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Prague attracts millions of visitors each year and is an incredibly popular city break destination. The city combines a rich history with a vibrant culture and a mix of historic and modern architecture. Add to that plenty of fun in the local bars and beer gardens. And extra nice: the city is also very affordable! We feasted our eyes as we wandered through the charming streets and along the cozy quays along the Vltava River. What must you absolutely do in Prague and which sights should not be missed? These are our top tips for a city break to Prague!
1. Stroll through Prague's historic center
Prague's historic center is the beating heart of the city. Its charming, winding streets are home to more than a thousand years of history. Fully recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is bursting with religious buildings and imposing monuments. Each building tells a story and contributes to the city's rich historical context.
The centerpiece of this district is Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). This square is not only the geographical, but also the historical heart of Prague. Old Town Square is one of the best preserved city squares in Europe. You will find some of Prague's most famous sights here, such as the Town Hall, the imposing 14th-century Týn Church and the famous astronomical clock. It is also one of the city's most pleasant and vibrant places, with plenty of nice terraces.
2. Admire Prague's iconic clock
Are you in Old Town Square at a busy time of day? Then you will definitely notice it. Hundreds of tourists all photographing one thing: Prague's astronomical clock. Except for Big Ben in London, this is perhaps the most famous clock in Europe.
This clock, dating from 1410, is the oldest working astronomical timepiece in the world. It is attached to the Old Council House. The clock shows not only the time, but also the position of the sun and moon. Every hour, twelve figurines of apostles emerge from the clock. The apostles perform a short procession, after which a figurine of Jesus emerges. This spectacle is honestly not very special, but the design of the clock is definitely worth a visit!
3. Climb to the top of the Old Town Tower
The Old City Hall, built in 1338, is a sight in itself, although only the tower remains standing. This tower has a viewing platform at the top, which you can reach by elevator. From here you have an insane view of Prague's inner city.
A entrance ticket to the Old Town Tower costs €16.00 per person and can be purchased both online and on site.
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4. Stroll along the cozy banks of the Vltava River
One of the most enjoyable walks in Prague is along the beautiful Vltava River, which flows right through the city. The banks of the Moldau offer an idyllic and fairytale scene, especially with all the beautiful, historic buildings in the background.
The cozy Naplavka Quay is a popular spot along the Vltava River. Once the spaces in the quay walls served as ice storage, but today they have been transformed into modern stores, bars and restaurants. Here you can enjoy snacks and drinks, both on the quay and on various boats docked here. The Naplavka quay also regularly hosts fun markets and events, so there is actually always a pleasant atmosphere here.
5. Wander through Prague Castle and palace gardens
Prague Castle is without a doubt Prague's most famous landmark. Dating back to the year 880, this huge palace complex is one of the largest castles in the world. It offers an interesting mix of different architectural styles throughout the centuries. A visit to the castle is a journey through Prague's rich history.
The most beautiful structure within the castle is the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. It took more than 600 years to complete this masterpiece, which is why it features different architectural styles. Next to the cathedral you will find the Royal Palace. Prague Castle is surrounded by beautiful palace gardens that are definitely worth a visit.
You can walk around the castle grounds for free, but you need a ticket to enter monuments such as St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Tip: Visit the castle early in the morning to get ahead of the biggest crowds and buy online in advance a skip-the-line ticket.
6. Check out the colorful John Lennon Wall
One of the most unique and colorful sights in Prague is the John Lennon Wall, located in the charming Malá Strana district. This hilly neighborhood, on the banks of the Vltava River, is known for its luxurious mansions and elegant gardens located just below Prague Castle.
The John Lennon Wall is a wall covered in graffiti honoring John Lennon and his ideals. It began in the 1980s, when young people in Prague decorated this then-white wall with texts and portraits of John Lennon and the Beatles. This served as a form of protest against the communist regime of the time. Despite being painted over several times over the years, the wall remains a powerful symbol of love and peace.
With each visit, the wall looks different, as many artists continue to add their creations to this vibrant work of art. The John Lennon Wall is now home to political art and slogans and must be seen during your city break Prague.
Insider tip: a delicious Italian hotspot close to Prague Castle and the John Lennon Wall is Lore Malastrana! Be sure to order one of the fresh pastas here.
7. Stroll through the Jewish neighborhood of Josefov
Josefov, Prague's Jewish quarter, located just northeast of Old Town Square, is one of the city's oldest and most historically rich neighborhoods. The district dates back to the 11th century and has several interesting sights.
Unlike many other Jewish neighborhoods in Europe, Josefov was not destroyed during World War II. Hitler wanted to turn the district into "a museum of an extinct race," a plan that fortunately was never realized. As a result, many of the historic buildings were preserved and the neighborhood is now a UNESCO-protected site. Places we recommend visiting are The Jewish Museum, the various synagogues, the old Jewish cemetery, the Holocaust Museum and the Birthplace of famous writer Franz Kafka.
The Spanish Synagogue, with its beautiful Moorish interior, is an absolute highlight. Besides the Spanish Synagogue, other important synagogues in Josefov include the Old-New Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue and the Maisel Synagogue.
A synagogue that really belongs on your list as well is the Jerusalem Synagogue. It is not located in the Jewish Quarter, but its colorful and extravagant interior makes it worth a visit. Afterwards, stroll on to the hotspot Kantýna where you choose your own piece of fresh meat from the "daily market.
8. Climb Prague's Eiffel Tower in the Petřín Park
Did you know that Prague also has an Eiffel Tower? Atop Petřín Hill stands the Petřín View Tower, a mini replica of the Eiffel Tower. The tower was built in 1891. Although the tower itself is only 64 meters high, its location on the hill gives you a view of 378 meters above sea level, which is comparable to the height of the real Eiffel Tower. Climb the 299 steps and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Prague.
