Prague’s been on my bucket list for years, and when I finally made it there last spring, I understood why everyone calls it the “Golden City.” The way the afternoon sun hits those Gothic spires and baroque facades… it’s something else entirely. But here’s the thing about Prague – it’s way more than just pretty architecture and cheap beer (though both are fantastic).
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or have a full week to explore, Prague offers an incredible mix of medieval history, world-class beer culture, and surprisingly affordable experiences. I spent five days wandering cobblestone streets, climbing ancient towers, and yes, drinking my weight in Czech beer. Here’s everything you need to know about what to do in Prague, from the must-see landmarks to the hidden gems locals actually visit.
Prague Castle: Europe’s largest ancient castle complex
Let’s start with the obvious one – Prague Castle dominates the city skyline for a reason. This isn’t just one building; it’s an entire complex that’s been the seat of Czech rulers for over 1,000 years. The official Prague Castle website lists three main circuits, but honestly, the basic circuit covers everything most visitors want to see.
The crown jewel here is St. Vitus Cathedral. Walking into this Gothic masterpiece feels like stepping into a fairy tale – the stained glass windows alone are worth the entrance fee. Pro tip: arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst crowds. I made the mistake of going at noon on a Saturday and could barely move inside.
Don’t miss the Old Royal Palace either. The Vladislav Hall is massive – they used to hold jousting tournaments indoors here. The castle grounds also offer some of the best views over Prague’s red rooftops, especially from the gardens behind the cathedral.
Practical info: Entry tickets cost around 250-350 CZK depending on the circuit. Buy online to skip the ticket lines, but you’ll still wait to get through security.
Charles Bridge: More than just a pretty crossing
Everyone tells you to visit Charles Bridge, but here’s what they don’t mention – it’s absolutely packed during the day. I’m talking shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that make it impossible to get a decent photo. Instead, try visiting at sunrise or after 9 PM when the street performers pack up and you can actually appreciate the 30 baroque statues lining the bridge.
The bridge itself dates back to 1357, and each statue has its own story. The most famous is St. John of Nepomuk – legend says touching the plaque brings good luck and guarantees you’ll return to Prague. Whether you believe in that or not, the views from the bridge are genuinely spectacular, especially looking up toward the castle.
For the best photos of Charles Bridge itself, climb the Old Town Bridge Tower. It costs extra, but the perspective is unbeatable. The Lesser Town Bridge Tower on the other side offers different angles if you’re feeling ambitious.
Old Town Square and the famous Astronomical Clock
Old Town Square feels like the heart of medieval Prague. The mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings creates this almost surreal backdrop that doesn’t look quite real. The Prague Tourism Board calls it one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, and for once, the tourism marketing isn’t exaggerating.
The Astronomical Clock draws massive crowds every hour when the apostles make their appearance. It’s… fine. Honestly, the clock is more impressive for its age (installed in 1410) than the actual hourly show. What’s really worth your time is climbing the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views over the square and beyond.
The square also hosts Prague’s Christmas markets from late November through early January. If you’re visiting during winter, the mulled wine and traditional Czech pastries make the cold totally bearable.
Jewish Quarter: A sobering piece of history
Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov) tells a story that’s both fascinating and heartbreaking. This area was once a thriving Jewish community, and today it houses one of the world’s most important collections of Jewish artifacts – ironically preserved by the Nazis who planned to create a “museum of an extinct race.”
The Old Jewish Cemetery is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. Thousands of weathered tombstones are layered on top of each other (some areas have up to 12 layers of burials). It’s haunting but incredibly moving. The synagogues throughout the quarter each tell different parts of the story, from medieval times through the Holocaust.
Buy the combined ticket that includes all the synagogues and the cemetery. The Jewish Museum in Prague manages all the sites and provides excellent context for what you’re seeing.
Petřín Lookout Tower: Prague’s mini Eiffel Tower
Okay, calling it a “mini Eiffel Tower” is a bit cheesy, but the resemblance is intentional. Built in 1891 for the Prague Exhibition, Petřín Tower offers the best panoramic views in the city. You can walk up Petřín Hill (great exercise and free) or take the funicular railway if you’re feeling lazy.
The tower itself is 60 meters tall, and on clear days, you can see for miles in every direction. What I loved most was getting a bird’s-eye view of how Prague’s different districts fit together – the medieval Old Town, the baroque Lesser Town, and the more modern areas across the river.
The surrounding Petřín Park is perfect for a picnic, especially in spring when the cherry trees bloom. There’s also a mirror maze nearby if you’re traveling with kids (or just feeling nostalgic).
Lesser Town: Prague’s most photogenic neighborhood
Malá Strana, or Lesser Town, sits between Prague Castle and the Vltava River. This is where Prague gets really magical – narrow cobblestone streets, baroque palaces, and hidden gardens around every corner. It’s also where you’ll find some of Prague’s best restaurants and wine bars tucked away from the tourist crowds.
The John Lennon Wall is here, covered in Beatles lyrics and peace messages. It’s become a bit of a tourist trap, but the surrounding Kampa Island is lovely for a quiet walk along the river. The area also has several beautiful churches, including the baroque St. Nicholas Church with its impressive dome.
Don’t miss Wallenstein Garden if it’s open – this 17th-century baroque garden feels like a secret oasis in the middle of the city. Entry is free, and the peacocks roaming the grounds add to the fairy-tale atmosphere.
