Prague for First-Timers: 13 BEST Things to Do & What to Skip
Planning your first trip to Prague and unsure what’s worth your time? Our Prague first-timers guide covers the 13 best things to do, plus a few you can totally skip.
We’ve visited hundreds of cities, but Prague easily remains one of our favourites in Europe. With cobbled streets, charming bridges, and impressive castles, it’s easy to see why. We’ve explored Prague in every season, climbed countless towers for the best city views, and we’re still discovering new spots on every visit.
This post includes the absolute best experiences Prague has to offer. We’ll also tell you honestly which attractions aren’t worth your time.
Plus, you’ll find an interactive map, extra suggestions for when you have spare time, and a helpful FAQ section. It’s everything you need to make your trip to the capital city of the Czech Republic an amazing experience.
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Our Top Picks for Your Prague Trip
Prague is one of Europe’s most visited cities, so be sure to book tours and hotels as early as you can!
Must-do experiences in Prague:
- Evening Vltava river cruise (best views of the castle after sunset!)
- Beer spa with unlimited beer (fun, relaxing, and one of the highest-rated experiences in Prague)
- Old Town walking tour with medieval tunnels (this tour really covers it all: history, hidden tunnels, and epic views from the tower)
Top places to stay in Prague:
- Allure Hotel & Residence (stylish, central, easy to walk everywhere)
- Almanac X Alcron (gorgeous interiors and a standout breakfast)
Save money on transport + sights in Prague:
Grab the Prague Visitor Pass (great if you’re using public transport and visiting big sights – it paid off for us)
Exploring beyond Prague? Compare rental car deals here.
13 Incredible Things to Experience in Prague
Prague is packed with unforgettable sights and unique neighbourhoods. It’s compact enough to explore on foot, but there’s still loads to see.
We’ve narrowed it down to the 13 best places in Prague you won’t want to miss. Some are famous landmarks, others are quieter spots we keep going back to.
1. See the Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock
This is Prague’s most famous landmark, and yes, it’s absolutely worth a stop! Every hour between 8am and 11pm, the Astronomical Clock puts on its show. The medieval puppetry only lasts about a minute, but it’s fun to watch.
Did you know? The Astronomical Clock is the third-oldest in the world and the oldest one still in operation.
The square in front of the clock (Old Town Square) gets super busy during the day. We always recommend going before 9am if you want fewer crowds and better photos.
You can also climb the Old Town Hall Tower for one of the best views of the city (we have a full section on our favourite tower view later in this post). From the top, you’ll see terracotta rooftops stretching across the Old Town and beyond.
Our top tip: We did this walking tour of Old Town, Jewish Quarter, Astronomical Clock and Underground and genuinely think it’s the best way to see it all. It includes guided visits through Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter, access to the Old Town Hall interior, a look behind the Astronomical Clock and its mechanism, the 12th-century underground tunnels, and even a ticket for the tower.
Admission: A ticket for the Old Town Hall Tower starts from Kč 350 (about US$17, €14, or £12), or it’s free with the Prague Visitor Pass.
2. Enjoy the view from one of Prague’s towers
We didn’t realise how many towers Prague had until we planned our first trip! Since then, we’ve climbed quite a few, and the views often feel straight out of a fairy tale, with red rooftops and Gothic towers spread below.
Did you know? Prague’s nickname is the “City of a Hundred Spires”, but it has closer to 500 towers and spires today.
Out of all the ones we’ve climbed, these two are our favourites:
Our top tip: Don’t try to tick off every tower. Choose 1 or 2 (definitely include the Lesser Town Bridge Tower) and aim for the golden hour if the weather is clear.
We’ve also climbed other towers, including the Powder Gate Tower (one of the original city gates), the Old Town Bridge Tower, the Klementinum Astronomical Tower, Petřín Tower, and even the Žižkov TV Tower. They’re fun to visit, but none offered views quite as striking or well-positioned as our top two.most impressive interiors
3. Soak in a Prague beer spa
Trying Czech beer is a must when you’re in Prague, and there’s a very unique way to enjoy it: instead of just drinking it at a pub, you can actually bathe in it.
We tried this beer spa with unlimited beer and had a blast. You soak in a whirlpool bath filled with natural beer ingredients, complete with your own tap offering unlimited light and dark Czech beer. It felt quirky and a bit extravagant, but incredibly relaxing… way better than a regular bath!
We didn’t take many pictures while we were there, but this video gives you a great idea of what to expect:
The experience isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the most fun and memorable things we’ve done in the city. It’s especially perfect after a long day of sightseeing. You can even add a massage afterwards, which we totally recommend.
