Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities — Gothic towers, baroque domes, a medieval castle overlooking the Vltava river, and some of the best beer in the world. It's also significantly cheaper than Vienna, Munich or Paris. These are the 15 best things to do in Prague in 2026.
The largest ancient castle complex in the world — a 70,000 sq metre fortress containing the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St George and the Golden Lane. Arrive early morning to beat tour groups and see St Vitus empty. The views across red rooftops to the Vltava are Prague's finest.
The 14th-century stone bridge lined with 30 baroque statues — one of Europe's great medieval monuments. At midday in peak season it becomes extremely crowded; at sunrise it's quiet, misty and extraordinary. Cross on foot, touch the statue of St John of Nepomuk for luck and look back at the Castle lit in morning gold.
Prague's medieval heart — the Gothic Týn Church, the baroque St Nicholas Church and the famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj) that has chimed every hour since 1410. The hourly procession of apostles draws crowds; the real joy is the square itself at night when the tour groups have left and the Gothic spires are floodlit.
Castle tours and river cruises sell out in peak season — compare now
GetYourGuide → Viator →One of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe — six synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery with 12,000 graves in 12 layers, and the Jewish Museum with an extraordinary collection. Franz Kafka was born at the edge of this district; the quarter shaped his literary imagination. Allow 3 hours minimum. Book tickets in advance.
Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world and the best. Pilsner Urquell, Kozel dark and Budvar unfiltered on tap in a traditional pivnice (beer hall) is one of Europe's great food-and-drink experiences. A guided beer tour through the Lesser Town and Vinohrady covers the best spots locals actually drink in.
Prague from the water — Charles Bridge, the castle and the old town waterfront look extraordinary from the Vltava. Evening dinner cruises with Czech food and live music are the most popular; a 1-hour sightseeing cruise is ideal for daytime. Book ahead in summer as boats fill fast.
A forested hill above Malá Strana with the best panoramic views in Prague — a 60-metre observation tower (a miniature Eiffel Tower built for the 1891 Prague exhibition) and an extraordinary funicular railway. Spectacular at sunset. Free to walk up; small fee for the tower and funicular.
The baroque neighbourhood beneath the Castle — palaces, gardens, the extraordinary St Nicholas Church and Wallenstein Garden. Slower and more atmospheric than Old Town; explore on foot with no particular plan. The hidden Vojanovy sady garden is one of Prague's most peaceful spots.
UNESCO World Heritage village 3 hours from Prague — a baroque castle, a medieval old town on a river bend and one of Europe's most photogenic settings. One of the best day trips from any European city. Best on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. Guided tours from Prague include transport.
Where Praguers actually live — art nouveau apartment buildings, independent café culture, excellent restaurants and a completely different energy from the tourist centre. Náměstí Míru square, Jiřák market on Saturday mornings and the Žižkov TV Tower (which has hotel rooms inside) are all worth the 15-minute tram ride.
The grand neoclassical building at the top of Wenceslas Square — recently reopened after a decade-long restoration. The Czech natural history and cultural history collections are excellent; the building itself, with its magnificent entrance hall, is the main attraction.
Svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), trdelník (spiral pastry), bramboráky (potato pancakes) and nakladaný hermelín (marinated cheese) — Czech cuisine is hearty and flavourful. A guided food tour through the Old Town and Vinohrady discovers the best spots locals eat at, away from tourist-facing restaurants with mediocre food at inflated prices.
More boulevard than square — the long main artery of Prague's New Town, where history has repeatedly been made. The 1968 Soviet invasion, the 1969 self-immolation of Jan Palach, and the 1989 Velvet Revolution all unfolded here. Walking its length with a guide who knows the history transforms what looks like a shopping street into something extraordinary.
The definitive exhibition on Prague's most famous literary son — manuscripts, photographs and installations exploring Kafka's life and work in the city that shaped his imagination. The museum is in Malá Strana, a 5-minute walk from Charles Bridge. Smaller and quirkier than a national museum; perfect for an hour.
Prague has one of Europe's best nightlife scenes — enormous underground clubs, jazz bars, speakeasies and the infamous absinth bars of the Old Town. A guided evening bar tour navigates the best spots without the tourist traps, from traditional pivnice with Czech beer to craft cocktail bars hidden in baroque courtyards.
How many days do you need in Prague? 3 days covers the main sights comfortably. 4–5 days allows a day trip to Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora and deeper exploration of the neighbourhoods. Prague rewards slow travel.
What currency does Prague use? Czech Koruna (CZK) — not euros, despite being in the EU. Always pay in CZK and use bank ATMs. Currency exchange kiosks in the Old Town centre often charge very poor rates.
Is Prague crowded? The Old Town and Charles Bridge are extremely crowded in summer (especially July–August). The Castle and Jewish Quarter have manageable crowds year-round with timed tickets. Shoulder season is significantly more pleasant.
Castle tours and river cruises sell out fast — book ahead
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