The 14 things to do in Prague

Visit Prague: What are the best things to do and see in this jewel of Central Europe?

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And we don't exaggerate anything! Located in the heart of Central Europe, it is the capital and largest city of Czech Republic in the region of Bohemia. The commune, listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs along the banks of the Vltava.

Considered as the cradle of the people and of the Czech language, it experienced a tense period during the 14th century under the reign of Charles IV. Since then, the city has remained a major cultural point of interest and a powerful economic hub in Europe despite its tormented history and the harsh period in which the Communists assured the country’s governance.

When you visit Prague, you can discover many treasures of Czech heritage, such as the architectural wonders that earned it the nickname of “city with a hundred bells”, as well as countless unusual and fascinating places.

Would you like to discover all these wonders, and know what to do in Prague during your stay? Here are our 12 must-sees to visit Prague and enjoy your excursion without failing to miss what this jewel of European culture has to offer you!

1. Charles Bridge

Until 1741 , the Charles Bridge was the only one that allowed to flood the Vltava, the river that runs through Prague. The building connects the Malá Strana neighbourhood to the Old Town of Prague called "Staré Město" in Czech.

He was thus appointed in honour of the king Charles IV , to whom Prague owes its present beauty. A symbol of the city, it is essential to discover it when you are looking for what to do in Prague. Taken by street artists, camelots and musicians during the summer, the atmosphere is truly unique. It would be a shame not to stroll on this huge baroque monument, considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe!

2. Cruise on the river Vltava

Why not visit Prague directly on the Vltava streams? Several tour operators offer, from different embarcades, cruises of one hour or more to go up the Vltava. Upstream or downstream, admire the city from another angle and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city’s iconic monuments. In addition, a meal will often be served if you choose an unforgettable cruise at sunset!

3. The Prague Castle

Do you want to know what to do in Prague? Why not visit Prague Castle? It is in this fortress that the kings of Bohemia, the emperors of the Holy Roman Germanic Empire, the presidents of the Czechoslovak Republic, and then of the Czech Republic had to ensure power!

It is in this historical monument overlooking the city of Prague, located on the hill of Hradčany and considered by the very serious Guinness Book of records as the greatest ancient castle in the world, that the jewels of the crown of Bohemia are preserved.

In fact, it is less a castle-fort than a citadel. The Prague Castle, a real city in the city, has many religious buildings, a palace and massive architectural elements typical of the city!

When you come to Prague, you can’t pass next to this stone-mass with a sublime garden enclosure, from which the towers of the Saint-Guy Cathedral and Saint-Georges Basilica emerge.

4. Wallenstein Gardens

The Wallenstein Palace was built in the first half of the 18th century for the general of the imperial armies, Albert de Wallenstein. The latter was one of the most influential nobles of Bohemia during the Thirty Years War. Today, the Wallenstein Palace (in Czech: Valdštejnský palác), located in Malá Strana district and archetype of baroque architecture, houses the seat of the Senate of the Czech Republic!

If you come to Prague and want to discover this extraordinary place – forbidden to the public – you can comfort yourself by discovering the sublime gardens of the palace. Large green alleys are indeed accessible to the curious who come to admire the fountains, the Salla Terrena where concerts are given during the summer season or the sublime and perfectly maintained floral massifs. A romantic getaway, not to miss under any pretext when visiting Prague!

5. The Astronomical Clock in Prague

Definitely, Prague is full of spectacular places with unique architecture, highlighted throughout its history. Among them, we could not pass next to Old Town Square. When you visit Prague, you quickly realize that the heart of the city beats this mythical place.

Dominating this one, the church of Notre-Dame du Týn seems to rise up to the heavens by setting up its two colossal towers towards the infinite!

On the esplanade, a tour of 70 metres high offers a breathtaking view of Prague from a panoramic gallery. It has the peculiarity of sheltering an astronomical clock — dating back to six centuries — that has a complex mechanical system that makes the clock live as soon as the time comes. This fabulous monument is, without context, an emblem of the city of Prague. Don’t hesitate to go photograph it!

