I finally made it to Prague – and I get the hype now. It’s one of those cities that surprises you in the best way. I thought it might be all about castles and clock towers, but there’s so much more to it. Grand old buildings, quirky street art, peaceful river walks and some really nice places to eat and stay.
This was my first trip to the Czech capital, and I wanted to see a mix of the big sights and the bits you might miss if you don’t know where to look. So here’s my round-up of 11 top things to do in Prague — from the must-sees to a few underrated gems. I’ve also included where we stayed (which was perfect) and easy day trip ideas if you’re in the city for more than a couple of days.
1. Check Out The Astronomical Clock
Yes, it’s popular. And yes, you’ve probably seen it all over Instagram. But the Astronomical Clock in Prague’s Old Town Square is still worth a look – especially if you catch it at the right time.
Every hour on the hour from 9am to 11pm, the clock puts on a little show known as the Walk of the Apostles – mechanical figures appear, the bell chimes and Death (a skeleton, naturally) gives a little nod. It’s quirky, historic, and totally Prague.
Top Tip: Go early. The 9am show is the quietest and gives you the best view without getting elbowed by someone’s selfie stick.
2. See Kafka’s Spinning Head
One of Prague’s quirkiest sights has to be the Franz Kafka Rotating Head – a 42-layer mirrored sculpture that constantly shifts and rotates, eventually aligning to reveal the Czech writer’s face. It’s by David Černý (more on him later) and sits right outside the Quadrio shopping centre.
It moves every 15 minutes, so if it looks still when you get there, hang around – it’s oddly mesmerising when it starts to spin.
3. Watch A Concert at the Mirror Chapel
If you’re after a magical evening in Prague, try booking a classical music concert at the Klementinum’s Mirror Chapel. You don’t need to be a huge classical fan to appreciate this place – it’s all about the atmosphere.
Golden stucco, ceiling frescoes, and actual mirrors lining the walls. It feels like stepping into a secret palace. They often play Mozart or Vivaldi, and it’s a great way to soak up some culture without it feeling too formal.
Top Tip: Book ahead – it’s a small venue and popular with visitors who want a break from the pub crawl crowd.
4. Walk Across Charles Bridge
Spanning the Vltava River with 30 saintly statues and unbeatable views of the castle, the Charles Bridge is Prague’s most famous crossing. And it’s worth it – just go early.
By 10am, it’s packed with tourists, buskers and selfie-takers. But at sunrise, it’s quiet, peaceful and absolutely beautiful – the city slowly waking up around you, golden light on the towers, and sometimes mist over the river.
It’s one of those travel moments that sticks with you.
5. Take A Paddle Boat on the River
Want a break from walking? Head to Slovanský Island (Slovanský ostrov) and rent a paddle boat. You’ll get a totally different view of the city – floating past Charles Bridge, gazing up at the castle, and watching swans drift by.
There are pedalos shaped like cars and swans if you’re travelling with kids, or stick to a simple boat if you’re just after a chilled hour on the water. It’s fun, relaxing and surprisingly affordable.
The best time to go is late afternoon when the light softens and the river feels dreamy.
6. Explore Prague Castle
You can’t miss Prague Castle – it’s on the hill, it’s huge, and it’s basically a small town in itself. But it’s more than just a castle. Inside, you’ll find the stunning St Vitus Cathedral, the colourful houses of Golden Lane, the Old Royal Palace, and sweeping views over the city.
It’s worth spending a few hours here – and don’t skip the side streets around the castle either. There’s a quieter, more local feel just behind the tourist trail.
The best photo spot is from the Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) as you walk back down into town.
7. Snap A Photo At The Lennon Wall
Tucked away in the Mala Strana district, the Lennon Wall is a constantly evolving canvas of graffiti, Beatles lyrics and political messages. It started in the 1980s as a place of protest against the communist regime, and today it’s still a symbol of freedom and peace.
It’s colourful, chaotic, and always changing – so even if you’ve seen it before, it’s worth a revisit.
Find it near the French Embassy, just across the river from the Old Town.
