First Time in Prague
The Czech capital is one of the most charming destinations on the European continent, with memorable highlights like the dreamy Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge that sprawls across the Vltava River. Prague is known for its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, moody cobblestone streets, and abundant parks. Beneath the surface, Prague boasts a world-renowned beer tradition, a unique history, and a budding creative culture. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your first trip to Prague.
Getting to the City Center
All necessary information can be found in the “Transfer” section.
Visit Prague Castle
Explore the complex that dominates Prague’s skyline.
No first-time visitor to Prague should miss the city views from Prague Castle, a complex that features baroque and Gothic architecture. To maximize your time, pre-book admission to the castle grounds and St. Vitus Cathedral. Don’t miss its stunning stained glass windows designed by Alphonse Mucha. Then, check out the Lobkowicz Palace Museum to get your fill of fine art and royal portraits. Visit Golden Lane and learn about the history of its residents, including Franz Kafka.
Try local Czech cuisine
Eat your way through Prague.
Taste your way through Prague’s traditional and contemporary eateries to understand the flavors of the city. Try traditional Czech dishes, including chlebicky (open-faced sandwiches), duck with sauerkraut, bramborove knedliky (potato dumplings), svickova (bread dumplings with braised beef and cranberry compote), Czech cheeses and charcuterie, and more. Pair your meal with local Czech beer, usually a Pilsner.
Cruise the Vltava River
Take in views of Prague from the water.
The best way to see Prague’s skyline of spires is from the water, so board a boat and head out on the Vltava River. A centerpiece of Prague’s geography, the winding Vltava is best experienced on a river cruise. Romantics can book a dinner cruise to take in the evening skyline views. Alternatively, opt for a canal cruise to see landmarks such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge while enjoying the fresh breeze out on the water.
Visit Josefov
Learn about the history of Prague’s Jewish Quarter.
Get to know the history of Prague’s Jewish community in Josefov, the historical Jewish Quarter of the city. Take time to stop by the Jewish Cemetery and the Spanish Synagogue. Booking a tour that includes admission to the Spanish Synagogue and lets you skip the line will make your visit easier and more comfortable as you learn about the modern textures of the neighborhood and its history. Stop by the Jewish Museum to further deepen your knowledge of Prague’s Jewish community.
See the city from above
Enjoy the views and historic attractions at one of the highest points in Prague.
Standing atop the 1,063-foot (324-meter) summit of Petřín Hill, Petřín Lookout Tower offers bird’s-eye views of Prague’s famous rooftops and spires. The structure was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and opened as part of the Prague Jubilee Exhibition in 1891, along with the nearby Mirror Maze, which is also worth a visit. Bike or take the funicular up Petřín Hill, then ascend to the 167-foot-high (51-meter-high) observation cabin for a stunning panorama of Prague and the Bohemian countryside. If the weather’s right, you can see all the way to Mt. Sněžka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic.
Explore Old Town Square
Immerse yourself in the bustle of a medieval marketplace.
Though teeming with tourists, Old Town Square’s concentration of impressive architecture and monuments make it a great place to get a feel for Prague. The medieval heart of the UNESCO–listed Historic Center of Prague, this former market square features a colorful array of arcaded houses alongside the dramatic twin spires of the Church of Our Lady Before Týn. Learn about the square’s history on a guided tour, or settle at a café for people watching. Be sure to position yourself near the 15th-century Astronomical Clock when the hour strikes to watch the astonishing parade of mechanical Apostles emerge from its face.