What to do in Prague: Europe's Most Charming City
Ah, Prague! The most colorful European city I’ve wandered around in. This charming little city took my breath away at every turn of its beautiful cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and red rooftop views.
I didn’t know much about Prague before arriving, but I absolutely loved it. It’s easy to walk around aimlessly as you admire the streets and its beauty. Prague has incredible views, pretty streets, and a vibrant nightlife.
Because I went in the summer, the city was quite hot and humid. Actually, Europe was going through a heat wave and I managed to arrive on the hottest day that summer.
It was definitely rough, but that did not take away from the magic found in this lovely city. It is very worth a European visit. Here’s what to do in Prague if you have two to three days in the city.
What to do in Prague
Table of Contents
Old Town Square
The first place you’ll want to visit is Prague’s Old Town Square. The streets and buildings are absolutely beautiful and if you’re like me, you’ll be walking around saying “Wow” and “It’s so Beautiful” and “So Pretty” over and over again.
Because of its colorful charm, it’s quite popular and crowded. But here, you’ll also find most of the city’s famous sights. I recommend spending at least a couple hours here, although I could easily take a half day to wander the streets and eat my way around.
Astronomical Clock
Located in Old Town Square, you’ll find the astronomical clock that puts on a small show every hour and captures the attention of hundreds of tourists.
The clock is on the main square where you’ll also be able to see the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. My friend and I watched it once, then sat at a Starbucks nearby to watch as crowds gathered around the clock half an hour before the next time it put on a show.
Church of Our Lady Before Tyn
Also on the square sitting behind colorful buildings, sits this church which is perhaps the most impressive landmark. Its twin spires look beautiful. I realized I captured it in my photos quite a few times because it makes such a beautiful postcard.
Jewish Quarter
As you wander around Old Town Square, you may find yourself in the Jewish Quarter, known as The Josefov. At the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find the Jewish Museum, Old Jewish Cemetery, and synagogues.
Definitely take some time to wander the streets of Josefov which is only a small area near the Old Town Square.
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square or Václvské náměstí is a busy commerce area with restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, and historical sites. I didn’t spend much time here, but did get the chance to pass by some museums I hope to explore next time I’m in the city.
Vltava River
The perfect place for a stroll along its river banks. Here you can see beautiful buildings or even take a river cruise for a more relaxed time. Or, you can grab a friend and rent a pedal boat for 200 CZK.
Charles Bridge
Besides Old Town Square, Charles Bridge is one of the most popular spots in Prague. This landmark has two great towers on each end with statues along the sides of the bridge.
While crossing, we saw musicians playing happy music and small vendors along the sides. It’s known to be quite busy, but thankfully both times I went weren’t too bad.
Old Town Bridge Tower
On the eastern end of Charles Bridge, you can get to the top of the tower to be treated a view of the bridge and the Prague Castle. Unfortunately, I didn’t go up but will the next time I find myself in this city!
Dancing House
This modern and asymmetrical masterpiece known as the Dancing House sits near the riverfront. It was designed by Frank Gehry and is a cool building to photograph.
Prague’s Dancing House has a rooftop cafe/bar on the last floor that you can go up to enjoy and catch some amazing views. If you choose to be a bar guest, the viewpoint is free. Otherwise the entrance fee is 100 CZK.
Malá Strana
The district of Malá Strana or Little Quarter, lies across the river from Old Town and New Town. It’s one of Prague’s oldest neighborhoods and sits beneath the city castle.
It is another colorful area that’s quite fun to explore. Other notable landmarks are located nearby, such as the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and St. Nicholas Church.
Lennon Wall
Beatles fan or not, this vibrant John Lennon wall is quite cool and worth stopping at as you stroll through Mala Strana. The Lennon Wall was created in honor of the artist who is well respected.
What started as street art for locals, has become an everchanging wall of messages of peace and love. Tourists come to take photos here, but anyone can drop by with a spray can to add their own art.
Hostels even organize days where they take groups to add their own touch to the wall.
