Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Prague
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Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné)
Founded by King Charles IV in 1347, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows was designed to rival St Vitus Cathedral in terms of size and grandeur, but these plans were never completed and what remains today was originally merely to be the presbytery. Nevertheless it is still an imposing sight for the height of its Gothic vaults, which loom up to the height of 111.5 ft (34 m). These original vaults have survived, despite the fact that the church was left to decay for over a century following the Hussite Wars of the mid-15th century. It wasn't until 150 years later that Franciscan monks took over the abandoned church and built the surrounding monastery, cloister and library in Baroque style.
The church now has a highly ornate Baroque interior, of which the main attraction is the dramatic high altar, designed by Jan Arnošt Heidelberger in 1651 at the behest of Jan the Elder of Talmberk. Studded with gold, gilt and dark marble, it is topped with a massive Crucifix and has the distinction of being the tallest altar in Prague, reaching up to 95 ft (29 m).
The Franciscan Gardens are right next to the complex, a calm respite providing an excellent view of the church's Gothic vaulting. The church is also steps away from Wenceslas Square in one of the modern city's busiest districts; it can be seen as part of private walking tours of Prague New Town.
Practical Info
The church is open daily 9am"“6pm, but closed during Mass. Admission is CZK 26.50 or free with the Prague Welcome Card. If using public transportation, take Metro Line B to Mustek.
Address: Jungmannovo námā›stí 18, Prague 1, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 9am"“6pm (closed during Mass)
Admission: CZK 26.50. Free with Prague Welcome Card
From $ 41
Hard Rock Cafe Prague
Prague's outpost of the worldwide Hard Rock brand is one of the most popular hangouts in the city. Tucked away behind the fresco-covered façade of the 19th-century VJ Rott House, it is just a five-minute walk from the focus of the night-time action in Old Town Square. As one of the largest branches of Hard Rock in Europe, it has two sleek bars in which to sample Czech pilsner beers or a couple of cocktails, plus three floors of restaurant selling the world-famous menu of steaks, salads and legendary burgers.
The ornate Art Nouveau interior of the restaurant contrasts neatly with Hard Rock's grungy displays of rock "˜n' memorabilia"”from Johnny Cash's embroidered Western-style shirt, a pair of Elvis's trousers and a tails coat worn on tour by Madonna, but these are all totally overshadowed by the huge, guitar-shaped chandelier hanging over the atrium. Prague's Hard Rock also offers live music on Thursday and Friday nights; a souvenir store selling logo-ed T-shirts, fluffy toys and biker jackets; and an outdoor terrace for enjoying summer-time evenings.
Practical Info
Prague's Hard Rock Cafe is at Male námā›stí 142/3. Visitors can walk to it from Old Town Square. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Address: Male námā›stí 142/3, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Sun-Thur 11:30am-1am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-2pm
From $ 22
Marianske Lazne
The spa town of Mariánske Láznā• (also known as Marienbad) is one of the Czech Republic's favorite getaways and easily accessible from Prague. With a balmy climate, panoramic mountain views, elegant architecture, and lush gardens, Mariánske Láznā• is the perfect place for a day trip or relaxing weekend away from the big city.
The Basics
Though spas are Mariánske Láznā•'s main draw, there are plenty more reasons to visit. Visitors can explore the Fryderyk Chopin Memorial Museum or wander quaint roads lined by coffee houses and turn-of-the-century apartments.
Full-day tours from Prague allow you to see the top sights of Mariánske Láznā•, as well as Karlovy Vary (or Carlsbad), another famous spa town around 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. Tours typically include lunch and allow time to explore the towns and sample their mineral waters.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mariánske Láznā• is a must-visit for architecture and history fans.
- The town is ringed by forest, offering excellent walking trails.
- If you are visiting specifically for a spa treatment, it is advisable to book in advance.
How to Get There
Mariánske Láznā• is around 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Prague, off Highway 21. If driving, take exit 128 toward Planá (and expect to pay tolls). The town is also accessible via express train from Prague. It takes around three hours, including making a transfer in Pilsen (Plzeň). Alternatively, skip the hassle by booking a day tour from Prague that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Summer brings warm weather and an annual festival dedicated to the Polish composer Chopin, but, as it is Mariánske Láznā•'s busiest tourist season, it also brings large crowds. Avoid the biggest crowds while still enjoying good weather in May or September.
The Singing Fountain
From the end of April through the end of October, the Singing Fountain (Zpívající fontána) puts on shows for visitors. Every two hours, on the odd hour from 7am to 10pm, the circular fountain dances to colored lights and recorded classical music.
Address: Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic
From $ 101
Antonín Dvořák Museum
Tucked away behind the grand façade of the Baroque Villa Amerika, which was designed by Czech architect Kilián Ignác Dietzenhofer and completed in the early 18th century, the Antonín Dvořák Museum is dedicated to the life and times of the revered Czech composer, whose most famous works include his ‘New World’ Symphony and Slavonic Dances. Run under the auspices of Prague’s National Museum (Národní muzeum), the tribute to Dvořák (1841–1904) first opened at Villa Amerika in 1932.
