Hey there! I’m Bidhata Shrestha and after spending countless hours exploring European cities for my blog, I can tell you that Prague holds a special place in my heart. Every time someone asks me for travel advice, Prague always makes it to the top of my recommendations. Today, I want to share with you why this magical city continues to captivate millions of visitors, including myself, year after year.
Let me paint you a picture: imagine walking through streets where gothic architecture meets modern cafes, where history whispers from every corner and where the party scene comes alive as the sun sets. As someone who’s explored Prague in every season, I can tell you that this city never sleeps and never ceases to amaze. I’ve put together my top 4 absolute must-do experiences that will make your Prague visit unforgettable.
Contents
4 Fun Things to Do in Prague
What are interesting things the city of Prague is known for? Below are four of them.
1. The Magical Charles Bridge Experience
I’ll never forget my first morning walk across the Charles Bridge. Here’s a pro tip from my personal experience: get there at sunrise (around 6 AM when I visited in summer). I had this magnificent structure almost to myself and let me tell you, it was worth every minute of lost sleep. Built in 1402, this bridge isn’t just any crossing over the Vltava River – it’s the heart of Prague’s history and culture.
What makes it truly special? Let me break it down for you:
- Statues & Stories: 30 incredible statues line the bridge, each with it’s own fascinating story
- Street Artists: By mid-morning, you’ll find talented artists sketching portraits and musicians filling the air with Czech folk tunes
- Photo Opportunities: The bridge offers the best views of Prague Castle and the river
- Local Traditions: Touch the St. John of Nepomuk statue for good luck (I do it every visit!)
Best Times to Visit the Charles Bridge:
| Time | Experience | Crowd Level |
| Sunrise (5-7 AM) | Peaceful, perfect for photos | Very Low |
| Morning (8-11 AM) | Street artists setting up | Moderate |
| Afternoon | Full cultural experience | Very High |
| Sunset | Romantic atmosphere | High |
2. Prague’s Beer Culture
As someone who wasn’t much of a beer enthusiast before visiting Prague, let me tell you how this city completely changed my perspective. The Czech Republic leads the world in beer consumption per capita and after experiencing their beer culture firsthand, I totally understand why!
During my last visit, I discovered something that blew my mind – beer spas! Yes, you read that right. Imagine soaking in a wooden tub filled with beer ingredients while sipping unlimited Czech beer. I tried it at Beer Spa Bernard and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life. The warm bath is actually filled with hops, yeast and malt (not actual beer) and they say it’s great for your skin. Whether that’s true or not, I can confirm it’s incredibly relaxing!
Here are some must-try beer experiences I recommend:
- Beer Gardens: Letná Beer Garden offers amazing views with your pint
- Traditional Beer Halls: Visit U Fleků, Prague’s oldest brewery (operating since 1499)
- Modern Craft Beer Bars: Check out BeerGeek Bar with 32 taps of rotating craft beers
- Beer Museums: The Czech Beer Museum offers tastings and brewing history
3. Prague Castle – A City Within a City
Let me share something that amazed me during my first visit to Prague Castle – it’s actually the largest ancient castle complex in the world! When I first planned my visit, I thought I’d spend maybe two hours there. Boy, was I wrong! I ended up spending an entire day exploring this magnificent place and I still didn’t see everything.
Here’s why this place left me speechless: imagine a massive complex stretching across 70,000 square meters, housing everything from majestic palaces to gorgeous gardens. This isn’t just a single castle – it’s an entire district that’s been home to Czech rulers for over 1,000 years. As I wandered through it’s grounds, I felt like I was walking through different periods of history, from Gothic to Baroque and everything in between.
Let me break down the must-see spots based on my experience:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: The Gothic architecture will make your jaw drop
- Golden Lane: Tiny, colorful houses where castle guards and artisans lived
- Old Royal Palace: Don’t miss the Vladislav Hall with it’s stunning vaulted ceiling
- Royal Gardens: Perfect spot for a peaceful break
Essential Castle Visit Tips:
| Time of Day | Duration | What to See |
| Morning (8-10 AM) | 4-6 hours | Full Complex |
| Afternoon | 2-3 hours | Highlights Only |
| Evening | 1-2 hours | External Views |
Pro tip from my visits: Buy your tickets online and arrive early. I once made the mistake of arriving at noon and the queue was longer than a dragon’s tail!
4. Vltava River Cruise – The City’s Best Views From the Water
One of my absolute favorite ways to end a day in Prague is on a Vltava River cruise. Trust me, seeing Prague from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city. During my last visit, I took a sunset cruise and watching the sun paint the castle in golden hues while drifting along the river was simply magical.
