Things to Do in Prague - Top Attractions, Hidden Gems & Must-See Sights

Charles Bridge is the oldest standing bridge across the Vltava River in Prague and the second oldest preserved bridge in the Czech Republic. Construction of the new bridge began in 1357 under the patronage of King Charles IV and was completed in 1402. From the end of the 17th century, 30 mostly Baroque statues and sculptural groups were gradually placed on the bridge. The bridge was originally called simply 'Stone' or 'Prague' Bridge. The name 'Charles Bridge' became established only around 1870. The historical Royal Route leads across the bridge, making it an essential part of the coronation procession path.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is located in Prague's Old Town near the Old Town Square. Its construction took place from the mid-14th century to the first decades of the 16th century. It is one of the most artistically significant Prague churches, both architecturally and for its preserved interior furnishings. Its western facade facing the square forms one of the most famous landmarks of Prague. The front part of the church with the portal facing the square is surrounded by two houses, one of which is the Týn School. The building material used was primarily sandstone for details and reinforcement of buttresses, as well as softer opuka stone for the infill walls.

Josefov, Prague's Jewish Quarter, is the smallest cadastral area in Prague, covering just 8.81 hectares. Since medieval times, this area was home to the Jewish ghetto, which transformed into a poor quarter after its abolition in the mid-19th century. During the Prague sanitation project, most of the area was demolished and replaced with new buildings. Only the most significant Jewish monuments were preserved, including the Old-New Synagogue, several other synagogues, the old cemetery, and the town hall. Today, Josefov is one of the best-preserved Jewish historical sites in Europe and contains the Jewish Museum in Prague, which houses one of the world's largest collections of Jewish ceremonial art.

Prague Castle is the most significant Czech castle standing on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River in the center of Prague. Since the 9th century, it has been the seat of Czech princes, later kings, and since 1918, the President of the Republic. With its dimensions of 570 meters in length and 128 meters in width, it is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is the largest ancient castle in the world and also the largest continuously inhabited castle, even larger than Windsor Castle. Prague Castle is considered not only a symbol of the city but also of Czech statehood. The castle complex includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the traditional site of coronations and final resting place of Czech kings.

St. Vitus Cathedral is the most important Czech Roman Catholic church and the dominant feature of Prague Castle. The southern tower of the cathedral, also called the Great Southern Tower, stands at 96.6 meters, making it the third tallest church tower in the Czech Republic. Since the 10th century, St. Vitus has been the seat church of the Prague bishop, elevated to an archdiocese in 1344. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began on this occasion but was interrupted by the Hussite Wars. The western part with the nave and twin-tower facade was completed only after five hundred years, from 1873, and was ceremonially completed in 1929. The cathedral contains numerous significant artistic monuments from various centuries, including the Chapel of St. Wenceslas and the mosaic of the Last Judgment.

The Clementinum, formerly Collegium Clementinum, is a former Jesuit college and extensive complex of Baroque buildings near Charles Bridge in Prague's Old Town. After Prague Castle, the Clementinum is the second most extensive building complex in Prague. It is the seat of the National Library of the Czech Republic, which manages the area with the exception of the churches. The Clementinum holds an important position in the history of Czech Catholic religion, mathematics, and meteorology. Meteorological observations began here in the mid-18th century and have been systematically recorded since 1775, making them the longest continuous series of observations in Central Europe. The Baroque Library Hall is one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world.

The Dancing House, officially originally the Nationale-Nederlanden Building, is a building in Prague completed in 1996. It stands on the right bank of the Vltava River at the corner of Rašínovo nábřeží and Jiráskovo náměstí. It was designed by Vlado Milunić together with Frank Gehry, who was brought to the project by the investor, the Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden. The building is nicknamed 'Ginger and Fred' in reference to the dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This nickname originated in the architects' office during the design of the building, originally as a joke referring to the shape of the glass tower resembling a dancer.

