Visit Prague: An Insider’s Guide to the City

If there’s one city that epitomises the old-world charm of Europe, it must be Prague. With its baroque buildings, statue-lined Charles bridge and Gothic churches, it’s no wonder that this city draws visitors from all around the world. If you’re planning to visit Prague – whether it’s for your first time or if the city has lured you back again – read on for this insider guide from writer and blogger Katie, who lived in and explored Prague for almost two years.

Over to you, Katie!

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Why you should visit Prague

Prague, aka the City of a Hundred Spires, has been a European cultural and political centre for centuries. The beautiful city, with its well-preserved historical architecture and relatively low prices, is quickly becoming a must-do stop on many people’s European bucket lists. Its unique charm has also made it the perfect setting for numerous films over the last few decades. Chances are a film focused on baroque vampires or WWII Germany will have at least a few scenes from the streets of Prague!

Adding to the city’s visual charm are its residents. Praguers have an unjust reputation for being cold and unfriendly, but this is a side effect of their indifference to the activities of other people. Praguers, and Czechs in general, have a “live and let live” mentality. While it makes them seem aloof sometimes, in reality they are a helpful, respectful and friendly people.

Being a haven for expatriates from all over the world gives Prague a unique multicultural feel. English is widely spoken – an advantage for tourists – and the city has shaken off the languid past of communism. Today, it’s a vibrant Central European oasis.

Prague is a city rich in history that can be seen in a few short days (weekend in Prague, anyone?), but it can also take a lifetime to truly uncover everything! Here’s everything you should consider adding to your Prague itinerary.

What to do in Prague: Can’t-miss highlights for a first-time visitor

No trip to Prague would be complete without a trip to the Prague Castle (Praske Hrad). One of the most famous Prague attractions, it’s impossible to miss, as it dominates the skyline from its perch atop a hill by the Vltava river. It’s also the largest “castle complex” in the world. During the summer months the castle gardens are open, and it’s a popular spot for a quiet stroll.

You can visit the castle independently, or with a guide on a small group tour like this one.

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) is another beautiful Prague attraction. Completed in 1402, this impressive stone bridge has seen some Game-of-Thrones-level macabre history. Now packed with tourists, it is still a must-do on your Prague itinerary.

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Prague, so if you don’t like crowds, it’s best to take a stroll across Charles Bridge in the wee hours of the morning or during “inclement” weather. Make sure to stop at the statue of St. John of Nepomuk in the middle of the bridge and touch the bronze panels. Apparently this simple act ensures you’ll return to Prague one day. On the same side of the bridge, just a few metres toward Old Town, is the site of St. John’s execution. Stop at the simple cross inlaid in the stone wall to make a wish. Touch it with your left hand to be sure your wish is granted!

Old Town Square is another popular spot in Prague. Known to locals as “Staromak,” it’s a classic European town square with a tower and the world-famous astronomical clock. Keep an eye on your belongings while waiting for the clock to chime, as it’s also a popular spot for pickpockets.

The central feature of the square is a statue memorialising Protestant leader Jan Hus. The gothic Church of Our Lady Before Tyn on the east end of the square is also impossible to miss. This church is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It’s the final resting place of renowned physicist and astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Complete your Staromak experience by climbing to the top of Old Town Hall and taking in the views over Prague, considered one of the best things to do in Prague. The square is surrounded by many good – although expensive by local standards – restaurants. They are great places during the summer months to rest and still enjoy the activity in the square.

The wonderful thing about visiting the castle, bridge and square is you can easily walk between all of them.

Finally, Wenceslas Square is just a quick walk from Old Town Square and has no shortage of sights. The newly renovated National Museum is perched atop a hill at the top of the square, and makes for a stunning view that shouldn’t be missed when you visit Prague. All along the sides of the square are shops, restaurants and cafés. Around Easter and Christmas_, there’s even a market that stretches along the middle of the square.

If you’re visiting these sites and others, consider buying a Prague City Card so that you can get massive discounts on entry fees.

What to do in Prague: Hidden gems most tourists miss when they visit Prague

This Prague travel guide goes beyond the touristy spots. Locals usually stay away from Old Town Square and the other very popular Prague tourist attractions.

So what do locals do in Prague? One of the most popular things to do in Prague in summer is visit the Riegrovy Sady beer garden. Get your beer to go and then walk a few metres to the grass hill in the park to watch the sunset over Prague Castle. The beer garden can get a little crowded and you won’t need to look too hard for it – you’ll hear it! The viewing hill is west of the beer garden.

For a beer garden with another fabulous view (and tables), head to Letna Beer Garden in Letna Park. Picnic tables afford a great view over Old Town, and there is basic food on offer in the summers as well. On Fridays and Saturdays, the assembly hall at the garden will host weddings, but most of the guests prefer to spend their time at the garden!

Recently, an area on the Vltava river has become a popular spot for lowkey nightlife. It’s called Naplavka, and the easiest way to find it is to go to the Dancing House and then look for Botel Matylda on the river. Walk south along the paved river walk. It gets crowded at night and there are boat bars and cafés with people sitting on the banks enjoying wine and beer. If you go too early the stones will still be baking from sitting in the sun all afternoon.

Farmer’s markets have also become popular lately, with the one at Jiriho Z Podebrad Square (by the church) being one of the most regular. On weekdays and Saturdays you can get local wines, meats and other snacks. It makes for a wonderful weekend brunch expedition.

In the colder months, locals take their activities inside and head to museums and galleries. The Klementinum library/observatory is a hidden gem for visitors, and it offers a unique view of Old Town. You can’t enter the impressive baroque library, but you can stand at the door and look inside.