6. John Lennon Wall

The wall John Lennon closes a garden located right in front of the French Embassy. He bears the name of the famous member of the Beatles — fiercely committed to the peace and freedom of peoples — for he was covered, after the assassination of the latter, many graffiti painted by the Czech youth muzzled by the communist regime during the 1980s. The musician was for them an icon representing an ideal. A real piece of history, not to miss when you visit Prague!

7. The Prague Zoo

Founded in 1931 Following a scientific colloquium aimed at protecting wildlife, promoting zoology and raising public awareness of ecological issues, this zoological park is a curiosity that it is very pleasant to discover when looking for what to do in Prague.

It occupies almost 50 hectares north of the city, near the palace of Troja, and accommodates about 640 species: giraffes, tigers of Malaysia, hippopotamus or the horse of Przewalski which owes a proud candle at the Prague zoo.

The preservation of the race was indeed permitted by its perpetuation and artificial reproduction in zoological parks during the last century. The Prague zoo was the spearhead. If you come to Prague with your family, go find out!

8.The Jewish quarter of Prague

If you are looking for what to do in Prague, opt for a visit to the famous Jewish quarter. From its real name " Josefov", this neighborhood is located in the heart of Old Town. His history began with the arrival of a strong Jewish community in Prague during the 8th century. Subsequent to pogroms and expulsions interspersed with periods of violence, however, this population enjoyed a relative jurisdictional autonomy.

Once on site, you can easily feel the sometimes tormented history of the place. If you want to visit this area, we suggest you discover the main points of interest that are the Jewish Museum of Prague, the Gothic Synagogue, the Jewish Cemetery and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

9. Le Palais Lobkowicz

The Lobkowicz Palace is a beautiful example of baroque architecture from the 16th century. Located in the heart of Prague Castle, it welcomes a museum allowing tourists to discover beautiful collections, collected over the centuries by the Lobkowicz family.

These include pictorial creations of Canaletto or Brueghel, but also original partitions of Haydn or Beethoven. Yeah, nothing! The site visit, available throughout the year, also allows to see splendid collections of weapons or musical instruments. This pretty cultural stop will, we assure you, delight the curious and those who simply want to do in Prague!

10. The works of David Cerny

David Cerny represents Czech contemporary art on its own! This controversial artist has disseminated his works throughout the city and we quickly realize it when we come to Prague.

In addition to the babies climbing the television tower of Žižkov, we recommend you go to see the horse of the Lucerna passage, the ingenious camouflaged system in the head of Franz Kafka placed in Národní třída and, for the most delucated, take a photo of the head in the Brown-Nosers. If you were still looking for what to do in Prague, go looking for these unusual works should delight you!

11. Gourmet and festive Prague

♪ specialties local markets

We offer you, since you want to visit Prague, to discover the communal markets such as Náplavka, the largest farm market in the city.

You can also enter one of the countless restaurants offering typical and tasty Czech cuisine. In the old Prague, taste a beef goulasch or a smažený řízek (a succulent kind of pantyhose), to reinvigorate after a long trip to the city. A wonderful idea of gourmet stopover when you are looking for what to do in Prague.

Spa beer

We suggest you relax in a beer spa where you can dive into a beer pool, renowned for its soothing virtues on the skin!

Beer Spa Žitná, close to the Prague National Museum: the activity is renowned throughout Europe and offers an unforgettable experience!

Nightlife

The party's just starting! For the toughest and less tired, we advise you to enjoy the nightlife by going to party at the Duplex, Roxy or Sasazu, three of the most iconic clubs in this young city and worn on electro music!

12. The dancing house of Frank Gehry

The dancing house, or "dancehouse house" in English and "dum Tančící" in Czech, is a joint work by Czech architect Vlado Milunić and famous American-Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Fred Astair (symbolized by the stone tower) and his partner Ginger Rogers (the glass tower). They are the analogy of male yang and female yin that find a certain balance together.

If you are looking for what to do in Prague, don’t hesitate to make a tour of this building in which the Czechs see the representation of the joyous and dancing after the Velours Revolution and the return of democracy.

