12 Best Things To Do In Prague For First Time Visitors!

Planning a trip to the beautiful city of Prague? In this post you can find the best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors!

If you’re planning your first trip to Prague, then get ready to fall in love with this enchanting city where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. Known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is brimming with magnificent Gothic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a rich tapestry of arts and culture. Whether you’re wandering through the historic Old Town or enjoying panoramic views from Prague Castle, there’s no shortage of things to explore in this captivating capital.

This guide to the 12 best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors is your perfect introduction to the city’s top attractions you simply cannot miss. From must-see landmarks like Charles Bridge and the Astronomical Clock to off-the-beaten-path experiences in lesser-known neighborhoods, I’ve curated a mix of highlights that will make your visit truly unforgettable. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or have more time to explore, this list covers everything you need to experience the magic of Prague.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best places to visit in Prague, share tips on when to visit, and where to stay to ensure a pleasant experience. With its rich history, incredible architecture, and lively cultural scene, Prague truly has something for everyone.

FAQs about visiting Prague

What shouldn’t you miss in Prague? 

In Prague, there are a few iconic sites you shouldn’t miss. The Charles Bridge offers stunning views of the city and the Vltava River, while Prague Castle, with its Gothic architecture and vast history, is a must-see. Be sure to visit the Old Town Square to see the famous Astronomical Clock and the charming streets surrounding it. I will cover how to visit each of these spots and many more below in the post!

Is 2 days in Prague enough?

While Prague is packed with things to see and do, two days in Prague can be enough to get a good feel for the city’s highlights. We only had two days in Prague and managed to see all of the main attractions as well as a mix of local gems! However, if you want to explore the city’s hidden spots or take day trips to nearby areas, I highly recommend extending your stay to 3-4 days as it would give you a more relaxed experience.

What is Prague best known for?

Prague is best known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture, particularly seen in landmarks like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. The city is also famous for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, the iconic Astronomical Clock, and its cultural heritage, including classical music, literature, and art. Furthermore, Prague is also known for its rich history, vibrant beer culture, and charming cobblestone streets that make the city feel like a fairytale.

This post is all about the best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors!

Where to stay in Prague

When visiting Prague for the first time, choosing the right neighborhood to stay in can shape your experience as it gives you easy access to various activities. Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, or vibrant nightlife, Prague has something to offer for every type of traveler. Below you can find a short overview of the most popular neighborhoods to help you figure out where to base yourself: 

Old Town (Staré Město)

For those who want to be at the heart of the action, the Old Town is a fantastic choice. Staying here puts you steps away from iconic landmarks like the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Furthermore, the beautiful cobblestone streets and historic architecture provide a magical backdrop. It’s ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore Prague’s most famous sites on foot. The lively atmosphere makes it perfect for soaking up the city’s rich history and culture.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

If you’re looking for a quieter, more charming experience, Malá Strana offers a romantic atmosphere with its picturesque streets and proximity to Prague Castle and Petřín Hill. This district, located on the left bank of the Vltava River, is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy beautiful baroque architecture. In addition, Malá Strana offers a slower pace while still being just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Its peaceful vibe makes it great for couples or those seeking a tranquil retreat.

New Town (Nové Město)

For nightlife enthusiasts and foodies, New Town is the place to be. With Wenceslas Square as its centerpiece, this area is known for its vibrant bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. However, it still offers easy access to the main sights. If you’re looking to enjoy Prague’s modern side with plenty of entertainment and dining options, New Town provides a lively and energetic base for your stay.

Vinohrady

For travelers seeking a local and laid-back vibe, Vinohrady is a trendy neighborhood filled with stylish cafes, parks, and wine bars. Located just outside the city center, this area is popular with expats and young professionals. While it offers a more residential feel, Vinohrady is still within walking distance of key attractions. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Prague like a local, away from the tourist crowds.

Žižkov

For a bohemian and artistic atmosphere, Žižkov is known for its vibrant bar scene, street art, and alternative culture. Just a short tram ride from the center, Žižkov is home to the Žižkov TV Tower and several cool pubs and cafes. This is a great choice for travelers looking for a more offbeat and budget-friendly experience. If you enjoy edgy neighborhoods with character, this is the place for you.

