Looking for the best things to do in Prague? From castles and cathedrals to beer baths and river kayaking, here’s a mix of must-see sights and local favorites to make the most of your visit to the Czech capital.
Prague is one of those cities that feels straight out of a fairytale, cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and a river that seems to glow at sunset. I first visited back in 2009, during a European backpacking trip over the school holidays while I was studying abroad in Scotland. And I was immediately captivated by its charm. There was just something about Prague that stayed with me long after I left.
Fast forward to my most recent trip, which I took with my mom and sister, and the city has only become more enchanting. While it’s certainly busier and a bit more polished than it was back then, Prague still holds that same sense of wonder that first drew me in. Whether you’re here for the history, the beer, or just to wander aimlessly through pastel-colored streets, it’s a place that begs to be explored slowly.
Here are my top 15 things to do in Prague to help you plan a magical trip!
Jump to:
- 1. Visit Prague Castle
- 2. Walk Across the Charles Bridge
- 3. Explore Old Town and the Astronomical Clock
- 4. Take a Food Tour
- 5. Stroll Through Wenceslas Square
- 6. Visit a Beer Bath
- 7. See a Classical Music Concert
- 8. Experience Prague's Café Culture
- 9. Check out Petřín Hill
- 10. Wander Through Malá Strana
- 11. Kayak on the Vltava River
- 12. Explore the Jewish Quarter
- 13. Visit a Brewery (or Two)
- 14. Explore a Museum (or Three)
- 15. See an Opera or Ballet
- Final Thoughts
1. Visit Prague Castle
One of the largest castle complexes in the world, Prague Castle is a must-see. I recommend getting there early, right around opening, to beat the crowds. You can walk up the hill (it’s steep but scenic) or take a taxi or tram to the top and work your way down.
Be sure to visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. You can buy tickets at the castle entrance or online through the official Prague Castle website, which saves a bit of time.
2. Walk Across the Charles Bridge
Yes, it’s touristy, but for good reason. The Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague, and it’s every bit as beautiful as the photos make it look. The best time to visit is early, sunrise if you can manage it. The city is still quiet and you’ll have space to actually take it all in without jostling through tour groups.
As you walk across, stop to admire the baroque statues lining the bridge and the views of Prague Castle in the distance. During the day, you’ll find local artists selling paintings, jewelry, and handmade crafts, along with musicians filling the air with live music. It’s lively and crowded, but still manages to feel magical.
3. Explore Old Town and the Astronomical Clock
No visit to Prague is complete without spending time in Old Town Square, the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings, lively cafés, and street performers, this is where Prague truly comes to life. At its center stands the famous Astronomical Clock, dating back to 1410. It's one of the oldest still-functioning clocks in the world. At the top of every hour, the clock puts on a little “show” with moving apostles and chiming bells. While it’s a bit overrated in my opinion, it’s still fun to catch a glimpse.
4. Take a Food Tour
One of my favorite ways to get to know any city is through its food, and Prague is no exception. On our last trip, we took an award-winning evening food tour with Prague City Adventures, and it was absolutely fantastic. Our local guide led us through charming neighborhoods and down cobblestone side streets to hidden restaurants and pubs. We sampled authentic Czech dishes, from svíčková (creamy beef sirloin) and roasted pork with dumplings to flaky pastries and local cheeses. We also tried several Czech beers and regional wines, each with its own story and connection to the city’s history.
5. Stroll Through Wenceslas Square
Located in the heart of the New Town, Wenceslas Square is where much of Prague’s modern history has unfolded. It’s less a “square” in the traditional sense and more of a long, grand boulevard lined with shops, cafés, restaurants, and hotels, making it one of the city’s main gathering points. At the top stands the striking National Museum and an impressive statue of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. Grab a coffee or an ice cream from one of the cafés, find a spot on a bench, and take in the buzz of everyday Prague life.
6. Visit a Beer Bath
A beer bath is one of those “only in Prague” experiences that you just have to try at least once. When we first heard about it, we were so curious. Honestly, it ended up being one of our favorite (albeit slightly bizarre) experiences of the trip.
Unlike what you might think, you don’t actually bathe in beer. You soak in a warm tub filled with hops, barley, and other natural ingredients used in the brewing process. It’s said to be great for your skin and circulation, and whether that’s true or not, it’s incredibly relaxing. We visited the Original Beer Spa, which had two large wooden tubs, a private bathroom, and even a straw bed (covered with a sheet) for lounging afterward. Best of all? There was unlimited Czech beer on tap right next to the tub.
7. See a Classical Music Concert
Prague is overflowing with stunning venues for live classical music, and it’s something you truly shouldn’t miss while you’re there. Nearly every evening, you can find one-hour performances held in some of the city’s most beautiful historic spaces, like St. Nicholas Church, Lobkowicz Palace, or the elegant Municipal House. These concerts are usually intimate, often candlelit, and feature everything from Mozart and Vivaldi to Czech composers like Dvořák and Smetana.
You can book tickets online in advance, which I recommend if you’re visiting during peak season, but you can also often grab them same-day from small ticket booths around Old Town. Even if you’re not usually a classical music fan, the experience of sitting in one of Prague’s ornate churches or palaces while a live string quartet fills the air is just unforgettable.
