Recently updated on September 4th, 2025 at 01:36 pm
Why do we love Prague? Let us count the ways! The beautiful ‘City of a Thousand Spires’ is packed with incredible things to do, from river cruising to beer tasting to museum hopping. With a history that dates back over a thousand years, you won’t be short of amazing sights to see, with ancient cathedrals and castles and bridges that lead to the treasures of the Old Town Square. From the cobbled streets to the hilltop views, read our Prague travel guide for 16 of the best things to do in Prague on your next holiday to the Czech Republic.
What is the number one attraction in Prague?
Visit the Czech capital once and you’ll see why it’s so difficult to pick a single attraction as number one. By far, the most popular attractions are the Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, and the Prague Castle. Spoiler alert: all three of these number one attractions are on our list of best things to do in Prague.
1. Stroll across Charles Bridge
A walk across the iconic Charles Bridge is one of the best things to do in Prague. It’s the oldest surviving bridge in the city and you can’t miss checking out the beautiful Baroque statues of saints that line the bridge. It was built all the way back in the 14th century during the era of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and legend has it that egg yolks were mixed into the mortar during construction for extra strength.
It seems to have worked because after centuries of traffic crossing the bridge, it’s still standing and more gorgeous than ever! Instead of the horse carriages or trams of old, today the bridge is filled with local artists selling handicrafts. You’ll get some lovely views over the river too.
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2. See a show at the National Theatre
The National Theatre is a landmark of Old Town. Nestled roughly a kilometer from the city centre, this cultural hallmark on the Vltava River opened in 1881. One of the best things to do in Prague on a rainy day is to tuck in and see an opera, dramatic stageplay, ballet, or any number of engaging performances that line the weekly calendar. The National Theatre is located across from Vaclav Havel Square, named for the poet and playwright who was also the president of both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
3. Explore Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
It doesn’t get much more impressive than Prague Castle. It’s the largest ancient castle in the world and parts of it are over 1,000 years old! Construction on Prague Castle started in 870 but didn’t finish until 1929 and during that time, this former seat of the kings of Bohemia has witnessed some of the country’s most significant events. Today it’s the official residence of the Czech president.
There are plenty of things to do in Prague Castle, like seeing the Basilica of St George and the mysterious Golden Lane. It’s said that alchemists once had to look on this street to learn how to turn ordinary materials into gold.
You also can’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral, set within the castle complex. It’s the most important religious shrine in the Czech Republic and is where the kings of Bohemia were coronated. Some were even buried in tombs under the cathedral’s floor! Head to the cathedral’s main tower and you’ll get panoramic views over the city.
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4. Discover the Mala Strana district and St. Nicholas Church
We love wandering the baroque backstreets, cobbled laneways and magical squares of the Mala Strana district in Prague. You’ll find plenty of traditional Czech pubs and restaurants, quaint shops to browse and gorgeous views of the river.
You can also find the beautiful St. Nicholas Church which sits under the gaze of Prague Castle. It’s a superb example of Prague’s baroque architecture and you’ll love exploring the intricate interior.
The tower next door also houses a small museum dedicated to the tower’s former use as an observation post for the communist-era secret police. When you travel Prague with Trafalgar, you can choose to embark on an exclusive after-hours visit of St. Nicholas Church and discover all its secrets!
5. Visit the new Mucha Museum
Newly opened in Savarin Palace, the Mucha Museum is the only Alphonse Mucha museum on the planet that’s endorsed by his foundation and family. This artist’s distinctive poster aesthetic helped lead the Art Nouveau movement. More than 80 of this Czech artist’s pieces are featured, including exclusive works from the Mucha Family Collection that have never been exhibited.
6. See the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square
Head to Prague’s Staroměstské Náměstí (Old Town Square) and you’ll come across one of the city’s most enchanting delights, the 14th-century Astronomical Clock. Every hour, on the hour, the clock draws a crowd of onlookers as the magical Walk of the Apostles begins.
This landmark on Prague’s Old Town Hall is thought to be both the oldest astronomical clock in the world and best-preserved medieval mechanical clock on the planet. The turn-of-the-hour show is a delight for young and old. While it’s beautiful all year round, we think the Prague astronomical clock is extra special in winter when they surround the Old Town Square with glittering Prague Christmas markets.
7. Taste the trdelník and wash it down with the local beer
While you’re soaking up the history and architectural gems of the Old Town Square, don’t forget to indulge in Czech cuisine like the sweet pastry trdelník. It’s a famous Prague delicacy, similar to churros, but made in lovely spirals. They’re filled with all kinds of delicious things like chocolate or cream and come coated in sugar and cinnamon. Utter bliss!
And of course, you can’t visit Prague without trying out the world-famous Czech beer (pivo). The country claims to have the best beer in the world and it’s easy to test that claim in Prague, with a huge choice of pubs and bars all over the city.
Sample the iconic Czech lagers like Budvar and Staropramen, or dig a little deeper and try out some craft beers from the best microbreweries in the country. If you really love your frothy brews, head to the Prague Beer Museum where you’ll find more than 30 Czech beers on tap. Na zdraví!
