Discover the Best Things To Do in Prague: Your Ultimate City Adventure

Golden sandstone towers, ornate Baroque façades, Gothic spires that pierce the skyline and narrow alleys that follow the curve of the majestic Vltava River – this is Prague right out of a storybook. It's no wonder the Czech capital consistently ranks among Europe’s most beautiful cities, luring visitors with its spellbinding mix of history, culture and old-world charm. Whether you’re seeing it for the first time or returning to fall under its spell once more, join us as we uncover the best things to do in Prague, from celebrated landmarks to intriguing hidden corners.

Set along the east bank of the picturesque Vltava River, Prague's Old Town (Staré Město) feels like stepping back in time: a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, charming arcades, hidden courtyards and secret passageways echoing with centuries past. With so much incredible architecture, it's hard to know where to look. So start at the heart of it all: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí).
 

This bustling central market square is framed by stunning Baroque and Renaissance architecture and home to some of Prague’s most famous landmarks: the gothic spires of Týn Church, the elegant Goltz-Kinský Palace, the striking Jan Hus Monument, the medieval Stone Bell House and, of course, the 14th-century Old Town Hall. Every hour on the hour, crowds gather to watch the famous astronomical clock come to life, as 12 wooden apostles emerge from tiny windows to the sound of chiming bells – one of the most charming things to do in Prague.

Mincovna

• Staroměstské nám 930/7, 110 00 Josefov
• Open Mon–Fri 11:30 am-11 pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-11pm

From Old Town Square, it’s a short walk to one of Prague’s most recognisable sights: Charles Bridge. Built in the 14th century under Emperor Charles IV, this graceful stone bridge links the Old Town with Lesser Town (Malá Strana) across the Vltava River. Once the main route for kings and nobles travelling to Prague Castle, the bridge is now a bustling pedestrian zone, attracting up to 30,000 visitors a day for its views, street performers and artists.
 

Spanning 500 m long and over 10 m wide, the bridge features 16 Gothic arches. The balustrades are adorned with Baroque statues of saints and religious figures, giving it the feel of an open-air art gallery. One of the most famous statues is that of St John of Nepomuk, a martyr who was thrown into the river from the bridge by King Wenceslas IV in 1393. Touching his statue is said to bring good luck.
 

For a quieter thing to do in Prague, away from the bustling crowds, climb the 138 steps of the Old Town Bridge Tower. From the top of this impressive tower, you'll get a bird’s-eye view over the glittering Vltava, Lesser Town and the majestic Prague Castle beyond.
 

Old Town Bridge Tower

• Karlův most, 110 00, Staré Město
• Open daily 10 am-6 pm in winter; 10 am-8:30 pm in summer
• Admission 190 Kč (€7.70), concessions 130 Kč (€5.30)

Perched majestically atop a 70 m hill overlooking the city, the district of Hradčany is home to the world’s largest enclosed castle complex – an awe-inspiring site that dominates the skyline and holds centuries of history within its walls. Beyond its ancient fortifications lie not only the political and cultural heartbeat of Prague (including the official residence of the Czech president) but also some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
 

Approaching from Charles Bridge, you’ll wind through charming cobbled streets before arriving at a panoramic viewpoint. Below you, a colourful patchwork of rooftops stretches out, dotted with turquoise domes and slender spires. While you’ll likely share the spot with plenty of other visitors, it's still an essential thing to do in Prague – the majestic views are worth it.
 

Once inside the vast grounds of Prague Castle, you'll have 70,000 sq m of space to explore. You can wander the historic alleys at your own pace or join a guided tour to delve deeper into sites like St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Powder Tower, the National Gallery and the enchanting Golden Lane. Whichever option you choose, be sure to allow plenty of time – exploring the castle grounds is one of the best things to do in Prague for history lovers.

Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is one of Prague’s most lively spots – a bustling boulevard in the heart of the city’s New Town where locals come to shop, stroll and relax. Stretching for nearly a kilometre, it’s less of a traditional square and more like a wide, lively avenue where stylish boutiques, department stores, cafés and restaurants are hidden behind elegant Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau façades.
 

The area has been at the centre of Czech public life for centuries. Originally a medieval horse market, it later became a focal point for political gatherings, demonstrations and revolutions, playing a key role during the Velvet Revolution of 1989.
 

Dominating the square is the impressive equestrian statue of St Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, surrounded by statues of four other saints. Just behind it, on a small hill, is the National Museum, housing fascinating exhibits from natural history to art. Highlights include the Windows into Prehistory permanent exhibition, which features the world’s oldest land plant.

