Prague might be the most beautiful city in Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic is like an open-air museum with charming squares, pastel-coloured houses, centuries-old churches and impressive monuments. The architecture, museums, viewpoints and attractions can keep you entertained for several visits. We visited Prague several times and keep falling in love with this vibrant city in Central Europe. If you’re visiting this exciting city for the first time, we definitely recommend you to get the Prague Welcome Card. For only € 42, you get to visit the 52 most popular sights, monuments, musea and tours in Prague. Which one you definitely shouldn’t miss? We got you covered! Together with a team of international travel bloggers, we created a bucket list for a visit to Prague. From the best tours to the iconic highlights, this blog will give you the 15 must-see places in Prague.
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Prague must see places according to travelbloggers
#1 Old Town Square
recommended by Kenny from Knycx Journeying
Prague is a charming Bohemian historic city, and it’s has been of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The city is filled with iconic landmarks, from the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Saint Vitus Cathedral, to so many more. In particular, the Old Town Square is a perfect location to start your walking tour, exploring the heart of the capital city and enjoying the best view from the top of the town hall.
The Old Town is in the heart of Prague and it is within walking distance of the city’s train station. A number of well-known attractions can be spotted there, including the Church of our Lady before Tyn, the Church of Saint Nicholas, the Jan Hus Memorial, and many historic houses featuring intricate architectural designs and paintings. The Square is also where the city’s best Christmas market is located during the holiday season.
The Old Town Hall is a striking building in the centre of Old Town Square and it was built in the 14th century and the famous Astronomical Clock is right on the façade of the hall, where visitors are often gathered in front of the clock, trying to decipher the time, and waiting for the chime that happens every hour. The clock is a scientific achievement that accurately depicts the position of the sun, the moon, and the earth, and also a beautiful artwork with the zodiac signs and images of the lives of Bohemian farmers at the bottom. For those who are interested, it is possible to go inside and get a peek at the internal mechanism. Take a walk to the top of the Town Hall, it is an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the entire Prague, from the Old Town Square to the Prague Castle across the river, and the modern city’s skyline. After sundown, don’t forget to purchase a ticket to a quartet concert in a church nearby for some classical classics.
#2 Charles Bridge
recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
While Prague is well-known for its quirkier attractions, the city is still packed with sites oozing with history, magnificent architecture, and cultural significance. A prime example of this is the Charles Bridge, a medieval stone arch bridge crossing the Vltava River in the city’s bustling downtown.
The bridge is the main pedestrian thoroughfare connecting the Old Town Square with Prague Castle and as such, the beautiful bridge is just a short stroll from some of the most popular attractions in the city. It was commissioned by King Charles IV in 1357, after its predecessor, the Judith Bridge, was destroyed in 1342 by floods. Originally constructed in the Gothic-style, it was intended to function primarily as a venue for knight tournaments. After Catholicism grew more and more in Prague in the 1700s, though, the once-barren structure was festooned with 75 larger-than-life Baroque statues of saints that create an alleyway along the bridge’s exterior. Today, 30 of these statutes still remain on the bridge- they’re being replaced, one by one, by replicas so that the originals may be preserved for centuries to come.
While it’s undoubtedly worth taking a stroll on the bridge in and of itself, be sure to check out the area surrounding it as well- the Historic Center of Prague is so well-preserved, in fact, that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Due to its central location and its beauty, the Charles Bridge is a popular stop for visitors, with an eclectic mix of tourists, locals, artists, and other street performers streaming across the bridge each day. For the best time to visit, try to come first thing in the morning- you’ll get the bridge mostly to yourself and be able to take in the stunning view of the Vltava River and the city of Prague in peace.
#3 Prague Castle
recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery
Prague Castle is simply the no. 1 landmark in Prague. Even UNESCO has recognized its significance and the Guinness World Records sees it as one of the largest coherent castle complexes in the world.
The St. Vitus Cathedral is the most visible part of the whole Prague Castle complex. Situated in the heart of Prague Castle and spanning two courtyards, it’s a truly remarkable sight. As far as the tourist sites go, Prague castle grounds are completed by the Old Royal Palace, the St. George’s Basilica, and the charming Golden Lane. Apart from these structures, there are a few more buildings and an extensive area used for official purposes and serving as the seat of the Czech president.
