– This post was written by Emma Levin –
Prague is a beautiful, medieval-like city that attracts thousands of visitors each year. In fact, Lonely Planet rated it the 8th best tourist destination for 2024 out of 200 incredible cities. Plan your next big trip to one of the most desirable cities of the year and add these must-sees to your 2024 Prague travel guide.
Visiting Prague feels like stepping back in time. The city of a hundred spires is known for its gothic-like architecture, with plenty to offer for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Beyond the city’s famous landmarks, like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, there are so many unusual things to do in Prague for off-the-beaten-path wanders.
Prague is one of the last true European cities with its medieval charm still intact. Between the winding cobblestone streets, large public squares, and Gothic architecture, there are so many beautiful places to see in Prague. Check out this Prague travel guide to get inspiration for your next big trip in 2024.
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Best things to do in Prague
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is one of the top things to do in Prague, especially for first-time visitors. Sitting on over 110 acres, Prague Castle is the largest medieval castle complex in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Originally built in the late 9th century by Prince Bořivoj, each new resident subsequently added to the Castle with towers, gardens, and churches. Visitors will enjoy checking out the Czech crown jewels and exploring St. Vitus Cathedral, which reportedly took over 600 years to build! Grab these tickets for a personalized guided tour of Prague Castle.
Charles Bridge
As an unmistakable silhouette of the Prague skyline, Charles Bridge should be one of the top attractions on your 2024 Prague travel guide. Built in 1357, this medieval bridge was once the only way to cross the Vltava River and remains one of the oldest functioning bridges in the world.
Full of street performers, musicians, and entertainers, tons of pedestrians flock to the bridge daily. It’s still a major thoroughfare since the bridge connects the Castle District to the Old Town. Grab these tickets for entrance to the Charles Bridge Museum and a scenic boat ride!
Old Town Square
One of the most well-known squares in Prague, Old Town Square is an energetic, lively area of the city filled with historic charm. Boarded by some important architecture, like the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the Church of Our Lady, and the Old Town Hall, the Square is one of the top places to see in Prague for its gothic decor. Once a busy marketplace inviting in traders and sellers, you can still find that buzz of energy in the historic center of the city.
Astronomical Clock
As you wander Prague’s Old Town Square, remember to look up on top of Old Town Hall to see Prague’s beautiful astronomical clock. A must-see for your Prague travel guide, the clock was installed back in 1410 and is the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world. Be sure to travel to the Old Town Square right before the hour strikes to check out the procession of the Twelve Apostles.
If you grab these tickets, you’ll be able to see the procession from inside the tower’s chapel and hear a short introduction about the Square’s history.
John Lennon Wall
One of the coolest places to see in Prague, the John Lennon Wall is perfect for music lovers visiting the city. The wall was painted across from the French embassy, commemorating the singer’s death in 1980. Besides honoring the Beatles’ singer, the wall represents freedom of speech and non-violent resistance and is still the only place in Prague where graffiti is legal. If you visit the wall, you’ll likely hear street performers paying homage to the greatest band of all time.
Unusual things to do in Prague
The Dancing House
The Dancing House is a unique piece of architecture that’s certainly one of the most unusual things to do in Prague. When it was built in the mid-90s, it was very controversial due to its odd architectural design compared to the Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau styles seen throughout Prague. You may hear the building referred to as Ginger and Fred since the dancing house was named after two famous Hollywood dancers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Today, travelers come from all over to take pictures at one of the weirdest places to see in Prague, located in New Town.
Franz Kafka Museum
For weird things to add to your Prague travel guide, be sure to grab tickets to the Franz Kafka Museum. Arguably Prague’s most famous writer, Franz Kafka, was born in Prague in 1883 and is honored today at the Franz Kafka Museum. The museum has displays of some of Kafka’s earliest short stories like The Metamorphosis, diary entries, and other drawings by the existentialist writer. Learn more about the life of this brilliant writer and see the first editions of some of his most famous works.
The Žižkov TV Tower
Prague’s famous television tower is the tallest building in Prague at 216 meters. It was built in the late 80s with some strange details, like artist David Černý adding sculptures of babies crawling through the tower’s pillars. Resembling the shape of a rocket ship, visitors can travel up to 93 meters high to get a 360-degree view of Prague. You can even visit the restaurant, cafe, and stay overnight in a one-room hotel. This tower stands out amongst the many gothic spires seen throughout the city and definitely tops the list of unusual things to do in Prague in 2024.
