There’s little doubt that Prague is likely one of the rising stars of European journey locations. There are many enjoyable issues to do in Prague, and we’ll check out 15 of them in this put up.
One phrase that always comes up when describing Prague is “fairytale.” For many, this is because of the truth that there’s actually a fort on a hill right here. My purpose for describing Prague as one thing out of a storybook has extra to do with the scenic hikes, mouth-watering meals, and engaging draft beer that’s nearly as low-cost as water.
In all seriousness, although, that is a completely gorgeous metropolis. Prague someway managed to flee World Warfare II comparatively unscathed. Whereas a lot of Europe’s cities have been left in ruins after the conflict, the historic middle of Prague remained intact. Right here you’ll discover Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque kinds current in the structure.
Including to the enchantment is town’s location alongside the Vlatva River and the rolling hills which are certainly dwelling to a fort. If there’s a better-looking metropolis on the market, I haven’t been there but. One in all my favourite issues to do in Prague is simply strolling round with a digital camera and admiring the sweetness that’s round each nook.
So far as what to do in Prague, you’re actually spoiled for decisions right here. Along with exploring the well-known Previous City and all its landmarks, there’s an abundance of museums, some nice alternatives for having fun with nature, and loads of glorious locations to eat and drink. Did I point out that the beer is virtually free right here?
Let’s get to it and Czech out all that Prague has to supply. Listed here are the highest 15 issues to do in town that you just gained’t need to miss.
1. Be part of a Free Strolling Tour
There’s no higher method to get to know Prague than by becoming a member of a free strolling tour. In just some quick hours, you’ll go to a few of the most well-known locations in town whereas studying a bit concerning the historical past and tradition alongside the way in which.
I’ve been on a number of of those in the previous couple of years all around the world and the one I took right here was simply among the best. It was actually attention-grabbing to be taught random tidbits concerning the metropolis. For instance, for those who have been born in Prague 100 years in the past, you’d have lived in eight completely different nations by now!
I gained’t go and spoil the remainder of the tour for you, although. The staff at Sandeman’s New Europe run free strolling excursions of town a number of instances a day, so go to their web site to take a look at the accessible instances.
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2. Go to The Previous City Sq.
Whilst you’ll go to it briefly on any strolling tour, it’s effectively price it to return to Previous City Sq. at your personal leisure. That is probably the most historic a part of town and is a fantastic place to wander round for some time.
Throughout the sq., you’ll discover the Previous City Corridor, Týn Church, the Jan Hus Memorial, and an entire lot extra. There are a number of architectural kinds on show right here, in addition to the 600-year previous medieval astronomical clock. Each hour between 9AM and 9PM, you will notice a parade of the 12 apostles seem in the window.
Since that is the middle of tourism in town, there are additionally loads of cafes, retailers, and avenue performers vying for your consideration and Czech Crowns (they don’t use Euros right here, by the way in which). As chances are you’ll count on, costs listed here are a bit larger than in different components of town. Finest to take your images and transfer alongside for those who ask me.
The Previous City Sq. is enjoyable to go to each day and night time, so that you’ll in all probability find yourself making a minimum of just a few journeys right here. Plus, it’s at all times a great place to regroup for those who get misplaced wandering round Previous City. Click on right here to get instructions.
3. Test Out The Prague Fort
Some of the standard issues to do in Prague is visiting town’s iconic fort on a hill. This UNESCO listed historic fort dominates the skyline of Prague and will be seen from all throughout town.
This historic landmark dates again to the ninth century and it has served many functions over the centuries. It’s an unlimited and sprawling advanced filled with palaces, church buildings, gardens, and extra. You’ll be able to simply spend a whole day right here and simply barely scratch the floor of all that there’s to see and do.
The Prague Fort advanced is open from 6AM-10PM year-round, however the varied websites have completely different opening hours. There are a number of ticket choices relying on what you need to see. There’s this 2.5-hour tour that has hundreds of optimistic evaluations, or this skip-the-line admission ticket.
For the reason that fort advanced is kind of massive and sprawling, there are just a few other ways to come back and go. The most well-liked appears to be taking tram #22 to reach after which strolling down the steps to catch the metro after visiting. Click on right here for instructions to the Prague Fort.