The base for the Castle emerged in the 8th century already, as archaeological findings have revealed. The 10th century saw more of a development and the individual structures of the Prague Castle complex have been gradually built for over a thousand years.
The Prague Castle is located in the Castle district, just a (Charles) Bridge walk away from the Old Town. You can easily get to it by taking tram no. 22 and getting off at a stop called Pražský Hrad (= Prague Castle in Czech). Or, take a metro (green line A) to Malostranská and walk up the Old Castle Stairs.
Depending on the season, count with a possible holdup upon entering the Prague Castle because of a security check.
If you only want to take a stroll through the castle grounds without buying a ticket to the interiors and the Golden Lane, you can do so in 30 minutes. If you prefer to see Prague Castle properly (highly recommended!), you can book a 2,5 hour guided tour.
#4 Jewish Quarter
recommended by Renee from Dream Plan Experience
Many cities in Europe used to have, or still have Jewish quarters. In Prague, the Jewish Quarter is situated between Old Town and the Vltava River. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jewish Quarter in Prague is a popular attraction.
The Jewish Quarter was formed in the 13th century when all Jewish people were ordered to settle into one area of Prague. At the onset of WWII, Adolf Hitler decided to preserve this area. He ordered the gathering of all significant Jewish artefacts from across Europe and sent them to Prague for safekeeping. It was thought he wanted to form a museum of an extinct race. But by doing that, most of the historical buildings and Jewish artefacts were saved from destruction during the war.
Start your visit to this area at the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is the city’s oldest, dating back to the middle of the 15th century. Because Jewish people were restricted to burying their dead only within the Jewish Quarter, this graveyard has some 12,000 visible tombstones. But it’s estimated that there are 100,000 more buried 12 layers below the ground.
Tour some of the Jewish Quarter’s synagogues. The Old-New Synagogue, built in 1270, is the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe. The Pinkas Synagogue from the 1500s is Prague’s 2nd oldest synagogue. Other notable sites include Klausen Synagogue, founded in 1690 and the Spanish Synagogue built in 1868.
Lastly, seek out the Kafka Monument while in the Jewish Quarter. It’s thought to depict Franz Kafka, the famous Czech author, riding on the shoulders of a headless figure which is in reference to his book “Description of a Struggle.”
With so many top things to see and do in the Jewish Quarter plan on spending half to a full day exploring this historic area of Prague either on your own or by joining a guided tour.
#5 Ghost Tour
recommended by Anda from Travel for a while
One of the things you shouldn’t miss in Prague is a ghost and legends walking tour. Many old houses hide a story or two, and Prague Old Town has its share of legends and even ghost stories.
Ghost tours are a popular activity in Prague. They run at nightfall and usually last about one and a half hours. Some walking is involved, but the Old Town is compact, and the distances aren’t great. The ideal time to visit Prague and take a ghost tour is during the summer months. The temperatures become pleasant, and there are fewer rainy days. If you visit Prague during the winter, make sure to dress warmly. A cup of mulled wine will help too.
Anyway, the Prague ghost tour will start close to Tyn Church. The guide will then lead you through dark alleys and empty streets between the various locations. You’ll hear stories about past events and people that left their mark on Prague. Some of those people still come out from time to time, close to the places where they once lived.
You will also hear some perfectly reasonable explanations for apparently incredible stories. Some stories are about lost love, some about pride and envy, and some are tragic and violent faiths. What they have in common is that they’re always surprising. The guide made the stories entertaining, and the setting is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What more could you really wish for?
A ghost and mysteries tour in Prague is one of the less usual ways to discover the city and one of the most rewarding. You will get a glimpse of the city’s past and see a side of Prague beyond the simple touristy experience.
#6 Wenceslas Square
recommended by Kristine from Wanderlust Designers
The Wenceslas Square is a must-see when you visit Prague. It dates back to the 14th century and is pretty huge, spanning 750m from one end to the other. And it’s also where many important events in the Czech nation’s modern history happened. Wenceslas square is where the first Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed in 1918 and where the Velvet revolution’s mass demonstrations that brought the communist era to its end took place.
It’s a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. If you hear somebody say “see you under the tail” – it’s probably a local. The tail is that of the statue of a horse carrying St. Wenceslas, the patron of the Czech nation. This statue is an iconic landmark of Wenceslas square and, in fact, one of the must-have-a-selfie-here places of Prague. St Wenceslas sits proudly on the horse while the statue’s author spent days under a horse, observing how its muscles move to make the statue as realistic as possible. Did he manage? Check for yourself.
