Prague Travel Guide: Best Attractions, Food, and Day Trips
If fairy tales had a capital city, I’m convinced it would be Prague. Think gothic spires poking the sky, cobblestones that make your feet hate you but your Instagram love you, and a castle so big it makes Buckingham Palace look like a guesthouse. Prague isn’t just a pretty face though—it’s alive, loud, tasty, and occasionally tipsy (thanks to the world’s best beer).
I’ve wandered through this city more times than I can count, and every trip feels like meeting Prague all over again—kind of like bumping into an old friend who keeps getting cooler. So grab a pint (trust me, it’s basically mandatory here) and let me walk you through the absolute best things to do in Prague.
Must-See Landmarks (aka the “Yes, You Have to Go” List)
Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
This isn’t just a castle—it’s a castle complex. Imagine a small medieval town that decided to cosplay as royalty forever. You’ll need hours to explore, but the reward is a mix of palaces, gardens, and the gothic showstopper, St. Vitus Cathedral. Those stained-glass windows? Insta-gold.
Charles Bridge
Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, everyone takes the same selfie here. And yes, you still need to go. Lined with statues, musicians, and the occasional overly enthusiastic street artist, the bridge feels like an open-air theatre. Hot tip: go at sunrise. Not only do you beat the crowds, but you’ll also look like the main character in your own medieval rom-com.
Astronomical Clock & Old Town Square
The Astronomical Clock (aka “Orloj”) is 600+ years old and still working, which is more than I can say for my phone battery on a sightseeing day. Every hour, the little figurines come out and do their thing. It’s not exactly Broadway, but hey—give it some respect, it’s medieval engineering! And while you’re there, soak in Old Town Square. It’s like stepping into a history book… if history books sold gelato on every corner.
Dancing House
Because why should buildings stand still? Nicknamed “Fred and Ginger,” this wavy, modern beauty looks like it’s mid-dance. Go up to the rooftop café for a drink and killer views of the Vltava River.
Neighborhoods You’ll Want to Get Lost In
Old Town (Staré Město)
This is the Prague you see on postcards. Cobbled alleys, colorful houses, and about a hundred little shops selling puppets (don’t ask, just go with it). Best strategy? Wander aimlessly.
Mala Strana (Lesser Town)
Despite the name, there’s nothing “less” about it. Sitting under the castle, it’s packed with baroque churches, palaces, and cozy pubs. It’s quieter than Old Town—think of it as Prague’s chill zone.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
A small area with a big story. The synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery are moving reminders of the city’s Jewish history. It’s heavy, but it’s important.
Vyšehrad
This is Prague’s underrated sibling. It’s got a fortress, sweeping city views, and a cemetery where Czech legends rest. Plus, it’s way less touristy, so you can actually hear yourself think.
Museums That Are Actually Fun
- National Museum: Big, beautiful, and a great excuse to look smart.
- Kafka Museum: Weird, atmospheric, and a little confusing—just like Kafka himself.
- Museum of Communism: Propaganda posters, Cold War history, and enough “serious” vibes to balance out all the beer tasting.
- Mucha Museum: Alphonse Mucha’s dreamy Art Nouveau posters. Even if you don’t know him, you’ve definitely seen his work on a hipster’s tote bag.
Food & Drink: Bring Stretchy Pants
Czech Classics
- Svíčková: Beef sirloin in a creamy sauce with dumplings. Basically Czech comfort food.
- Goulash: A rich, meaty stew that pairs beautifully with—you guessed it—beer.
- Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut: Czech food is not subtle, but it will hug your stomach.
Sweet Stuff
Trdelník (chimney cake) is the Instagram darling. Locals will tell you it’s touristy. You’ll buy one anyway. No regrets.
Beer, Beer, Beer
The Czechs take beer seriously. Like, really seriously. Visit U Fleků (founded in 1499!) or U Medvídků for the full “beer hall” experience. Warning: one pint here is the equivalent of three elsewhere. Don’t ask me how I know.
