Travel Insights

Prague is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its ye old castle, cobbled streets, and Gothic skyline. It’s pretty much like stepping into a fairytale, with an unlimited supply of beer! This “city of a hundred spires” is steeped in history, but it has a whole lot of contemporary fun to offer too, from a thriving restaurant and bar scene to a cranking night life.

Looking for a wholesome itinerary for your first visit to Prague?

Read on!

1. Charles Bridge

Commissioned by Charles IV in the 1300s to replace an older bridge and decorated with beautiful statues in the 1700s, Charles Bridge over the river Vltava is one of the first places you should visit. The bridge is over 700 years old and connects the Old Town with Mala Strana (or the “little side”). Sure there’s a lot of foot traffic on the bridge, but the views more than make up for it. Come in the daytime for the cheerful atmosphere, and stroll across it at night for a peaceful, magical ambience with the Prague Castle dominating the skyline. You can also climb the bridge tower for a breathtaking perspective of Prague.

2. Old Town Square

This is one of the few town squares in Europe that didn’t take a beating during World War II nor during the many historic invasions in the past. The square is surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings as well as restaurants with outdoor seating. It’s a great place to take in the beauty of Prague while enjoying a meal. Buskers, musicians, and other street performers also gather in the square, making it a merry, albeit touristy, part of Prague.

3. Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and changing of the guards

Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in Europe. Set on top of a hill and overlooking the Vltava River, it was built to have a bird’s eye view of the entire area while being peacefully isolated at the same time.

Prague is all about stunning architecture, and Prague Castle with the adjoining St. Vitus Cathedral are definitely a sight to behold. The spires of the cathedral pierce the sky, while the Gothic arches and castle walls decorated with gargoyles make it a menacing but impressive structure.

The castle spreads over 18 acres, and each building or alleyway has a story to tell about Prague’s journey to modern times. The Old Royal Palace and Vladislav Hall are architectural wonders to be admired, while the Bohemian Chancellery is a testament to the city’s gory medieval past. Don’t forget to explore Golden Lane, which was home to the king’s goldsmiths in the 17th century and is lined with restored 16th century houses decorated with authentic artifacts and set ups.

The changing of the guard ceremony takes places every hour, but the one at noon is special – marked by the exchange of flags and trumpets being blown.

The castle grounds are also beautifully maintained.

4. Wallenstein Garden

If you’re still not over the stunning castle, make your way over to Wallenstein Garden, which has incredible views of Prague Castle. But don’t walkway after snapping a few photos of the castle as the garden has its own wonders to offer. Wallenstein Garden is a tranquil place where you can take in some greenery or rest your feet by the koi pond. And if you’re lucky, you may spot a few white peacocks that call this garden home.

5. Jewish Quarter

The Jewish quarter lies between the Old Town and the Vltava River, and is a testament to the resilience of the community. In the 13th century, Jews were banned from living anywhere else in Prague and they settled here. Many exiled Jews from different parts of Europe also found their way here. The area also went through a major upheaval in the 19th century, with many buildings being torched. But many historical buildings including six synagogues, the Jewish museum, and the old Jewish cemetery (in use till the 1700s) have survived. It’s definitely a fascinating and historically important place to visit.

6. Lennon Wall

Love the Beatles? Don’t miss a visit to the Lennon Wall located in Mala Strana. This wall was used in the 1940 sto protest the Communist takeover, and in the 1960s it was filled with politically charged texts as well as named the “Crying Wall.” After Lennon’s death in 1980, the wall became a shrine to John Lennon and is now filled with Lennon-inspired graffiti and lyrics from his songs.

7. KGB Museum

This museum was set up by a private collector and has many historically important and politically charged exhibits.

These include objects like spy cameras, the death mask of Lenin, Trotsky’s murder weapon, as well as eerie photographs of KGB officers in deserted streets of Prague.

8. The incredible seven-feet tall statue of Sigmund Freud

Sigmund Freud had a phobia of dying, and this sculpture (called “Man Hanging Out) in Stare Mesto (Old town) is a remarkable depiction of constant struggle with the idea of death. Artist David Cemy installed the sculpture in a way that seems like Freud is holding on to a beam at the top of a building with one hand. The sculpture has even been exhibited in prominent galleries around the around including Berlin, London, Rotterdam, Chicago, and Michigan.

9. Petrin Hill and Petrin Tower

Petrin Hill, on the left bank of the Vltava River, offers incredible views of the city as well as a whole lot of greenery to soothe your soul. You can climb up the 299 steps to the top of the hill if you fancy a hike or hop on the funicular from Mala Strana. The hilltop is a large green space with benches, viewing points, and a tower that resembles the Eiffel tower.

10. Explore Mala Strana

Once you climb down the hill, make your way to the back streets of Mala Strana which is rife with gorgeous baroque architecture. These buildings were built by Catholic clerics who overthrew and seized the properties of the Protestant counterparts. In spite of its grimy history, it sure is a striking place to visit. You can also grab a bite at a riverside restaurant end the day on a high note.

11. The Infant Jesus of Prague

This is an opulent statue of baby Jesus located in Mala Strana which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. The statue is set in a golden shrine and dates back to the 16th century. Believers visit this statue in hopes of healing their heart and for offering prayers.

12. Puppet show in Prague

Puppet shows are an integral part of culture in Prague and were seminal in folk and cult ceremonies. Post 17th century, the shows were based on historical Czech plays or the stories of Faust and Don Giovani. In fact, there are over 30 shops dedicated to puppets and accessories in Prague. If you want a break from all the sightseeing, catch a puppet show at National Marionette Theatre or Theatre Spejbla & Hurvinek.

13. Day trips from Prague

If you’re planning a long holiday, make sure to venture outside Prague for day trips to some fascinating places:

• a. Kutna Hora, which has the macabre Chapel of Bones
• b. Terezín Concentration Camp, where Jews were housed before being sent to Auschwitz
• c. Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• d. České Budějovice, which is one of the largest cities of south Bohemia and home to the Budvar beer
• e. National Park Bohemian Switzerland for a relaxing hike in nature
• f. Aquapalace, which is all for wholesome family fun

14. Eating and drinking around Prague

For us, no trip is complete without a gastronomic tour of the city. When you’re sampling some authentic Czech cuisine, don’t forget to include a tender and crispy pork knuckle, pickled cheese, Palačinky (pancakes that are similar to crepes), Trdelník (pastry rolls dusted with powdered sugar and nuts), Chlebíčky (a type of bite-sized open-faced sandwich).

The residents of Prague claim they have the best beer in the world, but you can decide for yourself. We loved sampling the light and crisp Czech beer, including Staropramen, Budvar, and a host of craft beers on tap. Pub hopping in Prague is a great way to sample all the different types of beers that Czechs swear by.

15. Beer Spa

End your Prague tour with an eclectic experience at a beer spa!

To clarify, you won’t be lounging in a bathtub full of beer. But don’t let that stop you from experiencing something unique.

A beer spa session lasts 30-60 minutes where you can relax in a tub filled with hot water and beer extracts that are deemed beneficial for the skin. And here’s the great news: you can sample as many beers as you can during the session. Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

Happy exploring!