A City With a Huge Wall Around It Old Fashioned Clock Tower

Desire to know what to do in Prague? This article will guide yous through the best this astonishing urban center has to offering! Prague'southward history dates back over a 1000 years. The city rivals any other in Europe in terms of sheer beauty but there is much more than on offer than merely a pretty confront.

Bisected past the Vlatava River, Prague volition astound fifty-fifty the most well traveled tourist with its Gothic grace and Renaissance compages, its many globe-class museums and baroque fashion churches and bridges.

TIP – Volume some of the tours & activities online before your visit: Best tours in Prague and consider the Prague Metropolis Card for discounts and unlimited utilise of public ship.

Explore the medieval streets in the daylight, meander down the riverside in the evening and if all of the sight seeing becomes besides tiring yous tin can always relax with some hearty Czech cuisine and a choice of the finest lagers in the world.

From jazz music, boob shows and pork knuckles to an astronomical clock and a mind maze, without further ado, here is our list of the best things to do in Prague.

1. See the Infant Jesus of Prague

Infant Jezus of Prague — Baby Jezus of Prague

Located in the Mala Strana in the centre of the city, the Baby Jesus of Prague (likewise known as the Child of Prague) is a Roman Catholic statue of Jesus Christ equally an infant. Everyday hundreds of believers pay a visit to this shrine to pray, bow and make wishes hoping that they volition come true. The statue itself is encased in an ornate gilded shrine and while the origin of the effigy is unknown, it has been dated dorsum to the 16th Century.

two. Explore the Old Town Foursquare

Old Town Square, Prague — Former Boondocks Square

Despite Prague'south lively history of invasions, the Old Town Square has remained relatively untouched since the tenth Century. Swarms of tourists crowd the historical streets, packing out the alfresco restaurants everyday. The square itself is the perfect place to adore the wonderful architecture Prague has to offer and if that isn't your thing and so the diverse street performers, musicians and merchants that line the streets here will certainly keep you entertained.

3. Watch the Astronomical Clock Strike an Hour

Astronomical Clock, Prague — Astronomical Clock

Whilst in the Old Boondocks Foursquare, time your visit to the Quondam Boondocks Hall so that you lot can watch the spectacle of the mechanical clock marking the plough of an hour. The clock itself is on the south face of the boondocks hall and is the pride of Prague. It was built in the fifteenth century and despite beingness damaged and repaired during its lifetime, it is widely regarded equally the best preserved medieval mechanical clock in the globe. The show at the height of the hr never fails to disappoint the many onlookers.

4. Stroll across the Charles Bridge

Whoever said that "the all-time things in life are gratuitous" may well have been referring to the Charles Bridge in Prague. A simple walk across the 14th Century bridge is one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of visiting Prague. The bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV to replace an older bridge that had been washed away past floods. Although completed in 1390, with the hit statues added in the 17th century, the bridge did non have Charles' name until the 19th century.

five. Witness the quondam Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish quarter, also known as Josefov, is located between the Onetime Boondocks and the Vltava River. Its history began in the 13th century when Jews living in Prague were ordered to vacate their homes and settle in this one area. The Jews were banned from living anywhere else in the city and were joined by fellow exiled Jews from other European countries. To add together to their hardship, many buildings in the area were destroyed in the late 19th century when the cities layout was remodeled. Fortunately, many meaning historical buildings remain including vi synagogues and are well worth a visit.

6. Visit Prague Castle

Located in Hradcany (the Castle commune), Prague Castle is without a doubt the city'south almost pop tourist attraction and it is easy to encounter why. The breath-taking castle has traditionally been the seat of Czech rulers and is today the official residence of the president. Entry to the grounds of the castle are gratuitous although many buildings such as the St Vitus cathedral, Basillica of St George and Golden Lane can be visited with a combined entry ticket. If you want priority admission to skip the huge lines you should buy the Skip the Line: Prague Castle Tickets, for a guided tour yous should consider this two.five-Hour Tour (including admission ticket).

7. See the Treasures of St Vitus Cathedral

St Vitus Cathedral, Prague — St Vitus Cathedral

Equally mentioned previously, the St Vitus cathedral is one of the attractions located in the castle grounds. It is visible from all around the city of Prague. Although the cathedral looks many hundreds of years onetime, it was in fact completed in 1929. Many treasures look visitors including the tomb of St John of Nepomunk, the splendid Chapel of St Wenceslas and the magnificent art nouveau stained glass.