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4. Dig Into Czech Delicacies
We are able to’t speak about what to do in Prague with out mentioning Czech delicacies. You wouldn’t need to journey all the way in which right here and find yourself consuming a disappointing, overpriced cheeseburger in a vacationer entice restaurant, would you?
One of many quintessential Czech dishes is Svíčková. Don’t fear, I do not know how one can pronounce that, both. It’s a heaping plate of sirloin steak in a cream sauce served with bread dumplings and cranberry sauce, and it’s scrumptious! This metropolis can also be well-known for its pork knuckle, sausages, in addition to its pickled cheese.
It may be intimidating determining the place to eat in a metropolis, and Prague is not any completely different. The Prague Foodie Map is a superb useful resource for discovering one of the best locations to eat right here and you’ll obtain it for simply $6.
When you’d favor to dive into the culinary scene right here and make buddies on the similar time, there are many glorious meals excursions accessible in Prague. Consuming Prague has an amazing half-day tour the place you’ll pattern 7 genuine meals whereas studying concerning the metropolis alongside the way in which. Click on right here to be taught extra.
5. Stroll Throughout The Charles Bridge
Some of the iconic landmarks in Prague is Charles Bridge. This stunning stone bridge spans the Vlatva River, with spectacular Gothic towers on each ends and an array of statues in between.
The bridge dates all the way in which again to 1357 and the rule of King Charles IV. It changed a bridge that had been destroyed by a flood and has managed to face up to many subsequent floods. One city legend says that egg yolks have been blended in with the mortar throughout building to make it stronger.
Taking a stroll throughout Charles Bridge and admiring the surroundings is certainly one of many high issues to do in Prague. Simply bear in mind that you just gained’t be the one one with this vibrant thought! If you wish to keep away from the most important crowds, attempt to get right here early in the morning or later at night time.
Each day and night time, the bridge is bustling with exercise. There are often artists, musicians, distributors, and different avenue performers on the bridge, which makes for a really vigorous and attention-grabbing scene.
6. Stroll Up Petrin Hill
For some completely gorgeous views of Prague from above, head to the highest of Petrin Hill. You’ve obtained a number of choices for attending to the highest of the hill, together with a steep however comparatively straightforward 30-minute hike. When you’re not up for the problem, you may take a experience on the funicular or you may catch a tram. Each are included in a public transport ticket for town.
Atop the hill, you’ll discover the Petrin Lookout Tower — Prague’s tribute to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Whereas it’s not fairly as spectacular as the unique, its hilltop location supplies some excellent panoramic views of town. Tickets price about $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for kids.
There’s extra to the hill than simply the tower. Whilst you’re up right here, you can even take a stroll in a rose backyard, get misplaced in a mirror maze, and go to a monastery with a brewery. Make sure you add a visit as much as Petrin Hill to your listing of what to do in Prague. Click on right here to examine the placement on the map and get instructions.
7. Discover The Jewish Quarter
A journey to the Jewish Quarter, also referred to as Josefov, is a should when visiting Prague. This was as soon as dwelling to town’s Jewish ghetto, which was one of many largest in Europe.
Throughout World Warfare II, Hitler had plans for Prague to be a cultural middle of the Third Reich. Jews have been pressured to put on the Star of David and have been deported to focus camps shortly thereafter. It was a darkish time in the historical past of not solely town however the complete continent.
Surprisingly, many of the buildings right here survived by means of the conflict. This was as a result of Hitler had an thought for a “Museum of an Extinct Race” right here. He even had his Nazi forces collect up Jewish artifacts from different components of Europe to ship right here.
At the moment, these monuments kind the Jewish Museum of Prague. This consists of 4 synagogues, the Ceremonial Corridor, and the Jewish Cemetery. Be part of this strolling tour to discover the realm and be taught extra alongside the way in which. The ticket value consists of entrance charges as effectively.
8. Go Museum Hopping
There are a number of different museums which are price visiting in Prague. Along with the same old artwork and historical past museums, town can also be dwelling to museums on Communism, public transportation, Apple (the corporate, not the fruit), and intercourse machines. No, that final one wasn’t a typo…
The Czech Nationwide Museum needs to be excessive in your listing of issues to do in Prague. It’s truly a number of buildings in and outdoors of town, with the principle Historic Constructing as the principle attraction. It re-opened in October 2018 after some huge renovations and is extra spectacular than ever.
