Prague

The Ultimate Czech List

Prague is a captivating city, recognised for its Gothic charm and rich cultural heritage. Complete with stunning architecture, a vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of historical sites, Prague is the perfect destination for a memorable city break and, of course, a pint of beer!

I went to Prague this year for an autumnal long weekend with my mum, in true “Gilmore Girls” style. Staying in the Old Town area, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, we were perfectly situated in the city’s hub, a short walk to the Old Town Square, the Josefov quarter, and Mala Strana. Though I came equipped with a thorough itinerary, we stumbled upon a mine of hidden gens, which were a welcome surprise! It is a city that must be explored on foot and merits being uncovered inch by inch. Make sure to look up, down, and sideways; you never know what you might find!

What do you need to know beforehand?

Optimal Season(s): Spring and Autumn are noted as the best seasons to explore Prague, as the trees blossom or begin to turn amber and gold – April, May, September and October.
Length of Stay: Prague is charming and surprisingly small, easily explorable in 3-4 days.
Traditional Food: Czech dishes are hearty and delicious. From stewed dishes with dumplings and cabbage to goulash soup, classic Czech cuisine is rich and packed full of flavour. Trdelník is also a very popular sweet dish, consisting of rolled dough drizzled in chocolate or stuffed with ice cream (it’s as delicious as it sounds), as well as gingerbread and kolach, a sweet, fruit jam disc. It wouldn’t be a visit to Prague without trying Pilsner Urquell, the national lager of the Czech Republic; there are tasting options at nearly every bar in the city, and there is even a beer spa!
Notable Annual Events: While the Christmas markets are a crowd favourite, Prague hosts a range of events throughout the year. The Czech Beer Festival during May, the Pumpkin Festival in October, or the Prague Fringe in May. Whenever you decide to travel, make sure to check out what’s on—you may be in for a pleasant surprise!
Claim to Fame: Prague is a familiar feature in multiple Hollywood movies, such as “Casino Royale,” “Bourne Identity,” the latest “Mission Impossible,” and “Spider-man: Far From Home.” If you’re a movie buff, make sure to check out these iconic film locations as you explore the city.

Beginners Basics

Before I delve into the nitty-gritty hidden gens of Prague, there are a lot of sights to see and explore beforehand. During the off-season, tourist areas are far quieter, with fewer queues and more dining availability. However, during the peak season, I’d make it your prerogative to book ahead so as not to miss out on the fun. Though you’ll likely stumble upon most of these jewels by chance, here’s a beginners Czech list to give you a helping hand:

Old Town Square

The good news about Prague is that you don’t have to travel far and wide to find the city’s main attractions. The Old Town Square is home to various Gothic buildings of significance, making for a striking perimeter – perfect for photographs!

The square is lined with al fresco-style cafes and bars, bustling with visitors and the sound of glasses clinking. If you’d like to dine overlooking this Gothic quarter, then you can alternatively head up to Terrace U Prince, just make sure to book ahead. You’ll also find some of the best Trdelník in Prague here, from Good Food Coffee & Bakery to Trdelník Sweet Dreams, two of the top-rated in town. It’s a foodie’s heaven and beer lover’s dream, so bring an appetite.

Powder Tower – We headed up the Powder Tower Gate at 10 a.m., catching the morning rays as they illuminated the city. After climbing 186 steps to the top, you’ll be greeted by magnificent views and a rear glimpse of the Church of Týn. The tower serves as the entrance to the Old Town and is an unmistakable example of ancient architecture dating back to 1475. While there are more renowned viewpoints in Prague, few possess the same rich history as the Powder Tower.
Church of Our Lady before Týn – The imposing umber spires of the Church of Týn have held prominence in Prague since the 14th Century. Inside, proudly await aisles of baroque furnishings and an impressive golden altar. You’ll be able to spot the intricate peaks of the church from most viewpoints in the city, ensuring it is one of the most recognised features of Prague!
Astronomical Clock – Designed by clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň around 1410, the Astronomical Clock is one of the oldest working clocks in the world. With gleaming gold rims, vibrant hues, and beautifully sculpted figurines, the clock is truly a unique and exquisite feature. It is so beautiful, in fact, that in a desperate attempt to ensure that no other clock like it would ever be built, the Prague Council blinded Mikuláš, preventing him from creating another. I would recommend joining a walking tour to get the full history of this wonderful piece of work – learn all about Mikuláš and the individual tales of the figurines! Look out for the grim reaper, which is my personal favourite.
Old Town Hall – For the best view of the Old Town Square, make sure to head up the tower of the Old Town Hall. You’ll get the best view of the Church of Our Lady before Týn from up here, looking down on the hustle and bustle of the square below. There are rooms to explore within the Hall; however, I’d make it your mission to get to the top – one of my favourite views in Prague!
St. Nicholas Church (Staré Město) – Another impressive building to admire from above or below. With its baroque design dating back to the 1730s, the church is a captivating sight within the square and certainly worth a visit!
Wenceslas Square & The National Museum – A short walk from the Old Town Square is Prague’s cultural and shopping district, Wenceslas square. This part of the city is rife with life, with streams of visitors pouring down the pavements leading up to the National Museum, which hosts an extensive display of science and history. If you decide to head up towards the museum, make sure to stop by the Jerusalem Synagogue, an intricate, technicolour structure – it is so beautiful, it doesn’t look real!