Prague Castle
Just above a steep hill sits the Prague Castle and it overlooks the colorful Mala Strana down below. The whole Prague Castle area is like its own district with various highlights that make up what we simply know as Prague Castle.
At its center lies the Old Royal Palace in its beautiful light-yellow color, the Vladislav Hall which contains vaulted ceilings, the pretty and red St. George’s basilica, Hradcany Square, and the amazingly beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral.
Prague Castle View at Sunset
My favorite part about the Prague Castle area, was hands down the front of the castle that has the most amazing views of the city. It captures the beautiful red roof tops and the random turquoise domes scattered throughout the city.
This was my favorite spot in Prague because I’m a sucker for city landscape views. I loved the view so much that I visited twice with different new friends I made at the hostel and both days I had a wonderful time drinking wine and enjoying the sunset.
I recommend spending at least a couple hours, but again, I could easily spend a half day here to explore the area.
St. Vitus Cathedral
This stunning Gothic cathedral is the main attraction within Prague Castle. The design is amazing and is the most visible part of this area.
The entrance to the cathedral is free and the interior is elaborate and beautiful. It has lovely stained glass, high vaulted ceilings, and an intricate Gothic design inside and outside. To see the full cathedral, you can pay a separate admission fee.
Prague Nightlife: Karlovy Lazne Nightclub
Like many other European cities, Prague has no shortage on nightclubs. The city is known for its beer which is also known for being quite cheap.
The city has many options for a fun night out including bars, lounges and huge nightclubs. I got to go to one of the biggest clubs in the city and what is claimed to be the biggest in Central Europe, Karlovy Lazne.
Luckily, the line wasn’t massive the day I went like its known to usually be. But party-goers who decide to visit here get to enjoy a five-story club with dance floors each dedicated to a different genre of music.
There’s even an ice bar inside for a higher fee. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but once you’re on the dance floor nothing else matters. Right!?
Desert To Try: Trdelnik
One of the deserts I saw everyone eating as I walked around Old Town Square was a Trdelník. To me, it looked like and tasted more like a Mexican churro with ice-cream inside.
But this popular pastry is made using a wooden tool where the cake ingredients (the dough) are wrapped around when cooking or grilling.
A hollow shape is created and coated in sugar and then the hollow area is filled with ice-cream. Again, to me it tasted just like a Mexican Churro.
How To Get Around Prague
The best way to get around Prague in both the Old Town and Prague Castle is definitely by foot. Even though getting to each district is doable by feet, it can be quite a walk. So if you prefer, the other best way to get from one district to the next is by public transportation.
There are metro lines and trams that make it easy as they connect one place to the other. The cost is 24 CZK for a 30 minute ticket and 32 CZK for a 90-minute ticket. This can be used for changes between tram, bus, and metro.
However, if you’re like me and like getting lost on the streets to explore and discover, walking from Old Town to Prague Castle is not too bad. Just work your way slowly around and take public transportation for the return. I would say the best, easiest, and most direct way to get to each district is the tram.
The other option is by metro and I did ride it a couple times and it’s easy to use. Uber does function in the city and prices are low, but I only used it for my arrival and departure since that’s the method I prefer on travel days if the price is decent.
Also, there is no direct metro or tram to the airport from the city center. If you need transportation to the airport, you’ll have to take bus 119 to the last stop and then transfer to metro line A or change to bus AE (Airport Express).
Then to metro line B or C. See what I mean? Uber is definitely the easiest choice, booking an airport shuttle, or taking a taxi.
Where to Stay in Prague:
Since you’ll be spending most of your time at Old Town Square or Malá Strana, I recommend staying near one of those neighborhoods. Both are great areas and the two main districts are connected by public transportation, making each easy to access no matter where you stay. You can even consider further districts, but those two areas will give you the main attractions and more accommodation options.
You can find all types of accommodation according to your taste, all the way from 5-star stays to hostels. I stayed at Hostel One Míru which was only a 10-minute walk from from Wenceslas Square and Old Town. The Metro Station is only 200 feet away and is located near restaurants.
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Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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What to do in Prague