The Vitus Cathedral is included in this tiptop rated tour: 2.5-Hour Prague Castle Tour (including admission ticket)

8. Golden Lane – Playground for Alchemists

Too located inside the grounds of the castle is the mysterious Golden Lane, then called considering, according to legends, alchemists had to wait on this street to discover a reaction to turn ordinary materials into gold. Despite the streets proper name, it is debated whether alchemists ever worked or lived here. Czech-Jewish author Franz Kafka used a house on the street for around two years every bit he enjoyed the peaceful environs it provided whilst writing.

nine. Swallow a Pork Knuckle

This meat lovers dish, as well known as Koleno, is a rather big hunk of pork knee joint and is very popular in Czech (and also High german) cuisine. Expect the meat to be marinated in beer and served with pickled vegetables and dark Czech staff of life. Eating such a large chunk of meat can concenter the attention of plenty of onlookers but the mix of aromatic tender pork and crispy skin renders the dish well worth eating despite of the audience.

10. Investigate the KGB Museum

This modest museum was established by a Russian enthusiast and houses a large variety of memorabilia relating to the hugger-mugger police of the Soviet Union. Yous may well be shown around by the collector himself and you can expect to find an assortment of spy cameras, secret weapons and interrogation equipment. Another interesting exhibit within the museum are the photographs of Prague taken by a KGB officer in the yr of 1968 in which the streets of the city appear eerily empty.

11. Spot a Seven Foot Tall Sigmund Freud

Walk through the sublime urban area of Stare Mesto inside the Sometime Town of Prague and look to the sky. You lot volition be surprised to notice a seven foot tall sculpture of the world famous psycho-analyst Sigmund Freud hanging from a metallic beam higher up the cobbled streets at your anxiety. The unusual artwork has proven so popular that it has been exhibited in cities all over the world including Chicago, London and Berlin. Often mistaken for a suicide effort, the sculpture has besides been responsible for several calls to the emergency services since its creation.

12. Admire the Lennon Wall

Although Prague is a long way from Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, fans should certainly check out this shrine to one of the nigh famous bands of all time. The wall has been covered in John Lennon and The Beatles graffiti, lyrics and quotations since the 1980s and is very popular among tourists and immature fans wishing to pay homage to the group.

13. Spend some Koruna at the Farmer's Market place

Farmer's Market, Prague — Farmer's Marketplace

Nestled upon the river beach only underneath the fortress of Vysehrad, gourmets would be wise to visit this farmer'south marketplace, which pops up every Sabbatum. Alloy in with the locals as you experience some of the all-time food (and sights) that the urban center has to offer. The market usually offers seasonal vegetables, freshly baked staff of life and cakes, pickles and preserves along with sausages and other specialist meats. Savour your bounty whilst sitting by the riverside and watching the people of Prague get almost their Saturdays.

14. Larn about Communism

Europe is a continent rich in history and political turmoil and the Czechia does non buck that tendency. The state was a communist nation from 1948 until the Velvet revolution of 1989. Under communist rule, more than 200,000 Czechs were arrested and 327 shot dead as they attempted to abscond the land. Within the communism museum y'all volition observe photographs, films and fifty-fifty sculptures documenting the state-sponsored terrorism that occurred under communist rule.

fifteen. Sentry a Puppet Bear witness

It volition not take you long to realize that the citizens of Prague are passionate about their puppets. The city has over 20 specialised boob shops, thirty puppet makers and even a puppet museum. The Czech love thing with puppets probably dates dorsum to the 12th Century when the figures were used as entertainment at purple feasts and ceremonies. The best places to grab a puppet show in Prague are the National Marionette Theatre and Theatre Spejbla & Hurvinek which both offering popular performances.

16. Take a Cruise on the Vltava

Seeing Prague from the river Vltava is a unique feel and offers a way to run into the many historical buildings and monuments from a different perspective. Cruises inside the metropolis are competitively priced and often include lunch or dinner depending on the time of 24-hour interval you choose to embark. Choosing a prowl with a elapsing of 2 hours or more, will ensure that you lot are aboard long enough to escape the hustle and bustle of Prague city center and let you to relish the serenity of some of the quieter riverbanks on the Vltava river.