8. Experience Prague's Café Culture
Prague has an incredible café culture that feels both elegant and cozy. Scattered throughout the city are historic coffeehouses where writers, artists, and thinkers once lingered for hours over strong espresso and layered pastries.
One of my absolute favorites is Café Savoy, just across the river in Malá Strana. The space itself is stunning, with high ornate ceilings and marble tables. Their hot chocolate is legendary. If you have time, pop into a few other iconic spots like Café Louvre (once frequented by Einstein and Kafka) or Café Slavia, which overlooks the National Theatre and the river. Spending an hour or two in one of Prague’s beautiful cafés is an essential part of the experience.
9. Check out Petřín Hill
For panoramic views of the city, head up Petřín Hill, one of Prague’s most scenic green spaces. You can walk through the rose gardens and shaded pathways if you’re feeling energetic, or take the funicular from the Újezd stop to save your legs for exploring at the top. Once there, climb the Petřín Lookout Tower, a charming, smaller-scale version of the Eiffel Tower built in 1891, for sweeping views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the sea of red rooftops stretching across the city.
There’s also a mirror maze, a few cafés, and plenty of grassy spots perfect for a picnic or a short rest. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustle below and one of the best spots in Prague to watch the sunset over the city.
10. Wander Through Malá Strana
Just below the castle, Malá Strana (Lesser Town) is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Prague. It has this perfect blend of charm and calm, with winding cobblestone streets, pastel Baroque buildings, and the soft sound of church bells echoing through the hills. You’re still close to everything, just a short walk or tram ride from Old Town, but it feels a removed from the packed crowds.
The area is filled with cozy cafés, small local restaurants, and boutique hotels, many tucked into centuries-old buildings. Don’t miss St. Nicholas Church, one of the city’s most beautiful Baroque landmarks, and make time to simply wander.
11. Kayak on the Vltava River
If you’re looking for something a little different, kayaking through the center of Prague is such a fun and memorable way to see the city. We recommend this two-hour guided tour starts and ends right near Charles Bridge, taking you about 4–5 kilometers (roughly 3 miles) along the Vltava River past Prague Castle, Little Venice Channel, the National Theatre, and other beautiful landmarks.
It’s surprisingly peaceful out on the water, and the guides do a great job of keeping things relaxed and beginner-friendly, even if you’ve never kayaked before. They can adjust the pace or shorten the route if needed, but be prepared: while it’s not overly intense, it is still a bit of a workout. You’ll definitely feel your arms by the end!
12. Explore the Jewish Quarter
This small but powerful area tells the story of Prague’s Jewish history, which dates back more than a thousand years. Located in Josefov, between Old Town Square and the river, the Jewish Quarter offers a deeply moving look into the resilience and culture of Prague’s Jewish community.
Walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery, where thousands of gravestones stand layered over centuries of burials, a haunting yet beautiful reminder of history preserved. Step inside the Pinkas Synagogue, now a Holocaust memorial with the names of Czech Jews who perished during World War II inscribed on its walls. The nearby Spanish Synagogue, with its intricate Moorish-style interior, is one of the most stunning buildings in the city and a testament to the community’s artistic heritage. It’s well worth joining a guided tour or getting an audio guide to fully understand the stories behind each site.
13. Visit a Brewery (or Two)
Czech beer culture is truly legendary, and Prague is the perfect place to experience it firsthand. For a truly unique experience, check out the (Boat) Lod’ Pivovar, a floating brewery and restaurant moored right on the river. You can sip freshly brewed beer while watching the sunset over the city. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just curious, exploring Prague’s brewery scene is a fun (and delicious) way to experience Czech culture.
14. Explore a Museum (or Three)
Prague has an incredible museum scene, with something for every kind of traveler. The National Museum is perfect for history buffs, while the Mucha Museum celebrates the life and work of Alphonse Mucha, the Czech artist behind the city’s signature Art Nouveau style. For something quirkier, you can visit the Museum of Communism or the Kafka Museum. They both offer fascinating insights into Prague’s complex past.
We also visited the Story of Prague Museum, a relatively new and beautifully done installation located just near the Old Town entrance to Charles Bridge. It takes you on an immersive journey through Prague’s often dark and turbulent history, from the medieval era through the world wars and into modern times.
15. See an Opera or Ballet
If you want to splurge on a night out, book tickets to the Prague State Opera, the National Theatre, or the historic Estates Theatre, where Mozart himself once performed Don Giovanni in 1787. These venues are stunning inside, with ornate chandeliers, velvet seats, and that old-world grandeur that makes the whole experience feel special. Performances range from opera and ballet to symphony concerts, and the quality is truly world-class. The best part? Tickets are often surprisingly affordable compared to other European capitals. It’s an easy way to enjoy a truly elegant night out in Prague without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
Prague is one of those rare cities that’s as beautiful as everyone says it is. Between the cobblestone streets, centuries of history, and cozy cafés tucked around every corner, there’s always something new to discover. Honestly, a few days in Prague will never feel like enough. But these experiences are some of the best ways to truly make the most of your time in the city.