Cafés
Want to feel like a 19th-century intellectual? Grab a coffee at Café Slavia or Café Louvre, where famous writers once sat judging people (probably).
Outdoorsy Things to Do
- Petrin Hill: Take the funicular, climb the mini “Eiffel Tower,” and feel smug about all those steps you just conquered.
- Letná Park: Beer garden + sunset = one of Prague’s greatest love stories.
- John Lennon Wall: A colorful explosion of graffiti and peace quotes. Bring a marker, leave your message, and pretend you’re a rock star.
Nightlife: From Classy to Chaotic
- Beer Halls: Loud, fun, and you’ll probably make five new best friends.
- Jazz Clubs: Prague loves jazz. Check out Reduta Jazz Club or Jazz Dock for smooth tunes by the river.
- Nightclubs: Want chaos? Karlovy Lázně has five floors of it. Each floor has a different vibe, so you can club-hop without ever leaving the building.
- Opera & Theatre: If you want a fancy night, the National Theatre delivers. Tux not required (but strongly encouraged if you want to feel like James Bond).
Day Trips Worth Waking Up Early For
Yes, I know—you came to Prague for the beer, cobblestones, and late-night jazz, not for early alarms. But hear me out: a few trips outside the city are so good they’re worth trading your hotel breakfast buffet for.
- Kutná Hora: Ever seen a church decorated with actual human bones? Yep, that’s the Sedlec Ossuary, a.k.a. the Bone Church. It’s equal parts creepy, fascinating, and weirdly artistic. Perfect if you want your Instagram feed to scream “goth chic.”
- Český Krumlov: Imagine a medieval town designed by Disney, complete with a castle tower, winding lanes, and riverside cafés. It’s so pretty you’ll wonder if you accidentally walked onto a movie set. Warning: you might never want to come back.
- Karlovy Vary: A spa town where people casually sip mineral water from funny little porcelain cups like it’s fine wine. The hot springs and grand architecture make you feel instantly fancier—like you should’ve worn a monocle.
- Terezín Memorial: On a serious note, this former WWII concentration camp is a sobering but important visit. It’s not “fun,” but it’s meaningful, and it will stay with you long after your trip.
Seasonal Fun (Because Prague Always Dresses Well)
- Spring/Summer: Outdoor concerts, riverside beers, and festivals that seem to pop up every weekend.
- Autumn: Wine harvest festivals. Need I say more?
- Winter: The Christmas markets are chef’s kiss. Picture mulled wine, twinkling lights, and gingerbread cookies you’ll pretend you bought “as gifts.”
Shopping: Souvenirs That Aren’t Magnets
- Bohemian crystal (your suitcase may not thank you).
- Garnet jewelry (Czech bling).
- Puppets and marionettes (because why not?).
Quick Tips for Surviving Prague
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for fewer crowds, winter if you want that cozy Christmas vibe.
- Getting Around: The tram is your friend, but honestly, half the fun is walking.
- Currency: Czech koruna (not euros, my friend—don’t let the ATM fool you).
- Safety: Pretty safe overall. Just keep an eye on your stuff in crowded spots.
Final Thoughts
Prague isn’t just another dot on your travel map—it’s the kind of trip that sticks with you like glitter after a party. One minute you’re gawking at a gothic cathedral that looks like it belongs in a vampire movie, the next you’re clinking giant mugs of beer with strangers who suddenly feel like old friends. It’s part fairytale, part history lesson, and part “oops, I accidentally had three chimney cakes today.”
The trick? Don’t over-plan. Let yourself wander, get a little lost (the good kind of lost), and follow wherever Prague leads you—even if that’s straight into a beer hall at noon. Trust me, once you’ve seen the sunset over the Vltava with the castle glowing in the background, you’ll be hooked. You’ll leave promising yourself, “Just one more visit…” and then—surprise!—you’re booking another flight.
So pack comfy shoes, bring an appetite, and let Prague work its magic. Spoiler: it always does.