Admission: Prices typically start from around Kč 1,500 (about US$71, €61, or £53) per person. Massage and upgrades cost extra.
4. Explore the grounds of Prague Castle
Prague Castle holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Built in the 9th century, it’s also part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It stretches across a hilltop and overlooks the entire city centre, which makes it worth visiting for the views alone. Walking through the castle grounds is completely free – and in our opinion, that’s the best part!
Going inside the buildings (like the Old Royal Palace or the interior of St Vitus Cathedral) requires a paid ticket. After visiting many castles across Europe, we found the interiors here a bit underwhelming. And the standard ticket doesn’t cover everything.
If you haven’t seen many castles, it could be worth paying for. But otherwise, we say save your money and time and do something different.
Our top tip: If you’re planning to see the inside of the castle, skip the queues and book ahead with this small-group guided tour. It’s one of the most popular ways to visit and includes your ticket and a local guide who’ll actually explain what you’re looking at.
Admission: Entry to the castle grounds is free. The standard ticket without a guide is Kč 450 (about US$21, €18, or £16), or free with the Prague Visitor Pass.
5. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge
Built in the 14th century, Charles Bridge is Prague’s oldest and most iconic bridge.
Crossing it is always one of our highlights whenever we’re in the city, and early morning is hands down the best. Just after sunrise, there’s hardly anyone around. It’s peaceful, and the views are incredible.
Later in the day, it turns into a completely different experience. Wall-to-wall tourists, buskers, and tour groups take over. It gets ridiculously crowded, especially in the afternoon.
We also loved seeing the bridge from the water. It gives you a very different perspective.
Our top tip: Cross the bridge before 9am (ideally around 7am or 8am) for the best experience. Once you’ve seen how packed it gets later, you’ll be glad you got up early.
Admission: Charles Bridge is free to cross.
6. Discover Prague’s historic Jewish quarter
Josefov is Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, sitting between the Old Town (Staré Město) and the river. It has six synagogues, the atmospheric Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum.
Did you know? A Jewish ghetto has existed in this area since at least the 12th century. While much was demolished in the late 1800s, the six synagogues and cemetery that remain form one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish monument complexes.
We explored it on our own the first time and found it a bit flat. The buildings were interesting, but we didn’t really understand what we were looking at.
On our second visit, we booked a walking tour, and it completely changed the experience! The guide shared stories we’d never have found on our own, and the whole area felt much more meaningful.
If you’ve only got time for one synagogue in the Jewish quarter, visit the Spanish Synagogue. Its Moorish-style interior is stunning and very different from the others.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is also worth seeing. Its weathered, overlapping tombstones are both haunting and fascinating.
Our top tip: Don’t just wander through – book this guided walking tour of the Jewish Quarter! It includes your entrance tickets and was hands down the best way to explore this part of Prague. We got so much more out of it the second time, and it made the experience feel personal and memorable.
Admission: The entrance fee for Prague Jewish Town covers four of the synagogues and the cemetery, and is Kč 600 (about US$28, €24, or £21). It’s free to visit with the Prague Visitor Pass.
7. Cruise along the Vltava River
Seeing Prague’s skyline from the water gave us a completely different perspective. The bridges and castle looked even more striking from below.
We’ve tried a few boat cruises over the years. The one we loved most was in the evening. Watching the city light up as we drifted past felt pretty magical.
Daytime cruises are great too. You get clearer views and a better sense of the city’s layout, so both give you something different.
Our top tip: We recommend two cruises, depending on the time of day you prefer. This evening sightseeing cruise was our favourite. The atmosphere is lovely, and the lit-up skyline looks incredible from the water.
If you’re going during the day, this daytime canal cruise takes you through hidden waterways and past medieval houses, with panoramic views of Prague Castle and more.
Admission: Most boat cruises start at around Kč 420 (about US$20, €17, or £15).
8. Visit the stunning Jerusalem Synagogue
The Jerusalem Synagogue (originally the Jubilee Synagogue) was built in 1905-06. Its interior is a stunning mix of Moorish Revival and Art Nouveau styles, and it remains the largest synagogue in Prague.
You might wonder why we didn’t include this one in the Jewish Quarter section. Well, it’s actually not in the Jewish Quarter. It’s just outside the historic centre, closer to the main train station.
That’s probably also why it feels like such a hidden gem in Prague – most tourists don’t make it out here, which is a shame because it’s absolutely worth seeing!
Admission: Entrance is Kč 150 (about US$7, €6, or £5), or free with the Prague Visitor Pass.
