All recommendations on World Wild Schooling are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links.
Exploring Prague Castle, walking across Charles Bridge, and visiting the Astronomical Clock are must-dos when visiting Prague, Czech Republic — a city that attracts over 8 million tourists annually. Known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, rich culture, and fascinating history, it’s no surprise that fitting all the best sights into one trip can be overwhelming.
From iconic landmarks like St. Vitus Cathedral to hidden gems like Vrtba Garden, we’ve created a carefully curated list of 12 must-visit places in Prague. This selection is based on traveler reviews, expert guides, and local recommendations to help you discover the very best of this charming capital city.
Luxury: Art Deco Imperial Hotel offers elegant rooms, free WiFi, and easy access to popular attractions, with a café serving Czech and international dishes.
Mid-range: The Cloud One Prague is a 4-star hotel offering air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a bar, located near popular attractions like Old Town Square and the Prague Astronomical Clock.
Budget: The Gold Bank is a 4-star hotel in central Prague offering air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a buffet breakfast, with easy access to attractions like the Prague Astronomical Clock and National Museum.
Explore Prague Castle – The 9th-century Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle.
Walk across Charles Bridge – Charles Bridge offers beautiful city views.
Visit the Astronomical Clock – The Astronomical Clock is one of Prague’s most popular and historical landmarks.
Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend
If you had one day in Prague (and zero patience for crowds), which iconic spot are you hitting first?
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
According to the Guinness World Records, Prague Castle is the world’s largest ancient castle, making it one of the top things to see in the Czech capital. This monumental landmark was constructed in the 9th century and spans an impressive 753,473 f² (70,000m²). It comprises various palaces, ecclesiastical buildings, and several architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic.
As you’d expect, Prague Castle is a remarkable sight that dominates the Prague skyline. That said, make sure you take photographs of its breathtaking facade. Then, head inside to explore. On a tour of Prague Castle, you’ll explore many fascinating buildings, such as the Old Royal Palace and the iconic St. Vitus Cathedral.
You’ll discover grand halls, royal exhibits, grand stained-glass windows, and more.
Entry Fees for Prague Castle: Entrance to the Prague Castle grounds is free, but there are charges for visiting specific buildings. A ticket for the Castle Circuit, which includes the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Golden Lane, costs around CZK 450 (USD 18).
Avoid the Crowds with Early Visits: Arrive early, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months. The castle opens at 9:00 AM, and the first few hours are generally less crowded, giving you a better experience inside the major sites like St. Vitus Cathedral.
Lunch at Lokál: After exploring the castle, head to Lokál for an authentic Czech meal. This popular chain offers traditional dishes like svíčková (beef in creamy sauce) and a great selection of Czech beers.
Charles Bridge is another of Prague’s historical landmarks and one of the best places in the city to photograph. Construction of the bridge started in the mid-14th century and finished in the early 15th century. It offers magnificent views of the Vltava River and Prague’s medieval architecture.
Unsurprisingly, the bridge itself is also a beautiful sight. It features a tall stone tower, a cobblestone walkway, and 30 statues. The best way to experience the bridge is to walk along it. That way, you can admire the scenic views and take photographs of the statues.
Some of the main statues to look for include the Statue of John the Baptist, the Statue of John of Nepomuk, and the Statue of Wenceslaus I.
Best Time for Photos: Early mornings or late evenings are ideal for taking photos of Charles Bridge. The bridge is less crowded, and you can capture stunning views with softer lighting, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Statue of John of Nepomuk: Don’t miss the Statue of John of Nepomuk—legend has it that touching the statue brings good luck. The bridge is lined with many other historical statues, but this one stands out for its connection to local folklore.
Nearby Café – Café Savoy: After your walk, stop by Café Savoy for a coffee and pastry. It’s a short walk from the bridge and offers a charming, historic atmosphere with a beautiful Art Nouveau interior. Try their traditional Czech koláče (sweet pastries).
The Astronomical Clock is one of Prague’s most fascinating tourist attractions. It was installed in 1410 and is attached to the Old Town Hall, making it one of the world’s oldest clocks. Not only is the clock connected to the tower, but the clock itself is incredible.
It features a gorgeous astronomical dial that shows the position of the sun, moon, and zodiacal constellations. Better yet, statues of the 12 Apostles appear in the doorway above the clock every hour from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. However, they only stay for approximately one minute, so time your visit right.
You might also want to go up the clock tower, where you’ll find epic city views.
Clock Tower Admission: Entry to the Old Town Hall and the clock tower costs around CZK 300 (USD 12) for adults. The panoramic views from the top are worth the fee, offering sweeping views of Prague’s medieval rooftops and landmarks like the Charles Bridge.