Malá Strana

Though Malá Strana is known as the “Lesser Town,” it is by no means lesser in terms of its beauty or history. Situated across from the Old Town, and separated by Charles Bridge, the Malá Strana district is home to secret gardens, cobbled squares, and the imposing silhouette of Prague Castle.

There are bars and restaurants that line the water’s edge, looking back towards the old town, including BRICK’s Restaurant, which is a cozy eatery with a phenomenal sunset view of Charles Bridge. One of the most popular bars is only accessible by foot, through a narrow alley operated by a traffic light system, known as Prague’s narrowest street. The Malá Strana is full of quirky nooks and lesser-known treasures – make sure to spend the day exploring this interesting area!

Charles Bridge – Charles Bridge is the most famous crossing over the river Vltava and takes its name from King Charles IV, who commissioned the bridge in 1357. A corridor of statues, artists, market stalls, and musicians will guide you to the Malá Strana, where you will be met by the Lesser Town Bridge Tower; a tall, arched tower that overlooks St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana) and the distant Prague Castle. This is one of my favorite viewpoints in the city, offering a Lowry perspective of the bridge passers below – definitely worth the 138 steps to the top. As you cross the bridge, make sure to touch the falling priest plaque for good luck!

The Lennon Wall – The Lennon Wall is a colourful explosion of love, peace, freedom, and unity, a creation that emerged after the assassination of John Lennon in 1980. Despite its intended origin, the wall became a political symbol over the years, where locals and visitors would convey their opinions on policy or debate government reforms. Though some have criticized the total repainting of the wall in response to topical news, I think that part of the beauty of the Lennon Wall is that it continues to remain relevant, reflective of society and the ever-evolving times; my favorite photograph actually shows a young boy making his mark. It is one of the most popular attractions in Malá Strana and gets very busy from noon onwards, so I’d recommend getting there early to see it in all of its glory!

Prague Castle – A trip to Prague Castle is a jam-packed day, as it’s home to a range of popular sites including Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Royal Garden. Covering an extensive 70,000 square meters, the castle is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also appears in the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world! Access to the castle grounds is free; however, entry to certain areas is ticketed. I’d recommend getting to the castle early to avoid the queues and to get the best photos of Golden Lane!
Starbucks – It may seem ridiculous to add Starbucks to your Prague itinerary, but the Starbucks by Prague Castle is very different to your local branch. Head to the courtyard outside Prague Castle, for a Starbucks with an extraordinary roof terrace overlooking the city.
Waldstein Garden – The Waldstein Garden is a peaceful retreat from the city crowds, patrolled by a platoon of friendly peacocks and overlooked by an ominous fleet of owls. The garden is framed by a grotto-esque wall, which is shrouded by draping foliage, masking a beautiful palace and fountain gardens. The garden is especially enchanting in the evening when the light turns golden – make sure to add this to your itinerary!
Petrin Tower and Hill – Though this part of the city wasn’t my personal favourite, it is generally regarded as one of the popular viewpoints and parks. The tower, recognisably inspired by the Eiffel Tower, is a 299-step climb, offering panoramic vistas of the whole city. In autumn, as the trees glisten orange and gold, you can hike through the bright canopies of the park or enjoy the ride up on the funicular – this is one of the most popular seasons to explore the area!

Josefov

Josefov is the lively Jewish Quarter of Prague, adjacent to the Old Town. Entrance to its synagogues, halls, and museum is ticketed, allowing you to explore some of the structures that have existed as early as the 16th century. Though the quarter is tarnished by the memory of the Nazi occupation of 1939, what remains today is a beautiful display of tenacity and solidarity. The museum and cemetery, in particular, are incredibly eye-opening; make sure to request a headset in order to gauge the sheer magnitude of its history.

Beyond the cemetery walls, you will be able to traverse the cobbled streets of the town, which are lined with market stalls and independent stores, quaint cafes, and synagogues. The ticket permits access for 7 days, with the exception of Jewish holidays, so you have plenty of time to return and roam this unique part of the city!

The Dancing House

Situated just outside of the Old Town is a peculiarly shaped building nicknamed the Dancing House, or sometimes known as Ginger & Fred, after the restaurant that sits at its top. The building is designed in a deconstructivist style and is erected on the site of a destroyed housing block, which was bombed in 1945. This unconventional structure is certainly eye-catching and carries an unassuming history, despite its modern look.

Hidden Gens

Beyond Prague’s main attractions are a treasure trove of historic, modern, and downright quirky hidden gens waiting to be explored. From babies stuck in drainpipes to an elevator missing its door… I’m here to help you uncover Prague’s best-kept secrets: the little quirks only the locals know about!