When is the best time to visit Prague

The best time to visit Prague depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Generally, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are considered the ideal times to explore the city.

Spring (April to June)

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Prague. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, and the weather is mild, making it perfect for strolling around attractions like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The crowds are smaller than in peak summer, and you can enjoy outdoor cafes and parks without the rush. During spring you can also find festivals like the Prague Spring International Music Festival to add a cultural touch to your visit.

Fall (September to October)

Fall is another great option when considering when to visit Prague. This season is defined by fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors filling the city’s parks and streets. The temperatures are cool but pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is a great time to explore Prague’s historic neighborhoods and enjoy cultural events like the Prague Signal Festival.

Summer (July to August)

While summer brings warm weather and long daylight hours, it’s also peak tourist season in Prague. Attractions like the Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock can get crowded, and accommodation prices are higher. However, if you don’t mind the crowds, summer offers vibrant events like Prague Castle concerts and plenty of outdoor dining.

Winter (November to February)

For a magical experience, winter in Prague is enchanting, especially around Christmas, when the city is adorned with festive lights and Christmas markets fill the squares. Though it can be cold, the snow-covered rooftops and fewer tourists give the city a peaceful, romantic feel. Plus, you can warm up with a cup of mulled wine as you explore.

12 of the best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors

1. Charles Bridge

Arguably the most famous attraction in Prague, a visit to Charles Bridge is an absolute must when exploring the capital. This bridge is by far the most visited among all of the bridges connecting the Old Town and Malá Strana (Lesser Town) so expect it to get busy! If possible, I would recommend coming here several times throughout your visit as each time of day offers a unique experience. 

For a peaceful visit, and the possibility to get some photos without the crowds, come to Charles Bridge in the early morning hours. During the summer, I would recommend getting here around 7 AM for the best experience. However, during the shoulder seasons, you could probably get away with 8 AM. While the light may not be the best, it’s the only time of day you are guaranteed a quiet experience. 

During the day, the bridge really comes alive, with painters setting up shop and offering tourists portraits of themselves. While walking on the bridge during the day may not be as fun, since there can be a LOT of people, it’s definitely fun to do some people watching of the crowds. In my next spot I’ll share with you the best place to do this! 

Lastly, in the evening, Charles Bridge offers a great sunset spot overlooking the Vltava River and views of the Prague Castle. In addition, many people are renting out paddle boats during this time which gives you another opportunity to do some people watching. 

2. Old Town Bridge Tower

The Old Town Bridge Tower is one of my personal favorite attractions in Prague! The views from the tower are some of the best in the whole city, especially overlooking Charles Bridge. Best of all, it’s one of those spots pretty much every tourist walks past, but so few actually explore. As I mentioned above, this is where you could genuinely spend hours just people-watching. I find it so fun to look at all of the different people and groups on Charles Bridge. 

The opening times of the Old Town Bridge Tower change seasonally so I have put the varying options below to help you plan your visit:

January – March: 10:00 – 18:00 daily

April – May: 10:00 – 19:00 daily

June – September: 09:00 – 20:30 daily

October – November: 10:00 – 18:00 daily

December: 10:00 – 19:30 daily

When it comes to admission prices there are a couple of things you should know. General admission is 190 CZK (which is roughly 7.5 euros) with discounted admission costing 130 CZK (~5 euros). The discounted admission is for children between 6-15, students under 26 (bring your ID card), seniors over 65, and people with disabilities. You can find more information about visiting on the official website. 

Pro Tip: If you arrive within the first hour of opening you can get a 50% “early bird” discount. This is available regardless of the day of the week and lots of viewpoints in Prague offer this!

 3. Visit Prague Castle

Prague Castle sits at the top of a hill in Malá Strana, making it impossible for visitors to miss it. While it looks stunning from afar, I can assure you that it’s even more impressive from close up. No matter how many days you have in Prague, the castle is an absolute must-see! It is thought that the Prague Castle dates back to 880 which is just insane to think about how much history it has been through.

