Final Up to date on January 8, 2026 by Eve Dawes
What’s truly price doing in Prague
Prague is one among Europe’s most lovely cities, however not each “must-see” landmark and tour is definitely price your time. From scenic river cruises and candlelit cocktail bars to Prague Fort excursions, cosy beer and wine spas and Previous City wandering, this information shares the perfect issues to do in Prague, suggestions for visiting, together with what you’ll be able to confidently skip. Whether or not you’re planning your first go to or returning for one more journey, these are, in my view, the experiences that really make Prague unforgettable.
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Prime issues to do in Prague | Prague Fort Czech Republic
Sure, it’s tremendous busy because it’s in all probability the preferred sightseeing spot in Prague however I nonetheless assume it is a must-see place factor to do in Prague due to it’s scale and historical past. I additionally advocate doing this as a tour reasonably than wandering round by your self in an effort to study extra about it’s wealthy historical past and know what you’re .
Positively e-book your tour and get your Tickets for Prague Fort prematurely. We took the ‘Small-Group Tour of Prague Fort’ which lasted 2.5 hours which was the right size. It was lengthy sufficient to see every part however not so lengthy you bought overwhelmed with an excessive amount of data. It took you thru just a few of the massive courtyards, inside St. Vitus Cathedral, the Previous Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane.
St. Vitus Cathedral (a part of Prague Fort tour)
The road for St. Vitus Cathedral appears to be like overwhelmingly lengthy however strikes quick and is well worth the wait in the event you like historical past and structure. The cathedral has been a piece in progress since 925 when Prince Wenceslas (Václav) based a Romanesque rotunda right here with pauses to building of centuries attributable to wars. It’s nonetheless topic to modifications now (like the brand new organ). Inside you’ll discover stained glass home windows, the Golden Gate, the Royal Mausoleum beneath which is the royal crypt, and St. Wenceslas Chapel with the tomb of crucial Czech patron saint.
St. Vitus Cathedral is the biggest and crucial temple in Prague. Aside from spiritual companies, coronations of Czech kings and queens additionally occurred right here. The cathedral is a place of burial of a number of patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen and archbishops. hrad.cz
The Previous Royal Palace was reasonably disappointing. I used to be anticipating an ornate, grand palace however that is chilly, stark and just about empty with not lots to see. The identical with St. George’s Basilica. I might admire the historical past however you could be out and in in 5 minutes and have seen every part.
Golden Lane was a part of our Prague Fort tour however except you’ve by no means been to a European metropolis, you’ll be able to skip Golden Lane altogether. It’s a really small, crowded lane with just a few outdated buildings that now home vacationer outlets and museums. Head to a road like Míšeňská in Prague as a substitute.
Ideas for visiting Prague Fort:
- E book a small group tour to study extra in regards to the historical past.
- Don’t lose your ticket, you’ll want it to enter every constructing and Golden Lane.
- Wrap up actually heat within the Winter. The buildings aren’t heated so even inside is freezing!
- Give your self sufficient time to go to. Anticipate crowds and be affected person.
- Anticipate to be requested to take away your hat in St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Put on snug sneakers for strolling up and down the steps and hill to Prague fort.
Prague River Cruise
A river cruise is a scenic and enjoyable method to see Prague from a unique perspective and a terrific factor to do in any season. We selected to go at sundown so we might see the modifications in mild and Prague in each day and evening and I extremely advocate doing this.
There are just a few totally different cruise corporations and we want we’d gone with one other firm as our boat was very outdated and drained wanting. They’d additionally bought manner too many tickets. It will’ve been high-quality if it was the summer season and other people had been outdoors utilizing all of the deck area however everybody was crammed inside so it was arduous to get a window seat. When you do go within the winter, be sure you get there early to line up. We received there quarter-hour earlier than the beginning time and the road was already over 100 deep.
Ideas for reserving your Prague river cruise: We booked the 1 hour Prague Panoramic Vltava River sightseeing Cruise on Viator which in the event you’re searching for worth is nice however the boat was very outdated and crowded. I’d advocate trying out Prague Boats as a substitute, as they regarded much more fashionable and weren’t crowded. In addition they had a lot larger home windows for higher viewing.
Prague beer and wine spa
Okay, so this won’t be a Czech custom or a conventional factor to do in Prague but it surely was very welcome on a snowy day in January and we completely beloved it. We booked a personal room and the wine possibility which included both a bottle of pink or white Czech wine however in the event you e-book the beer possibility you actually limitless quantity throughout your therapy on faucet proper by your tub. I reviewed the wine spa and tub if you wish to study extra in regards to the expertise and it’s advantages.
Previous City Sq.
Okay, in the event you’re in Prague, it goes with out saying you need to go to the Previous City sq., (Staroměstské náměstí). Sure, it’s tremendous full of vacationers, particularly when the Christmas Markets are there and on the hour when the Prague Astronomical Clock involves life. Nonetheless, it’s price it for the historical past and delightful structure, from the Previous City Corridor to the Gothic Church of Our Woman earlier than Týn, Baroque Church of St Nicholas, Rococo Kinský Palace, Astronomical Clock, Gothic Home on the Stone Bell and monument to Jan Hus.
I nonetheless don’t understand how the Astronomical Clock works but it surely’s fairly and the third-oldest astronomical clock on the earth (1410). When you go on the hour from 9 am – 11 pm, the twelve apostles seem with ringing bells by the skeleton determine. When you’re not apprehensive about seeing this, keep away from Previous City Sq. simply earlier than and after the hour to keep away from the gang who do.
