The best places to visit in Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic has become increasingly popular with tourists as of late. The reasons for this are varied, but a combination of architectural beauty, a rich history and affordability are certainly part of its attraction.

It also makes a ‘best-of’ article a little more complicated to write. In most cities there will be a handful of attractions that will appeal to a like-minded audience.

This isn’t the case with Prague. With the possible exception of families will small children, Prague really does have something for everyone. 

But it would be remiss not to begin with what many consider its main attraction, and that is its physical charm based on its history. So that, dear reader, is where we shall start our journey.

Prague Castle

This is one of the largest ancient castles in the world. This explains why it dominates Prague’s skyline and why accommodation that can bear witness to its presence is highly recommended. 

No, you don’t have to go inside the actual castle (though the view from the battlements is amazing) but do pass by and drink in its profound sense of time and space. You’ll soon realise it’s not just one amazing building but a combination of many amazing buildings, which explains why it’s earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Status.

The Old Town Square

It’s worth going just for the astronomical clock on the old town hall and the Church of Mother of God before Týn. It’s a great spot to visit day and night too, so you should definitely do both, though you might want to eat elsewhere to save a bit of coin. 

Charles Bridge

It’s a little pointless to cite Charles Bridge in many respects because you’re bound to come across it (literally and figuratively) anyway. But we’re mentioning it because it’s been spanning the Vltava River since 1357, and it’s worth pausing mid-way across to soak up its awesome gorgeousness.

Unsurprisingly it’s acted as a muse for artists and poets for hundreds of years, so don’t take this link to both Prague Castle and the Old Town Square lightly. And while we’re about it, you might want to take a boat trip at dusk, say, to check it out from the river too. 

Bohemian Rhapsody

No, it’s nothing to do with Queen, it’s just our way of sucking you into the idea that Prague has an epic Bohemian vibe. It’s a place that will appeal to those who like their fun on the darker side… After all, this was home to Franz Kafka.

There are loads of nightclubs and bars to accommodate even the most adventurous of revellers, plus a host of casinos in which to indulge in a flutter of sorts. Most are located in a cluster to the east of the Vlatva offering you the chance to play the eye of horus slot game for real.

Museums and Galleries

If the architecture isn’t satisfying your cultural cravings there is no doubt one of Prague’s many art/artifact institutions will. We’ve already mentioned Kafka, so a trip to his museum is a great place to start, though to tell you what lies within its walls would be doing it huge disservice.

For those that like their museums a little less, well, weird, the National Gallery is packed full of crowd-pleasers from the Renaissance to the present. Impressionism fans will be well served here, but if you fancy something a little more contemporary, the Museum Kampa is mandatory. 

And we can’t leave this section without mentioning Alphonse Mucha. His museum celebrates his life and work, which will be instantly familiar to everyone, even if you’ve never heard of him.

Eat, drink and be merry.

We’ve already alluded to Prague’s affordability, so you won’t have to spend a week eating fries and drinking instant coffee. In fact, Prague has a thriving and inexpensive foodie scene and, it must be said, the acclaimed local beer is superb. 

There are even ‘hipster’ (remember them?) zones where all things artisan can be embraced (or spurned) in one place. Karlín, Vinohrady, Letná, and Holešovice are all beard-friendly and you’d be wise to check them out if you’re into that sort of thing. 

For those with more traditional palettes, svíčková (sirloin beef, bread dumplings and a cream sauce), vepřo knedlo zelo (roasted pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings) are traditional favourites. Oh, they have fried cheese here. Fried. Cheese. enough said. 

And Finally…

With excellent transport links (the tram is great) and plenty of great walks and places to just hang out, Prague is the perfect city in which to just do, well, nothing. This is a place that welcomes serendipity, curiosity and it’s the perfect spot in which to take in a view from a fresh angle, so what are you waiting for?