The castle grounds are made up of several buildings so plan to spend around 3-4 hours here. In addition, since it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague, it also gets quite busy. Therefore, I would recommend arriving here as soon as they open! You can either buy an entrance ticket directly on site which grants you access to all of the buildings which is what we did, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating history. Below are a couple of the best-rated tours of the Prague Castle!

If you would like to visit on your own, then I recommend arriving when Prague Castle opens and buying the ticket called “Prague Castle – Main Circuit”. This ticket costs 450 CZK, and a reduced ticket costs 300 CZK. The main circuit will give you access to all the historic buildings in the complex making it well worth the price tag. Opening times vary between seasons but the historical buildings are typically open from 09:00 – 17:00. You can find more information on opening times and how to visit here. 

4. St. Vitus Cathedral

The St. Vitus Cathedral is located inside the Prague Castle complex but deserves a spot of its own on this list because it is by far the most impressive and stunning cathedral in Prague. Historically, it is also the most important temple in Prague as it has held many religious services. It is also the place of many coronations of kings and queens as well as the burial site of several noblemen and archbishops. 

The cathedral operates based on the same opening hours as all other historical buildings in the Prague Castle complex. In addition, by purchasing the main circuit ticket you will get access to the St. Vitus Cathedral. 

5. Golden Lane

The last spot inside the Prague Castle complex I will be highlighting is the Golden Lane. The Golden Lane is a street on the complex lined with small colorful houses making it one of the best photography spots in Prague. These houses were built in the 16th century and were occupied until the Second World War. The street used to be called Goldsmiths Lane as it served as the dwelling of Goldsmiths. Today the houses have permanent exhibitions showcasing life on the lane throughout five different centuries. 

When planning a visit to Prague Castle, I recommend planning your visit in such a way that you visit Golden Lane first. Not only is this the perfect photography spot and one of the most magical places in Prague, but it’s also really small. The houses only fit a couple of people at a time so it’s much more enjoyable to explore before the crowds begin!

Golden Lane is also open during the same opening times as the historical buildings and the entrance is included in the main circuit ticket. 

6. Old Town Square 

This next spot is probably second in popularity right after Charles Bridge. The old town square is the oldest square in the historic center of Prague. In addition, it’s probably one of the prettiest squares in all of Europe. While there are several impressive buildings lining the square, such as the Golz-Kinsky Palace and the National Gallery, the most famous building here is by far the Astronomical Clock. The square itself is incredibly picturesque and just like Charles Bridge, I recommend revisiting during different times of the day to experience different atmospheres.

During your visit, make sure to wake up early and come here in the morning hours one day to experience the serenity of the square before the massive crowds start. It’s truly incredible to experience being one of the only people here surrounded by so much history. In the late afternoon, it’s also a great place to grab a drink to enjoy how lively the square is.

Pro Tip: When it gets busy here in the afternoon, make sure to head up to Terasa U Prince. This is a rooftop bar and restaurant located on top of the Hotel U Prince and it has the best view of the Old Town Square. Please note that if you choose to come here, you should buy some drinks or food. We had an afternoon drink here, and while the prices are higher than the average you would expect, the experience was so worth it! 

7. Astronomical Clock

This would not be a post about the best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors without including the famous Astronomical Clock! This clock is over 600 years old and it is one of the oldest functional astronomical clocks in the world. In addition to telling the time, the Astronomical Clock can also tell the date, as well as the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac Constellations. Even though all of this is very impressive in itself, the clock attracts most of its viewers for a short theatrical show that occurs on the hour, every hour. 

My favorite part of the Astronomical Clock is the tower which you can climb – I’m a sucker for a good view 😅. Below is a quick overview of the opening times of the Astronomical Clock: 

January – March: 

• Mondays: 11:00 – 19:00
• Rest of the week: 10:00 – 19:00

April – December:

• Mondays: 11:00 – 20:00
• Rest of the week: 09:00 – 20:00

Admission to the Astronomical Clock is more expensive than most viewpoints in Prague as regular admission costs 300 CZK with reduced admission costing 200 CZK. However, these tickets include access to both the tower as well as the historical interiors. In addition, you can also get the 50% early-bird discount here by arriving within the first hour after opening (not valid on Mondays). This is what we ended up doing and it was a great way to save some money as I promise you do not want to miss the views from the top 😍. Click here for more information about visiting the interior of the Astronomical Clock. 

