Top Things to Do in Prague [Chosen after Spending One Month There]
If you’re keen on discovering the top things to do in Prague from someone who’s lived and breathed the city’s vibe for an extended period, you’re in for a treat as today I am here to share the top things to do in Prague.
I spent a full month in Prague, together with my family and the extended time allowed me to truly get under the skin of Czechia’s capital (even though, at the same time, I just scratched the surface).
Either way, here are my recommended things to do and see, including some hidden gems that you might not see recommended elsewhere.
Even though the city itself was packed during our stay and prices were higher than what we had anticipated, I have to admit that it’s impossible to ever get bored in Prague.
From the beautiful architecture and the great streets that you can simply walk around taking it all in, to its impressive attractions, there are a lot of things to see in Prague. Here are my top picks, with all the details you need to know about each of them.
1. The Old Town Square: The Heart of Prague
The old town square is truly spectacular and the place to visit when in Prague, as the number of attractions per square meter is huge.
I’m talking about the entire central Prague area – from Wenceslas Square down to the Old Town itself and the Čech Bridge (Čechův most). Some of the main attractions in the city are located here, including historic churches, towers, and museums.
And plenty of shops and small things that make your wandering around the streets unforgettable.
Some of the highlights in the Area:
- Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj): Installed in 1410, it’s the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and still operating. Every hour, on the hour, it puts on a mechanical performance featuring the Twelve Apostles. Get there at least 15 minutes before the mechanical performance, as it’s always packed, as you can see in my photo below:
- Church of Our Lady before Týn: A stunning example of Gothic architecture dating back to the 14th century, its twin spires dominate the skyline.
- Old Town Hall Tower: Climb up for panoramic views of the city.
Insider Tip: Grab a traditional Czech trdelník (chimney cake) from one of the street vendors – it’s a sweet treat you don’t want to miss. If you’re there during the summer, you can get one with ice-cream: messy, but delicious, as you can see below:
2. Prague Castle
When visiting the Prague Castle, we took the metro to the nearby Malostranska metro station, not knowing that we’ll have to climb 5,000 meters to actually get to the castle.
(Yes, I am exaggerating here, but do prepare to climb a bit. The bonus here is that you’ll get some of the most amazing views of Prague when you get to the top).
Even though impressive, Prague Castle was, for me, one of the most disappointing main attractions and I personally enjoyed the surrounding areas better than the castle itself.
Probably the huge crowds played a major role in this, but it was pretty much meh for me being there. It’s strange to actually say that about a truly impressive structure that stood the tests of time – and has been there in a form or another starting they year 870 AC… but this is how I felt.
Because of the massive crowds, we decided against getting inside the castle itself – or any of the other attractions there, like the St. Vitus Cathedral (pictured above).
But strolling through those medieval streets, taking in all the history, was still worth it and, even if you don’t plan to get inside the structures, you should still visit.
Practical Information:
- Location: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1 (marked on Google Maps here)
- How to Get There:
- By Tram: Lines 22 or 23 to Pražský hrad stop.
- By Metro: Line A to Malostranská station, then a steep walk uphill.
- Opening Hours:
- Castle Grounds: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
- Historical Buildings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April to October), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November to March).
- Note: Double check the operating times as various events/holidays might affect them.
- Official website
- Admission Fees:
- Main Circuit (includes main sites): 450 CZK (approx. €18.00) for adults.
- Permanent Exhibitions: 300 CZK (approx. €12.00) for adults.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Insider Tip: If you’re not keen on paying the entrance fee or battling the crowds, consider exploring the Royal Gardens nearby. The views are just as breathtaking, and it’s much more peaceful.
Or go a bit further to the nearby Letna park, see the impressive Stalin statue and explore the beautiful nature around. Two equally charming options (which you should also put on your itinerary, if you have time).
3. Picnic at Stromovka Park: An Oasis of Tranquility
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience an extremely tranquil and completely charming – at the same time less popular – part of Prague, a visit to the Stromovka park (here on Google Maps) is a must!
