If you are planning a trip to Europe, you may wonder, “Is Prague worth visiting and adding to my itinerary?” Let me give a resounding YES! Scheduling three days in city of a hundred spires is the perfect amount of time for exploring Prague.
As our family arrived at the Central Train Station (Praha hlavní nádraží), we were met with locals and tourists singing along with the music of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody being played on a run down piano. Seems fitting as you have just arrived in the Bohemian area of Czechia—the historic region that gave the word ‘bohemian’ its romantic, free-spirited connotation.
30 Popular Things to Do When Exploring Prague
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Prague is one of those rare European cities that feels like it was lifted straight out of a fairy tale with gothic spires piercing the skyline, cobblestone streets winding through centuries of history, and a riverside atmosphere that makes every evening feel like a scene from a movie.
The medieval architecture is impossibly preserved, the energy is electric, and the price point makes it one of the most accessible gems on the continent. Somehow it still flies under the radar compared to Paris or Rome—which is exactly what makes it worth prioritizing on your next international trip. Still working out the logistics? My international trip planning guide walks you through everything you need to know before you go.
1. Take the Tram
After trying to decipher words and directions in the Czech Slavic language, purchase your tram tickets for three days in Prague. Bring along your Google Translate; it will be a lifesaver as you are exploring the city of a hundred spires.
You can choose from several types of short-term tickets to travel around Prague. They can all be used on any type of public transport as many times and with as many transfers as you like for the duration of the time period for which they are valid. To mark the start of the validation period, you must punch the ticket in one of the validation machines that are located at the entrance to every metro station and on trams and buses.
Short-term tickets can also be used for traveling from and to the Prague airport on buses 119 and 100 (not valid on Airport Express buses connecting the airport with the main train station). ~ Prague Public Transport
Take a moment to look down before hopping on the tram. The drain covers all over Prague (or “Praha” as the locals say it) are decorative and beautiful.
2. Stroll Through the Old Town Square
One of the most beautiful old town squares in European is found in Prague. Not only is it charming and incredibly beautiful, but it has also been the setting for many significant historical events.
At Christmas time, you’ll find an awesome Christmas market as well as a brightly lit Christmas tree. Discover the many gift shops, restaurants, and nightclubs in the Square and around it.
3. Visit the Prague Astronomical Clock
While visiting Old Town Square, be sure to stick around to see the Prague Astronomical Clock when it chimes at the top of the hour. If seeing the clock is on your list of things to do in Prague, be mindful that it is likely on every other tourist’s list as well.
Walk into the Old Town Square just minutes before the top of the hour and you’ll find the square packed. Arrive a little early to the Old Town Square if you wish to both hear and see the chimes as the clock strikes the top of the hour.
4. Visit Wenceslas Square
Set off for Wenceslas Square for a FREE Rick Steves’ Audio Europe tour and an introduction to downtown Prague. Be sure to download the tour when you have access to WiFi.
Fill your backpack with water, snacks, and your camera! Discover why I love the The North Face Recon backpack for women when planning a Europe trip.
Wenceslas Square is a great place to include in your three days in Prague itinerary. St. Wenceslas is the patron saint of the Czechia. Yes, it is that same “good” King Wenceslas of song lore. Did you know that King Wenceslas (Svatý Václav) was murdered a thousand years ago by his brother?
Wenceslas Square is at the heart of New Town in Prague (though its history dates back to the 1300s!). The Square is a great starting point for walking anywhere in the city center as well as for seeing the sights as your find hidden gems in Prague.
The name Wenceslas Square may be misleading as it is actually a boulevard. It is a thriving area of town filled with apartments, hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping.
5. Visit the National Museum in Wenceslas Square
At the top of the Wenceslas Square Boulevard, you will find the National Museum with a prominent statue of St. Wenceslas sitting upon his horse. You can spend a couple of hours touring the museum.
6. Find King Wenceslas on an Upside Down Horse
Check out the theater, Lucerna Palace, with one of the interesting hidden gems in Prague of King Wenceslas riding a dead, upside down horse! Apparently it is a tribute to past and modern leadership of Prague.
7. Stroll Along Karlova Street
While some might call Karlova Street a tourist trap (close to the Charles Bridge) it is still one of the popular places to see in Prague. Some might even tell you to avoid the street altogether, but it is worth a stroll down at least once. In fact, many tourists throng the street and flow over onto the Charles Bridge en masse.
8. Cross the Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is a medieval stone bridge that crosses the Vltava River. In fact, until 1841, Charles Bridge was the connection between Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town and surrounding areas.
The Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most famous structures and Instagrammable places. You will find tourists all along its span posing for pictures, chatting, and enjoying a leisure stroll.
