Situated on the picturesque Vltava River, Prague has quickly become one of the most popular cities to visit in all of Europe. Central Europe as a whole has picked up in popularity, with the likes of Vienna, Salzburg and Budapest now being common place in European itineraries. So, if you’re visiting Prague, what exactly should you do while you’re there? We’ve revealed the 10 best things to do in Prague to help you plan your visit!
The 10 Best Things to do in Prague
1. View from the Clock Tower
Once you arrive in Prague, the best way to get a better understanding for the city is to see it from above. And although there are a few locations to view Prague from above, we think the Prague Clock Tower is the best of the bunch. The Prague Astronomical Clock is a stunning showpiece in the heart of the Old Town, and the best part about it is that you can climb the clock tower to see the city from above! From here you can view the terracotta rooftops beneath you and people watch as visitors and locals alike make their way through the square.
2. The Old Town Square
Once you’ve seen the Old Town Square from above, it is time to come down (via the many stairs) and see it for yourself. The Old Town Square is at the heart of Prague and from here, you can veer off one of the many cobblestone alleyways to discover the antique stores, bars, cafes and bookstores.
3. Walk across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is synonymous with the city of Prague. Crossing from the Old Town to New Town, Charles Bridge is beautiful at every time of day, but especially comes to life during blue light (the hour after sunset). The medieval stone bridge is characterised by its arches underneath and its famous statues lining the bridge at eye level.
4. Prague Dancing House
The Dancing House, as it is affectionately known, is an architectural building officially named Fred & Ginger, located along the Vltava River. The building is located on the Rašínovo nábřeží and is well worth a visit to see up close, especially at night as it lights up and busy traffic passes by in every direction.
Read more: Where to Find The Best Views Of Prague
5. Visit Swan Lake (or at least, the swans on the Vltava)
It wasn’t until my third visit to Prague that I discovered the swans of the Vltava River. There are in fact many swans along the river, but there are many of them at one particular location, which has become affectionately known as Swan Lake. Despite there being a handful of swans at a number of locations on the river, you will always find a large group of them very close to Franz Kafka Museum, at Cihelna Street.
6. See the Prague Castle at Night
When you visit Prague, it is impossible to not notice the imposing castle overlooking the city below. And while the view from the castle is one of the best in the entire city, we think the view of the castle itself is just as beautiful – especially at night as it illuminates! The best place to see Prague Castle at night time is from the Vltava River. Starting from the Prague Dancing House, slowly make your way along the river for an evening stroll – eventually ending up at Charles Bridge. This is one of my favourite ways to spend an evening in Prague, with a cup of hot cocoa in hand for good measure.
7. Visit the Vrtba Garden
Although it is one of several High Baroque gardens across the city of Prague, Vrtba Garden is arguably the most underrated. I discovered this garden when I was staying at Aria Hotel, a beautiful music hotel located next door to the garden. Some of the rooms even overlook the gardens, which are closed in winter, making this the only way to see them in the colder months. But in Spring and Summer, these gardens really come to life. The gardens are stunning to walk around and take a peaceful moment out of your day exploring Prague.
Read more: 10 Things you must do for Christmas in Prague
8. Try the Local Street Food in the Old Town
There’s no bad time of year to visit Prague, but Christmas certainly is the best! Not only are there Christmas markets to enjoy, but the streets really come to life through December with endless street food stalls. However if you visit outside of December, fear not. There are always plenty of great street food stalls located in the Old Town. Be sure to try Trdelník, Mulled Wine, and sausages if your diet allows.
9. Explore Prague’s Jewish Quarter
Formally known as Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter has an important history in this city and is to this day one of the most beautiful places in Prague to explore. Josefov is surrounded by the Old Town, so often it will find you before you seek it out yourself. Most of the quarter was demolished between 1893 and 1913 in a bid to modernise the city, but there are still sections of Josefov that remain entirely in tact and show how history has moved through the neighbourhood. Today, you will find a wide range of antiques dealers in the neighbourhood and a handful of high end boutiques.
10. See the Prague Astronomical Clock
The Prague Astronomical Clock (or Prague Orloj) is a medieval clock located in the Old Town. The clock is attached to the Old Town Hall and is a popular spot to visit for travellers exploring Prague, no matter your age! It is the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still in operation and certainly worth a visit while you explore the Old Town.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
