Not only is Prague nearly 2,000 years old, but it’s also one of the Europe’s largest and most complex cities. Every building, garden, and sculpture you see probably has a story to tell. When you’re flooded with so many options, how do you pick and choose your list of things to do in Prague? Well, we’ve made it easy for you to start narrowing down your list. Here are our recommendations of our favorite top 10 things to do when visiting Prague.
1. The John Lennon Wall
Let’s be honest, this hidden wall of John Lennon-centric graffiti is easily one of Prague’s most memorable and fun things to do. Count on Beatles impersonators and live music, as well as people adding their own newly-minted decorations to the wall. And this isn’t just a guilty pleasure either, the John Lennon wall was an instrumental part of student demonstrations against communism in the 1980’s, making such phrases as, “we want Lennonism not Leninism” popular.
2. The Dripstone Wall
The Dripstone Wall hides in the southern end of the beautiful Wallenstein Gardens in Mala Strana. Built as a grotesque baroque decorative wall in the 17th century, legend has it that the Wallenstein family actually carved tunnels into the wall and that an extensive system of secret passages is just waiting for the lucky tourist to find the entrance. But beware, the “dripstones” that make up the wall are sometimes carved into human faces, and take the wrong pathway to secret passage and you just may end up another face in the 400 year old wall.
3. Strahov Monastery
The Strahov Monastery dates back to the 12th century and boasts two libraries with some of the most magnificent interiors we’ve seen in Europe. With its close proximity to the Prague Castle, there’s really no excuse not to give the monks and make it stop on your top 10 things to do in Prague itinerary. We promise, the gallery and libraries are really some of the most impressive sites in Prague, we promise they’ll make you feel like you’re living in the palace from Beauty and the Beast.
4. Vyšehrad
The Vyšehrad is an old castle complex dating back to the 10th century. What used to be the royal seat of Czechia is now a massive outdoor park filled with some of Prague’s oldest buildings, most magnificent churches, unforgettable views, and one of the city’s most pristine cemeteries. There is no better place to go on a nice day just to walk around a fantastic outdoor setting and get an indelible feel for Czech history all at once.
5. The Anděl District
The Anděl District is the up-and-coming local-only section of the city featuring modern architectures, massive movie theaters, malls, and local eats as far as the eye can see. There are few places better to just walk around and get a feel for modern Prague, mini-skyscrapers and all.
6. David Cerny’s Kafka Head
Czech artist David Cerny has made Prague the center of many of his greatest works. You can find countless Cerny provocative and irreverent Cerny sculptures throughout the city by just walking around. However, our favorite sculpture is right in the middle of Old Town and almost impossible to miss: The Kafka Head. This mechanical, dynamic portrayal of everyone’s favorite macabre author is the perfect tribute. Check out our article for a longer list of sights in Prague representing Kafka.
7. Republic Square
While Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square might be the most more tourist-centric places to go, Republic Square is the place to be. This metropolitan center in the southeast corner of Old Town features modern art monuments alongside some of Prague’s oldest and best architecture. Count on street magicians’ nearby constant presence and explore the two massive malls at the northern end of the Square. Republic Square is really the site that keeps on giving.
8. Havlicek Garden Grotto
Virtually nonexistent in the minds of tourists everywhere and one of the locals’ best kept secrets, the Havlicek Gardens is our undeniable favorite of Prague’s inner-city parks and a must-see on our top 10. A massive historic vineyard makes its home in the middle of the park, and to the west is the baroque Grotto complete with pastel houses in the background. Honestly, there may be no place more romantic than the Havlicek Garden Grotto in the entire city.
9. DOX Centre for Contemporary Art
You may find yourself walking through northern Prague and come across a massive wooden replica Zeppelin. Rest assured, the Bohemian spirit hasn’t completely taken over your mind just yet. Turns out the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art isn’t only one of Prague’s foremost museums, but it houses one of the city’s most unforgettable landmarks: a life-sized wooden replica of Gulliver’s airship from Jonathan Swift’s 18th century classic. A ticket to the museum even gets you inside the airship, and this is definitely something you shouldn’t pass up.
10. Sedlec Ossuary
We know we’re cheating, Sedlec Ossuary, a.k.a. the Bone Church, is actually a 45 minute train ride outside of Prague. However, you should not miss the opportunity to see this landmark. Not only is the chosen burial site of 60,000 people form the 14th and 15th centuries, but it is one of the most eery and jaw-dropping places on Earth. End your trip to Prague with a bang and make no bones about it, the Sedlec Ossuary is a must on our things to do in Prague recommendations, even if it’s not technically in Prague. Check out our day trip on PlacePass that’ll get you to Sedlec Ossuary and much more.
Need even more castles? Take this private castle tour for some more medieval architecture.