It is not just the observation tower that is worthwhile. In fact, the park is a nice place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of Prague's largest green areas, full of colorful flowers and cherry trees. Petřín Hill offers several beautiful viewpoints and spots to unwind.
Tip: score your tickets for the Petřín viewing tower already online.
9. Try a traditional Trdelník
Local delicacies, of course we always have to try them wherever we are! And when you say Prague, you are talking about the traditional Trdelník. You will come across them everywhere in Prague, stalls where they sell the Trdelník. Originally this sweet snack comes from Slovakia, but by now it has become a popular delicacy especially in the Czech Republic. Usually the dough roll is filled with ice cream and this way you have a delicious Czech dessert.
10. Marvel through the Dancing House
A dancing house? Yes, you read that right! It is one of the most striking and iconic structures in Prague, and when you see the house, you might understand the name a little better.
This distinct, curved building, also known as the Fred and Ginger building, symbolizes yin and yang and the coming together of communism and democracy. It was designed by Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Canadian architect Frank Gehry. The building resembles a dancing couple, referring to the famous dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. This makes it an impressive piece of architecture appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
One of the highlights of the Dancing House is the restaurant on the top floor, complete with a panoramic rooftop terrace. A nice place to sit down with a nice drink and a view of the city.
Insider tip: Did you know you can also spend the night at the Dancing House? The Dancing House Hotel offers spacious, modernly decorated rooms and a delicious breakfast every morning. A unique experience for when you want to make your stay in Prague extra special.
11. Drink a 'Pivo' at one of Prague's many cozy addresses
'Pivo' is the Czech word for beer, and you'll hear it often in Prague. Prague is one of the biggest beer capitals in Europe and is also considered the birthplace of lager. The city is bursting with hip bars in historic cellars and buildings, large beer halls and modern cafes. Beer in Prague tends to be inexpensive and is brewed by hand.
One of the best ways to enjoy your pivo is in one of the city's many cozy beer gardens. One well-known spot is the Biergarten Letna-Schlösschen, located on the hill in Letná Park. Here you will not only drink a nice beer, but also have a beautiful view of Prague. Another popular beer garden is Riegrovy Sady, the largest in Prague. You can also grab a bite to eat here and there are regular performances by DJs and bands.
12. See the striking artwork "The Rotating Head of Franz Kafka.
One of the most striking modern works of art in Prague is the rotating head of Franz Kafka. Designed by Czech artist David Černý, this extraordinary sculpture pays homage to the famous writer Franz Kafka. The artwork consists of 42 stainless steel panels that can move independently of each other. Together, these panels form a gigantic head of Kafka, which constantly changes shape as the segments rotate. It is not only a tribute to Kafka, but also a symbol of Prague's modern and creative spirit. A nice piece of modern art if you ask us!
13. Visit the lesser-known Vyšehrad Castle
Prague Castle is on almost everyone's list to visit in Prague, but did you know there is another beautiful, lesser-known castle to see? That's Vyšehrad Castle. Located on the Vltava River, Vyšehrad was the site of many settlements in Prague's past. Its serene tranquility makes this castle ideal to visit on your last day in Prague. After a fine dose of sightseeing, imagine yourself almost in the Middle Ages at this magical place. The highlights of Vyšehrad are the magnificent St. Peter and Paul Basilica, the Rotunda of St. Martin, the Leopold Gate and the Vyšehrad Cemetery.
Favorite hot spot in Vyšehrad: U Kroka. We ordered here the goat cheese with beet, the tartare, dumplings with duck and the traditional goulash, among others, and it was all delicious!
The best places to stay in Prague
There are several neighborhoods that are very nice to stay in during your city break to Prague. Are you looking for a hotel as close as possible to the many sights? Then we recommend a hotel in Staré Město (the old town). Fine hotels in the old city center are Hotel BOOKQUET and Hotel "Palác U Kočků".
Other nice neighborhoods to stay are Nové Město (the new city), Malá Strana, Josefov (the Jewish quarter) and the emerging Holešovice in the northern part of the city. We stayed here in Residence Vysta, a beautiful and affordable apartment in Prague.
Transportation in Prague
The easiest way to explore Prague is by public transportation. There is a fast and reliable public transportation system in Prague that includes streetcars, buses and an extensive subway network. In addition, it is also an affordable way to get around the city and discover Prague's most beautiful sights.
Do you want to make the best use of public transportation and visit many sights at the same time? Then the Prague Pass highly recommended. This pass offers free admission to many museums and attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation in Prague. Another great thing to do in Prague is to take a ride on the historic streetcar (line 42)!
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How do I get to Prague?
The most common way to travel to Prague is by plane, but you can also travel by bus, car and train.
There are flights to Prague from Amsterdam and Eindhoven, operated by KLM, easyJet, Wizz Air and Transavia. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. A return ticket to Prague costs on average between €50 and €150 per person.
Recently you can also take the train from NS International to Prague. You travel by Intercity Berlin to Berlin, where you then transfer to Eurocity to Prague. The train trip takes about 12.5 hours and if you book on time, a ticket costs around €50.
You can also take the night train to Prague. Travel while you sleep and arrive in the morning. How nice is that? European Sleeper offers a hassle-free, direct connection to Prague city center from several cities in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Organized city trips to Prague
Another way to organize your city break to Prague is to book a package tour. The advantage of this is that the research has already been done for you and everything is taken care of. In the offer of TUI you will find different nice city trips to Prague.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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