Watch the Apostles’ Show: Be sure to arrive a few minutes before the hour to catch the mechanical display of the 12 Apostles. It lasts only about a minute, but it’s a unique experience. Expect crowds, especially midday, so early morning or late evening visits are less busy.
Nearby Café – Café Týnská: After your visit, stop by Café Týnská, located nearby in the Old Town. This charming café serves traditional Czech coffee and pastries, offering a quiet escape from the crowds. Try their trdelník, a famous Czech sweet pastry.
Wenceslas Square is one of Prague’s most famous squares. It is also the center of the New Town’s business and cultural communities. Charles IV constructed this vibrant square in 1348 when the New Town was founded. Today, it is a lively location known for its exciting attractions, retail stores, and hotels.
Simply wandering around the square is a fantastic way to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the architecture. However, you’ll also find popular landmarks and attractions such as the National Museum and Josef Václav Myslbek’s statue of the national patron, St Wenceslas.
Make sure you visit Výtopna Railway Restaurant in Wenceslas Square. The food and drink in this quirky restaurant arrive at your table via mechanical toy trains.
Evening Stroll: For a different vibe, explore the square at night when it’s beautifully lit up. The atmosphere is lively, with street performers and cafes offering a vibrant ambiance—ideal for a relaxing evening stroll.
The National Museum is one of the best places in Prague to learn about the Czech Republic’s rich history. Located at one end of Wenceslas Square, this museum is dedicated to the Czech Republic’s history, people, and culture. Visitors will explore the Czech Republic from the 8th century to the First World War.
Better yet, a new long-term exhibition called Windows into Prehistory shows what life was like millions of years ago. It contains over 2,000 exhibits, including fossilized ammonites and life-size models of prehistoric animals. Needless to say, this exhibition is a big hit with children.
The main History exhibit contains rooms dedicated to the medieval Czech Republic, the early modern period, and the 19th century.
Museum Admission: The National Museum entrance fee is around CZK 300 (USD 12) for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. The museum offers free admission on certain national holidays, so check their website for any special events or free entry dates.
Windows into Prehistory: Be sure to visit the “Windows into Prehistory” exhibition, especially if traveling with children. It’s incredibly interactive, and the life-size models of prehistoric creatures are a hit with all ages. Plan to spend extra time here, as it’s both educational and entertaining.
Nearby Café – Café Imperial: After your museum visit, head to Café Imperial, located a short walk away. This elegant café is known for its ornate Art Deco interiors and offers a range of Czech and international dishes. Try their famous Czech goulash or enjoy a traditional pastry.
Petrin Tower is one of the top tourist attractions in Prague for travelers seeking unrivaled city views. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this 192.58-foot (58.70-meter) tower was built in 1891 as part of the Jubilee Exhibition. The views from the top of the tower are phenomenal.
On a clear day, you can see almost the whole of Bohemia. However, you must first conquer the stairs to enjoy the outstanding views from atop the Petrin Tower. Two hundred and ninety-nine steps stand between you and arguably the best views in Prague.
Save this
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
There is also an elevator to the observation deck, so you can take it if you can’t go up the stairs.
Entry Fees: Tickets to the Petrin Tower cost around CZK 220 (USD 9) for adults. The elevator ride is slightly more expensive than climbing the stairs, but it’s an option if you’re short on time or energy.
Petrin Hill Park: After visiting the tower, take a walk through the nearby Petrin Hill Park. It’s a peaceful spot with beautiful gardens and scenic paths, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
One of Prague’s most unique architectural pieces is the Dancing House on Rašínovo nábřeží. This oddly shaped building, which sits on the Vltava embankment, was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić. It was constructed in 1992 and completed in 1996.
As you can likely tell from its name, the Dancing House is designed to resemble a dancing couple. The glass tower represents the women, and the concrete tower represents the man. Interestingly, American architect Frank Owen Gehry nicknamed the building “the Fred and Ginger Building” after the iconic dance duo.
Today, the Dancing House is a luxury hotel with 40 rooms, a top-floor restaurant, and a panoramic terrace.
Panoramic Views: If you want to enjoy a great view of Prague, head to the top-floor restaurant or the panoramic terrace of the Dancing House. The terrace is free to access and offers a beautiful view of the Vltava River and the city skyline.
Vltava River Walk: After visiting the Dancing House, take a leisurely stroll along the Vltava embankment. The area is scenic, with cafes and great spots for photos, offering a relaxing walk along the water.
Visiting the Prague Zoo is one of the top things to do in Prague with children. Opened in 1931, this exciting zoo prides itself on protecting wildlife and educating visitors about conservation. Spanning 143 acres (58 hectares) in Prague’s Troja district, the zoo promises a day filled with fun and amazement.