While not close to any metro line, there are several trams that leave you right in front of the park. As a bonus, in case you want more than the place’s natural beauty, you also have the Planetarium and the Prague Sea World nearby (with the Zoo itself relatively close).
But Stromovka itself is an oasis of tranquility and a perfect place to enjoy a picnic (grab a ready-made basket from various restaurants that offer them or get a box of tasty sandwiches from the Bageterie Boulevard scattered throughout the city).
I absolutely loved our day at Stromovka – and I liked the area so much that I decided that I would’ve been much happier if we booked our stay there instead of the busy center.
You have this huge park with playgrounds for kids, grass, water, trees and birds and serenity. Absolutely beautiful so do yourself a favor and visit it if you have time to spend at least a few hours there!
Practical Information:
- Location: Královská obora, 170 00 Prague 7.
- How to Get There:
- By Tram: Lines 6 and 17 to Výstaviště Holešovice stop.
- By Metro: Line C to Nádraží Holešovice station, then a 15-minute walk.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
- Admission: Free.
Insider Tip: Choose your picnic spot near the two lakes (you can walk in the water, too!). That’s a perfect spot where you can relax under the trees and enjoy the views.
4. The Gallery of Steel Figures: Art Forged in Steel
We just stumbled over this attraction while exploring the old town and we were blown away by it. It’s completely spectacular to see all those metal giants and take goofy (or not so goofy) photos with the exhibits.
From superheroes to famous movie characters, all made entirely from recycled steel, you get everything here. Bonus points from the fact that you can interact (climb on/in/whatever) with most of them.
While the Gallery of Steel Figures is marked as a museum for children, I had an amazing time there, even though the younger audience will probably enjoy it best.
It is expensive, like most things in Prague, at 730 CZK (~30 Euros) for the 3 of us, but it’s money well spent.
Insider tip: Some of the other kid-oriented attractions in the area offer you cards with discounts to other places when you visit them. For example, when at the Gallery of Steel Figures, we received discount cards for the Museum of Senses and the Lego Museum. When we go to the other two places, we received cards as well.
Since the Gallery of Steel Figures is the most expensive of the bunch, it would be a good idea to visit any of the other two first in order to get the discount card. The Lego Museum, for example, is just a few hundred meters up the street from the Gallery of Steel Figures, and the offered discount is substantial!
Practical Information:
- Location: 28. října 377/13, 110 00 Prague 1 (here on Google Maps)
- How to Get There:
- By Metro: Line A or B to Můstek station, then a short walk.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Admission Fees:
- Adults: 314 CZK (approx. €12.50).
- Children (up to 15 years): 197 CZK (approx. €7.80).
- Note: Check for discounts online or visit other museums for kids (like the Lego Museum down the street) to get vouchers with discounts.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a less crowded experience.
- Official website.
5. Prague Zoo: A Day of Family Fun
If you’re traveling with kids, the zoo in any city you visit is almost always a must see and we didn’t miss the one in Prague. It probably is the biggest we have ever seen so far, and it has plenty of animals and other attractions to make it a worthwhile visit.
Highlights:
- Diverse Exhibits: Over 5,000 animals from 694 species.
- Gorilla Pavilion and Elephant Valley: Must-visit sections of the zoo.
- Children’s Zoo: A petting area where kids can interact with domestic animals, mainly hungry yet funny pigmy goats.
Do bring a lot of water and comfortable shoes because you will walk up and down the hills for the entire day! Also, consider taking the chairlift inside the zoo for some fantastic views.
Practical Information:
- Location: U Trojského zámku 120/3, 171 00 Prague 7 (Marked on Google Maps here)
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Line 112 from Nádraží Holešovice metro station (Line C) to Zoologická zahrada stop. It’s well outside the city.
- Opening Hours: 9AM – 4/5/6/7 PM depending on the month you visit.
- Admission Fees:
- Adults: 330 CZK (approx. €13.00).
- Children (3-15 years): 250 CZK (approx. €10.00).
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 4 children): 1,000 CZK (approx. €40.00).