The upper end of Wenceslas Square, where the National Museum is, can be reached by metro (station Narodni Muzeum). It’s a great starting place to explore the square and, in fact, many highlights of Prague. Explore until the square’s lower end and continue on to the Old Town’s Square, Charles Bridge, and the Castle.
Wenceslas Square has it all – cheap stores and luxury boutiques, fancy restaurants and street food. As well as hotels, banks, offices, and lots of people. You may visit day or night, summer or winter, the Square never sleeps. Note: there are currently refurbishment works (that will continue for a few more years) going on. While they add some noise to the already busy place, they are for sure not a reason to avoid this Prague landmark.
#7 Food Tour
recommended by Joanna from The world in my pocket
One of the best ways to learn more about a place you are visiting is through its local food. And Prague is no different. Joining a food tour in Prague will not just take your taste buds on a tasty journey for a few hours, but you will also get to learn more about the history of the city, its culture and the local traditions.
The meeting for the food tour is on a small alley, in front of a gingerbread shop, which is also the first stop of this foodie adventure. In the Czech Republic, gingerbread has no ginger in it. The traditional recipe includes flour, honey and pepper – as the spice element. After enjoying different traditional cakes, the second stop is at a butcher, where you will get to sample some of the traditional Czech hams and sausages and learn about the native Přestice Black-Pied pork breed.
Next, you will get to sample the open-faced sandwiches called Obložené chlebíčky. These are very popular at family gatherings, birthday parties or different celebrations. The sandwiches are made with a baguette type of bread and can be topped with anything really.
The next stop of this tour is at a modern restaurant that serves fusion Czech dishes. Here you will also have the chance to try some local wine. This is followed by a classic traditional portion of svíčková at one of the oldest cafes in Prague. Svíčková is the national dish of the Czech Republic, and it consists of braised beef served in a creamy sauce, with bread dumplings and cranberries jam. Café Louvre is a landmark in the city. Opened in 1902, the café shortly became the place to be at. Some of the famous people who used to be regulars here are Franz Kafka, Albert Einstein and Karel Čapek.
The last stop of the tour is at an ice cream shop, where you will taste some interesting flavours, such as buckthorn or poppy seed.
#8 John Lennon Wall
recommended by Martina from PlacesofJuma
A really cool attraction and definitely one of the unique places to visit in Prague is the John Lennon Wall. This is a colourful street art wall right in the city centre. The attraction can be found near the French Embassy, on the left side of the river, and the Karel Zeman Museum is also just around the corner. Since the 1960s, this wall has been painted by locals and tourists with sayings, love poems, drawings or political texts. At that time it was mainly against the regime and the Russian occupation.
The name John Lennon Wall was given to the wall after the assassination when someone painted a single picture of the artist and some texts. To this day, the wall is a symbol of freedom, Western culture and political struggle. The wall is constantly repainted, and the original portrait of John Lennon has long since disappeared under several layers of new paint.
It is interesting to note that although John Lennon was never in Prague, he was a hero of Czech youth! Even today, many visitors come here, not so much to fight for freedom, but to immortalize themselves on the Wall. The Wall is a unique work of art in itself, and so many come just to take brilliant photos.
Once an insider’s tip, this wall is now truly famous, and a photo of the John Lennon Wall is almost a must on any trip to Prague. Don’t forget your pens and paints in case you want to leave a little mark there too!
You can visit the John Lennon Wall at the time of day and any time of the year. There is always something going on here! If you want to visit the wall without crowds, it is best to come in the early morning. Later it becomes quite busy when the tourists take their photos.
For a visit, you do not need to plan much time. Most stay just a few minutes, paint something on the wall, and then continue their sightseeing tour.
#9 Dancing House
recommended by Adriana from Czech the World
The Dancing House (or “Tančící dům” in Czech) is one of the significant Prague landmarks already for almost 30 years. It was designed by architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry. The design was inspired by the famous dance couple Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers. Two corner towers resemble the dancing couple – Ginger is represented by a glass tower, while Fred is represented by a concrete one.
