Top 10 things you MUST do when Visiting Prague, Czechia
By Lydia Lawrence
When the winter nights are cold and rainy here, in the UK, I still often daydream about my trip to Prague. My life felt like a movie scene strolling across Charles Bridge. It's late autumn and I am listening to the busy sounds of the city life, with a beautiful serenade of an old man playing the saxophone, in the background. I look around to take in scene and breathe in, complete bliss . . .
Most people know Prague for it's beautiful baroque architecture, historical attractions and beautiful scenery all year round. Yet, it's in the most unexpected places that you will appreciate all of Prague's true charm and beauty. It is no surprise that the Time Out magazine named Prague the most beautiful city in the world. It is a perfect choice for your next big city escape.
So . . . Here is my list of the TOP 10 best things you MUST do, when visiting Prague, Czech Republic.
#1: Ride on a riverboat cruise along the Vltava River
By far, my favourite part of my trip was sitting back, sipping a coffee and watching the world go by on a rooftop river cruise boat. You can board the river boats by the Czech bridge as it takes you all around the Vltava river. You will discover Prague's top historical monuments such as; the Prague castle, the dancing house, Petrin tower and so much more! Plus you can relax and upgrade with a 2-hour lunch buffet on the Lunch cruise whilst listening to an in - house jazz band. This is definitely a must see in my book!
#2 : Eat a Trdelník
One of the things I was told not to miss on my trip to Prague was to make sure that I tasted the sweet street dessert, a tredelník! A traditional dessert made from dough on a stick, baked with a sugar and walnut mix then rolled into a chimney shape.
Topped with your favourite ice cream flavour, this desert is the number one tasty treat you cannot miss.
#3 Walk around Wenceslas Square
Take a lovely walk around the centre of Wenceslas square, it's a main street full of busy shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife. The square also has easy access to transport, with trams running through every few minutes, yet it is an easy and simple walk to and from the old town square taking around 15 minutes. However, the main attraction of Wenceslas square is the statue of St. Wenceslas on his horse, standing in front of the National museum. This is an attraction you cannot miss as locals often call this a common meeting place due to its unique popularity.
#4 Visit the National Museum of Prague
Visit the national museum, located at the top of Wenceslas square and immerse yourself into Czech history and culture. Entry tickets are around 250 CZK and the museum is open Monday - Sunday, 10am - 6pm. People typically spend 2-3 hours roaming the museum, browsing Czech history of the 20th century containing antique artefacts, become a part of bohemia history with showcases of fashion and baroque lifestyles.
#5 Hike up to Prague Castle and visit St Vitus Cathedral
Prague castle, one of the most important sites in the Czech republic, is located on a steep hill and does require a small hike to get there. However, you can take the metro halfway, grab the Metro Line A to the Malostranská metro station, then walk up a short hill towards the castle. This is a perfect spot to learn more about Pragues historical background, whilst relaxing and enjoying a coffee, and maybe a slice of cake, at one of the castle's cafes.
Right next to Prague castle, there is the St Vitus cathedral, which definitely makes this journey worthwhile. Take a look at all the gothic architecture, learn about St Vitus and the tomb of St Wenceslas, immerse yourself in Czech the history whilst also admiring the beautiful scenery.
#6 Watch the 'Parade of the Apostles' at the Astronomical clock tower
My Favourite part of Prague by far was so simple, yet so beautiful. Watch the 'Parade of the apostles' in the astronomical clock that chimes from 9am - 11 PM. It is so amazing to see people gather here, every hour, on the hour as they applause the serenade. As a tourist, you get to see the whole community and everyone coming together to appreciate Czech culture and history. This was an really beautiful moment, that I often reminisce about and I couldn't recommend enough.
#7 Take a Picture along the John Lennon Wall
Get pictures for your socials, as a memory or simply for the aesthetic as the John Lennon wall pays homage to the great musician. Full of art and graffiti styles, the wall was first decorated in the 1980s, as a symbolism of freedom of speech and the liberation of Czech youth. During the communist rule, many were banded from listening to his music as the wall represents the resistance of totalitarianism.
#8 Tour around The Klementinum library, at the Astronomical Tower
This one simply has to be on your bucket list! Tour around the grand Klementinum where you can learn about the origins of astronomy in Czech history. Located at the Astronomical Tower, general tickets are around 250CZK and family tickets at 500 CZK. Your tour begins with a brief talk around the Meridian hall, then take a look inside the Baroque library and climb up to the tower to look at the breathtaking view of all of Prague city.
#9 Visit the Franz Kafka Museum
Franz Kafka, a well known novelist based in Prague is commended for his works with a dedicated museum. He is also known as one of the most important figures in 20th century literature. Immerse yourself into his life as the museum pays homage through displays of unique and abstract designs inspired by his work, original letters from the author and first edition books. Adult tickets are priced at 260.00 CZK and family tickets (for 2 adults and 2 children) at 650.00 CZK.
#10 Visit the Museum of communism
Prague's historical background goes way back, as this museum is dedicated to the communist rule over Czechoslovakia post -WWII. Inside you'll find original footage, artefacts & Propaganda art designs. People typically spend around 2-3 hours here. Tickets average around 380.00 CZK, it's also worth noting students get a special discount at 290.00 CZK with ID.
If Prague isn't already, It should definitely be on your next list of travel destinations! If you prefer to avoid crowds, it's best to avoid visiting around Christmas time when the streets and Old Town Square are filled with Christmas markets. Prague enters off season around January - mid march if you prefer quieter trips
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to read my blog post below on: My Birthday weekend in Prague: Top places you must see, with a deeper insight to all of the places you can go in Prague Czechia!
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