To travel back in time, duck into the Lucerna Passage, down a quiet side street. This atmospheric arcade channels 1920s Prague with its nostalgic café and vintage cinema – once a haunt of Kafka himself. And don’t forget to look up: David Černý’s cheeky statue of St Wenceslas hangs upside down, adding a playful twist to this historic setting.

For years, Žižkov had a reputation as a gritty, working-class district, but today it’s one of Prague’s most authentic neighbourhoods – a lively spot outside the historic centre where you can soak up genuine local life. It might be well known for having more pubs per square kilometre than anywhere else in the city, but there’s a lot more to Žižkov than great places to eat and drink.
 

A standout landmark is the striking Prague TV Tower, soaring 216 m above the skyline. On closer look, you’ll notice an unexpected twist: giant faceless babies, or Miminka, crawling up its sides. These bronze sculptures, created in 2000 by the provocative artist and political critic David Černý, were meant to be temporary but have become a popular permanent fixture. At night, the TV tower is illuminated in the Czech national colours: red, white and blue.

Riding the Prague Metro isn’t just a practical way of getting around the city – it’s also one of the top things to do in Prague for design and architecture lovers. Think of it as an underground gallery, where striking designs and futuristic stations fuse history with creativity.
 

Constructed between the 1960s and 1980s, many metro stations were crafted as showcases for bold artistic and architectural statements. Though some artworks have been lost over time, about 80 pieces still remain, ready to be explored. Line A features shimmering aluminium panels glowing in violet, teal, gold and red hues. Line B dazzles with mosaics, reliefs and stained glass, while Line C features sleek white and grey marble finishes.

At Rašínovo nábřeží No. 80, you might need a bit of imagination to spot the inspiration behind the design: the narrow-waisted glass tower leaning against its more upright and formal partner is said to depict a dancing woman and a man wearing a hat.
 

The Dancing House (Tančící dům), co-designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry in the mid-1990s, quickly became a symbol of modernity and optimism for Prague’s fledgling democracy. Today, it’s one of Prague's most photographed landmarks and a top thing to do in the city. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Ginger and Fred’ by locals after the iconic dance duo Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, it perfectly captures history and contemporary flair.

One of the most influential writers of the 20th century, Franz Kafka was born and raised in Prague, and the city’s narrow streets and quiet, mysterious atmosphere echo throughout his work. Many of the city’s landmarks shaped his life and writing, including the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and the colourful Golden Lane.
 

If you want to follow in Kafka’s footsteps, you'll find plenty of things to do in Prague. You can stop by the site of his family home, have a drink in his favourite cafés and visit his grave in the fascinating New Jewish Cemetery. A must-visit is the Kafka Museum in Lesser Town, set inside a former brick factory. Here, you can explore an intimate collection of manuscripts, letters and photos that offer a revealing glimpse into the writer's mind and creative process.
 

Kafka Museum

• Cihelná 635, 118 00 Malá Strana
• Open daily 10 am to 6pm

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach – and if exploring the top things to do in Prague hasn’t already won you over, these standout places to eat and drink just might.
 

First up is Tlustá myš (Všehrdova 547/19, 118 00 Malá Strana; open Mon–Fri 11 am-11 pm). Located in the middle of bustling Malá Strana, it’s easy to miss this gem of traditional Czech cooking. Hidden down a narrow staircase, you’ll find a cosy, no-frills basement restaurant beloved by locals. It may fly under the tourist radar, but it’s still wise to book ahead.
 

Or head to the Jewish Quarter for some of the best pastries in Prague. Known locally as trdelník, this traditional Slovakian pastry comes in every variation imaginable, and a local favourite spot is Trdelník & Coffee (Josefov CZ, U Starého Hřbitova 42/2, Staré Město; open daily 11 am-6 pm, Fri–Sun until 6:30 pm). The fresh, steaming rolls are perfect to grab and go during sightseeing stops.
 

Beer is a beloved local tipple, and at PULT brewery (V Celnici 1031/4, 110 00 Nové Město; open daily 3 pm-1 am) you can experience this love first-hand. Here, beer tapping is treated like an art form, with a rotating line-up of both classic brews and inventive new creations. There is also a selection of bottled beers from small local breweries. Not sure where to start? Just ask the staff – they know their stuff.

From sky-high castle walls to secret courtyards, Prague is a city that knows how to keep you hooked. With so many unforgettable things to do in Prague, you’ll want to roam, linger and inevitably come back for more. So pack your bags, charge your camera and let the City of a Hundred Spires inspire you.