The original building was destroyed during World War II., due to the mistake of the American Air Force (they wanted to attack Dresden in Germany, but they got wrong and bombed Prague instead). It was unclear what would stand in the original place until the 1990s. The architect wanted the building to be leaning over the street – as a symbol of movements in Czech society again after the end of the communistic regime.
Inside you can find a gallery, hotel, office space, a luxurious restaurant, and a Glass bar with a gorgeous panoramic terrace with a beautiful 360 ° view of Prague Castle, Petřín, National theatre, and Vltava river. You will need as little as 5 minutes if you want to just take a picture of the house, or you can spare 1 or 2 hours to visit the bar with the panoramic terrace, restaurant or you can even stay overnight at the hotel. An entrance ticket is 8,50 euro and can be bought in advance.
The bulding is located on the riverbank of the Vltava River at the corner of Rašínovo nábřeží and Jiráskovo náměstí. The nearest metro station is just 220 meters away. The closest subway is the metro line B (yellow colour) – Karlovo náměstístation. From there it is only 3 minutes (220 m) to Jiráskovo náměstí. You can get there also by tram no.: 5, 7, 17 or by bus no. 176.
#10 Beer Tour
recommended by Raluca from TravelWithASpin
The Czechs take their beer very seriously and Prague is the best place to sample as many traditional and modern versions as possible. Besides the famous lagers Budvar and Staropramen, there’s a huge choice of bars and microbreweries that try to stand out. Most of them brew their own light beer made from hand-picked hops. But some also produce a dark ale, which is worth sampling.
However, if you worry about not finding your way to the best places in the crowded Prague beer scene or want to sample more diverse brews, your best bet is to join a beer tour. There are over 600 bars. Most of them have good beer, but it’s pretty hard to find the top places on your own. A local will be able to take you to hidden microbreweries and bars serving the tastiest Czech beers or unique ones. Did you know that Czechs produce beer even out of nettle or beets? They do, but it’s almost impossible to find them without specialized help.
The guides know not only the best spots for a pint but also the legends behind the most beloved drink in the Czech Republic. A beer tour is the best way to find out all of them in just three hours and also test some local snacks that work great with all the beer you’ll get. Besides, on these tours, there are usually a bunch of friendly people ready to have fun. After all, nobody’s ever made friends drinking milk!
Just two more words you should learn before joining a beer tour: Na Zdravi! (cheers in Czech)
Tip: for real beer lovers it is also possible to join a guided microbrewery tour.
#11 Christmas Market
recommended by Bec from Explore Victoria Australia
For one of the most magical, memorable moments in Prague you must visit the Prague Christmas Market if you are visiting Prague in winter. The Prague Christmas Market is one of the most popular ones in Europe and for good reason. Set in the beautiful Old Town Square with the towers of The Tyn Church towering over the buildings on one side you cannot imagine anything more beautiful until you enter the market itself.
Stalls fill the Old Square to the brim with people wandering to and from soaking up the joyous Christmas atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike eat at the food stalls filling the small tables eating together and chatting as much as they can with each other. One thing to watch out for when you are buying food is some of it is weighed and you are charged for the weight of the product so if you are unsure about a food make sure you like it before you buy a large amount. Others wander the stalls looking for the perfect Christmas souvenir to take home to remember their magical Christmas in Prague experience.
While most people, especially ones that are travelling with kids choose to go to the market at night you will find it is less crowded during the day. You will still have the same experience it may just be a little more spectacular at night with all of the lights. The choir sings on a stage at night as well. Even if you don’t know the words you will know the tune and the locals are more than happy for you to join in with the singing.
#12 Riegrovy Sady Park
recommended by Megan from Packing up the Pieces
One of the best things to do in Prague is to visit Riegrovy Sady, a sprawling park with epic views of Prague Castle. For a truly authentic experience, this is one of the best and free places to catch a killer sunset in Prague.
Riegrovy Sady is found in the hip neighbourhood of Vinohrady. This Prague neighbourhood is popular not only for the park but for being one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Prague. Besides this awesome green space, find trendy coffee shops, popular brewpubs, funky eateries, and even a winery. It’s easy to reach this neighbourhood from anywhere in Prague. Simply ride the metro line A and exit at stop Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tramlines 11 and 13 both pass through the heart of this neighbourhood.
