museums that delve into its storied history, and galleries that showcase its art heritage. These unmissable museums and galleries are among the best things to do in Prague.

10. Reflect on history at Prague’s Jewish Museum

Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is home to the Jewish Museum. This large building complex incorporates multiple synagogues and interactive exhibitions that tell the story of the Jewish community in the city.

The museum includes the world-famous Old-New Synagogue, which, with a history dating back more than 700 years, is believed to be the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe. There’s also the Old Jewish Cemetery, which is among the oldest surviving Jewish burial grounds in the world.

An adult ticket costs 500 CZK (approx £16.50).

11. Learn about a literary icon at the Kafka Museum

The Franz Kafka Museum gives visitors an insight into one of Prague’s most famous sons.

Born in the city in 1883, Kafka went on to write a series of seminal novels including The Trial and The Metamorphosis.

The museum delves into the way Prague shaped the author’s life, as well as how he depicts his city. His story is told through diaries, manuscripts, photos and extensive correspondence.

Admission costs CZK 300 (£9.80) for adults, and guided tours are available.

12. Gaze upon masterpieces at the National Gallery Prague

Founded in 1796, the National Gallery Prague is one of the world’s oldest public art galleries. Within its huge complex, which is made up of grand old buildings, you’ll find Czech and international art collections, from the medieval to the modern and old masters to modern art.

Ticket prices vary depending on the exhibition, but true art lovers can invest in a ten-day pass to access all permanent exhibitions for 680 CZK (£23).

13. See a huge whale skeleton at the National Museum

You’ll find the National Museum within a palatial building at the top of Wenceslas Square. Its vast exhibitions cover the history of what is now Czechia, from the 8th century to the First World War.

There’s plenty of natural history to discover here too — look out for the 22.5m (74ft) fin whale skeleton.

Adult tickets cost 300 CZK (£9.80).

Prague’s quirkiest attractions

Prague does a great line in quirky attractions too, from eye-catching architecture to mystical museums. If you like your sightseeing a little offbeat, here are the best places to visit in Prague.

14. Visit ‘Fred and Ginger’ at The Dancing House

The Dancing House is an iconic Prague building with eye-catching modern architecture. It was designed by world-renowned architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry in 1996.

One stone tower symbolises iconic dancer Fred Astaire, while the neighbouring glass tower, which lights up at night, represents his partner Ginger Rogers.

Visit the gallery and restaurant for a 360-degree view of Prague, or simply gaze upon this whimsical piece of architecture from the street.

15. Descend to secret laboratories at The Museum of Alchemy

The Museum of Alchemy – or Speculum Alchemiae – delivers a spine-tingling mystical experience in one of Prague’s oldest houses. Within this UNESCO-listed building you’ll find secret underground alchemical laboratories built for King Rudolf II in the 16th century.

Find out about historical alchemists, the world of Doctor Faustus, the magician Žit and more, and take home an elixir, prepared from an original recipe.

A basic ticket costs 250 CZK (£8.50).

16. See the rotating Head of Franz Kafka

Prague is proud to be the birthplace of game-changing author Franz Kafka, and is home to a multitude of attractions that celebrate him.

Perhaps the most attention-grabbing is David Černý’s ‘Head of Franz Kafka’ — a giant silver sculpture that constantly rotates. It features 42 layers of moving metal and weighs 39 tons.

A top option if you're looking for free things to do in Prague, you’ll find it at the Quadrio shopping centre.

17. Tour the psychedelic Magical Cavern

If you like your tourist attractions on the quirkier side, take the time to visit the Magical Cavern on Petřín Hill.

Prague artist Reon Argondian has transformed a three-story house into an imaginary realm named ‘Argondia’ with his psychedelic artworks and unique sculptures. Take a tour and stay for a drink.

18. Enter a world of infinite books at the Idiom installation

Head to Prague Municipal Library, where you’ll find artist Matej Kren’s ‘Idiom’. This cylindrical tower of books is set up with mirrors that make it look never-ending — and you can take a heady peek inside through a tear-shape opening.

Czech food and culture

You can’t take a trip to the capital of Czechia without indulging in the nation’s passions: food, beer and music.

19. Sip local beer at Prague’s brewery pubs

Prague is a beer-lovers paradise, and there are plenty of taprooms where you can sample ales brewed on site.

Try the modern, industrial Dva Kohouti in Karlin, which boasts a spacious beer garden, or head to traditional local favourite Hostomice Brewery Pub.

If you can’t get enough of Prague’s microbreweries, there are also several beer-tasting tours running.

20. Sample traditional Czech food

From Czechia’s beloved goulash to warming bowls of svíčková (marinated beef with creamy sauce) and sweet pastry treat trdelník, Prague has a lot to offer on the foodie front.

If you’re keen to try some traditional Czech dishes, head to traditional family-run restaurant U Bansethů, or opt for Kuchyň for a meal with a view.

21. Catch a classical concert at Municipal House

Prague has classical music running through its veins. Mozart famously lived and worked in the city, and it was the birthplace of multiple composers including ‘the father of Czech music’, Bedřich Smetana.

Book ahead of time to experience prestigious classical music festivals, symphonic music concerts and chamber music at Municipal House.

Regular classical concerts, as well as operas and ballets, are also held at Klementinum, Rudolfinum, St Nicholas Church and St James Basilica – some of the city’s most spectacular venues.