Where to eat like a local in Prague
Prague has a diversity of restaurants and cafes that cover both traditional Czech food and international cuisine. It’s especially well-known for its delicious Vietnamese restaurants! Check out this list of where to eat in Prague, so you can add some amazing eateries to your Prague travel guide for 2024.
Kantýna
Czech cuisine is most well-known for its delicious sausages, and Kantýna may serve the best ones in the city. This restaurant has been described as a “meat-lovers paradise,” with a butcher’s counter in the front and a communal dining restaurant in the back. You’ll pick your preferred meat and cut it from the butcher, and then the server brings it to your table. If you’re wondering where to eat in Prague, you can’t go wrong with a reservation at Kantýna!
Oblaca
Considered to be one of the coolest places to eat in Prague, the restaurant in the Žižkov TV Tower demands a visit. Oblaca is located 66 meters above the ground with incredible views of the city that include both Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge! Serving some delicious modern Czech cuisine, the chef takes creative inspiration from the Prague skyline. Be sure to book a reservation right around sunset to finish off a perfect day in the city.
Café Imperial
The ornate Café Imperial is a beautifully decorated restaurant that’s been around since 1914. Designed with magnificent old-world charm, diners have plenty to enjoy between the delicious cuisine and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional Czech food, so you’ll have to try the Svíčková or the Kulajda soup and finish off your meal with an Irish coffee!
Gao Den
Prague provides many delicious types of cuisine but is surprisingly well-known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Gao Den is no exception and is a lunch and dinner favorite for both locals and tourists. The restaurant cooks modern Vietnamese cuisine and does not hesitate to get creative with its dishes. Some of the menu favorites include the mango salad, Vietnamese spring rolls, and cashew chicken! Be sure to add Gao Den as a must-try to your Prague travel guide.
Where to stay in Prague
Prague has very reliable public transport, so you can’t go wrong when choosing a place to stay in the city. However, if you’re a newcomer, you’ll want to know which areas may fit your vibe for your 2024 Prague travel guide.
Best area in Prague for first-time visitors: Malá Strana
Translated to “Little Quarter,” this Prague neighborhood is as charming as they come. With a fairy-tale vibe, Malá Strana’s cobblestone streets, little fountain squares, and old Baroque architecture will please any newcomer in Prague. Simply walk the Charles Bridge from Old Town to Prague Castle to be met with a romantic and historic charm. The neighborhood is a tad busier during the day but becomes quite peaceful at night.
Best area in Prague for families: Vinohrady
This neighborhood is just beyond the city center and is the perfect area for traveling families. It’s slightly off the beaten path and is plentiful in cafes, parks, and outdoor restaurants. The neighborhood is home to both local residents and tourists and is a very calm residential district. Plus, the neighborhood has access to numerous public transport stops.
Best area in Prague for history-buffs: Old Town
History is never very far away while visiting Prague, but if you’re looking for an overdose of it–head to Old Town. Directly across the Vltava River from Malá Strana, Old Town has plenty of Gothic and Baroque elements, including the famous Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock. The Old Town neighborhood is perfect for travelers who want to wander the streets before choosing a local pub for a pint.
Best area in Prague for artists: Karlín
Karlín is a modern, trendy neighborhood in Prague with plenty of artistic charm and wine bars. After the area flooded in 2002, creatives and artists flocked to the neighborhood to put down roots and build up art galleries. The former factories in Karlín were modernized to create gastropubs, trendy restaurants, and coffee shops that attract some of Prague’s younger residents. If you’re wondering where to eat in Prague, you’ll enjoy staying in Karlín.
How to get around Prague
Prague takes pride in its very dependable public transportation system. It’s also a fairly compact city, so it’s easy to walk or bike everywhere.
You can travel around Prague via metro, tram, train, bus, or boat. If you prefer to take the metro, the city has three different lines: Green, Yellow, and Red. They come every 2 minutes during peak, so it’s one of the fastest ways to get around Prague.
There are a few different transportation passes: 30 minutes, 90 minutes, one day, and a 3-day pass. Remember to validate your metro tickets at the yellow validators, or you may get caught by a controller and receive a hefty fine.
Travelers who are more green-conscious can rent a bike in the city. Many locals enjoy biking around Prague since there are numerous bike paths, and it’s a very safe way to travel the city.
Lastly, if you plan to take a taxi around Prague, then keep in mind that Prague taxi drivers do not have the best reputation. If you call a taxi from the street, they’ll likely overcharge you. If you must take a taxi, ask your hotel to call it for you or use a rideshare app like Uber. Remember to do your research for your Prague travel guide and learn more about the ins and outs of how to get around Prague.