There are over 150 exhibits and 5,469 individual animals in Prague Zoo, so you’ll need to spend an entire day at the zoo if you want to see it all. That said, we recommend prioritizing the species you really want to see first.
For example, you don’t want to miss the Gorilla Pavilion, home to the zoo’s gorilla family. You also don’t want to miss the Indian elephants, Malayan tigers, and hippos.
Zoo Entry: Admission to the Prague Zoo costs CZK 300 (USD 12) for adults and CZK 200 (USD 8) for children. You can buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive early, as the zoo can get crowded by midday, especially on weekends. Starting your day at the Gorilla Pavilion ensures you can see the animals before they retreat to shaded areas during the heat.
Stromovka is the largest park in Prague, making it an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital’s busy streets. It opened to the public in 1804. This lush green space features picturesque walking paths, vibrant meadows, ponds, cycling paths, and more.
The park also has a rich history, including royal hunts, noble duels, and knight battles. We recommend packing a picnic, walking around the park, and finding a scenic spot to enjoy lunch. Alternatively, you could buy food from one of the park’s cafes or restaurants.
After lunch, visit some of the park’s best attractions, such as Rudolf’s Pond, Šlechta’s Restaurant, and Stromovka Fountain.
Bike Rentals: If you want to explore more of Stromovka, consider renting a bike. There are several rental stations around the park, and it’s a great way to cover more ground while enjoying the scenery.
Šlechtova Restaurant: For a more upscale dining experience, I recommend Šlechtova Restaurant. It offers a lovely terrace with views of the park and serves a variety of Czech dishes. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
Clementinum is Prague’s second-largest building complex after Prague Castle and one of the city’s most historic attractions. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it houses an Astronomical Tower, the National Library, and the Mirror Chapel.
All three attractions are well worth visiting. The Astronomical Tower offers spectacular views of the Old Town. The National Library contains over six million books, and the Mirror Chapel houses two historic Baroque organs, magnificent paintings, and, you guessed it, mirrors.
You can visit all three buildings on a guided tour of the Clementinum. This tour includes your entry tickets and an expert guide.
Picnic Spots: For a peaceful lunch, head to one of the quiet areas near Rudolf’s Pond. It’s a scenic spot with benches, and the calm water makes for a relaxing atmosphere.
Cycling Paths: If you’re into cycling, bring a bike or rent one from nearby rental stations. The park has well-marked cycling paths, offering a great way to explore the entire area quickly.
One of the best ways to experience Prague is on a ghost tour. Prague is best known for its fairytale-esque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. However, the narrow medieval streets also have centuries-old stories of mysteries, scandals, and gruesome historical events to tell. You can learn all about these on a ghost tour.
McGee’s Ghost Tours convey the darker side of Prague’s past through informative, spooky, and often hilarious tours. During these tours, you’ll walk the dimly lit streets at night, discovering hidden places in the Old Town. You can expect tales of poverty, misery, death, and murder.
Ghost tours are also enjoyable because they allow you to explore the city when it’s much quieter.
Tour Duration: McGee’s Ghost Tours typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. Be prepared for a walk through cobbled streets, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket if it’s chilly, as the tours run mostly in the evening.
Best Time to Book: These tours are popular, so booking in advance is recommended. The tours usually run daily, but evenings during the week tend to be quieter, providing a more intimate experience.
If you visit Prague between late November and late December, you must visit the city’s magical Christmas markets. Like many European capital cities, Prague loves celebrating Christmas with bright lights, festive traditions, and atmospheric markets. From late November, some of the city’s most famous locations transform into winter wonderlands.
The best Christmas markets in Prague are at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. They feature vibrant decorations, traditional wooden chalets selling food, drinks, presents, and plenty of carols. As an added bonus, these markets are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day, which most Christmas markets aren’t.
Seeing Prague’s iconic attractions adorned with twinkling Christmas lights, from the majestic Prague Castle to the charming Old Town Square, is like stepping into a winter wonderland.
Old Town Square Market: The Old Town Square Christmas market is a must-see, especially in the evening when the lights create a magical atmosphere. Be sure to try the traditional Czech mulled wine (svařák) and trdelník (sweet pastry).
Avoid Crowds: While the markets are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day, they can get crowded during peak times. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or later in the evening after most tourists have left.
Jack is a freelance content writer from the U.K. He writes about travel, health & lifestyle, and food amongst other things. As a passionate traveler, he’s always in search of his next big adventure, and ways to save his readers money on their next trip.
© Radomir Rezny / Adobe Stock
© Mistervlad / Shutterstock
© Atmosphere / Adobe Stock
© Vladimir Sazonov / Adobe Stock
© Denis Poltoradnev / Shutterstock
1
2
3
4
5