- Note: Buy the tickets online to enjoy some nice discounts!
- Downloadable zoo map: here.
6. Aquapalace Prague: Splashing Good Times
Now this was one of the best aqua parks that I have ever seen: massive and impressive, it has everything you can wish for from such a place, even though it’s well outside city, so not very easy to get to.
You can get there by bus. You have to pay a special ticket – can’t remember how much, but not a lot, but you pay even if you have a monthly card and regular tickets don’t work – you buy the ticket directly from the driver.
IMPORTANT! There are two different buses that get to the Aquapalace – one which is direct (around 50 minutes), and one that takes a longer route with more stops. Ask the locals and get into the direct one, otherwise you will spend an eternity in the bus.
Or you can get a taxi/Uber. Again, I don’t recall the fee exactly, but I it was around 15 Euros from the city center (and only took us 15 minutes to get there). The bus is a lot cheaper, but takes longer.
Back to the Aquapark itself, here are some of the highlights of the place:
- Water Slides: Multiple slides catering to all thrill levels, from small ones for young children to crazy rides.
- Wave Pool and Lazy River: Perfect for relaxation, including a “tropical rain” area that is truly spectacular.
- Sauna World: A variety of saunas and steam baths (we didn’t try them though, the pools and slides were enough for us).
Practical Information:
- Location: Pražská 138, 251 01 Čestlice. (Google Maps here)
- How to Get There:
- By Bus: Special buses run from the Opatov metro station (Line C). Look for buses labeled “Aquabus” and ask the locals about the direct one (the other takes forever). Special ticket must be purchased!
- By Car/Uber: About a 15-20 minute drive from the city center for around 15 Euros.
- Opening Hours:
- Water World: Daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during weekdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
- Admission Fees:
- All-Day Water World Ticket:
- Adults: 1,099 CZK (approx. €43.50).
- Children (100 – 150 cm tall): 799 CZK (approx. €32.00).
- Family (2 adults/seniors and 2 children): 2,799 CZK (approx. €111.00).
- All-Day Water World Ticket:
- More info: Official website.
Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online to skip the queues. Also, bring your own towel and flip-flops to avoid rental fees.
7. St. Peter & Paul Basilica and the Vysehrad Cemetery
I never thought that I will ever tell anybody to go visit a cemetery, but this is the day when I say that it’s one of the must see attractions in Prague. It was a surprisingly pleasant experience for all of us: a bit eerie, but also amazing at the same time.
The Vysehrad cemetery is the place where some of Prague’s most important people are buried and their tombstones are made to match. Each of them is accompanied by a unique statue or sculpture of sorts or something special.
You will simply end up walking around, taking in the unexpected beauty of the place and gawking at all the details.
And then, you have the nearby cathedral. We were fortunate enough to be in the cemetery when the bells started to ring: not your traditional ding-dong of the church bells, but a sweet melody that made the entire experience even more pleasant.
We ended up getting inside the St. Peter & Paul Basilica as well although I got to a point where I believe that I’ve seen it all in terms of churches… but the atmosphere there just made me want to get inside for the experience to be complete.
It was, without a doubt, one of the most surprising visits during our stay in Prague and one of the top attractions in my books – even though it’s “just” a cemetery!
Practical Information:
- Location: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Prague 2.
- How to Get There:
- By Metro: Line C to Vyšehrad station, then a 10-minute walk.
- By Tram: Lines 2, 3, 17, or 21 to Výtoň stop, then a steep walk uphill.
- Opening Hours:
- Fortress Grounds: Open 24/7.
- Basilica: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary by season).
- Admission Fees: Free.
Insider Tip: Visit around sunset for breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. There’s also a lovely park nearby perfect for a leisurely stroll.
8. National Museum (Národní Muzeum)
There are actually two museums that make up the National Museum of Prague: the Historical Building (seen above), which is right in the center of the city, overlooking the famous Statue of Saint Wenceslas, and the New Building of the National Museum which is… right across the street.
Funnily enough (or not), when we were there, each of these buildings had their own entry tickets and different exhibits.