Tickets for the principle constructing price $11 for adults and $7.50 for kids. It’s open day by day from 10:00-6:00pm and deserves a minimum of just a few hours of your time. Their present “2 x 100” exhibition celebrates 200 years of the museum and includes a huge assortment of artifacts, a lot of that are on show for the primary time.
One other must-see is the Kafka Museum. It’s all about Franz Kafka, probably the most well-known writers from Prague. The museum homes a few of his authentic manuscripts, images, diaries, and extra. Earlier than you head in, you’ll want to try the odd sculpture titled “Piss.” It’s a fountain formed just like the Czech Republic with statues of two males urinating on the nation. You’ll be able to even request them to write down one thing by sending a textual content message (the quantity is written close to the sculpture).
The Kafka Museum can also be open daily from 10-6. Tickets are $11 for adults and $8 for kids. Click on right here to get instructions.
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9. River Cruise (One of many Most Enjoyable Things to Do in Prague)
Having fun with a cruise on the Vlatva River is certainly a must-do in Prague. There are many choices for cruising alongside the river and taking in the surroundings of this stunning capital metropolis.
A normal one-hour river cruise prices round $15 and consists of refreshments. You’ll get to benefit from the views of the historic middle from the deck as you progress alongside the river. For just a little bit further, you may add a tasty glass of Prosecco.
That’s not all, although. You even have the choice of taking a lunch or dinner cruise of the river. Music lovers could decide for a experience on the jazz boat as a substitute, the place you’ll get to take pleasure in some reside tunes alongside together with your dinner. These vary in value from round $30 as much as $100 relying on the sort.
When you occur to be in Prague on the finish of the 12 months, chances are you’ll need to ring in the New 12 months with one of many particular river cruises. You may get extra data about all the varied choices on this web site.
10. Dangle Out on the Island
There are literally just a few islands in the river right here, they usually make for an amazing place to hang around and luxuriate in a leisurely afternoon. You’ll be able to select between Strelecky, Slavonic, or the so-called Kids’s Island.
All three islands are in just a little cluster in the river simply south of the Legions Bridge. They’re all simply accessible and every island presents one thing completely different. Strelecky typically hosts cultural occasions, Slavonic is dwelling to the Zofin Palace, and the Kids’s Island includes a enjoyable playground for children.
You will discover just a few cafes and eating places on every island in addition to restrooms. There are additionally paddle and rowboats accessible to hire, so you may make your personal river cruise! Click on right here for instructions to Strelecky Island. You’ll be able to simply go to all of them in a day if you’d like.
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11. Test Out The Native Markets
Perusing the various native markets is definitely one of many high issues to do in Prague. From flea markets to farmer’s markets to the very festive vacation markets, there are many decisions!
One of many oldest markets in town is Havel, which dates all the way in which again to 1232. Right here you may store for contemporary produce, arts & crafts, wood toys, jewellery, souvenirs, and way more. It’s open from 6 AM-7 PM in the course of the week and will get going a bit afterward the weekend. Click on right here to get instructions.
When you love discovering random issues and a great cut price, then you’ll want to squeeze in a visit to the flea market. It’s situated in U Elektry and solely open on the weekends from 6:00am-2:00pm. Simply get your self to the Hloubetin metro station and there’s a free shuttle that may take you to the market.
Final however not least, there are the magical vacation markets in Prague! Round Easter and Christmas, the variety of outside markets in town skyrockets. Visiting these vacation markets is certainly probably the most standard issues to do in Prague, and many individuals plan their journey right here simply to go to them. A number of the finest embody the markets in Previous City Sq. and on the Prague Fort.
12. Drink Czech Beer
There’s little doubt that beer is a crucial a part of Czech tradition. Folks right here take pleasure in a pleasant chilly glass of pivo to associate with their meal, even when it’s lunchtime on a Monday. Truly, beer is taken into account a meals in the Czech Republic! That’s why it’s so low-cost right here, because it’s not taxed like it’s in different nations.
The most well-liked model of beer right here is certainly Pilsner Urquell, which was truly the primary pilsner ever brewed. One other go-to brew right here is Budweiser Budvar, which used the identify lengthy earlier than the American model even existed. The native beer of selection is Staropramen, because it’s truly brewed in Prague.
