Ten things to do in Prague: Europe’s cheapest city with 1,100-year-old castle and beer tours
Plus, everything you need to know about visiting the central European gem
FAMOUS for its hearty beers, cobbled streets and laid-back atmosphere, Prague is the go-to city break for many.
Located smack-bang in the middle of Czechia, this European capital is one of our favourite destinations.
1) Visit Prague Castle
Dominating the skyline of the city, Prague Castle is one of the city’s main attractions.
Founded in 880AC, the 750,000sqft behemoth has hosted the kings of Bohemia and presidents of Czechia.
Many might not know that Prague Castle is also right next to the world’s poshest Starbucks.
2) Stroll along Charles Bridge
No Prague itinerary is complete without a walk across Charles Bridge.
A medieval bridge that crosses the Vltava River, Charles Bridge is one of the best ways to view the red-roofed and pastel-coloured city.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s worth getting to Charles Bridge in the early morning.
3) Travel back to the 70s in the Retro Museum
Prague’s Retro Museum transports you back to everyday life in 1970s and 1980s Czechoslovakia.
With elaborately decorated set pieces and designs, you’ll travel back to the days of box-sized TVs and funky wallpaper.
4) Take a beer-tasting tour
While Prague is the common site of British stag-dos, the beer is worth all the attention it gets.
Czechia is the birthplace of Budweiser, Pilsner and many other hearty beers.
With such a rich brewing history to explore, Prague is the perfect city to jump on a beer brewery tour or drop by one of its many bars.
A new immersive beer experience called Pilsner: The Original Beer Experience opened last year, which promises to bring the history of the famous Czech beer to life.
5) Relax in Prague’s numerous parks
Perfect for long summer days and escaping tourists, the Czechia capital is bursting with lush green parks.
Some of the best include:
- Letna Park – a hilltop park that gives spectacular views of the Old Town
- Stromovka Park – full of beautiful ponds and shade
- Kampa Park – a small garden next to the Vtlava River
- Petřín Gardens – located on a slope, this park has a viewing tower, English gardens and an observation deck
Dotted around Prague’s outskirts you’ll find more vast and tranquil parks which will seem world’s away from the city.
Some of the best include:
- Přírodní park Šárka – Lysolaje – a forest with a lake and swimming pool
- Přírodní park Radotínsko-Chuchelský háj – a forest and grassland ideal for hiking
- Přírodní park Botič – Milíčov – picturesque wet lands with oak trees
6) See the third oldest clock in the world
An engineering marvel, Prague’s Astronomical clock is located in the Old Town square and is synonymous with the European capital.
Every time the clock strikes an hour, mechanical figures will come to life and move in intricate motions.
Not only do the clock’s figures come alive, but there are many details to admire, such as the Astronomical and Zodiac dial and a golden crowing rooster.
7) Take a train to the fairytale Karlštejn Castle
While not technically not in Prague, this ancient castle is only a 1-hour train ride away and well worth the journey.
Arguably as impressive as Prague Castle, Karlštejn Castle looks like it has been taken straight out of a fairy tale with magnificent Gothic architecture and dense woods.
8) Learn alchemy at the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians
Quite the oddball experience, the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians is sure to surprise you.
Based in the house where the alchemist Edward Kelly lived, the exhibition will transport you into the dark world of mystery and magic.
Expect dimly lit, cluttered rooms and eerie wax figures.
9) Hit the bizarre underground Cross Club
Sitting under Prague’s sleepy streets is the Cross Club, a cyberpunk-style venue with a labyrinth of dazzling neon lights, machine parts and electronics.
Whether it be for coffee, food, drink, play or clubbing, the Cross Club is an unusual but must-visit stop on your Prague to-do list.
10) Delve into Czechia’s communist history
Although Prague is a quaint medieval settlement, the city has come up against a dark communist past.
The Museum of Communism in the north of Old Town delves into former Czechoslovakia’s history from ordinary life to art, politics, censorship and the secret police force.
Our Deputy Night Editor Mark Hodge visited the capital of Czechia recently.
Soon, Brits will be able to travel to Prague by a new European train.
Czechia Travel Guide 2024
Here's everything you need to know about visiting the central European gem.
- Czechia is one hour ahead of the UK
- The Czech Koruna or Crown is the official currency of the country
- During the summer, temperatures range between 20 to 25C
- In the winter, expect lows of -3 to 1C
- A flight to Prague from the UK takes two hours
- Czech is the main language, however, locals in touristy areas may speak English