Prague Travel Guide

1. See the astronomical clock

Built in the 15th century, this intricate clock in the main square is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Every hour, on the hour, people gather in front of the clock to watch the Procession of the Twelve Apostles. It’s a bit anticlimactic and I wouldn’t go out of the way to see it but since you’ll probably pass through the square often you might as well check it out since it’s free.

2. Relax at a Beer Garden

Spend an afternoon at a beer garden — any beer garden! Drink cheap local beer, meet some locals, and have an awesome time soaking in the city. I like Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden. Stop by for food, meet some locals, then sit on the nearby hill for a spectacular view of Prague during sunset. If you’d rather do a guided craft beer tasting, visit the Czech Beer Museum for a tasting or go on a historic pub crawl.

3. Visit the Josefov (the Jewish Quarter)

Located in the Old Town, this small area dates back to the 10th century. It was the birthplace of Franz Kafka and is home to some of the city’s less-visited attractions such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and the synagogue. Today, 6 synagogues and a historical Jewish cemetery remain and are worth checking out. You can purchase a ticket that will give you access to all the synagogues for 200 CZK.

4. Ride a boat on the Vltava River

The Vltava River is the main river that runs through Prague. There are several activities that you can do on the river such as riding a paddle boat, taking a river cruise, or going on a nightly booze cruise. Prices vary, but a two-hour cruise costs around 465 CZK. It’s touristy but a nice way to have fun and see the city from a new perspective. Paddle boats rentals cost around 300 CZK per hour.

5. Shop in Wenceslas Square

This is the main shopping area and the center of business and cultural communities. Many bars, hotels, stores, offices, shops, and delicious fast-food vendors are located here. Over the years, the square has been the setting for many protests and demonstrations, which means all kinds of historical events have taken place here (specifically during the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which helped transform the country from a one-party system to a parliamentary republic).

6. Climb Petrin Hill

This 327-meter hill lies along the Vltava River and is one of the greenest places in Prague. There are always people here chilling with their friends, drinking beers, or having a picnic. This is where you can visit Prague’s iconic Petrin Tower (which looks like a mini Eiffel Tower). Also, the Church of St. Michael, a 17th-century wooden building (relocated to Prague from a village in Ukraine), is located on this hill.

7. Visit Kutna Hora

Located a few miles outside of Prague is “the bone church,” a Roman Catholic chapel home to over 40,000 bones. There are strings of skulls and bones hanging from the ceiling, a skull candelabra, and a display case showing skulls with wounds inflicted by various medieval weapons. Admission is 200 CZK. Children enter free…though I don’t know if this is really a place for kids! You can read about my visit here.

8. See Powder Tower

Be sure to check out this Gothic medieval tower, one of the original 13 city gates. Construction began in 1475 and, during the 17th century, the tower was used to store gunpowder. It was heavily damaged in 1757 during the Seven Years’ War (a conflict involving most of Europe’s powers) and most of the sculptures on it were replaced in 1876. Inside, you’ll find a small museum with information about the tower as well as a spiral staircase offering spectacular views over the city. Admission is 150 CZK.

9. Explore Vyšehrad Castle

While Prague Castle gets all the love, Vyšehrad, located in the southern part of the city, was also one of the original castles of the kings of Prague. It was built around the 10th century and contains Prague’s oldest surviving building, the Rotunda of St Martin. It offers picturesque views of the city from the hill. General admission to the castle is free, but you need to pay if you want to visit some of the rooms inside the castle: The Old Burgrave’s Residence is 60 CZK, Vysehrad Gallery is 20 CZK, The Brick Gate and Casemate is 60 CZK, and The Gothic Celler is 50 CZK. Guided tours cost 850 CZK.

10. Take the underground tour

Located 5 stories under Prague, this museum is full of Cold War paraphernalia. The bunker was designed to house civilians during a nuclear attack, after which they would then flee into the countryside. You’ll learn about life behind the Iron Curtain and get to explore the bunker yourself. Tours with Prague Underground Tours last about two hours and cost 750 CZK.

11. Enjoy a classical show

Prague is famous for its classical performances. Whether you’re interested in ballet, opera, or classical music you’ll be able to find something to your liking in Prague. Prices vary but expect to pay anywhere from 100-1,000 CZK per performance. Check out venues like the Karlin Music Theatre, the National Theatre, and the Black Light Theatre Srnec.

12. Visit the Franz Kafka Museum

If you’re a fan of Kafka, this is an obvious place to stop. And if you’re not familiar with his work, a visit is a must. Born in Prague in 1883, he is regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20th century. The museum displays the first editions of some of his most famous short stories (such as The Metamorphosis), photos, diary entries, and drawings. The museum also includes audiovisual pieces as well as a soundtrack composed especially for the exhibit. Admission is 240 CZK.

13. Take an Alternative Prague Tour

This fun tour is one of the best guided tours in the city. It’s organized by artists and musicians who take you to Prague’s non-touristy neighborhoods. You’ll discover famous local contemporary art, hidden street art and graffiti, cool markets, crypto houses, and beer gardens. Tours start at 650 CZK.