David Černý

Before visiting Prague, I was familiar with a few notable sculptures by Czech artist David Černý that have become synonymous with the city’s landscape and culture. Little did I realize, however, that Černý’s artistic creations were practically everywhere. This unconventional sculptor has scattered his works across Prague like puzzle pieces. From an upside-down horse to barcode-eyed babies, Černý’s sculptures are a fun diversion for your city break.

To guide your quest, here are the names and locations of some of his remarkable pieces, however I won’t disclose what each of these is (excluding a few sneaky snaps) – go find out for yourself!

Statue of Franz Kafka (2014) – Quadrio Shopping Centre, Spalena 22, Nove Mesto, Prague
Man Hanging Out (1996) – Perstyne street
Embryo (2008) – Na Zabradli theater, Anenske namesti 5 – Top Tip: also visit at night!
Quo Vadis (2001) – German Embassy, Vlasska 19, Mala Strana, Prague
Statue of King Wenceslas Riding an Upside-Down Horse (1999) – Lucerna passage, Vodickova, Nove Mesto, Prague
Crawling Babies (2008) – Kampa Museum, U Sovovych mlynu 2, Mala Strana, Prague and TV Tower, (Tower Park Prague), Mahlerovy sady, Vinohrady, Prague
Pissing Men (2004) – In front of the Kafka Museum
Three Graces (2007) – Voršilská 130/10, 110 00 New Town
Václav Havel Memorial Plaque (2012) – Divadlo na zábradlí theatre
Brown Nosing (2003) – Futura Gallery, Holečkova 789/49, Prague
Maso (2007) – MeetFactory, Ke Sklárně 3213/15, Prague
Torso of a Tank (2018) – Náměstí Kinských, Praha 5
Beetle (2020) – Vaníčkova ulice, Prague 6

Knockout Doors

One of the most beautiful features in Prague are the wooden shutters that conceal cafes and shops at night. While they may look unassuming in the evening, they become truly magical in the light of day, plastered with posters and books or decorated with vibrant murals. The Malá Strana, in particular, is riddled with beautiful doors and ornate storefronts, so make sure to peek down side streets and peer through door frames – you never know what you might spot!

Tower of Books

Built with a staggering 8,000 used or donated books, and on display in the Municipal Library of Prague, the Infinity Tower is a unique addition to your Prague itinerary. Created by Slovak artist Matej Kren, the Tower of Books is an illusionary installation that appears to visitors as an infinite pit. Made possible by a mirrored base, this paperbacked well is alarmingly realistic – not for the faint-hearted or those scared of heights!

Paternoster Lift

The Paternoster Lift is not something I’d come across before visiting Prague City Hall, nor is it something I was that enthusiastic to try out. They don’t stop or slow down, and have no doors – you just have to hop off when you approach your desired floor. Though these are few and hard to find these days due to safety precautions, they were a popular design following their creation in the 1860s and are still in operation in some historical buildings. Once you get over the initial terror of stepping in, I’m sure you’ll find the experience a strange and enjoyable one!

Quirky Cafes, Restaurants and Bars

Styl & Interior – Tucked behind a modest, modern façade is a beautiful walled restaurant, whose vintage appeal is so captivating it feels like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel! The cafe serves not only food but homeware too – a quaint hidden spot worth checking out!
Kafe & Hrnky – This charming café has a secret upstairs pottery shop, where you can paint and take home freshly kilned creations. If you’re looking for something to do away from the crowds or are sheltering from a rainy day, then make sure to roll up your sleeves and head to Kafe & Hrnky – just make sure not to get any paint in your coffee!
Luka Lu – Luka Lu is an eccentric former Yugoslavian-inspired restaurant exploding with character, colour, and creativity. This quirky restaurant is a beautiful celebration of art and culture, showcasing employee artwork or music throughout the year!
Anonymous Shrink’s Office – This mysterious cocktail bar uses the inkbolt psychoanalytical method, discovered by Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach, to choose your drink… yes, that’s right, you have no idea what you’ve ordered until you try it. The bar uses different methods such as choosing a piece of artwork or a scent to perfectly pair each customer with a drink matched to their liking. An unusual and unique concept unlike any other!

Foodie Favourites & Bars

For more foodie spots around the city, I’ve got you sorted. From breakfast to cocktails, here are some of the best-rated and tested spots in the city:

Marina Ristorante – great sunset spot 🌅 – Italian Restaurant on the riverside (Old Town side) – ££
U Fleka – one of the most popular – Czech food – ££
Pizza Nuova – Italian restaurant – £££
Bistro Monk – Breakfast & brunch – ££
Kampa Cafe – Breakfast & brunch – ££
Food Lab – International cuisine & cocktails – ££
BRICK’s Restaurant – great sunset spot 🌅 – Italian Restaurant (Malá Strana side) – ££
Pasta Fresca – Intimate Italian restaurant – ££

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Prague