Prague Christmas markets
We had been so excited to see the Prague Christmas markets and I feel that was the issue. If you go together with such massive expectations they will typically fall flat. Sure, they’re fairly however they’re so busy and there actually wasn’t something particular to buy. Go to examine it off your bucket checklist, however possibly simply stroll across the outdoors, except you’re dying to eat or drink one thing from there.
The Prague Christmas markets are positioned within the Previous City Sq. and a neighboring road between Previous City Sq and Wenceslas Sq.. There was once tons in Wenceslas Sq. earlier than the development however now’s there’s solely about 10 market stalls there together with a small ice rink.
Climb a tower for panoramic views of Prague
We determined not to do that because it was so chilly and we’d already seen panoramic views from Fly Vista rooftop bar and Prague Fort however when you have time there are just a few towers to select from for unbelievable views.
- The Previous City Corridor Tower / Astronomical Clock Tower e-book skip the road ticket
- Previous City Bridge Tower (an integral a part of the Charles Bridge you’ll be able to climb the tower after which stroll over the bridge).
- Lesser City Bridge Tower (the opposite aspect of Charles Bridge).
- Powder Tower (7 minute stroll from Previous City Sq.).
- St. Nicholas Church Bell Tower (Malá strana).
- Archway of the Lesser City Bridge Tower (frames an image good view into Malá Strana).
Wenceslas Sq.
It’s debatable whether or not it is a sure or no and can rely on what’s necessary to you. Our lodge was on Wenceslas Sq. however we didn’t spend anytime there in addition to that. We had been dissatisfied with it because it felt very touristy with numerous chain shops like Marks & Spencers, Starbucks and Costa Espresso. So I wouldn’t personally advocate this as a factor to do in Prague. Nonetheless, many historic occasions have occurred on this sq. (constructed through the founding of the New City in 1348) and it’s possible you’ll need to go to go to the Nationwide Museum and Josef Václav Myslbek’s statue of the nationwide patron St. Wenceslas from 1912.
Please word in the event you’re visiting in Winter there are solely a only a few Christmas Markets in Wenceslas Sq. as a result of building and we had been instructed they gained’t be anymore afterwards both.
Eat conventional Czech meals
We skipped the normal Czech dinner excursions that appeared like vacationer traps with very heavy meals in favor of a contemporary native restaurant ‘Mlynec‘ which we extremely advocate for the meals, service and views. It gives fashionable Czech and worldwide delicacies and overlooks the river and Charles Bridge. Professional tip: request a window or outdoors desk (climate allowing).
The Christmas markets are additionally a great place to attempt native meals like marzipan, cheese or fried cheese, Czech wine, and pastries.
Finest locations to take images in Prague
When you’re on Instagram I do know you’ve seen Terasa U Prince on high of the Resort U Prince all over the place and that is in all probability the preferred photograph spot in Prague proper now. Nonetheless, I’m right here to say keep away from it! Nothing towards the place, the view is fabulous however the wait isn’t they usually don’t take reservations. We waited an hour for a desk, after which it might have been one other hour look forward to a photograph with a restricted menu and no heating. At the same time as a content material creator I’m not that determined for that photograph, so we gave up and left.
As an alternative head to:
- Previous City Sq. and take a photograph at any of the 4 corners there to seize fabulous landmarks in your background.
- On Charles Bridge.
- In entrance of St. Vitus Cathedral.
- ‘Swan Spot’ on the North aspect of Mala Strana (simply search for the entire swans).
- Padlocks, on the Previous Facet of city, subsequent to Charles bridge tower, there’s a small backyard with benches.
- Previous City Bridge Tower.
- Slight Uncertainty Man (AKA The Hanging Umbrella Man).
- Powder Tower.
- Within the beer and wine spa for an outdated world really feel.
- Fly Vista Bar (inside, on the balcony, or on the roof).
- W Prague exterior (was Grand Resort Evropa) when building is completed.
I wouldn’t be a lot of a luxurious way of life editor if I didn’t point out the duty-free purchasing. A lot of the luxurious boutiques are proper off of the Previous City Sq. on Pařížská Road. Moreover saving cash purchasing duty-free, I like discovering items that can at all times remind me of my journey. Prague airport is small, so it’s best to discover scanning your duty-free receipt and getting a customs stamp fast and straightforward however depart further time simply in case.
Your fast examine checklist of finest Prague issues to do in Prague
- Prague Fort – Sure.
- St. Vitus Cathedral – Sure.
- The Previous Palace – Skip except you’re a die arduous historical past fan.
- St. George’s Basilica – Skip except you need to see tombs of members of the ruling Premyslid dynasty.
- Golden Lane – Skip except you’ve by no means seen a historic road however Prague has tons.
- Charles Bridge – Sure (both stroll throughout or dine at a restaurant with views).
- Astronomical Clock – Sure (on the hour to observe the 12 Saints seem).
- Previous City Sq. – Sure.
- Obligation free purchasing – Sure.
- Petřín Lookout Tower – On our checklist to go to subsequent time.
- Powder Tower – On our checklist to go to subsequent time.
- Wenceslas Sq. – Perhaps (Nationwide Museum is correct behind the Statue of Saint Wenceslas, as soon as building is full).
- Discover Malá strana – On our checklist to do subsequent time.
- Seize a drink at a rooftop bar – Sure.
We visited Prague in Winter and are wanting ahead to planning a visit in the summertime after we can stroll round areas like Malá strana and discover extra. We managed to do lots in 3 days however there’s nonetheless towers to climb for panoramic views and eating places to attempt.