TIP * Try visiting in the early morning hours if you are trying to capture a few tourist-free pictures.
9. Visit the Pinkas Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter in Prague
The Jewish Quarter in Prague is one of the 19 Inspiring War Memorials Around the World that you can tour.
All men entering the Jewish Quarter and the Pinkas Synagogue are asked to wear a yarmulke out of respect.
Visiting the synagogue is pretty sobering with the names of all the victims of the holocaust (shoah) from the Czech Republic etched on the wall; it is an important tourist site to consider when planning to visit this city of a hundred spires.
The final section of the synagogue displays the art from some of the children housed at the concentration camp, Terezin, before being shipped to other concentration camps. The artwork will bring tears to your eyes.
“More than 150,000 Jews were sent there, including 15,000 children, and held there for months or years, before being sent by rail transports to their deaths at Treblinka and Auschwitz extermination camps in occupied Poland, as well as to smaller camps elsewhere. Less than 150 children survived.
“These drawings were made during art classes that were organized by Friedl Dicker-Brandeis (1898–1944), a painter, interior and stage designer…
“Before being deported to Auschwitz, Friedl Dicker-Brandeis filled two suitcases with about 4,500 children’s drawings and put them in a secret place; immediately after the war, they were recovered and handed over to the Jewish Museum in Prague. These drawings are a poignant reminder of the tragic fate of Bohemian and Moravian Jews during the Second World War. Only a few of the Terezín children survived. The vast majority were deported to Auschwitz where they faced certain death.
“These pictures are often all that is left to commemorate the children’s lives. Without them their names would remain forgotten.” ~ The History of Terezin
10. Visit the Cemetery in the Jewish Quarter in Prague
There are approximately 12,000 headstones in the Jewish cemetery next to the Pinkas Synagogue; however, it is speculated that upwards of 100,000 individuals are actually buried there.
Jewish custom forbids the removal of old graves; it is possible that the graves are stacked 12 deep in some places. The graves are simply stacked one on top of the other with new dirt being brought in for additional burials.
11. Plan a Day Trip to Terezin
A visit to Terezin is also a possibility as a day trip from Prague. Originally created as a holiday resort for the Czech nobility just 30 miles outside of Prague, Terezin became a concentration camp during World War II.
12. Peruse the Havel Market
If you are looking for hidden gems in Prague and mementos to commemorate your trip to Czechia, one of the things to do in Prague is to visit Havel market. There are a many stalls selling souvenirs to tourists: arts and crafts, toys, leather goods, local honey, and flowers. Beyond treasures, the market also makes the perfect place to find an afternoon snack.
Havel Market is pretty touristy and offers a variety of tourists items (though often overpriced). It is considered to be the most popular market in Prague.
It is located between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
You can also find a variety of fruits and vegetables. The market dates back to 1232 and is the only preserved marketplace in Old Town.
13. Explore the Prague Castle
Prague Castle, a prominent landscape feature in the city of a hundred spires, is a must-see for your three days in Prague itinerary.
Be sure to check the forecast when you are planning your day. You might be surprised by afternoon rain showers.
Be prepared for anything. You might want to tuck in a small Umbrella and a foldable, compact Rain Jacket into your backpack.
If you happen to be touring the castle when it begins to rain, find an out of the way spot for refuge and then look up at the gargoyles on the facade of the castle: the rain pours out of the gargoyles’ mouths.
A good piece of advice? Have a little patience through the rain storms. While a little inconvenient for a bit, it seems to really help clear the tourists from a busy attraction and you might just have the place to yourself when the rain is finished.
Normally, travel sites suggest getting an early start on your tour at the Prague Castle. You might read that crowds are crazy after 11:00 am. However, whoever wrote that bit of wisdom is a bit off-base. The castle grounds are packed wall-to-wall with tourists and so many brides and grooms having their bridal and wedding pictures taken, even early in the morning.
Touring the castle may be the highlight of your itinerary when you are exploring Prague. The view from the castle balconies is beautiful, the ceilings are grand, and the rose window is stunning.
14. Marvel at the St. Vitus Cathedral
St. Vitus Cathedral is located within the Prague Castle complex and is the largest cathedral in Prague. It is one of the reasons why Prague is known as the city of a hundred spires.
The cathedral contains the tombs of the Bohemian kings, patron saints, noblemen, as well as Roman emperors. Beyond the religious services held here, it was also used for the coronations of Czech kings and queens.
15. Find the Golden Lane
While still on the castle grounds, make sure you find the Prague Golden Lane. If you don’t know where to look, you might miss one of the best hidden gems in Prague.
The Golden Lane is lined with brightly colored tiny houses which used to be home to the castle guards. Looking at the beds on display, you may think, “Those people were either incredibly short or didn’t have a lot of room to stretch out!”