Czech beer culture: More than just cheap drinks
Let’s be honest – Prague’s beer scene is legendary for good reason. Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other country, and after spending time in Prague’s beer halls, I understand why. This isn’t just about getting drunk cheaply (though beer is ridiculously affordable); it’s about centuries-old brewing traditions and social culture.
U Fleků is Prague’s oldest brewery, operating since 1499. Their dark lager is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, and the traditional beer hall atmosphere is authentic. For something more modern, try the craft beer scene in neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Karlín.
Here’s what surprised me: Czech beer etiquette is real. Wait to be seated, don’t expect table service like in other countries, and always say “na zdraví” (cheers) before drinking. The Czech Tourism Board has great information about brewery tours if you want to dive deeper into the brewing process.
Traditional Czech cuisine: Beyond goulash and dumplings
Czech food gets a bad rap for being heavy and boring, but that’s not entirely fair. Yes, it’s hearty comfort food designed for cold winters, but when done well, it’s absolutely delicious. Svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce and dumplings) is the national dish, and every restaurant makes it slightly differently.
Goulash here is different from Hungarian goulash – it’s more of a thick stew served with bread dumplings. And speaking of dumplings, they’re not what you might expect. Czech dumplings are more like sliced bread, perfect for soaking up rich sauces.
Avoid the tourist traps around Old Town Square that serve mediocre food at inflated prices. Instead, head to neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Smíchov for restaurants where locals actually eat. Look for places serving traditional dishes like roast pork with sauerkraut or fried cheese (yes, it’s as indulgent as it sounds).
Day trips from Prague: Exploring beyond the city
Prague makes an excellent base for exploring other parts of the Czech Republic. Český Krumlov, about 2.5 hours south, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like a medieval fairy tale. The town is tiny but perfectly preserved, with a dramatic castle overlooking the Vltava River.
Kutná Hora is closer (about an hour by train) and famous for the Sedlec Ossuary – a chapel decorated with human bones. It sounds macabre, but it’s actually quite beautiful in a haunting way. The town also has a stunning Gothic cathedral that rivals anything in Prague.
For something different, consider Karlštejn Castle, built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to house the crown jewels. It’s only 40 minutes from Prague by train, making it perfect for a half-day trip.
Getting around Prague: Transportation tips
Prague’s public transportation system is excellent and incredibly affordable. A day pass costs around 120 CZK and covers trams, buses, and the metro. The tram system is particularly useful for getting around the city center and up to Prague Castle.
Walking is often faster than public transport in the historic center, but be prepared for lots of cobblestones. Comfortable shoes are essential – I learned this the hard way after a full day in inappropriate footwear.
Taxis can be tricky. Use Uber or Bolt instead of hailing random cabs, especially near tourist areas where overcharging is common. The Prague Public Transit Company website has detailed maps and schedules if you want to plan your routes in advance.
Where to stay in Prague: Neighborhood guide
Old Town: Most convenient for sightseeing but also most expensive and crowded. Great if it’s your first visit and you want to be walking distance from everything.
Lesser Town: More atmospheric and slightly quieter, but still central. Expect to pay premium prices for the location.
New Town: Despite the name, this area dates back to the 14th century. Good mix of restaurants and nightlife, with easy access to the historic center.
Vinohrady: My personal favorite. This residential neighborhood has excellent restaurants, beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, and good tram connections to the center. Much more affordable than staying in the historic districts.
Karlín: Up-and-coming area with a growing food scene. About 15 minutes from Old Town by tram, with more reasonable accommodation prices.
Prague’s seasonal considerations
Spring (March-May): Perfect weather and fewer crowds, but pack layers. Cherry blossoms in Petřín Park are spectacular in April.
Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season with long days and warm weather. Expect crowds and higher prices, but also outdoor festivals and beer gardens.
Fall (September-November): My favorite time to visit. Comfortable temperatures, beautiful autumn colors, and fewer tourists after September.
Winter (December-February): Cold but magical, especially during Christmas market season. Many attractions have shorter hours, but accommodation is cheapest.
Prague’s communist history and modern transformation
Here’s something most travel guides skip: Prague’s communist past is still visible throughout the city, and understanding this history makes your visit much richer. The Museum of Communism provides excellent context for how the city transformed after 1989’s Velvet Revolution.
Look for communist-era architecture in areas like Wenceslas Square, where the 1968 protests took place. The contrast between medieval Prague Castle and brutalist buildings from the 1970s tells the story of a city that’s survived multiple political upheavals.
This history also explains why Prague feels simultaneously ancient and modern – centuries-old buildings house trendy restaurants and tech startups, creating a unique atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere in Europe.
Planning your Prague adventure
Prague exceeded every expectation I had. It’s a city where you can spend hours just wandering and discovering hidden courtyards, underground bars, and viewpoints that aren’t in any guidebook. The combination of incredible architecture, rich history, world-class beer, and surprisingly affordable prices makes it one of Europe’s best travel destinations.
Start with the major attractions – Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square – but don’t stop there. Some of my best Prague memories happened in quiet moments: watching sunset from Petřín Hill, discovering a tiny wine bar in Lesser Town, or chatting with locals in a neighborhood beer hall.
Take time to understand Prague’s complex history, from medieval kings to communist rule to its modern renaissance. This context transforms tourist attractions into meaningful experiences and helps you appreciate how remarkable Prague’s preservation and transformation really is.
Most importantly, don’t try to see everything in one trip. Prague is a city that rewards multiple visits, and honestly, you’ll probably want to come back anyway.