The Lennon Wall is a wall in the garden of the Maltese Grand Priory Palace on the northern side of Velkopřevorské náměstí in Prague's Malá Strana. Since the 1970s, inscriptions and paintings referring to singer John Lennon have appeared on the wall. During the communist era, the wall became a symbol of freedom and resistance against the regime. Young people would write Beatles lyrics and political graffiti on it. Despite repeated whitewashing by authorities, the wall would always be repainted. Today, it remains a colorful canvas for messages of peace and love, constantly changing as visitors from around the world add their own contributions.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town) was an independent town until 1784 and is now a city district and cadastral area in the center of Prague on the left bank of the Vltava River. It is one of the oldest and most impressive parts of Prague, established in the area below Prague Castle. This tourist-attractive locality features numerous churches, palaces, and other monuments, with a high proportion of green spaces including gardens and parks, including Petřín Hill. It houses important state institutions (both chambers of Parliament, the Government Office, three ministries) and embassy offices. The charming cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture make it one of Prague's most romantic neighborhoods.

The Municipal House is one of the most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Prague. It stands on Republic Square, next to the Powder Tower opposite the House of the Hybernians. It serves primarily representative purposes and cultural events (concerts, exhibitions). The building is decorated with works by leading Czech artists of the early 20th century, including Alfons Mucha. The Municipal House is also famous as the location where the independence of Czechoslovakia was declared on October 28, 1918. The building features a magnificent concert hall, the Smetana Hall, named after the famous Czech composer Bedřich Smetana.

The Old Town Bridge Tower is located in Prague's Old Town on Křižovnické náměstí at the right-bank entrance to Charles Bridge on the Royal Route. The Old Town Bridge Tower with its magnificent sculptural decoration was conceived as a triumphal arch celebrating the reign of Emperor Charles IV and his son Wenceslaus IV. At the same time, it represented a symbolic gateway to the most magnificent part of Prague, as behind it opened a view of Prague Castle with the golden mosaic of the Last Judgment shining on the St. Vitus gate. It is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Europe. The tower was built together with the bridge by Peter Parler.

The Petřín Lookout Tower, thanks to its height of almost sixty meters, is one of the tallest Prague landmarks. Although it cannot compete with most Prague towers in terms of age, Prague residents loved it from the time of its construction as if it had stood there forever. The hill of Petřín was a favorite destination for Prague residents who would come here for walks in the municipal gardens and vineyards. The tower was built in 1891 as a smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Visitors can climb 299 steps to the viewing platform for panoramic views of Prague. The tower is accessible by the Petřín funicular railway.

The Powder Tower is a late Gothic building at the boundary of Na Příkopě Street and Republic Square, next to the Municipal House opposite the House of the Hybernians. It is one of the symbols of Prague. Celetná Street begins in the gate, forming the first part of the Royal Route that leads from here all the way to Prague Castle. The gate was created in 1475 for representative purposes and replaced the Gate of St. Ambrose, but was not completed until the end of the 19th century in a pseudo-Gothic purist style. The gate stands 65 meters tall, with a viewing gallery at 44 meters accessible by 186 steps.

Strahov Monastery, fully named the Royal Canonry of Premonstratensians at Strahov, is the oldest Premonstratensian monastery in Bohemia, founded in 1143, and one of the most significant architectural monuments of the Czech Republic. The convent was renewed after 1990. The Memorial of National Literature is also located here, and the monastery includes the famous Strahov Library and picture gallery. The library contains over 200,000 volumes, including many illuminated manuscripts and early printed books. The Theological Hall and Philosophical Hall are particularly impressive, featuring stunning Baroque interiors with ceiling frescoes and intricate woodwork.

Vyšehrad is a historic fortress, castle, and fortification in Prague, on a rock above the right bank of the Vltava River on the southern edge of the historic city. At the Vyšehrad Cemetery with Slavín near the Church of St. Peter and Paul, significant Czech personalities are buried, and the oldest Prague rotunda of St. Martin is also located here. The park-like and publicly accessible area has been a national cultural monument since 1962. Vyšehrad is associated with many legends from the beginnings of Czech history, supposedly founded by the legendary Prince Krok. The actual origin of the princely fortress is dated to the second half of the 10th century. The fortress offers stunning views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.

Wenceslas Square is one of the main squares in Prague's New Town. It is a 750-meter long and 60-meter wide boulevard in the shape of an elongated rectangle, sloping from the National Museum to Můstek at the border of the Old Town. Wenceslas Square has witnessed many significant historical events and is a traditional place for demonstrations, celebrations, and other mass gatherings. It is often cited as the second largest square in Prague and the Czech Republic. The upper part of the square is the busiest pedestrian thoroughfare in the country. The square is dominated by the equestrian statue of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia.

