21 Things to do on Your First Visit to Prague
Welcome to our guide on the top things to do on your first visit to Prague! Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, seamlessly blends historical charm with modern vibrancy. From the iconic Charles Bridge and majestic Prague Castle to the charming Old Town Square, there are countless top things to do on your first visit to Prague.
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In this blog post, we will highlight must-see attractions and activities, along with hidden gems known mostly to locals. Plus, we’ll steer you clear of tourist traps to ensure your trip is amazing. Stick around until the end for some pro tips to ensure you have the best visit ever. Let's dive into the top things to do on your first visit to Prague!
1. Prague Castle:
Explore this historic castle complex, which offers stunning views of the city and rich history. Within the castle grounds, don’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the beautiful gardens. You can purchase your ticket here. If you’re wanting a guided tour, you can purchase that here. If you’re not interested in touring the castle, you can get up early and head there to admire it from the outside and snap some pics before the crowds come.
2. Beer Spa: Indulge in a unique and rejuvenating beer spa experience, where you can soak in a tub of warm beer. Yes, you read that right! This one-of-a-kind activity, while a bit on the pricey side, is incredibly fun and memorable. Plus, it includes unlimited beer, making it an easy choice for beer enthusiasts. Reservations are essential, as slots fill up quickly. We highly recommend the Original Beer Spa. Be sure to eat beforehand because you'll have beer taps at your disposal—from when you walk in, beside your private beer bath, and even when you leave! The natural ingredients in the beer are also beneficial for your skin. We booked a private room with a sauna, and it was an absolutely delightful hour of relaxation and enjoyment!
3. Eat Local Food at Lokál:
Savor authentic Czech cuisine at Lokál, known for its traditional dishes and friendly atmosphere. We liked the food here so much that we ate there twice! the lunch menu is different than the dinner menu and we actually prefered the dinner menu so if you can only go once, go for dinner. Enjoy traditional czech food like Smažený Sýr: Fried cheese, served with tartar sauce. Or Goulash (Guláš): A rich and flavorful beef stew made with onions, paprika, and spices, served with bread dumplings. They do have an English menu you can ask for. The prices are fair, service is decent and the food is delicious!
4. Drink the Beer: Prague is renowned for its exceptional beer culture, where beer is not just a drink but a way of life. The city boasts a rich brewing history, producing some of the world's finest and most affordable beers. Czech lagers like Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar are internationally acclaimed, but Prague's local breweries and pubs offer a diverse range of craft beers and traditional brews that delight both locals and visitors. In Prague, beer is often cheaper than water, and enjoying a pint in a historic pub or a modern beer garden is a quintessential part of the Prague experience.
5. Walk Charles Bridge:
Take a stroll across this iconic bridge, lined with statues and offering beautiful views of the Vltava River. Be warned, this bridge will be completely packed with people but it’s still worth it to see the incredible views of the Prague skyline. There are vendors along the sides of the bridge selling original artwork, hand made jewelry and you can have a caricature drawn! The city authorities regulate vendors on the Charles Bridge to preserve its historic integrity so you won’t find the typical tourist souvenirs.
6. Weekend Market on the River: If you want to have the most lovely Saturday or Sunday afternoon, visit the lively weekend market along the river for local crafts, food, and entertainment. This market is filled with locals buying fresh produce, floral arrangements and ready to eat food. Be sure to try the pesto toast, the line will be long but it moves fairly quickly and it’s only 60Koruna ($2.64). You can always sip champagne with freshly shucked oysters or enjoy a local IPA paired with delicious Czech food. Make sure to head to the beer tent to pet the adorable dog! This market is a MUST if you’re in Prague on a Sunday.
7. Festivals: Especially in the summer, be sure to attend a local festival. You can find a list of festivals in Prague here. There was a wine festival when we were recently in Prague and we were some of the only tourists there! It was super local and such a fun afternoon spent listening to live music and sipping on local wines as well as seom wines from around the world.
8. Have a drink on the River:
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Vltava River, taking in the scenic views and vibrant atmosphere. Here you will find several bars that are actually built into the walls of the river. It’s a beautiful place to have a drink and relax without the crowds.
9. Astronomical Clock:
Witness the hourly show of the famous astronomical clock in the Old Town Square. This is something you MUST do when in Prague but I will warn you, it’s not very exciting. It’s the kind of thing you do because it’s free and accessable and when people ask you if you saw it you can say “yes”.
10. Jewish Quarter:
Explore the historic Jewish Quarter, with its synagogues, cemetery, and museum. Along the side street there is a small market selling souvenirs and you can also try one of the famous chimney cakes filled with ice cream and other toppings. You will see these all around Prague but be warned, they are not a local dish. While they are delicious, it will cost you about $8 for one.
