Things to do in Prague, Czech Republic
Are you visiting Prague for the first time? I’ve lived in Prague my entire life. Sometimes I have a feeling that I couldn’t have chosen a better place to be born. It is beautiful, it is old and it offers many cultural activities for people of all ages. And it is safe. When I was a kid, I remember I could run all around my neighborhood without my mom being scared. I would take a public bus home from school every day since I was in the 2nd grade. That feels just normal in such a safe city.
When I have a visitor from out of town, the first place they want to see is Charles Bridge, but I also take them to Namesti Miru – for a more local, authentic experience. Namesti Miru is a little island of peace in rush square. It is a small charming park with a dominant neo-Gothic structure of The Church of St. Ludmila. During the national holidays you can visit authentic farmers or Christmas markets.
When I want to escape the crowds and tourists, my favorite place to visit is Riegerovy Sady. It is the most favorite park in Prague among the locals. Many locals or expat people living in Prague go here and enjoy a beer in a local beer garden with the beautiful view of Prague castle. Insider tip: This park is the best place to see a sunset in Prague!
If this is a romantic trip, I recommend Petrin Park for kissing with a view. Petrin Park is the most common place for a date and first meeting and many couples come here for Valentine’s Day. Inside tip: If you want to surprise your loved one, take him or her to the restaurant Nebozizek , which is a luxury place with a view over Prague skyline. It has a private Lift Stop, which makes it even more fancy and the food is delicious!
Museums are wonderful, but if you are traveling with kids, you’ll want to visit Kingdom Of Railways. Who didn’t like trains as a kid? Kingdom of Railways is the biggest interactive model of a railway system in the Czech Republic. And it is not only fun, it’s educational. You can see various railway models representing different regions of the Czech Republic such as Prague, Central Bohemia together with Karlstejn Castle model, Karlovy Vary and Usti nad Labem. And more is to come!
Where to eat in Prague, Czech Food:
If you are looking for typical Czech cuisine, the most known traditional restaurant in Prague is U Fleku . Waitresses are dressed in typical Czech costumes and in the evening you can have dinner with a cabaret show. It has a long history and I would say it is the most favorite TOURIST restaurant in my city. IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DINE WITH TOURISTS, AVOID IT.
- Cafe Louvre – The restaurant opened in 1902 and so it has a soul. The moment you enter you feel like you travel back in time 100 years. It has everything from fresh variable breakfast, lunch menu, five o clock tea, to a luxury dinner. No matter what time you enter, you will love this place! You will see gentlemen in tux and ladies coming from the Czech National Theater which is nearby. You may dress fancy if you want, this is the place for night dresses or an extravagant hat. Inside Tip: It has pool tables in this fancy salon, don’t hesitate to play!
- Restaurace Mincovna – Situated in the heart of Prague – the Old Town Square. Nice Czech food AND really good Pilsner beer, like really gooood. It is drafted directly from a huge tank which gives it strong taste and smooth foam. Yummy!
Looking for cheap food in Prague, Czech Republic
Looking for cheap food in Prague in the Czech Republic? Prague locals go to Restaurant Havelska Koruna – If you want to try a restaurant in authentic communist serve-yourself style, try this place. It is in a strategic location between Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square. Food is typical Czech and quick served. Nothing bad about it! And the prices are ridiculous ($2-7)
- Tips for other good and cheap restaurants in the downtown area of Prague in the Czech Republic:
Lokál U Bílé Kuželky: https://goo.gl/maps/T7BBjkV9NGB2
Atmosphere pub: https://goo.gl/maps/x3L4anEY43w
Kozlovna U Paukerta: https://goo.gl/maps/43BGQpy34J42
Klub FAMU: https://goo.gl/maps/sx7KxJTuhbv
Jídelna Světozor: https://goo.gl/maps/wUY2Xis3dxE2
Repre restaurant: https://goo.gl/maps/fYbZM2evytr- ALL ABOVE MENTIONED RESTAURANTS HAVE SO-CALLED LUNCH SPECIAL. Prague, due to its own currency, is cheap in general. But for a lunch special (11am-3pm) you pay around ridiculous $4-6 (soup, entrée, 1 drink).
Cafe-Pub Atmosphere is the spot for late night dining. It is within walking distance from the Charles Bridge and it has a nice variable menu. It is a spot for young locals and it is usually crowded so make a reservation!
Activities to do in Prague, Czech Republic
Metronom Pendulum Clock offers great views and Cechuv Most is the best place to watch or experience New Year’s Eve fireworks.
When you come to Prague, the best spot to take a picture is from the terrace of Cafe Lavka. The wait staff are used to this request so don’t be shy and come to take a pic. You can often see here newly married couples with a professional photographer.
In Prague, outdoor lovers will have plenty of options to keep them happy; hiking & biking with Divorka Sarka, walking – Letohraked Hvezda
Go for a horseback ride in Stromovka Park and ride a bicycle along the Vltava River. Looking for a little exercise? Walk from Karlovo Namesti to Vysehrad.
If you are a museum lover, Prague’s best museum is Palais Schwarzenberg and National Technical Museum, for contemporary art, go to Dox.
Looking for exciting night life in Prague, Czech Republic
If you are looking for exciting night life in Prague, in the Czech Republic, go dancing at Lucerna Music Bar or Rock Cafe for live music.
Taste of Prague (for foodie tips)
Watch Prague Honest Guide YouTube channel
Go Out (for concerts, shows, performances etc.), will keep you posted on what’s happening in Prague.
Come to Prague for United Islands music festival in the spring. If you need a downtown hotel during your stay in Prague, read my review of Intercontinental Prague.
Just outside of Prague you can visit Karlstejn , Kutna Hora, Krivoklat and more. For additional insider tips on Things to Do in Prague follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Visit Czech Republic on Twitter. Thanks to Czech Tourism for assistance with this post. Photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.
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