8. Explore The Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Prague’s Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov, is a must-visit if you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to see a different side of the city. It’s home to several important landmarks, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, where thousands of tombstones are stacked in layers (because there’s no room left to bury anyone!). You’ll also find the Jewish Museum, which is spread across several sites, and the Spanish Synagogue, known for its stunning Moorish design.
The area has a mix of the somber and the beautiful — and walking through it gives you a deeper understanding of Prague’s complex past. It’s one of those places that’s quietly powerful, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’ve got the time.
9. Visit The National Gallery’s Trade Fair Palace
If you fancy something a little less crowded and more contemporary, head to the Trade Fair Palace – part of the National Gallery, and home to some of Prague’s best modern and 20th-century art.
It’s a huge space (you won’t be elbowing anyone for a view), and you’ll find everything from Czech cubism to Picasso and Klimt. Great if the weather turns or you’re craving a bit of calm.
10. Take the Tram Up to Letná Park
Letná Park offers one of the best views over Prague, especially at sunset. You can either climb the hill (if you’re feeling energetic) or hop on tram 17 or 12. At the top, you’ll find beer gardens, locals skating or walking dogs, and that picture-perfect view across the Vltava and its bridges.
Grab a drink, sit on the wall, and enjoy the view – especially golden hour when the city lights up.
11. Visit the Infinity Book Tower
If you’re a fan of quirky, hidden gems, you have to check out the Infinity Book Tower. Located inside Kreativne Centrum (Creative Center), this striking installation features a spiraling structure made entirely of books stacked one on top of the other. It’s visually stunning and, of course, perfect for that one-of-a-kind photo.
The tower stands at about 10 feet tall and is constantly rotating, making it feel like you’re stepping into a book-lover’s dream. The Infinity Book Tower symbolises the endless nature of literature and knowledge — and it’s a really cool, thought-provoking piece of art that you might not expect to find in Prague.
Where To Stay In Prague
If you’re looking for a stylish and comfortable place to call home during your time in Prague, The Julius is exactly what you need. Just a short 10-minute walk from the Old Town and within easy reach of the main train station, it’s the perfect base for exploring the city — whether you’re staying for a weekend getaway or a week long trip.
This hotel offers something different from the usual. Instead of your standard room, you’ll find spacious, apartment-style suites. Each one has sleek, modern interiors, a kitchenette and lots of thoughtful touches that make you feel right at home. From plush bedding and rainfall showers to calming neutral tones and large windows that let in plenty of natural light, it’s a place designed for comfort and relaxation.
One of the highlights of The Julius is the relaxed lounge on the ground floor. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast before you head out or picking up a coffee and pastry after a day of sightseeing, it’s a cosy spot to unwind.
The hotel offers the flexibility of apartment living but with all the perks and service of a high-end hotel. It’s a great option for couples, families or anyone looking for a longer stay in Prague.
Day Trips from Prague
Once you’ve soaked up the sights of Prague, it’s worth exploring a little further. The Czech Republic is packed with charming towns, spa retreats and fairytale castles – and many are within easy reach by train or car.
Here are three of the best day trips from Prague:
Mariánské Lázně
A beautiful spa town surrounded by forest, Mariánské Lázně is all ornate colonnades, mineral springs and peaceful parks. Less touristy than Karlovy Vary, it’s ideal for a relaxing day of strolling, sipping mineral water (yes, really), and soaking up that old-world charm. Read my full review of Mariánské Lázne.
Kutná Hora
Home to the famous Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary), Kutná Hora is a fascinating mix of creepy and beautiful. You’ll also find a stunning Gothic cathedral and some seriously good cafés. Just an hour by train from Prague.
Karlštejn Castle
If you love a dramatic hilltop castle, Karlštejn is for you. Built by Charles IV in the 14th century, it looks like something out of a medieval movie. It’s about 40 minutes from Prague by train and makes for an easy, scenic day out.
So, is Prague worth it? Absolutely. Whether you’re wandering across Charles Bridge at sunrise, watching the Apostles on the clock tower, or paddling across the river with a coffee in hand – Prague has that perfect mix of magic, history and edge. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard, but still delivers on every level.
**Disclaimer: The hotel stays mentioned in this post were part of a press trip. However, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