As chances are you’ll count on, there are many locations to moist your whistle with a chilly one in Prague. You’ll be able to try the brewery on the Strahov Monastery, hit an area watering gap just like the Golden Tiger, take pleasure in an out of doors beer backyard, and even soak in a bathtub filled with suds in a beer spa. I assume you may say that Czechs love their beer!
I take into account myself an avid beer drinker, and I discovered the beer in Prague to be a few of the finest I’ve ever had. Better of all, a half-liter of crisp, refreshing draft beer solely prices about $1.50 right here, so drink up. This text lists a number of of one of the best beer halls and pubs in Prague, and if you wish to be a part of an informative beer crawl, try this informative tour which incorporates Three massive beers.
If you end up in Berlin, consuming beer is certainly one of many high issues to do there as effectively!
13. Go to Letna Park
Whereas we’re on the subject of consuming beer in Prague, among the best locations to take pleasure in a chilly one is Letna Park. There’s a big beer backyard right here that boasts some unbelievable views of town due to its hillside location.
Along with the beer backyard, you can even take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside the tree-lined paths in the park. It’s a well-liked place for locals to go jogging, have a picnic, or play sports activities. We noticed a reasonably intense pick-up sport of curler hockey on our go to in addition to a bunch of youngsters ripping it up on their skateboards.
Not too way back, there was a memorial to Stalin atop the hill in Letna Park. It was blown up in chaotic trend with dynamite and ultimately changed by a big metronome, which serves to remind individuals of the previous. It’s a typical hangout spot for each locals and vacationers alike, particularly because the solar goes down over town. Click on right here for instructions to Letna Park.
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14. Discover Mala Strana
Throughout the river from Previous City is the realm of Prague that’s often known as Lesser City. Don’t let the identify idiot you, although — it is a stunning nook of town that’s effectively price exploring.
Domestically often known as Mala Strana, that is the realm on the west financial institution of the Vlatva River slightly below the Prague Fort. The identify truly interprets as “Little Facet,” which is smart seeing as how this facet of the river is way smaller resulting from its hillside location.
After visiting the fort, you may head down the steps and start your exploration of Mala Strana. There’s lots to see and do right here, together with just a few of town’s most necessary church buildings. You’ll discover the gorgeous St. Nicholas Church and the Church of Our Woman Victorious, which is dwelling to the well-known statue of the Toddler Jesus of Prague. Roman Catholics from all around the world journey to Prague to see this picture of child Jesus.
Different must-sees in Prague’s Lesser City embody the scenic Wallenstein Backyard and the John Lennon Wall. The previous surrounds a Baroque palace that’s dwelling to the Czech Senate, whereas the latter is a colourful memorial to the legendary musician. You’ll additionally discover loads of glorious retailers, cafes, eating places, and bars, so go forward and make a time out of your journey to Mala Strana.
15. See A Present
Winding down our listing of issues to do in Prague is seeing a present in one of many metropolis’s numerous venues. Whether or not you’re in classical music, opera, jazz, ballet, rock, or digital, you may in all probability discover it on an evening out in the Czech capital.
The most effective locations to catch a present in Prague is the Rudolfinum. This 19th-century live performance corridor is claimed to have excellent acoustics, making it the right place to catch a efficiency by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Click on right here to view their schedule and see what’s taking part in when you’re in city.
One other standard method to spend a night in Prague is by experiencing town’s distinctive black mild theater. Utilizing black curtains, UV lighting (black lights), and fluorescent costumes, the result’s an ongoing optical phantasm on stage.
A good place for first-timers to start out out with black mild theater is at IMAGE. Their “Better of Picture” present lasts 90 minutes and showcases highlights from 30 years of reveals. Tickets price $25 for adults and $17.50 for kids. Head to their web site to examine showtimes and ebook your tickets on-line.
Prepared For Prague?!
I don’t find out about you, however I’m able to ebook my flight to Prague after writing about all of the enjoyable issues to do there. I imply, the place else in the world are you able to go to a fort in the morning, take a river cruise in the afternoon, see a black mild theater present in the night, and celebration it up in a beer corridor at night time?
I did a reasonably good job exploring town en path to the World Cup in Russia, however just a few days there was only a tease. I’m hoping to go again there quickly and keep for a minimum of a month subsequent time to actually dive into all that this unbelievable metropolis has to supply.
Have you ever visited Prague? Acquired any tips about another superior issues to do there? Don’t be shy, depart a remark under and tell us about it!
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