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So you’re headed to Prague for the first time and have no idea what to do. You’ve come to the right place.
Prague is a medieval time capsule located smack down in the center of Europe.
After finally breaking free from mommy dearest (aka Communist rule) in 1989, Prague has been on a non-stop climb to the top; showing the world all the excitement, culture, and beauty they’ve been missing.
Take this guide with you so you can complete all the wonderful things Prague has to offer.
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Useful Information
Currency: Czech Koruna (which translates to Crown in English)
Language: Czech People speak Czech. Not Russian so please don’t be “that guy”
Speaking of language. Here are a few helpful phrases:
Beer: pivo
Cheer: Na Zdravi
Thank you: Dekuji
Hello: Dobrey Den
Please: Prosim
Restroom: Toaleta
A few don’ts
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Don’t go to a club on a Monday or Tuesday. It’s a waste of time. If you’re looking to party with the local crowd then go on a Thursday night. Wednesday-Sunday are the partying days, although by Saturday most people are too hung over to go out; therefore, Thursday is a perfect clubbing day.
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Don’t say Czechoslovakia. It’s Czech Republic and has been for some time now.
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Don’t call the Czech language Russian. Many Czech people don’t even like the Russians. Yes, they are both of Slavic nature, but Czech people are proud of their country, language, and Central European location, so don’t compare them to Russians.
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Don’t wear your shoes into a Czech person’s home. They will sometimes offer you slippers to change into, but if not your socks are fine.
The famous Old Town Square. Yes, they even had a jousting match occurring when I was last there.
Getting around Prague
Like most European cities, Prague is well equipped with rails, trams, subways, and buses to make getting around quick and easy. Uber is also very popular there and safe. I personally used Uber all the time.
A few helpful apps to help you get around are – Google Maps and 2GIS. Both can be used offline.
Neighborhoods:
Prague is divided into 10 districts. Prague 1-10 with Prague 1 being the most popular for visitors (aka the touristy area).
My personal favorites are Prague 2 and 7.
Prague 2 is a beautiful neighborhood filled with dozens of shops, amazing restaurants, and one of the best beer gardens in Prague – Riegrovy Sady. Not to mention a local hot spot along the Vltava River known as Naplavka.
Prague off the Map is a great resource for learning what every neighborhood has to offer. Check out their site here.
Now that you are equipped with some tips and facts, here are 30 things to do in Prague for first time (or multiple time) visitors:
Breakfast at James Dean for the win. Ok, more like bottomless mimosas for the win.
Food & Drink
#1) Breakfast at James Dean
This place resembles an old fashion American diner decorated with Marilyn Monroe and obviously James Dean. Located in the middle of Old Town and Jewish Quarter.
I recommend coming for brunch to enjoy mimosas made with their freshly squeezed in-house orange juice. Then sit back and enjoy the jukebox play all the classics we love.
#2) Drink a Tank Beer
Obviously, the Czech people love their Pilsner, but they also love their Tank Beer. In my opinion Tank Beer is often overlooked by many tourists, so grab one and enjoy.
#3) Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Strahov Monastery
All the beers are named after Saint Norbert, they also offer remarkable views of the city. It’s a steep walk up and down, so wear comfy shoes.
#4) Take a shot of Slivovitz without making a horrid face at the end
Since you will be spending a fair amount of time in Prague 1, stop by Krcma and take your shot of Slivovitz. It’s a local bar with cheap prices, and medieval interior.
Seriously, I don’t think that place has been touched by the 21st century.
#5) Go to Las Adelitas to eat some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had
Mind you, this is in Prague of all places and it still so good. This is by far my favorite place to eat in Prague (my little piece of home). Their food is so delicious they have three locations around Prague.
Just another BEAUTIFUL overpass bridge in Prague. Yes, there are many, many more like this.
Local Things to Do in Prague
#6) Eat a true Czech dessert, not a Trdelnik
Yes, Trdelniks are so yummy, but they are actually true to Slovak culture, not Czech.
#7) Go on your own pub crawl
I went on the organized Prague Pub Crawl and was seriously disappointed. Prague has an incredible bar scene, which means you better get to drinking. Check out my post on which bars are a must see while in Prague. Drunken Satisfaction guaranteed.
#8) Make friends with a Czech local
Walk into the first local bar you see, sit down with confidence, get out your Google translate, and chat away. I’ve learned some Czech during my time in Prague, so I was happy to use it during a conversation.
Talk about their good history of King Charles, Wenceslas, and Havel. You will find that many are proud of their Bohemian past and love to talk about it.
#9) Stroll through Naplavka by day and party by night
Naplavka is the Czech’s version of a beachside party. At night groups of people come out with drinks, and sit alongside the river chatting away.
You will find houseboats, now turned into bars, line the docks offering food, drinks, and live music.
#10) Go to a hockey or soccer game
Depending on the time of year, if you can catch a live sporting game, GO!
