10 Best Things to Do in Prague

A day in Prague wouldn’t be complete without climbing the hill up to Prague Castle to watch the changing of the guard. Every hour from 7 am, the sentries at the gates of the castle are changed. However, the key one that you want to be there for is the extravagant, formal handover, which takes place in the first courtyard of the castle at 12 pm each day. Crowds gather to hear the triumphant fanfare and watch the regimental banner exchange.

As you’re up there, it’s worth taking a look inside the castle grounds itself, with its picturesque gardens, the ornate St. Vitus’ Cathedral and its art galleries. It’s the largest ancient castle complex in the world.

When visiting the city, you really can’t miss the opportunity to watch the Prague Astronomical Clock spring into action on the hour, every hour. Found on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall, the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world has been there, in part, since 1410. The protection and preservation of the clock is of paramount importance to the city, as legend has it that if something should befall the clock, then the city would fall too.

The dial of the clock represents the sun and the moon and their position in the sky. The calendar dial is made up of medallions which coincide with the calendar months and their astrological signs. And when the clock chimes on the hour, be ready for ‘The Walk of the Apostles’, when sculptures are chased around the face by a statue of Death.

Prague has many bridges crossing the Vltava River, but none more famous than the iconic Charles Bridge. Connecting the Old Town with the Malá Strana, this historical structure is the first thing you think of when you conjure up images of Prague. Made out of Bohemian sandstone and featuring 30 statues built into its structure, the bridge was completed back in 1402 and is now one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Each day, street vendors, artists, musicians and hundreds of tourists all frequent gather on the bridge, wanting to soak up the vibrant atmosphere as they wander across. If you’re visiting Prague for New Year, this is a magical spot to stand in order to see all the impressive fireworks displays going on around you.

One of the main focal points of Prague, it’s only right that you start your day in the historical Old Town Square. Art lovers, history buffs and foodies alike will be in for a treat as you find yourself surrounded by some of the most famous buildings and attractions in Bohemia, such as the striking Jan Hus Monument.

Be entertained by the Prague Astronomical Clock and admire the elegant, pastel houses of the Little Square. Browse the many markets that are held here and step inside the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its looming twin towers, ‘Adam and Eve’. It’s best to get to the square nice and early to avoid the crowds.

Almost 70 metres high, the Old Town Hall Tower provides the perfect vantage point to view the historical Old Town of Prague and the surrounding areas. Make your way up to the panoramic gallery and have your camera at the ready to capture an incredible shot of the Church of Our Lady before Týn in all its glory.

From here, you’ll also be able to see certain attractions beyond the Old Town, such as St. Nicholas Church across in the Lesser Town, Strahov Monastery and Prague Castle. There’s no need to climb any steps to get to the top, as there are lifts for you to get, making it wheelchair accessible too. Best of all? Your ticket price includes entry into the underground historical halls and the Chapel of the Virgin Mary.

A cruise along Prague’s Vltava river is one of the best ways to see the city, ensuring you don’t miss any of its wonderful sights. It’s the longest river in Czechia and the banks through the capital city are lined with breath-taking Gothic architecture, connected by ornate stone bridges.

Most river cruises start from underneath the famous Charles Bridge, so immediately you’re treated to spectacular views of the Old Town, Malá Strana and Prague Castle. Make sure your phone’s got plenty of battery, as you’re going to have some of the best photo opportunities on this tour, so you won’t want to miss out.

Just a short walk from the Old Town Square, en route to the river, is the city’s Jewish Quarter, Josefov. Prague’s Jewish community settled here back in the 10th century when they were banished from living anywhere else in the city. Living conditions were difficult back then, but what remains now is the best-preserved area of historical Jewish monuments in Europe. Be sure to take a walk around the tightly-crammed tombstones of the Jewish Cemetery and visit the Jewish Museum or the Pinkas Synagogue, which is a holocaust memorial focusing on the impact on Jewish children.

Aside from the historical sites, the area is home to many great kosher restaurants to try. Alternatively, if you’ve got some money to spend, the prestigious Pařížská Street is lined with upscale designer boutiques.

About a 20-minute walk from Wenceslas Square is the open, green space of Riegrovy Sady. It’s a large park with several beer gardens within it, so if the weather’s in your favour while you’re there, you certainly won’t be alone. Grab a bite to eat and a beer and pick the best spot on ‘Sunset Hill’ to watch the sun go down over Prague Castle and the rest of the city; there’s no better place for it. And don’t worry – open container alcohol is legal in Prague.

The beer in Prague is said to be some of the best you can drink in all of Europe, so you may as well make the most of it and sample a few of the city’s bustling bars.

Make your way to Wenceslas Square, just a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square, and experience the buzz of the area. It’s known for its shops, hotels and variety of nightclubs and bars, so your night can continue for as long as you want it too. If you fancy something other than just beer, there are plenty of cocktail bars to visit. Or head to Kraftwerk Bar, a multi-level cellar bar between Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.