Today, many of the Golden Lane homes are tourist shops and a must-see stop when you are exploring Prague.
The Golden Lane will also be packed with so many people out and about; you’ll have to wait patiently if you want to snap a few pictures without random tourists in them.
16. Make a Detour to Queen Anne’s Summer Palace
Do you ever get people overload? Since the castle grounds are often totally packed with people, leave the castle grounds and meander through the Upper Royal Garden toward the Queen Anne’s Summer Palace (also known as The Belvedere). Different exhibits are often on display here.
17. Find the Great Ball Game House
As you walk toward the Summer Palace, you pass a beautiful structure known as The Great Ball Game House where a form of tennis used to be played. The architecture of the building is stunning.
18. Discover the Petrin Observation Tower
As you continue building your itinerary for three days in Prague, be sure to add Prague’s small Eiffel Tower look alike.
Members of the Czech Tourist Club visited the world exhibition in Paris in 1889. They were so impressed with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, they decided to build a similar steel-framework feature above the city of Prague—the Petřín Lookout Tower—on Petřín Hill.
The tower used to function as an observation tower and a transmission tower. Today, the tower stands as a major tourist attraction.
19. Hike Down from Petřín Hill
Petřín Hill also features extensive gardens. Follow the path down the hill from the castle where you can catch a tram or walk to your next destination.
20. Find Coco Van
Search for the cutest little coffee shop and one of the best hidden gems in Prague—Coco Van on the Střelecký Ostrov— a small island on the Vltava River under the Charles Bridge. The island is in the middle of Prague.
Obviously you will want to snap a few pictures of the island location and decor and maybe sit for awhile and enjoy the ambiance. When it comes to finding unique things to do in Prague, this boho paradise can’t be beat.
You’ll discover music, outdoor activities, and great snacks as you enjoy a quiet afternoon hidden in the heart of the city.
21. Walk Along the Vltava River
While visiting Cocovan, take some time to follow the pathway along the Vltava River. As it runs through Prague, the river is spanned by 18 bridges, including the Charles Bridge.
22. Take Pictures at the John Lennon Wall
The wall started with a single image of John Lennon on a wall across from the French Embassy in Prague (in the Mala Strana District).
While it has been painted over through the years, it continues today as people add poems, images of freedom, flowers…all a popular tourist draw.
23. Find the Dancing House
The concept for the Dancing House, also known as Fred and Ginger, was inspired by the dance skills of the famous film couple. Fred Astaire is represented by the stone tower while his dancing partner, Ginger Rogers, is represented by the glass tower.
The Dancing House, offers a gallery, a restaurant, a roof terrace with 360° views of Prague, and tours.
24. Find the Statue of Frank Kafka’s Head
This mesmerizing statue of Frank Kafka’s head is continuously moving and rotating. Designed by David Cerny, the mirrored surface is made up of 42 layers of stainless steel.
25. Enjoy a River Cruise
A river cruise is a delightful way to view the city from a different perspective. With numerous architectural jewels to gaze along the river, a boat tour is a great option for exploring Prague. From historical baroque architecture to pastel buildings adorned with golden ornaments, discover the city from the perfect angle.
26. Book a Food Tour
Food tours are popular throughout the world. You might enjoy them close to home, in Italy, or in downtown Prague.
27. Book a Walking Tour
Enjoy the views of Prague on a walking tour to enjoy the Instagrammable places in the city:
- Letna Park
- Prague Castle
- Petrin Tower
- Old Town Square
- The Jewish Quarter of Prague
- Charles Bridge
- John Lennon Wall
You can plan for a self-guided tour, a FREE Rick Steves Tour, or guided tours offered by Viator.
28. Try One of the “Offbeat” Tours
Looking for something a little different? How about a ghost tour or underground dungeons? There’s a little something for everyone.
29. Stay in the Mala Strana District
Do you love the appeal of a vacation rental? Here are some things to consider when selecting a place to stay.
- How many flights of stairs will you have to climb? Is there an elevator?
- Will there be beds for everyone?
- Is there a kitchen for making meals and a fridge for storing food?
- Does the apartment or building have laundry facilities?
- Does the apartment have A/C? Will you need it?
- Is the vacation rental in a safe part of town?
My best recommendation is to read the reviews about the apartment, the proximity to tourist areas, and reviews about the apartment host. Do your research and be aware of the cancellation policies.
You may think that you don’t need an A/C when you travel, but be sure to check the weather before you arrive. The area might just be experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures during your visit.
If the weather is hot and you don’t have A/C, you’ll definitely be looking for things to do in Prague outside of your Airbnb.