We were also there during some sort of renovation works, so the Historical building was emptier than it should’ve been, but most of the main attractions – like the massive whale skeleton (see below) were still there.
You can finally buy tickets online (it wasn’t possible until recently) from the museum’s official website. A ticket is just around 300 CZK (~12 Euros) for adults, but children up to the age of 15 visit for free!
Practical Information:
- Location: Václavské náměstí 68, 115 79 Prague 1. (Here on Google Maps)
- How to Get There:
- By Metro: Lines A and C to Muzeum station. It’s very close to the city center, within walking distance.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
9. Museum of Chocolate & Wax Museum
Strangely or not, these two museums are located in the same building and are both part of a massive Choco Story: a huge sweets store that’s also located right in the heart of the city.
During your visit, you can book a package to make your own chocolate, which we did and was an enjoyable experience overall. And, of course, you can sample plenty of the sweets available for purchase in the shop (or try their ice cream).
Practical Information:
- Location: Celetná 1/10, 110 00 Staré Město (Here on Google Maps)
- How to Get There:
- By Metro: Lines A and C to Muzeum station. It’s very close to the city center, within walking distance.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Ticket price: ~€11.64/adult or €8.00/child (without the chocolate making workshop).
- Official website: here.
Now here are some fun photos from their wax museum, to know what to expect (of course, the statues will constantly change):
10. Museum of Games (Cibien’s Corner)
I spotted this one while on the tram, getting back home from our picnic at Stromovka and I knew I had to come back and visit, being the video game geek that I am. And I am SO happy I did, it was perfect!
(Note: It seems it has switched locations since my initial visit, but it also appears to be larger and nicer than ever, so even though it’s well outside the city, it’s worth visiting).
Also called GAME WORLD muzeum her Cibien’s Corner, it’s one of the hidden gems in Prague in my opinion – especially if you love video games, especially retro ones.
The Museum of Games in Prague didn’t disappoint: you have everything from arcade machines to old PCs, as well as all the previous Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles ever launched, plus a bit more – all filled with games for you to play as much or as little as you want. I loved it!
Practical Information:
- Location: Obchodní centrum Šestka, Fajtlova 1090 /1, 161 00 Praha 6 (inside Shopping Center Šestka, marked here on Google Maps).
- How to Get There:
- From the metro station “Nádraží Veleslavín,” take trolleybus line 59 in the direction of the airport. Get off at the stop “K letišti.”
- Alternatively, from the “Petřiny” stop, take bus line 191, which goes directly to Shopping Center Šestka
- Admission Fees:
- Full day ticket: 590 CZK (approx. €23.50).
- 2-hour Family ticket (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children): 1,790 CZK (approx. €71.00).
Insider tip: Since you can play all the games available there, I recommend booking at least 2 hours – ideally the full day ticket to really enjoy everything it has to offer.
11. Museum of Senses: Fun for the entire family
I mentioned this museum before and I have to write about it a bit more in depth, because it is a really fun experience.
I always have a blast in this type of “museums” where illusions are taken to an art level and result in some of the funniest photos ever.
So if you’re looking for some Instagram-worthy photos or just to have a lot of fun, don’t miss this museum, also located in the city center. It’s a bit smaller than others we have visited, but great fun nevertheless.
12. Reon Argondian – Magical Cavern
A small art gallery almost hidden away from tourists sits on the Petrin Hill. Visiting it was a really interesting experience and one I had to share. (Marked on Google Maps here).
Extremely tight and strange to say the least, it was pleasant overall and our son loved it more than I thought he would – since there’s a bit of creepiness about the entire place.
We’re talking here about a small house – two levels filled with paintings created by the same artist, Reon Argondian, who turned his home into a Magical Cavern.
The entire house is a work of art and definitely worth checking out: it’s also good for taking a breath while going up the hill to take in the views.
Adults pay 100 CZK (4 EUR) for a ticket, children pay 50 CZK (2 Euros) – cash only.