The Vltava is more than just a river – it’s Prague’s liquid heart, flowing for 430 kilometers through the Czech Republic. As you cruise along, you’ll see why medieval architects chose to build so many magnificent structures along it’s banks. I always tell my blog readers that a river cruise is non-negotiable if you want to understand Prague’s layout and capture the best photos.
Here’s what you can expect from different cruise options:
- Lunch Cruises: Perfect for sightseeing while enjoying Czech cuisine
- Evening Cruises: Include dinner and live music (my personal favorite)
- Short Sightseeing Trips: 1-hour tours covering main attractions
- Private Boats: Worth the splurge for special occasions
Best Photography Spots from the River:
- National Theater facades
- Dancing House reflection
- Charles Bridge from below
- Prague Castle panorama
Hidden Gems: My Secret Prague Spots
Let me share some lesser-known spots I’ve discovered during my numerous visits to Prague. Away from the tourist crowds, these places show you the authentic side of the city that most visitors miss. During my last visit, I stumbled upon Náplavka, a charming riverside hangout where locals gather for weekend markets and sunset drinks. It completely changed how I experienced Prague!
Here’s my curated list of hidden treasures:
- Letná Park: More than just a beer garden – come here for the best sunset views over Prague’s bridges
- Vyšehrad: The “other castle” with fewer tourists but equally stunning views
- Střešovice District: Beautiful art nouveau villas and the coolest vintage tram museum
- Vršovice: My favorite neighborhood for local cafes and vintage shopping
Local Hangout Spots Worth Visiting:
| Place | Best Time | What to Expect |
| Náplavka | Saturday morning | Farmers market, coffee boats |
| Riegrovy Sady | Sunset | Local picnickers, casual vibe |
| Karlín District | Weekday lunch | Hip restaurants, street art |
| Žižkov | Evening | Authentic Czech pubs |
When to Visit for Your Perfect Trip
Having visited Prague in every season, I can tell you that each time of year offers something unique. Let me break down what you can expect throughout the year:
Spring in Prague (March-May)
Spring might be my favorite time in Prague. The city wakes up from winter with blooming gardens and perfect temperatures for exploration. Easter markets bring the squares alive with traditional crafts and treats. I’ll never forget watching the cherry blossoms frame Prague Castle from Petřín Hill – it was like something out of a fairy tale!
Activities I recommend in spring:
- Cherry blossom viewing in Petřín Park
- Easter markets in Old Town Square
- River cruises with fewer crowds
- Prague Food Festival (May)
Summer in Prague (June-August)
Summer brings vibrant energy to Prague’s streets, with outdoor concerts, garden parties and beer gardens in full swing. Yes, it’s the busiest season, but there’s a reason for that! I love how the long summer days let you pack more sightseeing into each day.
My summer must-dos:
- Outdoor classical concerts in palace gardens
- United Islands Music Festival
- Shakespeare performances at Prague Castle
- Naplavka riverside events
Seasonal Events and Festivals You Can’t Miss
Throughout the year, Prague comes alive with various festivals and events. Here’s my seasonal festival guide:
Spring
- Prague Spring Music Festival (May-June)
- Czech Beer Festival (May)
- Prague Food Festival (May)
- Easter Markets (April)
Summer
- Prague Proms (June-July)
- Summer Shakespeare Festival
- Prague Pride (August)
- United Islands Music Festival
Fall
- Signal Light Festival (October)
- Designblok (October)
- Wine Festival (September)
- Jazz Dock Festival
Winter
- Christmas Markets (December)
- New Year’s Celebrations
- Masopust Carnival (February)
- Prague Winter Festival
Final Thoughts
After countless visits and experiences in Prague, I can confidently say that this city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a photography enthusiast or just someone looking for an unforgettable European experience, Prague delivers in spades.
My personal advice? Don’t rush through the city checking off attractions from your list. Take time to wander the cobblestone streets, sit in local cafes and soak in the atmosphere. Some of my most memorable moments in Prague happened when I wasn’t following any plan at all.
Pro Travel Tips:
- Visit during shoulder season (March-May or September-October) for fewer crowds
- Get a Prague Card if you plan to visit multiple attractions
- Learn a few basic Czech phrases – locals really appreciate it
- Stay in the Old Town or Malá Strana for the best experience
In any season, Prague is always bubbling. The city is home to both classic and modern entertainment. Don’t forget to enjoy a walk across the Charles Bridge. Finally, get a popular online Prague travel guide to learn more their amazing attractions.