8. Explore the Jewish Quarter

Located between the Old Town and the Vltava River, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is one of the most historically significant neighborhoods in the city. Throughout history, Prague has been known to boast a large community of Jews. While most people think the significance dates back to the Second World War, there is evidence that as early as the 13th century Jews were forced to vacate their homes and settle in this part of town. Essentially Josefov became a sort of Jewish Ghetto as they were banned from living anywhere else in the city. 

You can visit the Jewish Quarter free of charge but to enter the historical buildings you must buy a Jewish Town Ticket. If you are interested in visiting, then I would highly recommend booking a guided tour to learn more about the complex history of this neighborhood. Below are a couple of the best-rated tours.

Pro Tip: Make sure also to check out the Jerusalem Synagogue. Although it is located in the New Town, it is by far the most impressive Synagogue I have ever seen! 

9. John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon wall is arguably one of the most Instagram famous spots in Prague. While it’s a beautiful piece of art, I also wanted to share a bit of the backstory. During the Communist regime in the Czech Republic between 1948-1989 it was not allowed to listen to Western music. This of course included music by popular bands such as Rolling Stones and The Beatles. John Lennon, known for his “Make Love Not War” slogan was especially popular among the Communist opposition. 

After the death of John Lennon in 1980, a Czech artist decided to pay his respects by making graffiti dedicated to John Lennon. Many locals supported his initiative by adding quotes from his songs and sharing their hopes for peace. The John Lennon wall has been a pivotal part of the political protests against the Communist regime and the oppression of freedom of speech. 

Today the wall is a highly visited attraction in Prague and can easily get crowded during the peak hours. It is free to visit and there are CCTV cameras to protect the wall from vandalism. 

10. Vltava River

The Vltava River is a great way to explore the city from a new perspective. The river divides the Old Town from Malá Strana making it interesting to contrast the architecture found on each side. In addition, it makes for a great little nature escape in the middle of the city. 

If you are looking for a nice place to relax then make sure to check out Střelecký Ostrov, this island is full of greenery. If you happen to visit in the summer, you should also check beforehand if any concerts or open-air festivals are going on here. 

Another great place to hang out is at Slovanský Ostrov. While smaller, it also offers a green oasis surrounded by the Vltava River. This is also where you can find several paddle boat rentals! We rented ours from here and had a great experience. It costs 350 CZK to rent a boat for an hour and you need to leave an ID card as a deposit. Please note that they only accept cash so make sure to have some with you!

Pro Tip: Around the area of the Dancing House you can also find lots of super cute boat cafes and restaurants to check out!

11. The Royal Garden

While there are many gardens I recommend checking out while visiting Prague, one of the best gardens you can visit in the city has to be the royal garden. From here, you can get a great view of Prague Castle and the city skyline as it sits perched on the Castle hill. This is a great spot to roam around to enjoy a little nature break after visiting Prague Castle. While it is free to visit the gardens, it is only open between 10:00 – 18:00 daily. The hours may change based on the season so make sure to check before you visit. 

Pro Tip: My favorite part of the gardens is the area surrounding Queen Anne’s Summer Palace located near the back. 

12. St. Nicholas Church

The St. Nicholas Church located in Malá Strana is the most famous Baroque church in all of Prague. When we visited, we only saw it from the outside as the exteriors are simply unmissable as you pass through the busy streets of Malá Strana. However, I definitely regret not seeing the interiors as they are seriously impressive. The church has varying opening hours based on the season, but it is typically open between 09:00 – 17:00 daily. Admission costs 140 CZK with reduced admission costing 80 CZK. In addition, the last admission is allowed 15 minutes before closing time. You can find more information on updated opening times here. 

That concludes my guide on the 12 best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors. This post was filled with the most famous landmarks in Prague since they are something every visitor should see at least once. The Czech Republic capital is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to and so I hope you have gotten some inspiration to visit throughout this post! 

This post was all about the 12 best things to do in Prague for first-time visitors!