30. Try Trdelnik
Trdelnik is a tasty rolled cinnamon bread concoction filled with ice cream. This is definitely a tourist treat and worth a try when you are exploring Prague!
You will find stands all over downtown Prague where you can purchase Trdelnik. However, locals are quick to point out that it is not a traditional Czechia treat. Perhaps, though, it is becoming one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is three days in Prague enough?
Three days in Prague is the right amount of time to plan to enjoy the city. Three days is just enough time to explore the city’s main tourist attractions without the feeling of being rushed.
What is Prague best known for?
Prague is known for the Astronomical clock in Old Town Square, the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and the beautiful Vltava River. Enjoy Prague’s gorgeous architecture, culture, as well as a vibrant foodie scene.
Is English widely spoken in Prague?
You will find some locals within Prague who speak English. If you venture to smaller towns within the Czechia, it is unlikely you will encounter anyone who speaks English.
What is the most famous dish in Prague?
The national dish of Czechia—vepřo knedlo zelo—is a favorite of many. This dish is made of pork roast, knedliky (bread dumplings), and sauerkraut.
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Exploring Prague: Discover the City of a Hundred Spires
If Czechia is in your sites as a potential destination, you will love visiting the beautiful city of Prague. You will find plenty of things to do in Prague as you discover its rich history, striking architecture, and vibrant people.
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These are great sites. Nice list!
Thanks. We really enjoyed exploring Prague!
Would love to visit Prague so bad. Thank you for the informative post 🙂
Thanks Marie. Prague seems to be a bucket list item for a lot of people.
Prague looks like a great place to explore! I’d especially enjoy Queen Anne’s Summer Castle and the Cocovan 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Queen Annes Summer Castle looks so stunning and I especially like how you mention that it’s not as busy. I think I would really love to visit here! Thanks for the great article. 🙂
Great reminder about A/C. Coming from the US South, A/C is a given. Known many people who have been surprised when their hotel in other parts of the world didn’t include A/C.
Great list! I definitely do get people overload, so I’d be all for going around the Upper Garden! Tredlnik sounds delicious too — I’d love to try that if I ever get to go there!
I’m so keen to get to Prague – will definitely be using some of the recommendations!
Prague was pretty awesome.
I have a good friend who grew up in Prague, and hearing her talk about it makes me want to visit so much!! You have some great tips. People always criticize Google translate, but I have found it to be useful on my travels too. And tredlnik sounds so tasty!!
I hope that you can plan a visit soon.
Someday I’ll get back to Prague! I was there so long ago I don’t think there was a piano in the train station. Love reminiscing with your photos!
I agree, there are a lot of fund things to do in Prague. I’ve done all of those, except for the summer house. It sounds like a quiet spot to escape the busy city, even if only for a couple of hours.
I have never been to Prague. Now I have 30 reasons to visit!
Prague ❤️ Number 3 in the outside US bucket list . What a beautiful city!
I didn’t realise how much there was to explore in Prague! It looks like a stunning place to visit. I’ll be saving this guide for a future trip. Thanks for all your recommendations!
Prague is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I didn’t have time for everything on this list so I would definitely love to do them in the future!
Incredible city…. and historic and so well preserved! I lived here and haven’t been to all the places here . Thanks for the tidbit about bohemian ! now I know where I get those roots from 🙂
Wonderful write up about Prague! It’s on my bucket list and we are hoping to make it there soon! Sounds like an amazing trip. Thanks for the great information.
We thought we saw a lot when we visited Prague. But I can see from your post we need a return city to see all that we missed. Sorry we did not see the Coco Van. We would certainly plan to head out to Terezin and check out the funky tours.
Prague is one of my most favorite cities! I would love to go back one day, especially since when we were there the astronomical clock was shut down for repair. Regardless, it is such a fantastic, magical place!
I absolutely loved Prague. I hired a private guide for two days of touring so we could focus on my wish list of things to see and do. This is a city that you must visit – the Paris of the East.
I loved my trip to Prague. It is truly the Paris of the East. I was so glad that I could do a private walking tour.
Prague has been on my list for ages! Maybe this year is the year! It looks great.
I’m glad I found this article because I’ll be in Prague next month! Only one full day and two half days, though 🙁
Also, a suggestion – you should visit Poland some day. Lots of charming old market squares there as well! Some were rebuilt after WWII, but some are original.
Great post that covers a lot about Prague! Have you heard about the train restaurant? It’s a restaurant where the food is served using trains. It’s awesome! Save it for your next trip!
My husband and I saw the train restaurant on an episode of “The Amazing Race”. We want to try it!
That’s quite a list! I loved Prague. I missed most of these places so a return visit is a must. Thanks