It’s easy to spend the entire day wandering the colourful streets of Vinohrady. Head up to Riegrovy Sady in the late afternoon to watch the sunset from a beer garden, or do as the locals do and bring your own picnic. Plan on spending at least an hour or two in the park, especially if you choose to take advantage of having a picnic from the lawn.
A stroll through Riegrovy Sady at sunset is one of the best and free things to do in Prague.
#13 Aviation Museum
recommended by Jakub from Tymrazem
When visiting Prague, it is worth visiting obligatory places such as the Charles Bridge or Hradčany. If you have more time in your itinerary, be sure to visit the Kbely Aviation Museum – Letecké Muzeum Kbely. It is located near the final metro station, but you can also get there by bus. There is also a parking lot nearby, so you can safely come by car. The entrance fee to the museum is free, and there are almost 300 planes and helicopters waiting for tourists. Some of them are still working and flying. Aeroplanes are located both outside and in thematically divided pavilions.
Apart from aeroplanes and helicopters, the buildings also house other objects related to the themes of individual exhibitions. There are uniforms, cars and equipment. The flying machines include both passenger and cargo, civil and military, propeller and jet planes. Although the subject of aviation may seem interesting only to some, everyone found something for themselves. Man, woman, kids – everyone will be satisfied! Planes and helicopters impress with their size and appearance. In the exhibition, we can observe how they have changed over the years.
On the premises of the facility, there is a shop with souvenirs related more or less to aeroplanes and a restaurant and cafe. Right next to them, there is also a small outdoor exhibition where you can see a radar station and two surface-to-air missile launchers.
Note that in most places, photos can be taken except for the area that is adjacent to a working military airport. The museum is open to visitors from May to October from 10.00 to 18.00 (except Mondays).
#14 Pedal boat
recommended by Bisola from Bis to the World
One activity that you should not miss in Prague is to rent a pedal boat on the Vltava river. It is such a charming and fun thing to hire a small boat or paddle boat and row/paddle along the Vltava river. Even in winter, you could enjoy this but obviously, wrap up well! Perfect for when you want to take a break from walking. From the river, you get one of the nicest views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the National Theatre and more.
I would recommend this as a unique way to see the city from a different angle and it’s great if you want to take a break from walking around the city. It’s also an opportunity to do something different in the city.
You can rent either a pedal boat or a rowboat. There are even some pedal boats that are shaped like swans for rent. You can hire them from Slovanský Ostrov, right by the bridge close to the National Theatre or by Charles Bridge. The one we got cost 120kc for 1 hour and it could take four people. For 1 hour, you can cruise around Prague´s islands and enjoy the magical views. A lot of the rentals are open till late during summer, so it’s the perfect way to catch the sunset while in Prague. When on the Vltava river, you have the chance to wonder at the unknown angles of the city’s architecture. You can even sail under Charles bridge. It is well worth it!
#15 Wallenstein Palace
recommended by Terri from Female Solo Trek
Imagine yourself transported to a two-story palace built for the Duke of Mecklenburg between 1624 and 1630. Although located in the city of Prague, the Wallenstein Palace (Valdstejnsky palac) could be a country estate. It was built on the site of 26 houses, six gardens, two brickyards, and one building plot. While you wander, mingle with peacocks that strut and sun themselves. The Baroque building features formal Italian gardens with an aviary, a grotto, and an artificial lake with an island. Dutch sculptor Adriaen de Vries designed the Neptune Fountain as well as a collection of bronze statues and sculptures of ancient gods and horses.
There is a riding hall to the east. While Albrecht von Wallenstein only lived in the palace for less than a year, he left behind a regal estate. After his death, the housing inventory showed 185 tapestries, 62 Oriental carpets, 534 leather Venetian tapestries, and 48 pendant paintings. After World War II, the palace was turned into the government offices for the Czech Senate.
Organized groups of 10 people (except for travel agencies) can take part in guided tours offered by the Senate every Monday and Friday. The 40-minute tours are free of charge. The main areas of interest historically are the Main Hall, Knights’ Hall, Leather Hall, Antechamber, Audience Chamber, and St. Wenceslas Chapel. Sixteen medallions of mythological scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses are displayed in the Mythological Corridor. It leads to Audience Hall where Helios (the god of Sun) is painted on the main fresco. The palace gardens were not made accessible to the public until the end of the 19th century. Today, the public can tour the adjacent Wallenstein Gardens during the summer.