Nový Svět (New World) is located in Prague's Hradčany district. It is spread around the street of the same name northwest of Prague Castle near the former city walls. It is a picturesque corner with winding streets and small residential houses, located away from the main tourist route. The area dates back to the 14th century when it was established as a settlement for castle workers. Today, it retains its charming medieval character with colorful houses, small workshops, and quiet cobblestone lanes. It is considered one of the most romantic and photogenic spots in Prague, offering a peaceful escape from the busy castle crowds.

Vinohrady (Royal Vineyards until 1960) has been a city district and cadastral area of Prague since 1922. It lies east of the New Town, bordering Žižkov to the north, Strašnice to the east, Vršovice to the south, and Nusle to the southwest. Under the name Viničné Hory, it was an independent municipality from 1788, renamed Královské Vinohrady in 1867. Until 1875, it also included the territory of Žižkov. Between 1879 and 1921, it was a city, and before its incorporation into 'Greater Prague' in 1922, it was the fourth largest city in the territory of today's Czech Republic. Today, Vinohrady is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau and Neo-Renaissance architecture, trendy cafes, and the beautiful Riegrovy Sady park with panoramic views of Prague.

Vojanovy Sady is a public park in Prague's Malá Strana, south of Klárov. It is sometimes considered the oldest garden in Prague because it was created in the 17th century as part of the Carmelite monastery, partially on the site of a garden of a defunct bishop's court founded in the 13th century. The park received its current name after 1954, after actor Eduard Vojan, who was born nearby on Míšeňská Street. The garden features a beautiful orchard, peacocks that roam freely, and a charming gazebo. It is a peaceful oasis away from the tourist crowds, perfect for a quiet rest or a picnic.

Vrtba Garden is a Baroque terraced garden of Italian type in Prague's Malá Strana. The entrance is through the passage of Vrtba Palace from Karmelitská Street. The garden rises upward from the palace courtyard toward the southwest and cuts into the slope of Petřín in several levels. It is named after its founder, the owner of the local palace and vineyards, Jan Josef of Vrtba, who had it built at the beginning of the 18th century according to the design of Czech Baroque architect František Maxmilian Kaňka. The sculptural decoration of the garden is the work of Matyáš Bernard Braun, and the frescoes of Venus are by Václav Vavřinec Reiner. Vrtba Garden is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Prague.

The Žižkov Television Tower is one of Prague's landmarks and simultaneously the tallest structure in the city at 216 meters, containing the highest stable point in the city at 474 meters above sea level. It lies on the border of Žižkov and Vinohrady, in the area of Mahler Gardens. It was built between 1985 and 1992 according to the design of architect Václav Aulický. The tower is famous for the surrealist sculptures of crawling babies by artist David Černý that adorn its exterior. The tower features an observation deck, a restaurant, and a luxury hotel room with panoramic views of Prague. It is considered one of the ugliest buildings in the world by some, yet beloved by others for its unique brutalist architecture.

The Franz Kafka Museum in Prague is an exhibition dedicated to the work and life of Prague German writer Franz Kafka. It is located on Cihelná Street in Malá Strana in Prague 1. The museum presents Kafka's life and literary work through original documents, photographs, manuscripts, and first editions. The exhibition explores the relationship between Kafka and Prague, a city that profoundly influenced his writing. The museum courtyard features the controversial sculpture 'Piss' by David Černý, depicting two men urinating on a map of the Czech Republic. It is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and anyone interested in one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

The Jewish Museum in Prague is one of the oldest and most important Jewish museums in Europe, managing one of the largest collections of Jewish art in the world. The museum's collection includes about 40,000 objects, 100,000 books, and extensive archives documenting the history of Jews in Bohemia and Moravia. The museum manages several historical sites in the Jewish Quarter, including the Old-New Synagogue (the oldest active synagogue in Europe), the Spanish Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Klausen Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is an essential visit for understanding the rich Jewish heritage of Prague.

Museum Kampa is a private gallery founded in Prague on February 26, 1999, by Meda Mládková as the seat of the collection of the Jan and Meda Mládek Foundation. The museum is housed in the reconstructed Sovovy Mlýny (Sova's Mills) in the center of Kampa Island. In 2015, The Guardian included Museum Kampa among the five most interesting private museums in Europe. The museum's collection focuses on Central European modern art, with particular emphasis on Czech artists who worked in exile during the communist era. The museum also features works by prominent European artists and hosts temporary exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events.

