Top things to do in Prague

'Must see' in Prague

Let's start with this short guide on what to do in Prague: 

• Stroll through the Old Town (the Stare Mesto neighborhood). The Old Town is undoubtedly the primary attraction of the capital, so you’ll need to plan for at least three hours to see it all. You’ll enjoy its narrow streets, many of which are pedestrian. The focal point is the Old Town Square with the Old Town Hall and the popular astronomical clock- Orloj, where on the hour, the bells toll and the figures of 12 apostles make their round. For magnificent views of Prague, you can climb the tower. On another corner of the Old Town Square you can find the Kynsky Palace, part of the National Gallery where Czech and Central European art have been on display since medieval times.
• The Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is located in the north of the Old Town. It is known for the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest surviving burial sites founded in 15th century. Burials took place here until the end of 18th century. Additionally, there are several synagogues and kosher restaurants in the neighborhood. You can find a touching memorial to Jews who perished during the Second World War in the Pinkas synagogue.  
• If you head toward the Vltava river, visit the former Jesuit college, the Clementinum, a historic building  that houses an impressive Baroque library. There is also the Meridian Hall with period astronomical instruments. You can climb the astronomical tower for great views of the city. 
• Charles Bridge (Karlův most). This beautiful Gothic bridge over the Vltava River that connects the Old Town with the Mala Strana district is always crowded with tourists, so you should make an early start to enjoy it in all its beauty. Be sure to pause while crossing it to contemplate the most beautiful views of the city including the largest castle complex in the world – Hradcany. The bridge is decorated by 30 statues of saints and statutaries, mostly in baroque-style. For different views of the city from the river, take a boat cruise.
• Continue with this list of things to do in Prague and go to the Lesser Town -  Mala Strana. Wandering around you’ll arrive at the John Lennon Wall. Covered in graffiti, it’s a tribute to the musician and his message of peace. It is a must-see for fans of The Beatles. From here, go to Petřín Hill for another beautiful view of Prague, especially if you climb the viewing tower at the top. The tower was built as a tribute to the Eiffel Tower and has the same height (if you calculate the hill).  You can also stroll through the gardens. Take the funicular from Ujezd to avoid climbing up on foot. 
• Prague Castle (Pražský hrad). It’s one of the oldest and largest castles in the world recorded in the Guiness Book of Records. The complex includes several buildings: in addition to the fort itself, it includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Basilica of St. George. You’ll need several hours to see this amazing tourist site. Do not forget to visit the picturesque Golden Lane, a small alley where the castle artizans used to live.
• Museums: In Prague there are museums for every interest. Several illustrious figures such as Mozart, Dvorak, Kafka, the astronomer Kepler, etc., lived or were born here – and each of them has a museum. For natural history, visit the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square. You’ll also find other options such as the Chocolate Museum or the one for beer, another for Communism, the Jewish Museum and one dedicated to the Charles Bridge.

What and where to eat in Prague

In this short guide on things to do in Prague, you could not miss the 'gastro' recommendations. Czech cuisine is rich in variety and taste, with influences from German and Hungarian food. 

One of the most typical dishes is goulash, a spicy dish prepared with braised beef, onions, pepper and paprika. Try it served inside a hollowed out loaf of bread. You should also try the Vepro knedlo zelo (Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkrau) and Kulajda (soup with dill and potatoes, mushrooms and poached egg). As for the beers, the most famous local beers are Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser Budvar or Staropramen.

But if you want to taste the most exquisite cuisine, take note of these restaurants: 

• La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise. It has a Michelin star and only serves tasting menus based on traditional 19th century Czech cuisine. Book ahead if you want to enjoy a high level dining experience. 
• Čestr: Another place for meat lovers and, in this case, upscale. 
• Lokál: Offers typical Czech fare in several locations around the city 
• Mlýnec: Fine dining with a view of the Charles Bridge. 

Prague nightlife

If among the things to do in Prague, you fancy having a drink, Náplavka is the new area near ​​the river, south of the Jiraskuv Bridge. During the day when the weather is good, it’s full of skaters and bikers, but at night you can find many great places to have a beer and dinner.  On weekend there are various food festivals or markets. The Bajkazyl area often has outdoor concerts. 

• Jazz Dock. A popular music club situated on the other side of the river, with live music concerts and great cocktails on an outdoor terrace. 
• Vinograf. In the  Old Town and the Vinohrady district you’ll find this place for true wine lovers: here you can taste the best wines of the Czech vineyards. 
• Hemingway Bar. If you prefer cocktails, here they feature more than 200 types of rum.
• Tretter’s is a popular American-style bar, the oldest bar in Prague and second oldest in Europe, located in the art noveau Municipal house serving hundreds of favourite cocktails. 

Shopping in Prague

On the centrally located Parizska street you’ll find high-end shops. If you prefer more affordable brands, head to Na Příkopě Street. In addition to many stores, there are also small boutique malls such as Černá růže, located in a beautiful historic building, or the Koruna Palace. Larger shopping malls options are Myslbek and Palladium.

To finish with this brief guide on things to do in Prague, we recommend as a typical souvenir of the city, the Bohemian glass (Moser is a the premium place to acquire works of art, and not the imitations that many street vendors offer. They also organize trips to the factory for a day visit outside Prague). You can also try your hand at glass blowing at the Pragl near Old Town Square where you can make your own souvenir from Prague.  

Another great souvenir can be or wooden puppets or toys.

Author: Lenka Hník Jurášková

Public Relations & Marketing Communications Manager at NH Collection Prague Carlo IV

My name is Lenka Hnik Juraskova and for the past two decades I have been working in hotel industry as Public Relations. I was born and raised in Prague Old Town and I love to see how the city transformed over the years to a dynamic cosmopolitan centre, firmly establishing itself as the place to go for culture and gastronomy in Europe. Together with my colleagues from NH Collection Prague Carlo IV we love to share the best the magical city of Prague has to offer, including Insider tips and hidden gems. It brings us genuine happiness that we can help our guest create memories that last a lifetime.