9. Wander through Wallenstein Palace Gardens
Wallenstein Palace Gardens were built in the 1620s as part of a lavish residence for a military general named Albrecht von Wallenstein.
They’re right next to Prague Castle, but most people miss them completely, so it often stays peaceful (even in peak season).
We were surprised by how big and beautiful the gardens were! There’s loads of greenery, elegant statues, and a pond with fish. We also spotted a few peacocks wandering around, which made it feel even more special.
We visited after exploring the castle and were so glad we added it to our day. It’s a quiet spot to take a break, especially if the sun’s out.
Our top tip: Bring a snack or coffee and relax here after Prague Castle. It’s free to enter and feels like a secret escape from the crowds.
Admission: Wallenstein Palace Gardens are free to enter. Please note that the gardens are only open from April to October (closed November to March).
10. Catch the sunset from Letná Park
We’ve seen the sunset from loads of places in Prague, but Letná Park is still our favourite. It’s one of Prague’s most expansive parks, right at the top of the hill above the river.
The view you get is amazing: the river winds through the city, and you can spot Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in the distance. As the sky starts to glow orange and pink, it all looks kind of magical.
Getting up there is a bit of a climb, but honestly, it’s so worth it for the view. There’s also a casual beer garden near the viewpoint (perfect on a sunny day!)
Our top tip: Go in the evening, bring a drink, and just enjoy it. If you’re planning to post later, check out our list of Prague captions for Instagram.
Admission: It’s free to visit Letná Park.
11. Stroll around charming Nový Svět
Nový Svět (which means “New World”) is a tiny old neighbourhood, just a short walk from Prague Castle. It used to house castle workers and artists, and it still feels like a quiet little corner from another time.
The cobbled lanes, pastel houses, and peaceful vibe make it feel more like a film set than part of a capital city.
It’s not very big – and honestly, we were done in about 15 minutes – but it was such a nice break from the busy areas nearby. It’s quiet, local, and feels totally different from the rest of the castle district.
Our top tip: Head here right after visiting Prague Castle. It’s only a few minutes away and a great way to slow things down.
Admission: It’s free to explore Nový Svět.
12. Visit Prague’s impressive National Museum
We love museums and have visited many around the world, so our expectations are usually high.
Some are brilliant (like the ones in Warsaw, London, or Stockholm), and others leave us underwhelmed (looking at you, Oslo and Brussels). Prague’s National Museum? It genuinely impressed us!
The exhibitions at the National Museum range from archaeology and natural sciences to a huge mineral collection and displays on evolution. It’s all beautifully presented, and we found it way more engaging than most.
The building itself is also incredible. It feels grand from the outside, but the interiors are just as impressive. There’s even a rooftop viewpoint with a lovely panorama of the city of Prague.
Our top tip: Plan for at least two hours, but you could easily spend most of the day here if you love museums. It’s one of the best ways to get a deeper sense of Czech culture and history.
Admission: Tickets cost Kč 300 (about US$14, €12, or £11).
13. Relax on Kampa Island
Kampa is a small island just off Charles Bridge, and it’s a great place to slow things down in the city. It has a calm, leafy vibe and feels like a little escape, even though it’s just steps away from the busy bridge.
We love walking along the waterfront here. The views of Charles Bridge are gorgeous, especially in the late afternoon light. There’s also a park, quiet paths, and benches where you can sit and just watch the world go by.
Admission: It’s free to explore Kampa Island.
Interactive Map: Prague’s Must-See Spots
To help you plan your trip, we’ve created an interactive map with all the locations mentioned in this guide. You can use it on your phone while walking around Prague, or star it on Google Maps to save it for later.
How to use this map: Access the list of locations by clicking on the top left corner of the map. For a larger view, open the map in a new tab by clicking on the top right corner. Alternatively, save our map to your Google Maps by clicking the star next to the map title.
Things You Can Totally Skip in Prague
There are some attractions that receive loads of hype, but, honestly, they left us pretty underwhelmed. Here are spots we think you can safely skip:
Charles Bridge at Midday
This iconic bridge is stunning – just not at noon. By then, it’s packed with tour groups, selfie sticks, and buskers. It’s hard to even move, let alone enjoy the view. Go early in the morning instead, ideally before 9am, for a quieter and more magical experience.
Petřín Lookout Tower
Some people call it Prague’s Eiffel Tower, and it does look like a mini version. But honestly, the views you get aren’t any better than what you get from Letná Park or the Lesser Town Bridge Tower (and those come without the queue).
