29 Jan 19 Amazing Things to Do and See in Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic! This beautiful city is full of history and culture. No matter what type of tourist you are there is plenty to see and do in the Czech capital. This post will give you some ideas of the best things to do while you’re in town.
Things to do in Prague
1. Prague Castle
Prague Castle is one of the most important cultural attractions in Central Europe. It is visited by more than 1.6 million people each year and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Czech Republic.
Prague Castle is the official residence and seat of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle is situated in Prague, the Capital City of Bohemia. It was built in 1357 to protect Prague’s city walls and is known for its many artistic architectural features.
The original Gothic castle was rebuilt in 1465, and the present-day castle complex is a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Classical styles which date from the 18th century. Over the years many important events have taken place in the castle, including state visits by monarchs and other heads of state, as well as general elections (including one in 1918 which decided the fate of Bohemia during Czechoslovakia’s short-lived republic).
This Castle is a must-visit when you come to Prague not only it’s a beautiful medieval castle, but it also gives stunning views over the city of Prague.
2. Powder Tower
Powder Tower (Czech: Pávník) was built in 1460-1462 as part of the city walls at the northern end of the Petradioum. The name comes from the powder room on the top floor of the tower where gunpowder was stored. Powder Tower is one of the few remaining parts of the medieval city wall, and currently houses a museum dedicated to the history of Prague. The tower is located in the area called Petradioum (near Vítkov Hill), next to the “Upper Gate” (Bergmannova) and “Lower Gate” (Dolni Mosty). The Powder Tower is 65 meters high and it takes 186 stairs to get to the top, however, don’t let this put you off, the views from the top are amazing.
3. National Gallery
The National Gallery in Prague is one of the oldest art galleries in Europe. It was founded in 1818 by Bohemian aristocrat Prince František Chrabota-Babenco, who served as its first president until his death in 1861. The gallery’s collection includes works from the medieval period to modern times, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints.
4. Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Europe and it is also free to walk over it! The bridge features beautiful Basque statues and is a great spot for taking photos. You can also find many artists that will be more than happy to draw your portrait for a small fee.
5. Mala Strana Quarter
Mala Strana quarter in Prague is the perfect place to stay if you want a more in-depth experience of this beautiful city. This quarter is filled with old buildings, cobbled streets, and many quaint shops that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Mala Strana literally means Little Town and was originally built outside of the city walls during the 17th century when Prague was under Austrian rule. It became popular amongst the common people because it was far less expensive than living in the main city. Over time, many beautiful buildings were constructed in this area, and it remains one of the most historic places in Prague today.
The quarter is made up of three different areas: Mala Strana, Petnechovice and Kampa Island. The first two are located just behind Charles Bridge and can be reached by walking across a small footbridge over the river Vltava. Kampa Island is located on the other side of the bridge and can also be accessed by foot or public transport from Mala Strana.
Dancing House in Prague is an interactive art installation that was inaugurated in 2016 at Letni Park (Summer Park) in Prague as part of “City of Light” – a collaboration between Roosegaarde and Czech is an art installation designed by Dutch artist and architect Jan Boogert. The name Dancing House comes from the way its facade appears to dance when viewed at certain angles, particularly in the evening when it is illuminated with lights.
7. Go on a hike.
If you’re looking for something more active, then hiking is definitely the activity for you! There are many beautiful trails around the city that offer great views of the city and its surroundings. Some of these trails can be quite steep so it’s a good idea to wear appropriate footwear and make sure you’re fit enough for the hike. You can find many hiking tours around Prague at very affordable prices, but if you want something more unique then why not try hiking on your own?
8. Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is named after Saint Peter. It’s one of the best views in the city, with a steep hike up to the top that rewards visitors with a panorama stretching from the Vltava River in the distance all the way to Prague Castle atop Hradcany Hill.
The climb is well worth it but not for those who suffer from vertigo or are afraid of dogs – there are many guarding private property along the way. The view from Petrin Hill over Prague is magnificent. The city spreads out below, dominated by the spires of many church steeples as well as the Pirni Tower and the radio mast on Petrin Hill itself. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Austria and Hungary in the distance.
9. Go to an art exhibition
If you’re interested in the arts then there are plenty of cheap things to do in Prague that will help you enjoy some unique exhibitions.
10. Old Town Hall's Tower
Old Town Hall’s Tower in Prague – Czech Republic. This is an old watchtower from the 17th century which was turned into a bell tower and later became part of the town hall. You can climb the Old Town hall (Astronomical clock) to get an amazing view of the city and you can also see the Prague castle.