Lobkowicz Palace (also spelled Lobkoviczký or Lobkowitzský, formerly Pernštejn Palace) is a Baroque building in the lower part of Jiřská Street at Prague Castle, adjacent to the former Institute of Noblewomen (formerly Rožmberk Palace). It is owned by the Lobkowicz family and as such is the only privately owned part of Prague Castle. The palace houses the Lobkowicz Collections, including paintings by Brueghel, Canaletto, and Velázquez, as well as original manuscripts by Beethoven and Mozart. Visitors can explore the palace's richly decorated rooms and enjoy classical music concerts in the Baroque concert hall. The palace offers unique insights into the history of one of Bohemia's most influential noble families.

The Mucha Museum in Prague in the Kaunic Palace is one of two Prague museum exhibitions focused on the life and work of Czech artist Alfons Mucha (1860–1939). The exhibition is located in the spaces of the Baroque Kaunic Palace at Panská 7, Prague 1-New Town. The museum presents the full range of Mucha's artistic output, including his famous Art Nouveau posters, decorative panels, jewelry designs, and oil paintings. Mucha is best known for his posters of Sarah Bernhardt and his decorative style that defined the Art Nouveau movement. The exhibition also includes personal items and photographs documenting the artist's life.

The Historical Building of the National Museum is a monumental Neo-Renaissance palace closing the upper part of Wenceslas Square in Prague's New Town, serving as a museum. It was built in 1891 and underwent complete reconstruction between 2011 and 2018. It is a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The building dominates the top of Wenceslas Square with its impressive dome and grand staircase. The museum houses extensive collections in the fields of natural history, history, arts, and music. The memorial to the victims of communism and the site where student Jan Palach set himself on fire in 1969 are located in front of the building.

The Holešovice Market Hall (Pražská tržnice) is a historic market hall in Prague's Holešovice district. Built in the functionalist style, it has been a center of commerce for decades. The market hall offers a variety of goods including fresh produce, clothing, household items, and international foods. In recent years, the area has been revitalized and now also features trendy cafes, restaurants, and cultural spaces. The market is particularly known for its Asian food stalls and grocery stores. It is a great place to experience the multicultural side of Prague and find unique items at reasonable prices.

Kampa Park is a public park in the southern part of Kampa Island in Prague's Malá Strana, between the main flow of the Vltava River and its branch, the Čertovka (Devil's Stream). The park was created after World War II by connecting historical gardens. It is one of the most romantic places in Prague, often called the 'Prague Venice' due to the charming Čertovka canal. The park features the famous giant bronze sculptures of crawling babies by artist David Černý. The Museum Kampa is also located here. The park offers peaceful walks along the water with beautiful views of the Old Town and is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.

Letná Park is an extensive Prague park on the left bank of the Vltava River and the second largest park in Prague 7. The park covers about 25 hectares at an elevation of 192–230 meters. Thanks to its elevated position, it offers views of numerous Prague landmarks and significant sites, including Prague Castle, the Old Town, and Petřín. It is a popular place for walks and rides on rollerblades and skateboards. The park is famous for its large metronome sculpture that stands on the site of a former Stalin monument. Letná is also known for its beer garden with stunning views of the city, making it a favorite spot for locals to relax and socialize.

Petřín Hill is a prominent hill in the center of Prague, rising 327 meters above sea level. It is a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists, offering beautiful gardens, walking paths, and stunning views of the city. The hill is home to several attractions including the Petřín Lookout Tower (a smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower), the Mirror Maze, the Štefánik Observatory, and the Church of St. Michael (a wooden church moved from Ukraine). The hill can be accessed by the Petřín funicular railway or by walking up the winding paths. The Rose Garden and the Seminary Garden with over 2,000 fruit trees are particularly beautiful in spring.

Riegrovy Sady is a city park in Prague's Vinohrady district. It is an urban park covering about 11 hectares at an elevation of 237–270 meters. The park is bounded by Chopinova, Vozová, Polská, Italská, and U Rajské zahrady streets. The park features extensive grassy areas, children's playgrounds, the TJ Bohemians sports stadium, and TJ Sokol Vinohrady sports facilities. In the northern part toward Žižkov, the park connects with the Rajská zahrada garden and recreational and sports park. The park is colloquially known as 'Riegráč' or 'Riegrák' and is famous for its beer garden with panoramic views of Prague Castle, making it a popular spot especially during summer evenings.