#11) Go to a grocery store and pour your own wine from the draft
I brought an empty 2L water bottle and filled it from the dispenser. It cost me about $2 for some pretty good Moravian wine.
Touristy Things to Do in Prague
#12) Snap a photo with the Dancing House
While I agree the architecture of this building is fascinating, there’s not much the Dancing House offers. Still, you must snap a photo and maybe even go inside.
#13) Walk around Old Town Square
Old Town Square is very touristy but necessary for any first-time visitors. Something is always going on to keep you entertained.
It’s also home to the famous Astronomical Clock.
#14) Quickly tour the Prague Beer Museum so you can enjoy your 4 free samples of beers
The museum itself was very MEH, but you get to sit in a cool cave at the end and enjoy 4 different samples of Czech Republic beer.
After you realize the Prague Beer Museum is ok, go to the SECOND Prague Beer Museum and get a sample of all 40 beers! The level of intoxication will vary depending on your group size.
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#15) Stroll down Parizka Street for some (window) shopping
Think of this street as the Rodeo Drive of Prague. A place for high end, luxury brand shopping. It’s also located in the Jewish Quarter; the most expensive neighborhood in Prague.
#16) Count the Spires around the city
They don’t call Prague a city of a thousand spires for nothing. How many can you count?
#17) Climb the steps of Petrin Lookout Tower
Prague’s very old rendition of the Eiffel tower. Climb to the top and admire more amazing views.
#18) Take the Discover Prague free walking tour
Note: Don’t forget to tip your guide in the end. I tipped 100 CZK ($4 USD) per person when I went. Hopefully, you get the guide Ashley because he was awesome.
Art and Museums
#19) Rudolfinum for a classical music concert
I must say, I didn’t make it to a concert due to time conflict, but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the beauty of the concert hall and of course the music.
The entrance to the hall is covered with a red carpet making it all the more convincing to dress up for a fancy evening over classical music.
#20) Tour Prague Castle
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if a castle is what you are looking for, you will not find it. That big Gothic Building you see in all the pictures is actually St. Vitus Cathedral.
The buildings around it did once belong to the high and mighty, but today it’s used by the current President. Still a gorgeous place to visit.
The Discover Prague Tour does a walking tour that covers all the castle grounds without actually going inside. It’s 200 CZK ($8 USD) for a 3-hour tour. TIP: Take the 5 pm tour for fewer crowds and better pictures.
#21) Find the fake windows in old Baroque buildings
Baroque buildings are meant to be symmetrical, so when some were built uneven, painters would paint fake buildings to keep it true to the baroque style.
HINT: There’s one around the Prague Castle grounds. Can you spot the fake windows?
#22) Enjoy Art Nouveau at the Mucha Museum
Cheap cold beer and views overlooking Prague. Talk about a perfect day at Letna Beer Garden.
Outdoor Activities
#23) Have a beer at one or all beer gardens
Prague is home to some of the most beautiful beer gardens I’ve had the pleasure of drinking at.
Make sure to stop by my favorites: Letna and Regrovy SadySadly, if you visit Prague in the winter months, these beer gardens will be closed.
#24) Stroll Wenceslas Square
Another popular square in Prague – one of the main and original ones. Today, Wenceslas Square is a center for business, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
#25) Enjoy the nature at Jeleni Prikop
A strip of land around the backside of the Prague Castle that used to serve as a moat but now is a scenic walking path.
#26) Paddle Boat along the Vltava River
Nothing beats taking in the city view than from the river. You may even befriend a few swans while you’re out there.
#27) Watch the changing of the guards at Prague Castle
Classic Baroque architecture.
Where to Get a History Lesson
#28) Take a Vintage Car Tour
I put this on the list as a “what not to do” unless you’re really not up for walking, I recommend the walking tour over this one. Looking at the vintage cars from the outside is better anyways, but still, first timers love them.
#29) Tour the Jewish Quarter
Make sure to stop by the oldest operating Synagogue in Europe. Right across from the Synagogue is an overcrowded cemetery. There you will find a few notable people, but what really makes this place unlike any other, is how many people are buried there.
Back in the day when Jews were only allowed to live in the Jewish Quarter, they were also only allowed to be buried there. Since the Jewish religion does not believe in cremation, all the deceased had to be buried there, piled on top of each other in this one small cemetery.
Some tombstones have multiple names. When the Jewish people had asked for more land, the government said no and instead gave them more dirt so this cemetery is high above the ground only packed in by the walls surrounding it.
#30) Pay your respects at the Lennon Wall
It goes without saying the Lennon Wall is a must for any first timers in Prague. It really is remarkable. The wall is always changing as people leave messages daily.
If you have more time, I recommend taking a 3 hour day trip from Prague to see the beautiful Cesky Krumlov. It will not disappoint. Read more about it here.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission when you purchase through these links, which helps me create more great content…and buy pizza!
Share your Prague must-dos in the comments below!
