Magical Things To Do In Prague: Historic Features And Contemporary Attractions

Welcome to Prague – the gorgeous Czech capital that stretches from riverfronts to hilltops at the heart of Europe in a paradise of colourful architecture, rich history, and cultural heritage. 

Famed from everything as beautiful as its golden-stoned Old Town to the intriguing red-carpet event that took place to commemorate the opening of the first McDonald’s and the end of communism – the city is not one to miss on your tour of the continent. In its ‘rebirth’, a new generation of young, creative, entrepreneurial locals have reconnected with traditional Czech culture through food, fashion, art, and design, and brought intrigue to camera-wielding tourists and unweakened passion within wide-eyed travellers.

Prague feels like a destination where fairy-tale imaginations come to life. The moment I left the airport the drove the winding roads into the main city centre, each angle brought nothing but delight, and the overwhelming magic of a place that could have easily destroyed itself amidst so much turmoil in the last century instilled a powerful reminder of the hope and beauty we can keep alive even in our toughest of times. 

Are you ready to explore a city of revival? A city where the Vltava River is crisscrossed by iconic bridges, where castle tops are just as magnificent as the residential properties, where the food scene is more than fresh and where midnight strolls are just as safe as noon walks?

Travel and Accommodation In Prague 

Despite its growing popularity, Prague is one the most affordable capitals in Europe. You could very easily find 2-night accommodation in 4* hotels well under £100 per person and flights from London also typically cost under a £100 too.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, most people either stay in and around the Old Town or within the Mala Strana. I personally prefer the Old Town because most attractions are in this area – but for a small and well-connected city, you can’t really go wrong. 

Good options include:

• Residence Bologna
• Josephine Old Town Square Hotel

17 Things To Do In Prague

Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock

Prague’s stunning Old Town has been the city’s market square since the 11^th century and is home to incredible attractions, including a Gothic chapel and the incredible Astronomical Clock. The latter is a complicated collection of instruments that shows several different versions of time, and every hour, it strikes loudly and puts on a show. While this is a landmark in Prague to marvel at for its exteriors, it’s also worth purchasing a ticket to go inside the attached town hall and gain a peak at the inner mechanisms. 

Charles Bridge

Prague’s most distinctive landmark loops over the Vltava in a majestic collection of stones and medieval style that has connected the Old Town to Mala Strana since the mid-1500s. Naturally a great draw to overwhelming crowds, even at night, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy the lively nature of the city – however, it’s also the most wonderful place to catch a quiet sunrise.

Prague Castle 

The castle and its complex is the largest in the world and looms over the city to form the most iconic views of the city, particularly from the Charles Bridge. Exploring every corner of this massive fortification could take up your entire day, so if you have limited time, some of the unmissable points of interest include the tiny houses of Golden Lane that were home to alchemists, the Romanesque façade of St George’s Basilica, the serene Strahov Monestry and the manicured landscapes of the South Gardens. If you time it just right, arrive at the castle gates just before mid-day to catch the changing of the guard as well!

St Vitus Cathedral

Tucked away inside the Prague Castle complex, this gothic cathedral dates back to 1344 when construction first began. The St Vitus Cathedral is the site of the coronation of Czech kings and queens and the burial site for saints and noblemen.

The National Museum of Prague 

The museum is one of the most beautiful of its kind that I’ve ever seen. Beyond its great displays and collections, the museum is the perfect place to visit if you want to further fall in love with grand Czech architecture. It genuinely feels more like a classical theatre than a museum!

Jewish Quarter

Almost every European city has one, and the one in Prague is just as historically significant as the others. The former Jewish ghetto of Josefov was once a small area within the city where Jews were once permitted to live. At one time, it is estimated that over 18,000 people lived crowded amongst buildings, synagogues, and tombstones. Today, the quarter is a space that memorialises and also celebrates Jewish heritage and is where to go if you want to see the oldest synagogue in Eastern Europe. 

Cruising The Vltava 

Taking a cruise on the Vltava River is one of the best things to do in Prague to enjoy the iconic landmarks from a different perspective. There are a variety of cruise options, everything from a simple 40-minute glide to a jazz dinner under the stars. 

The Klementinum Library 

The National Library is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and is a lovely attraction to visit if you want to admire the impressive Baroque architecture and stunning frescoes amongst thousands of books.

Sigmund Freud Statue

The seven-foot-tall statue hangs over the sublime urban area of Stare Mesto within the Old Town of Prague and has truthfully become a famous art installation for a clear reason. 

Mala Strana

Also known as the Lesser Town, the neighbourhood is amongst its colourful, cobbled streets, home to Prague Castle and St. Nicholas Church. This is a lovely place to take a quiet stroll, enjoy window shopping and indulge in sweet treats. 

Dancing House 

The Dancing House in the New Town of Prague is a building that draws attraction for its fascinating style which in its deconstructed shape, resembles a ‘moving’ building to illustrate the Czech nation cutting ties with its communist past and moving into a democratic space in the 90s. Head inside for views of the river from the rooftop terrace.

Petrin Hill 

Pentrin Hill looks like a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, and climbing its 299 steps to the top rewards visitors another spectacular view of the city.

Infinity Book Tower 

The Infinity Book Tower is a lovely installation made with over 8000 books and mirrors at the top and bottom to create the “infinity effect”.  Its definitely one of the best of the quirky attractions in Prague.

Rotating Head of Kafka 

Another unique sculpture located in the centre of the city, the rotating head of Kafka serves as tribute to the world-famous Czech writer Franz Kafka and is a must-see for literature lovers. For 15 minutes, every hour, its 42 panels revolve in a series of intriguing movements. 

Narrowest Street In Prague

Walking up and down the narrowest street in the city is one the most interesting things to do if you have five minutes to spare while exploring Mala Strana. It’s so narrow that each end has traffic lights so there are only one-way movements at any given time.

Terasa U Prince Café 

Overlooking the Old Town Square, this little hotel cafe is known for its romantic setting that also happens to be one of the top 15 hotel rooftops in the world! Make sure to head over for a drink while taking in picturesque, panoramic sights. An hour here truly leaves a lasting impression.

Trdelnik

Have your share of Trdelnik, a traditional pastry that originated in Slovakia in the 19th century, but has become increasingly popular in Prague’s street food scene. In its true from, the desert is a yeast dough rolled onto metal bars, placed over an open fireplace and then coated with sugar or ground nuts. Modern day touches to this dish includes filling the balls with caramel, chocolate or vanilla cream, various ice cream flavours, coconut flakes and much more. 

Four Incredible Places To Try Trdelnik In Prague

Creperie U Kajetana
Address: 9 Nerudova 248/17, 118 00 Malá Strana

“Trdelnik” Karlova
Address: Karlova 190/1, 110 00 Staré Mesto

Good Food Coffee & Bakery
Address: Karlova 160/8, 110 00 Staré Mésto

“Trdelnik” Celetna
Address: Celetná 565/26, 110 00 Staré Mésto

Average Cost For Three Days In Prague Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £120

Accommodation: £60 (£120 per double)

Attractions: £45

Food and amenities: £75

Practical Information About Prague

Location: Czech Republic, Europe

National Language: Czech

Currency: Czech Koruna

Neighbouring Countries: Slovakia, Poland, Germany and Austria