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8. Take a scenic cruise on the River Vltava
One of the most relaxing things to do in Prague is to cruise the River Vltava. You’ll get to see the city from a different angle on the river, with some great views of the historic centre.
When you visit Prague with Trafalgar, we’ll combine our walking tour with a scenic river cruise and reveal all the legends and myths of the city over a lunch of local specialities. You’ll have a few hours to enjoy the tranquillity of the riverbanks along the Vltava River and soak up an unforgettable view of Prague. Perfect!
FAQ: Is 3 days in Prague enough?
We’re only half way through our list of the best things to do in Prague and you can already see that we’ve filled up more than a day’s itinerary. When planning your Prague vacation, we do recommend as much time as possible. One day is sufficient to see a few sights and get an idea of the city, while five to seven days is ideal to explore as much as possible. Three days in Prague, however, is a sweet spot where you can see the main attractions while still affording unplanned time to roam and stumble upon hidden gems.
9. Admire the views from Petřín Hill
If you’re craving more Prague greenery, you can’t go wrong with Petřín Hill. The top of the hill offers spectacular views over the city, plus there are plenty of things to explore on the hill like seeing the Church of St. Michael and a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower.
If you’re keen for a walk, you can climb the 299 steps to the top of Petřín Hill. Not in the mood to walk? You can ride the funicular railway from the Mala Strana district all the way to the top.
10. Explore the Strahov Monastery
Set on a ridge near Prague Castle, the Strahov Monastery is a treasure trove full of wonderful things to explore. Founded in the 12th century, this Premonstratensian abbey was one of the earliest institutions of its kind in the country.
It’s home to a magnificent library – a dreamworld for book lovers. You can spend hours soaking it all in with its splendid Baroque Theological and Philosophical Halls. Whenever you need a break, the monastery also houses a popular restaurant with a great brewery.
11. Take a selfie at the John Lennon Wall
Though a slightly unexpected find, stroll around the city and you might stumble upon the John Lennon Wall on Velkopřevorské náměstí in the Malá Strana area, only a few steps away from the Charles Bridge. After the musician’s death, this wall surrounding the Maltese Gardens turned into a memorial that professed more than just a love of music. It featured calls for peace and freedom. Today it’s still an evolving work of art, a space where people can legally write their truths in scrawls of neon spray paint.
12. Explore the medieval town of Kutná Hora
If you’re still looking for things to do in Prague, why not head a little way out of the city to Kutná Hora, a fascinating medieval town. We’ll take you here to see the ancient frescoes and flying buttresses of the Gothic Church of St. Barbara and the UNESCO-listed Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel line with human skeletons! You’ll also get to explore the Czech Museum of Silver, where you’ll learn about the city’s silver mining history and see a replica of a medieval mine.
13. Wander the hauntingly beautiful Olšany Cemetery
Prague’s largest cemetery is only a short tram ride from the city centre. Olšany Cemetery is actually a collection of twelve individual cemeteries harboring around two-million people since its creation in 1680. Multiple entertainers, political servants, and prominent Czech people were laid to rest here, but the biggest draw for tourists is the gorgeous assortment of headstones.
14. Search for sculptures high and low
The best things to do in Prague don’t cost a dime, as evidenced by the scavenger hunt-like search for the city’s many public art displays. The “Hanging Umbrella Man” is one of the most popular: created by Michal Trpák, you can find this suspended sculpture one-block from the Vítězslav Hálek Memorial and New Town Hall.
Other popular statues (besides those along the Charles Bridge) include Saint Wenceslas on Wenceslas Square, the Iron Knight across from the National Library of the Czech Republic, and Kabourek on the west side of the Vltava River near the John Lennon Wall.
What is the coolest thing about Prague?
The coolest thing about Prague is that it’s a surprisingly underrated city. Yes, it’s certainly one of the most popular in Central Europe, but once you’ve Czeched all of the main tourist attractions off of your to-do list, you’re free to discover parts of this Bohemian city that locals adore. From histories hidden behind obscure sculptures and small squares to delicious international fare, Prague is even better appreciated on your second or third visit.
15. Dine at one of Prague’s two Michelin-starred restaurants
By now you should already get the sense that one of the best things to do in Prague is eat. Field and La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise share the special distinction of being Praha’s only Michelin-starred restaurants. Each showcases modern Czech cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
If you’d prefer a more low-key affair, Michelin has also awarded four restaurants with the Bib Gourmand recognition for good quality Italian and Czech cuisine at a great value: Divinis, The Eatery, Na Kopci, and Dejvická 34 by Tomáš Černý.
16. Experience Prague by night
So you’ve seen Prague by day…. But what about by night? Prague absolutely glitters after sunset with its spires and bridges illuminating after dark. Cross the shining Charles Bridge, then take on Prague’s iconic nightlife. The city is famed for its jazz and classical music and there are hundreds of live music venues. Enjoy a drink and kick back as a musician entertains and raise a glass to one incredible adventure in Prague!
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What are your favourite things to do in Prague? Let us know in the comments below…