My goodness, what a guide to Prague! I’ve never been, but it seems wonderful and a place where there’s so much to do. If my husband and I are ever lucky enough to go, I know we’ll be tasting (and touring) the beer gardens (for him) .. and taking a stroll through Old Town Square (for her) x
What a great post and your images are breathtaking!! I’ve never heard of Prague, but since reading your post I would love to add Prague to my bucket list. I’m sure my husband would enjoy vising Prague too, especially going to the grocery store and pouring his own wine from the draft.
Thank you so much. The wine part is my favorite!
I have to admit that I had never considered visiting Prague. I have no idea why, though, because it looks like a great place to visit. I would definitely like to go on the Paddle Ride. The Old Town Square looks interesting to me, too. I bet it could be a romantic destination for couples.
Well this is a very helpful post. Pretty much planned a vacation for us! ha! So many things to do, experience and explore in Prague. I had no idea. I am adding this to one of our vacation wish lists!
Yay! I’m glad you found it helpful. So many more things to do too. Hope you make it one day.
These are really great tips!! I’ve been to Prague myself just last year and I absolutely loved that place especially the Old Town. I can wholly agree with all the tips that you’ve shared here too and I hope others will make full use of it!
Thank you for the kind words. Old Town is awesome. So full of history. Glad you were able to visit.
Wow! Sounds like a great list of things to do. I never thought about visiting Prague, but I definitely plan on looking more into it. Such beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing.
I am so up for the vintage cars tour. How unique and what a great thing to do while on vacation. Prague looks like an amazing place to visit and it definitely makes it on my “to travel” list.
Oh, there’s so much to do in Prague. I may have to extend my visit to catch all the fun. I know hubby will be game for all that’s available.
Are you there right now?! How fun.
How beautiful! I would love to visit Prague! I have never been out of the united states except to Canada and I did not want to come back. It reminded me of Europe in so many ways. i wish I could afford to visit abroad. Your photos are spectacular.
I was just telling my boyfriend how much I want to visit Quebec, Canada.
Prague was one of the first European cities I visited and will always be my favorite. This gives me lots of great ideas for things to do when I go back…I’ll have to try that beer museum tour for sure!
So happy to hear that 🙂
Oh how I love Prague, even if I have only been there some many years ago only for 2 days and most certainly I did not try all the 30 things. Will keep this for later since I definitely need to go back!
I have heard such amazing things about Prague and now I want to visit even more! Your photos are beautiful, too 🙂 Saved this post for later!
Awe thank you. I appreciate that.
“Many Czech people don’t even like the Russians.” LOL I was thinking.. who likes Russians?
Great post. I am DYING to do these in Prague.
haha that’s what so many locals always told me.
This was fun!
Hoping to go to Prague next year for one of my first international trips. Favorite tips are ones about food. Lol.
First international trip?! How exciting!
Thank you so much for such an informative and helpful post. I am thinking of moving to Prague so this is so helpful!!
Great list! Prague is high up on my destinations for my next trip to Europe. I can’t believe there is good Mexican food all the way out there!
Haha yeah the best Mexican food. I am from the Southwest so Mexican food is my comfort food.
I was there but only for 2 nights after a river cruise. It’s a beautiful city. Wish I could have spent more time there. Great suggestions.
Oh I’ve always wanted to do a river cruise. Must have been so much fun!
I’m living in the Czech Republic this summer working as an aupair. The no shoes thing inside is so true. I’ve been walking around barefoot all summer. I’m doing a proper Prague visit in about a week, so I’m going to bookmark this post.
oh that’s awesome! I can’t wait to move back to Prague next year.
Thank you for the great guide. I have been there some time ago for a weekend trip from University but now I realize that there is much left to do. I will have to go another time I guess. Thanks for the advice and adding another destination to my bucket list… again 😀
This is such a great resource for anyone planning a trip. I have been before but that was back in the 1980s, I wasn’t there very long and as a teenager I balanced the sightseeing with, um, partying! I’d love to go back!
It’s safe to say a lot has changed since then but one thing remains. . . .the partying! So many great places in Prague to let loose.
I wish I had visited Prague when I still lived in England. It’s a bit far from Canada but it’s totally on my list. I really like your advice here – especially the etiquette. Very useful!
Thanks for reading. I’m jealous you’ve lived in both England and Canada.
This is incredibly useful! I love how the first language tip is how to say beer… and interesting about the night clubs! Most places, Saturday would be the best night to go. Prague is definitely on my bucketlist so I’ll save this info for when I get there!
Thank you for the kind words. I guess it’s obvious I always got beer on the mind haha. Hope you make it to Prague sooner than later. 🙂
Most accurate description of Prague and local people by a foreigner I have seen so far. Just one mistake though: Beer is not “pa” in Czech, correct word for beer is “pivo”. “pa” is a girly way to say “good bye” to someone, but it has nothing to do with beer 😉