Prague’s history goes way back – like way over a thousand years. Prague has beauty, but it also has substance. There is plenty to do, see and of course, eat. This city is cleaved in half by the Vlatava River and lures tourists with Gothic grace, refined Renaissance culture, and architecture. Stroll through the best museums and historic churches.
Capture a moment on camera under a baroque-style bridge and savor the distinct flavors of chimney cakes, or Trdelník as they are known locally. These pastries are Transylvanian and Slovakian in origin but commonly found around Central and Eastern Europe in countries such as Hungary, Austria, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
But before we get carried away with pastries, let’s have a look at what you simply must add to your itinerary when planning a trip to Prague.
#1. Prague Castle
Address: Hradcany, 119 08 Prague 1
Opening Times: Winter Tourist Season (November – March) Prague Castle Complex:
06:00 – 22:00
Opening Times: Winter Tourist Season (November – March) Historical Buildings:
09:00 – 16:00
Opening Times: Summer Tourist Season (April – October) Prague Castle Complex:
06:00 – 22:00
Opening Times: Summer Tourist Season (April – October) Historical Buildings:
09:00 – 17:00
Admission Fee: Anything from 1 – 30 Euros depending on the area and seasonal visit.
Time To Spend: 2.5 hours to full day depending on what areas are visited.
Nearest Metro/Bus Station: Use the tram No. 22 to stop Pražský hrad, turn left and in 5 minutes you reach the 2nd Courtyard of Prague Castle.
Prague Castle is a very important (and ancient) symbol of the Czech state. The castle itself was found around 880 by the Bohemian Prince Borivoj – a ruler during the Premyslid Dynasty. This UNESCO World Heritage site also makes an appearance in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Castle complex.
The castle comprises of 70,000 square meters. If you ever travel to the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, you’ll see a massive group of buildings in the city’s heart. Stone towers, fortified walls, and large structures command the cityscape overlooking the Vltava River. The buildings are all part of a sprawling complex known as Prague Castle.
Prague Castle was created over time. Many princes and rulers built structures, rebuilt and expanded structures, and added fortifications on the location. The castle went through periods when it fell into disuse and disrepair, only to rise again.
#2. The Jewish Quarter
Address: Jewish Quarter, Josefov, Prague 1
Opening Times: Jewish Museum –
Winter time 9:00am – 16.30
Summer time 9:00am – 18.00
Admission Fee: 36 Euros for a guided tour and admission tickets range from 8 – 12 Euros.
Time To Spend: 2.5 for a guided tour and half-day for independent sightseeing.
Nearest Metro/Bus Station: Metro station Staromestska (line A) and Tramline Straromestska (stops 2, 17, 18)
Another one of Prague’s most historic areas would have to be the Jewish Quarter – also situated on the banks of the River Vltava. Walking into the neo-renaissance concert hall is something to behold – not only is it one of the oldest in Europe. Its debut concert took place in 1896 with Antonín Dvorák conductor’s seat.
Josefov is a must-visit and it’s where you can experience 6 synagogues of that area. Not too far from it, the Old Jewish Cemetery lies – one of the oldest in Central Europe. You can walk all the way down to the Spanish Synagogue, which was built in 1868 on the site of Prague’s oldest Jewish house of prayer.
Opt for a guided tour of these areas. An expert in the Jewish history of Prague and its people will illustrate the rich history of the area in such a way that it almost comes back to life.
#3. The Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
Address: Staromestské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Prague 1
Opening Times:
January – December (Tower) 9:00 am – 22:00
January – December (Historical Halls) 9:00 am – 19:00
Admission Fee: From 5 – 20 Euros for kids, solo, family and group visitors.
Time To Spend: 2.5 for a guided tour and half-day for independent sightseeing.
Nearest Metro/Bus Station: Metro station Staromestska (line A) and Tramline Straromestska (stops 2, 17, 18)
In 1410, the Astronomical Clock was moved to the front of the Old Town Hall that also offers a glimpse over the Old Town Square.
In the southern part of the tower, a very special stone chamber was built for the clock. The clock itself is constructed in different parts such as a calendar and an astronomical desk that operated as the mechanism of the 12 apostles who set that in motion.
The clock is a wonderful point of interest in Prague and Dozens of tourists flock to the clock every hour on the hour to see the mechanical relic put on a small show. Stick around to watch the dancing mechanical dolls if you have the time.
#4. A Boat Cruise on the Vltava
Address: Prague Boats, Dvorákovo nábr, 110 00 Josefov, Prague
Opening Times: most cruises start from 10:00 and will continue with evening cruises until 22:00
Admission Fee: Depending on the type of cruise (class).
Time To Spend: Up to half a day or evening – depending on the cruise you select.
Nearest Metro/Bus Station: Metro station Staromestska (line A) and Tramline Straromestska (stops 2, 17, 18)
Seeing Prague from the river is a unique experience. The historical center with its famous monuments presents itself from a different perspective and unusual angles.
On the longer cruises, you will go by several islands on the Vltava and find yourself on a stretch of the river that lets you see a part of the embankment that you probably would not otherwise visit. In a matter of an hour, you can leave the bustling city behind and come out to some of Prague’s quieter areas.
Take a break from Prague’s busy streets and spend an hour or two on a boat to admire the architecture and monuments of central Prague from the river. You can cool off on the water on a hot summer day and enjoy your cruise on a heated boat in the winter.
#5. Prague’s Mind Maze
Address: Prague Boats, Dvorákovo nábr, 110 00 Josefov, Prague
Opening Times: 10:30 – 22:30, with slots available every 90 minutes.
Admission Fee: 50 Euros for 2 people and 60 Euros for 5 – 5 people.
Time To Spend: 60 minutes. Make bookings online.
Nearest Metro/Bus Station: Metro – Line C (red) and Line A (Green) at Museum Station.
Tram – Lines 11 and 13, station Italska.
Inspired by the legends of alchemists, the mind maze in Prague is an interesting and memorable escape game challenge. Upon entering the Mind Maze, you will find yourself locked in the Alchemist’s chamber and will have 60 minutes to escape by solving a series of riddles and puzzles.
When you first enter the chamber it looks old-fashioned and rather empty, however as you begin to investigate the objects around the room, you will soon realize there is much more to this small room than meets the eye. Take a friend as teams are allowed and two heads are better than one!
Also, look out for other interesting Mind Maze challenges that are taking place. However, this particular one has a far more local ring to it and adds that touch of excitement to your itinerary.
