What to do in Prague? — 16 top, must & best things to do in Prague

If you ask me what’s my most favorite European city, I wouldn’t need to think long to answer that’s Prague. The attractive and charming capital of the Czech Republic, which has repeatedly appeared in the list of the most beautiful Medieval cities in Europe, one of the places you must visit at least once in your lifetime and even the cheapest tourist city in the old continent. One day, if you have an opportunity to travel to Prague, don’t forget to experience the following 16 best things! So, what to do in Prague and what are best things to do in Prague? Let’s check out our suggested 16 top things to do in Prague and must do in Prague (must things to do in Prague) including cool things to do in Prague, fun things to do in Prague to find out the answer!

Best things to do in Prague: Visit the Prague Castle complex and the St. Vitus Cathedral

Address: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia

Located on the left bank of the Vltava River, Prague Castle is currently the largest ancient castle complex in the world with a length of 570m and a width of 128m. Prague Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. This place used to be the residence of the Czech rulers and now becomes the residence of the Czech prime minister. This is considered the jewel of the Czech Republic, built around 880. The castle has an area of up to ​​​​70,000 square meters, is considered the largest castle in the world.

Inside the castle complex, the cathedral of St. Vitus was built in the 14th century in the typical Gothic style of major churches in Europe.

Tips: To visit the inside of this area, you can buy a Circuit B ticket – the most popular ticket type for 250 CZK (about €9.5). Circuit B gives you access to St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane.

What to do in Prague: Old Town Hall

This old town hall was built in 1338, and is a very prominent tourist attraction in Prague. Not only a historical symbol of the city, this building also plays an important role in modern life here as it hosts many art exhibitions and is also considered a top familiar wedding venue.

Getting there: A 1-min walk from the Old Town Square (Prague)
Address: Staroměstské nám. 1/3, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Hours: 9AM–9PM/Monday: 11AM–9PM

Must things to do in Prague: Walking on the Charles Bridge

Address: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia

Charles Bridge is one of 17 bridges spanning the Vltava River, which flows through Prague. The bridge was built by King Charles IV in 1357 with the original name of Stone Bridge or Prague Bridge. In 1870 the bridge was renamed Charles Bridge.

When you walking along the bridge, you will see a bronze plaque engraved with the image of Saint John of Nepomuk. Legend has it that he was thrown into the Vltava River by the king when he refused to reveal the queen’s confessions to the king. The bronze plaque was placed on the spot where he was thrown into the river. Rumor has it that if you touch the cross and make a wish, your wish will come true!

Tips: If you don’t want to walk on the bridge to see… people instead of sightseeing, there are two ways for you to either get up early or go to late. I tried both. Well, worth the effort to wake up early!

“Watching the time” with the Astronomical Clock

Address: Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia
Hours: 9AM–10PM/Monday: 11AM–10PM

The Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) is one of the most famous places to visit in Prague. The clock was installed in 1410, remodeled in 1490 and is now one of the world’s oldest and most elaborate clocks still in operation. Every day from 9 am to 9 pm, you will be able to witness the impressive performance of this clock with your own eyes.

First the dry skeleton representing the Death will ring the first bells, followed by the 12 apostles of the Christ who will go around from the left window to the right one. Finally, the rooster in the center of the clock will crow before the bells on the belfry ring.

Tips: If you want a picture with a spectacular view like the one below, buy a ticket to climb the clock tower. I didn’t climb (because I was lazy and afraid to queue up) but looking at the picture, this view is so beautiful!

Top things to do in Prague: Visit the church of Týn (Church of Our Lady before Týn)

A 2-min walk from the Old Town Square (Prague)
Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
Hours: 10AM–1PM, 3–5PM/Monday, Sunday: Closed

Prague is also known as the “Golden City of a Thousand Spires”. One of those spires is of the church of Týn, built in the 14th century in Gothic style with a Baroque interior. The spire of the church of Týn can be seen from anywhere in the city.

Týn Church is located in the central of Old Town Square, and the special thing is that the church is located behind… another block of houses.

To access the church, you have to go along the corridor of this block and find the entrance at house number 14.

Many people believe that Týn church is the prototype for Walt Disney to paint on the castle of the Sleeping Beauty in the forest of Aurora.

Tips: If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, you can book a free walking tour around the city center. This is the best way to feel the city’s atmosphere, watching streets, experience local life.

Best things to do in Prague: Jewish Quarter of Josefov

Address: U Staré školy, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

About a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square is the Josefov Jewish quarter between the Old Town and the Vltava River. Josefov was named after Emperor Josef II in gratitude for his policies that made life more secure for the Jews here. In the 13th century when the Jews living in Prague were forced to leave their homes and settle in the area because they were banned to live anywhere else in the city. Many important historic buildings still stand today including six synagogues.

Josefov today located on the platform of the ghetto – the area dedicated to the Jews in the past. Therefore, the entire Josefov area is lower than the current road surface. Visiting the entire area takes about half a day.

Tips: To visit the inside of the synagogues and Jewish cemetery, you have to buy tickets for 480 CZK (about €18) for all the places to visit here. The Jewish Cemetery is 4m above the road surface, consisting of 12 stacked layers of soil because the cemetery area is too cramped and Jews do not want to bury their loved ones in other places than their living quarters!

What to do in Prague: Watching the architecture of the city

If you are an architecture lover, Prague is a city for you. Each street corner gives you visualizations of different architectural schools.

Right near the Astronomical Clock is a house called “At the Minute” in the Renaissance style with black and white decorative drawings on the façade. This is also the childhood home of Franz Kafka.