13. Unmissable excursions

Cesky Krumlov

Romantic and historical spirits will be delighted to make a guided tour of Cesky Krumlov. Beginning in Prague, and accompanied by a guide, visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses one of the largest castles in the Czech Republic (Château Du Hrad) and sublime baroque gardens.

Terezin concentration camp

An ancient fortress transformed into a concentration camp under Nazi occupation, Terezín is a place full of history. It is possible to go there from Prague, to make a guided tour of this ghostly city where you can apprehend all the horror of this human drama.

Kutná Hora et l’ossuaire de Sedlec

The lovers of mysticism and frightening will love to visit the Ossary of Sedlec. Located in the city of Kutná Hora, this unusual place is decorated with the bones of 40,000 victims of the plague. From Prague it is possible to visit Kutná Hora with a guide, and to enter this church with the bones. Prepare to be fascinated and terrified at once!

Karlovy Vary

Do you want to get away from Prague's swelling and relax? Put the course on. Karlovy Vary . This picturesque spa, nestled in the northeast of Bohemia, is recognized throughout Central and Eastern Europe for its mineral hot water sources. For centuries, many visitors have visited this city every year to enjoy its calm and its baths with healing virtues. You can visit the city by leaving to discover its picturesque streets, or its glassware.

14. See also in Prague

The Apple Museum

Paying tribute to the legendary Steve Jobs — founder of the Apple giant — this unique space is home to the largest private collection in the world of brand products!

There is no need to be an unqualified crooked apple to discover this fascinating cultural space also offering vegan cafeteria, exhibitions and even welcoming some original clothes of this visionary, like its legendary rolled collar!

The splendid cafés in Prague

Prague is a famous city for its many cafes. In addition to the Neustadt nestled in the City Hall of the City of New, discover the Pivní domeček located at the end of the park of Karlovo náměstí, the historic cafés that are the Louvre Café and the Slavia Café, or the cozy and trendy tea room U Zlatého Kohouta. You only have the embarrassment of choice when you come to Prague!

The Communist memorial of Vítkov

This former communist mausoleum is built in the purest communist or Soviet style, i.e. massive and raw. He recalls how the “red” ideological influence was pregnant in the city. Situated in the popular Žižkov district, it is worth a look as it has many impressive statues and monuments and offers a nice view of the city!

How to get to Prague?

Prague has an international airport located fifteen kilometres west of the city, Prague-Václav-Havel airport . If you’re talking about the game entry, it’s because the air network remains the best solution to get to this central European metropolis.

We recommend that you take it in advance and use it Ulysses to find a flight at preferential rates. After landing, you can opt for the car rental to move freely!

If you prefer, here are, once on site, the solutions offered to visit Prague in Transport in common:

• Bus

It is possible to visit Prague by night bus as of day. If you have just landed at Prague Airport, take them lines 100 or 119 , or buses AE (Airport Express) that will drop you to the main station!

• Tramway

A tram offers a network of 141 kilometers to cross the city easily, counting 26 lines Day and 9 lines at night.

• Metro

Divided in 3 main lines (A, B, or C), the Prague metro runs every day between 5:00 and midnight .

• Ferry

The river crosses the city of Prague on its own. If you wish to enjamber it without borrowing one of the sublime bridges that the city counts, 6 lines ferries are available on various shipyards and depart all 30 minutes or every quarter of an hour during peak hours.

Where to stay in Prague?

Prague is a European metropolis and, as such, offers several types of accommodation each with their benefits, in particular according to the selected area . The choice will necessarily depend on the profile of each traveler.

Of course, those with a comfortable budget will opt for a hotel room in a chic hotel in the historic downtown area and its pedestrian areas with a pronounced charm. You can use one Compare hotels to find the one of your dreams in Prague.

Looking for authenticity? Choose without hesitation a campsite on the banks of the Vltava, or one of the many guest houses – in the heart of the historic centre or outside the city – held by owners who will be eager to share their passion for this unique place.

Finally, large city forced, Prague is full of accommodation for rent on Airbnb For example. They represent a flexible and affordable solution to benefit from a foot-to-ground that looks like you. You'll feel like home!

From now on, you know how to make the most of yourself when you come to Prague! But will you succeed in choosing what to do in this pretty city and who will accompany you?