Book your cruise beforehand to ensure a ticket: Prague Cruises

17. Beverage a globe famous beer (or ii)

The Czechs claim to have the all-time beer (pivo) in the world and Prague is a neat place to test their claim. The huge choice of bars in the city offering famous Czech lagers such equally Budvar and Staropramen aslope craft beers from the top microbreweries in the country. Most Czech beers are calorie-free beers, brewed naturally from hand-picked hops.

Increasingly, breweries are producing a dark ale too as an alternative, but nigh Czechs like their beer light, nicely chilled and with a alpine head. Beer aficionados should also ensure a visit to the Prague Beer Museum which offers more than than 31 quality beers on tap. Check out this Czech Beer Museum Tour and Bottle Your Own Beer.

eighteen. Walk the backstreets of Mala Strana

Beyond the river from the Old Town are the baroque backstreets of Mala Strana (the Bottom quarter), built in the 17th and 18th century by victorious Catholic clerics and noblemen on the foundations of their Protestant predecessors Renaissance palaces. At its heart is the baroque square which offers small shops to browse, traditional Czech pubs and restaurants and some fantastic views of the river.

19. Immerse yourself in the Prague nightlife

Prague's nightlife has it all. World renowned for its jazz and classical music, there are many live music venues in Prague that can provide a good evening of entertainment. Take a stroll down the riverside and arrive at JazzDock which draws some of the best local jazz musicians. For serious clubbers, the Cross Club is an industrial nightclub in every sense of the word. Located in an industrial setting, the interior is a must-encounter jumble of gadgets, shafts and cranks, many of which movement to the music. Want to outset in the pubs and end in the largest gild of Prague? And so check out this tour.

20. Watch the Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard, Prague — Irresolute Of The Guard

Go far at the castle before midday to ensure a good view and spotter the ceremonial changing of the baby-sit including a fanfare and flag ceremony. The guards technically serve but the president of the Czech Commonwealth and take some rather strict recruiting requirements including the specification that a guard must be between 1.78 and 1.88 meters tall to serve. The uniforms worn by the guards are unique to the castle guards and are light blue in summertime and dark blue in winter.

21. Climb 299 Steps to Petrin Hill

Petrin Lookout Tower in Prague — Petrin Scout Tower In Prague

Petrin is a loma on the left bank of the Vltava River, it offers corking views of the city and is one of the greenest spaces in Prague. It is a pleasant walk to the top of the hill and at that place are plenty of benches to rest your legs on whilst admiring the view on the style up. Alternatively, yous can ride the funicular railway from the lesser quarter all the manner to the elevation of Petrin Hill. At the superlative, you will find a miniature version of the Eiffel Belfry, landscaped gardens and the unusual Church building of St Michael, a wooden building relocated from Ukraine. Don't wanna walk? Attempt this Segway Bout.

22. Watch Skateboarders at the Letna Park

This park, which used to be abode to a giant statue of Stalin until it was destroyed in the threescore'southward, is a popular meeting spot for skateboarders. The park is located on the steep river embankment of Letna Hill. Sit downwards and relax at one of the many beer gardens hither while people watching and if the skateboarders fail to entertain, the cityscape certainly will non.

Meet our list of recommend hotels in Prague

23. Devour some Pickled Cheese

This Czech delicacy is a must try for the traveling foodie. It is the perfect accompaniment to a common cold glass of pivo making it a Czech pub classic. The dish is essentially a soft Camembert similar cheese, with an edible rind, submerged and pickled in oil, spices and garlic before being served with chilli peppers and Czech fried bread. This snack is both potently hot and creamy at the same time and is a casual introduction to Czech cuisine. Want more than? Then attempt some of the available Nutrient Tours.

24. Test yourself at the Mind Maze

Inspired by the legends of alchemists, the listen maze in Prague is an interesting and memorable challenge. Upon inbound the Listen Maze, yous will find yourself locked in the Alchemist's bedroom and will take lx minutes to escape by solving a series of riddles and puzzles. When you kickoff enter the chamber it looks old-fashioned and rather empty, however equally you brainstorm to investigate the objects around the room, you will presently realize there is much more to this small room than meets the middle. Take a friend as teams are allowed and two heads are better than one!

25. Savour nature at Jelení Príkop (Stag Moat)

If the hustle and bustle of Prague begins to wear you lot downwards and you need to unwind, this lesser known location is ideal. One time used as a moat along the backside of Prague castle, this strip of land is now a beautiful stretch of greenery. Bask a picnic or pre-dinner stroll within this expanse and allow yourself time to recover from the tiring exploration of Prague.