11. Il Commendatore by Anna Chromy:
Admire this hauntingly beautiful sculpture. The hollow, draped figure is both eerie and captivating. You can find her near the town center.
12. Man Hanging Out by David Černý: Spot the quirky sculpture of Sigmund Freud hanging over the street. This provocative piece challenges perceptions and is a popular photo spot.
13. Franz Kafka Rotating Head:
Marvel at the kinetic sculpture of Kafka's head. This mesmerizing installation consists of rotating layers that form and reform Kafka's face. This intricate statue in Prague's New Town, with its ever-turning reflective pieces, serves as a fitting tribute to Franz Kafka's existential angst and his perpetual struggle to comprehend life's mysteries.
14. Tunnel of Books:
Explore this visually stunning installation in the Municipal Library. this won’t take long but it’s worth a look and a cute picture for instagram.
15. Narrowest Street in Prague: Walk through the narrowest street in the city, complete with a traffic light for pedestrians. This is a fun, yet short, free activity to do in Prague. Would we go and see it again? Probably not.
16. John Lennon Wall: The John Lennon Wall in Prague stands as a symbol of peace, love, and artistic expression. Initially started as a form of protest during the Communist era, it has evolved into a vibrant mural adorned with colorful graffiti, Beatles lyrics, and messages of hope from people around the world. Serving as a canvas for individual expression and collective unity, the wall continues to inspire visitors with its message of freedom and creativity in the heart of Prague. The artwork changes often so it may look different than the pictures below.
17. Dripstone Wall: Check out the eerie and fascinating artificial stalactite wall in the Wallenstein Garden. See if you can find all of the hidden scares! This wall is located in a beautiful garden that is also worth a visit.
18. Dancing Houses:
The Dancing Houses in Prague, nicknamed the Fred and Ginger Houses, are architectural marvels designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. Their dynamic forms, resembling two dancers in motion, stand as symbols of modernity and creativity in the heart of the city, offering a captivating contrast to Prague's historic skyline along the Vltava River. Rumor has it there’s a rooftop bar where you can get a cocktail and enjoy the city views.
19. The Golden Lane: Wander through this charming and historic street within Prague Castle. We thoroughly enjoyed wandering through these little houses to see what life was once like in Prague. Some of the houses offer unique souvenirs like wooden ornaments that make perfect gifts! Do not miss this when your’e in Prague!
20. Manifesto Market Anděl: Experience this trendy and dynamic market with various food stalls and cultural events. If you’ve had your fill of Czech food, head to this cute outdoor food hall for a meal and a cocktail or beer! With different types of cuisine such as Japanese, Korean, Mexican and even Ukrainian- there’s something for everyone! This place is perfect for groups or even couples/solos who want to enjoy the outdoors and delicious food.
21. Pilsner Urquell Experience: This is one thing we wish we would have done while we were in Prague. The Pilsner Urquell Experience in Prague offers an immersive journey into the history and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most iconic beers. Located in the heart of the city, this interactive attraction provides visitors with a deep dive into the brewing process, from the original recipe to modern-day production. Highlights include guided tours, tastings of fresh Pilsner Urquell, and exhibits showcasing the brand’s rich heritage. It’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts looking to experience the authentic taste and tradition of Czech brewing.
PRO TIPS:
If it’s raining, grab an umbrella and head ot the Charles Bridge, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the views without the huge crowds.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Prague and the only place we needed cash was at the Sunday Morning Market and there is an ATM on site if you need cash.
Public Transportation is relatively easy to use in Prague. The integrated system includes trams, buses, and the metro, all using the same tickets, which can be purchased at kiosks, machines, or via a mobile app. The tickets are timed, so if you plan on using it several times in a day, consider buying the day pass. All tickets must be validated and you will find these yellow machines on the buses, outside the tram spots and in the train stations. We use the app MoveIt to find the best routes and time schedules.
Prague comes ALIVE at night! It’s so beautiful at night so be sure to take a stroll around town after dark.
Prague is a popular place for Hen and Stag (Bachelor and Bachelorette) parties so you will often see them bar hopping around town. When searching for an accommodation, often times in the listing it will say “not suitable for stag/hen parties”.
Where to stay in Prague:
We recommend to stay in New Town Prague area and HIGHLY recommend it. The apartment we rented was absolutly PERFECT and had everything you could want- great location, fast internet, comfortable bed, nice hot shower, washer, small kitchen, and they even gifted us with a bottle of local wine! We would 10/10 stay here again.
The first time we visited Prague we stayed in the Zizkov neighborhood which felt really local but it was quite far from everything and we spent a lot of time walking to and from. But if you’re on a budget, this area may be a good option for you.