The park is nice if you’ve got more time, but if you’re only in Prague for a few days, we’d skip it.
The Changing of the Guard at Prague Castle
We’ve watched it… and honestly, it’s not worth the wait. The ceremony is slow, a bit awkward, and feels more like a box-ticking exercise than a spectacle. If you’re short on time, skip it and spend longer exploring the castle grounds instead.
Klementinum Baroque Library
We were so excited to see the Klementinum baroque library… and then massively disappointed! You can’t go inside. You stand at a doorway, look into a long room, and that’s it.
If you love old libraries, visit the Austrian National Library in Vienna instead. It’s breathtaking – and you can actually walk around.
John Lennon Wall
It’s not what it used to be. The original vibe is long gone, covered by layers of stickers and graffiti. It now feels more like a messy alley wall than a piece of history or art. Even die-hard Beatles fans might want to give it a miss.
Head of Franz Kafka
It’s a large rotating metal sculpture made of 42 layers. Fun for a quick glance if you’re nearby, but not worth a detour.
Dancing House
It’s cool to look at for a minute, but that’s about it. Unless you’re really into architecture, we’d say skip the walk out here and focus on Prague’s older, more beautiful buildings.
Wenceslas Square
There’s not much charm here. The square is noisy, crowded, and a bit underwhelming. You’ll probably pass through it anyway, but don’t go out of your way to visit.
Other Prague Attractions (Great If You’ve Got More Time)
Queen Anne’s Summer Palace (Belvedere) – Elegant arcades and garden at Prague Castle’s edge. Pleasant if you’re nearby, but not worth a detour.
Speculum Alchemiae (Alchemy Museum) – Quirky underground museum with secret passages. Small, atmospheric, and surprisingly fun.
Prague Main Train Station – Art Nouveau building with high ceilings. Worth a peek if you’re passing through.
Vrtba Garden – A baroque garden with terraced views and manicured hedges. Lovely and quiet, but closed November to March.
Museum of Communism – Thoughtful exhibits on life under communist rule. Interesting if you enjoy modern history.
St Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) – Beautiful Baroque interior and domed ceiling. Nice stop if you’re nearby.
Infinity Book Tunnel – Cosy bookshop with a charming tunnel of books. A cute, quick visit. Check out our dedicated Infinity book tunnel post for a review and tips.
Vnitroblock – Relaxed industrial space with cafés, art, and shops. Great for an afternoon coffee break.
Střelecký Island – Quiet green island in the Vltava. Perfect for a peaceful picnic or rest.
Historic Tram 42 Route – Scenic tram ride with riverbank views but a bit overpriced. Still a fun and easy way to sightsee.
Lucerna Palace (Palác Lucerna) – Art Nouveau arcade with cafés, a venue, and quirky upside-down statue.
Day trip to Český Krumlov – Fairytale town with a castle and river views, ideal for a full day.
Day trip to Kutná Hora – Home to the eerie Bone Church and historic streets. Fascinating and easy to reach.
Need Prague hotel ideas?
Check out our guide to where to stay in Prague for area tips and hotel recs.
Prague Travel FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about visiting Prague, along with our honest answers:
When is the best time to visit Prague?
April-June and September are ideal. The weather is mild, the city looks beautiful, and there are fewer tourists than in summer. You’ll also get over six hours of sunshine most days. December is also lovely if you want to see Prague’s famous Christmas markets.
How many days do you need in Prague?
3 days is perfect for a first visit. You’ll see all the main sights and still have time to wander. If you’ve got more time, you can add a few hidden gems or take a day trip.
Is the Prague Visitor Pass worth it?
It depends on how much you plan to do. If you’re visiting several paid attractions (like Prague Castle, Jewish Town, Old Town Hall Tower, or National Museum) and using public transport, the Prague Visitor Pass can be great value.
We’ve visited Prague both with and without the Prague Visitor Pass and didn’t regret getting it – it saved us money and made entry smoother. Just calculate whether it covers what you want to do.
Is Prague a walkable city?
Very. Most major sights are close together, especially in Prague’s Old Town and Castle areas. Just be prepared for cobbled streets, narrow streets, and a few hills.
Is Prague or Vienna better?
They’re very different! Prague feels older and more compact, with a fairytale charm. Vienna is grander and more refined. We love both, but Prague is often easier for a short break.
Final Thoughts
Our goal with this guide was simple: to help you avoid time-wasters and focus on the things that really make the Czech capital special. We hope it’s given you a clearer sense of how to plan your days and what’s worth your time in Prague.
Check out our other Prague posts:
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