The Museum of Decorative Arts (Muzeum umltnho zpri). The Museum of Decorative Arts is located on Petrov Hill and was founded by Prince Alfred II of Liechtenstein in 1883. Over time, it has grown into one of Europe’s largest decorative arts museums with over 8,000 objects in its collection. These include ceramics, costumes, furniture, glassware and metalwork from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
The museum is closed on Mondays and has a strict entry policy that includes guided tours only for groups of 10-15 people or individuals with reservations made at least two weeks in advance. The cost of admission is 690 Czech koruna and includes access to all exhibitions as well as a complimentary guidebook.
12. Lennon Wall
Lennon Wall in Prague is a public art project by Damien Hirst. It was commissioned for the 2007 Lennon Day celebrations, to commemorate John Lennon on what would have been his 70th birthday. The work consists of an immense wall painted with images and messages from people all over the world, many of whom are fans of The Beatles.
13. Museum of Communism
The Museum of Communism in Prague aims to provide insight into what life was like under communist rule for people living in Czechoslovakia as well as those who fled the country during the Cold War. The exhibition covers a wide range of topics including social history, politics and culture. It also displays a large collection of artefacts from the communist era such as propaganda posters, weapons used by the secret police during arrests, items confiscated from prisoners during interrogation and many more.
14. Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Prague is the only Jewish museum in Central Europe that is entirely in Hebrew. It was founded in 1908 by Theodor Herzl and opened its doors to the public in 1909, making it one of the earliest museums in Prague. Over the years, it has undergone many changes in location and name but remains faithful to its original purpose: to preserve Jewish artefacts from across the world and present them to future generations as reminders of the rich history of Judaism. The museum’s collection includes over 20,000 objects from ancient times to the present day. These include ritual objects, books and sacred texts, historical documents, prints and photographs, archaeological artefacts and items of Jewish art. The collection is divided into three main sections: Archaeology, History and Art.
The museum is located on Široká Street in Prague 7-Holešovice at a distance of approximately ten minutes walk from the Old Town Square.
15. Prague Beer Museum
Prague’s Beer Museum is not just about beer, it’s also about Czech history. The museum features information about the craft brewing industry in Bohemia and how the city became known as one of the beer capitals of Europe. In addition to exhibits and demonstrations, visitors can sample different types of beer from the region while listening to live music or watching historic movies that have been translated into English.
16. Strahov Monastery
Prague castle. Strahov monastery is a very beautiful place to visit in Prague; it is also one of the few places that offer solitude and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are looking for something different from the usual tourist attractions, then this hidden gem should be on your list.
The Strahov monastery was founded in 1142 by Bohemian Duke Vladislav II (Wenceslas). He invited monks from the Moravian town of Brevnov to settle at this location on a steep hill overlooking the Vltava River below. Since its inception, Strahov has been a place of prayer, meditation and education. It was also used as a residence for important members of society during the Middle Ages, including Bohemian kings and Holy Roman emperors.
After exploring the main courtyard at Strahov and taking in all of its beauty, you should make your way up to the top of the hill where you will find the most famous structure in this area called “The Tower”, which was built in 1709 and stands at a height of 64 feet (19 meters). It offers an incredible view of the city below, including Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square and the Vltava River.
Strahov Library, also known as The Bohemian National Library, is the largest library in Prague, and one of the most beautiful libraries in the world! It was established in 1755 by Count Franz von Podiebrad who commissioned its design from Dutch architect and engineer Lambert Petronius. It holds more than five million volumes, including extensive collections of rare books and ancient manuscripts, historical maps, and prints dating from the 15th century up to modern times.
18. Spanish Synagogue
In the 1920s, a Spanish-language synagogue and cultural center was established in Prague. It served as an important hub for Jews from Spain who had fled Franco’s regime during World War II and remained in exile due to his oppressive policies. The Juderia is one of the most visible reminders of Jewish life in Prague before its destruction during the Holocaust.
19. Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady (also known as the “Lady Chapel”) was built in 1480 and remains one of the highlights of Strahov today. This chapel contains an ornate wooden altar made by Jan Bla zek, who was considered one of the most prominent sculptors during the Renaissance period. His work can be seen in many other famous locations throughout Prague, including the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.
More Things to do
Thanks for reading! I hope this post inspires you to visit Prague.
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