13. Charles Bridge: Prague’s Medieval Masterpiece
No visit to Prague is complete without a leisurely walk across the iconic Charles Bridge, probably one of the best-known attractions in Prague.
This 14th-century stone bridge connects the Old Town with the Lesser Quarter and is adorned with 30 baroque statues of saints, all with intricate details and probably stories to tell.
Highlights:
- Statues and Sculptures: Each of the 30 statues tells a story, with St. John of Nepomuk being the most famous. Legend has it that touching the plaque beneath his statue brings good luck and ensures your return to Prague. You will easily notice it, as it’s the only shiny one of the bunch.
- Street Performers and Artists: The bridge is always buzzing with musicians, painters, and souvenir vendors, adding to its lively atmosphere. Be careful at the tourist-prices souvenirs, though – they’re usually a lot more expensive than in other shops.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, and the city’s picturesque skyline.
Practical Information:
- Location: Karlův most, 110 00 Prague 1.
- How to Get There:
- By Metro: Line A to Staroměstská station, then a 5-minute walk.
- By Tram: Lines 17 or 18 to Karlovy lázně stop.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
- Admission: Free.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning or late at night to experience the bridge without the crowds. The sunrise and sunset views are absolutely breathtaking, too.
For an in-depth article to Prague’s iconic bridge, check out my article here.
14. Petřín Hill and Petřín Lookout Tower
If you’re up for a bit of adventure and some of the best views in Prague, head to Petřín Hill.
Topped by the Petřín Lookout Tower, which resembles a mini Eiffel Tower, this area offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with plenty of nice attractions scattered along the way, making the entire climb a lot more pleasat.
Make sure to bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes, as there’s a bit of walking to be done here – and exploring the area entirely could take up to half a day.
Highlights:
- Petřín Lookout Tower: Climb the 299 steps to the top for panoramic views of Prague. An elevator is also available for a small fee.
- Mirror Maze: A fun attraction for kids and adults alike, featuring a labyrinth of mirrors and a diorama depicting a historic battle.
- Beautiful Gardens: The Rose Garden and Seminary Garden are perfect spots for a peaceful stroll, with a regular maze for the little ones too.
Practical Information:
- Location: Petřínské sady, 118 00 Prague 1.
- How to Get There:
- By Funicular: Take the funicular railway from Újezd street up to Petřín Hill. The funicular is part of the public transport system, so regular tickets apply.
- By Tram: Lines 9, 12, 15, 20, or 22 to Újezd stop.
- Opening Hours:
- Petřín Lookout Tower:
- April to September: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- October to March: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Petřín Lookout Tower:
Insider Tip: Combine your trip with a visit to the Magical Cavern (mentioned earlier) for a full day on Petřín Hill. Pack a picnic or grab a snack from one of the vendors at the top.
15. Grab a bite to eat at Jaffa
There are plenty of amazing places to eat in Prague, covering various cuisines, but we enjoyed Jaffa the most. So much, that we actually went there three times during our month-long stay in Prague.
Serving traditional Middle-Eastern food that tastes delicious and is arranged on amazing-looking platters, Jaffa also has super-friendly staff and a perfect atmosphere. You can get Halal food, vegan/vegetarian options, but also plenty of meat. In other words – a bit of something for every type of diet.
It’s not the cheapest place in the city, but based on its central location, it’s decently priced.
If you want to follow my lead and give it a try, I’m marking it here on Google Maps (it’s in the Old Town area).
16. Skip It: Lennon’s Wall
One of the biggest disappointments in Prague was Lennon’s Wall. Described by many as a “must see,” it’s a dud. Covered in graffiti to a point that you can’t understand anything (nor see Lennon), this place is simply not worth your time. There are much better places to see in Prague, so definitely skip this one.
This concludes my epic list of the best things do do in Prague. We spent a month there, so we took things slowly (hence our ability to see so many things – and yet left many others unseen).
So don’t worry if you don’t get the chance to see them all, either. There’s always a “next time” when it comes to Czechia’s capital.
Are there any other important attractions that you feel should’ve been mentioned? Share your thoughts by commenting below!