In Wenceslas Square, look for the Grand Hotel Europa – one of the oldest hotels in Prague, built in 1872. The hotel facade is a prime example with the Art Nouveau style.

In addition, sgraffito art is also very popular on the facades of houses around the old town.

Tips: You should invest in a guidebook to visit Prague. In general, if you just go around the old town, you will not get lost, but knowing where you are going & what to see is still better.

Fun things to do in Prague: “Scribble” on the wall of John Lennon

The Beatles’ frontman John Lennon seems to have nothing to do with the Czech city of Prague, yet it isn’t, the band’s young fans have created this wall to honor John. Lennon, with graffiti, lyrics and quotes by John Lennon and The Beatles from the 1980s. But what makes this wall special is that you can completely overwrite the already existing graffiti, so you’ll find the look of Lennon’s wall changing constantly and never being the same. Check-in at Lennon wall is an activity not to be missed when coming to Prague for any young visitor.

The John Lennon Wall is actually just an ordinary wall in Prague and John Lennon hasn’t even been here before. This is also the only place where you can comfortably paint on the wall without fear of getting into trouble with the police.

Address: Velkopřevorské náměstí, 100 00 Praha 1, Czechia

Cool things to do in Prague: Visiting the Museum of Communism

The Czech Republic was a communist country from 1948 until 1989. If you are a history buff and wondering what to do in Prague, this is the place for you. You can find photos, movies, and items of that time. This will be an interesting highlight in your Prague travel itinerary.

A 3-min walk from the Municipal House
Address: V Celnici 1031/4, 118 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Hours: 9AM–8PM

Best things to do in Prague: Strolling in Vysehrad Castle (Fortress)

If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of Prague castle, head to Vyšehrad fortress. Very few tourists come to this place, simply because it is quite far from the center and because there are no splendid castles or soaring cathedrals. However, Vyšehrad is a place where you can find tranquility after a hectic day in the city.

I spent one last rainy afternoon in Prague strolling around the graves of famous Czech composers, writers, and academics of science and politics in the Višehrad cemetery.

And when I left Vyšehrad to return to the central area, I felt my heart soften a lot, peace and serenity…

How to go: You take tram line C to Vyšehrad (02 stations after National Museum). From this station, you walk about 10 minutes to the main gate of Vyšehrad fortress.

Address: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad, Czechia

Top things to do in Prague: Farmers’ Saturday market

Just below Vysehrad fortress is the farmers’ market, which is usually held every Saturday. Just like a market in Vietnam, this market also sells vegetables, fresh meat and fish, bread, cakes and processed foods. If you are thinking about what to do in Prague on a Saturday morning, here is a very interesting suggestion for you. By this way, you will have the opportunity to taste local dishes at an affordable price, while also mingling with the Czech people.

Address: náplavka Rašínova nábřeží, Praha 2, 120 00 Praha 2, Czechia
Hours: Saturday: 8AM–2PM

Fun things to do in Prague: Watching puppet show

Since the 12th Century, puppets have been used as entertainment in royal banquets and ceremonies. Since then, puppetry has become a traditional art in Prague. You can watch a puppet show at the Marionette theater to experience this exciting art form in your Prague travel itinerary.

Must do in Prague: Go to bars

Like the bustling of the city during the day, Prague at night is not inferior with bustling and vibrant nightlife with activities of bars and clubs. If you are a fan of nightlife, this is an activity not to be missed when traveling to Prague.

Best things to do in Prague: Join a walking tour in Prague’s Old Town

Because Prague is a city with a rich history, I suggest you joining a free walking tour in the old town of Prague led by a Czech tour guide, you will hear interesting historical stories and you might miss it if you go alone. When the walking tour ends, there is absolutely no fee for you to pay, however, if you are satisfied with your experience, you can tip the guide an amount of your choice.

Top things to do in Prague: Czech cuisine

Czech cuisine is famous for its “brand” of Czech draft beer, traveling to Prague without drinking beer is considered missing 50% of the fun!

Famous beers you should try are Pilsner, Budvar (aka Budweiser) and traditional stouts.

Delicious dishes you should try are grilled pork leg served with mustard, honey roasted duck with butter cream sauce and steamed buns with pickled red cabbage.

Don’t forget to try the traditional Czech dish, svíčková, consisting of beef tenderloin stewed with carrots, onions, celery root and whipped cream, served with steamed buns, whipped cream and cranberry jam. The average price of a meal with beer is around 180 CZK (about €6 – 7).

To enjoy Czech cuisine and drinks, you can join a Beer Walking Tour for only EUR 16/person or a standard Prague food tour (from EUR 70/person).

Tips: Don’t try the schnitzel. This dish is better in Austria. Also don’t try the beef goulash (stewed beef). This dish is much better in Hungary!

Must things to do in Prague: Chimney cake trdelník

Trdelník is a popular sweet in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. The dough is rolled around a metal tube, then roasted on a charcoal stove.

When the cake is golden brown, it will be rolled through a layer of sugar, then spread chocolate or fresh cream inside the cake. The crust is crispy with a layer of sweet sugar, the inside is soft cake and greasy chocolate melts in your mouth.

Trdelník is available in every nook and alley in the city for 50-60 CZK.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Prague you can refer to

• Private Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) Transfers for Prague
• Romantic Prague Day Tour from Vienna
• Český Krumlov Day Tour from Prague
• Kutna Hora Day Tour from Prague by Train
• The Best of Prague Walking Tour
• Prague Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Prague Castle Admission Ticket with Overview

Are you looking for more Prague travel guide and top things to do in Prague: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Visit Prague, the most charming city in Europe. And Prague travel blog — The fullest Prague city guide & suggested Prague itinerary for 2 days on a budget.