Surrounded by neat gardens filled with statuary, the museum holds a collection of the composer’s scores, correspondence and annotated manuscripts as well as posters, photos and several of his instruments, including a viola and piano. Between May and October a regular schedule of concerts and lectures are held in its ornate Great Hall, which has walls and ceilings smothered with 18th-century frescoes of classical scenes by Jan Ferdinand Schor.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue–Sun 10am–1:30pm, 2pm–5pm. Admission for adults is CZK 50; seniors, students & children are CZK 30 and family tickets are CZK 90. Admission is also free with the Prague Welcome Card. To visit via public transportation, take Metro Line C to IP Pavlova, or tram 4, 6, 10, 22 or 23, stop IP Pavlova or Štěpánská.
Address: Ke Karlovu 462/20, Nové Město, Prague 2, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–1:30pm, 2pm–5pm
Admission: adults CZK 50; seniors, students & children CZK 30; family tickets CZK 90
From $ 35
Zizkov Television Tower
Prague’s bizarre Television Tower is a futuristic landmark on a skyline of Baroque roofs and church spires, located in the eastern suburb of Zizkov. Rising 709 ft (216 m) above the city, the tower was constructed between 1985 and 1992 to block ‘decadent’ Western TV transmissions; ironically the Soviet Union had collapsed by the time it was completed.
Awarded the strange accolade of being the ‘second-ugliest’ building in the world and also called the Tower Park Prague since its extensive refurbishment in 2012, the tower is famous for the ten giant baby sculptures crawling up its metal lower reaches; they were designed by controversial Czech pop artist David Cerny, whose work can be found throughout the city, including three more babies in Kampa Park.
A 305-ft (93-m) ride up the internal elevator leads to the Observation Tower, with multi-media displays and movies about Prague plus panoramic views over the Staré Město (Old Town) and right out to the concrete apartment blocks constructed during Soviet occupation — visit after dark to see the city sparkling below. Also inside the rocket-like tower are two classy restaurants, a bar and the aptly named One Room Hotel, which has just one stylish suite with a glass-walled bathroom 230 ft (70 m) above the city. Underground parking is found at the foot of Zizkov TV Tower, along with more restaurants, a mini-golf course and a petanque court.
Practical Info
Mahlerovy sady 1, Prague 3. Opening hours daily 8am–12 midnight. Admission adult 200 CZK; senior 150 CZK; students 140 CZK; children younger than 15 120 CZK; family 490 CZK. Metro Line A to Jiriho z Podebrad.
Address: Mahlerovy sady 1, Prague, Central Bohemian Region 130 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 8am–12 midnight
Admission: Adults: 200 CZK; Seniors: 150 CZK; Students: 140 CZK; Children: 120 CZK; Families: 490 CZK
From $ 32
Spanish Synagogue
The Spanish Synagogue in Prague is the newest synagogue in the Jewish Town area. Ironically, it is built on the site of the 12th-century Altschul, which was thought to be the oldest synagogue in the city.
The current building was constructed in 1868. It was designed by Vojtěch Ignátz Ullmann in a neo-Moorish style, which was inspired by the art of the Arabic period of Spanish history – hence the synagogue’s name. The elaborate interior was designed by the architects, Antonín Baum and Bedřich Münzberger, and includes beautiful stained-glass windows and a stucco-covered ceiling of intricate stylized motifs, which also adorn the walls, doors, and gallery balustrades.
The Spanish Synagogue in Prague holds regular services, permanent and temporary exhibitions, classical concerts, and a variety of other programs and events.
Practical Info
The Spanish Synagogue is located in Prague’s Jewish Quarter. To reach it, take metro Line A to Staromestska station, or take tram number 17 to the Pravnicka fakulta stop. The ticket counter, museum shop, and toilet facilities are located in the synagogue vestibule.
Address: Vezenska 1, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: November-March: 9am-4:30pm; April-October: 9am-6pm
Admission: Adults: 300Kč; Seniors/Students: 200 Kč
From $ 14
National Museum
The magnificent headpiece of Prague's historic Wenceslas square, the Prague National Museum (Národní Muzeum) is the largest museum complex in the Czech Republic, encompassing five specialized departments. The History and Natural History museums are the most sizable, housing an enormous permanent collection of prehistoric remains, archeological artifacts, rock specimens and other items from all over the world. The National Museum Library, Czech Music Museum and the National Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, are also part of the complex.
It's not only the exhibitions that warrant attention "“ the museum itself is a glorious homage to the Czech National Revival, adorned with the busts of Czech historical figures and fronted by a commandeering statue of St Wenceslas on horseback. The inescapable domed structure is an elaborate feat of neo-Renaissance architecture, featuring over 10 adjourned buildings designed by famous Czech architect Josef Schulz and dominating the Prague skyline since it opened its doors in the 1880s.
It's not only the exhibitions that warrant attention "“ the museum itself is a glorious homage to the Czech National Revival, adorned with the busts of Czech historical figures and fronted by a commandeering statue of St Wenceslas on horseback. The inescapable domed structure is an elaborate feat of neo-Renaissance architecture, featuring over 10 adjourned buildings designed by famous Czech architect Josef Schulz and dominating the Prague skyline since it opened its doors in the 1880s.
Practical Info:
The museum is currently undergoing major redevelopments and much of the old buildings is set to remain closed until 2015. Despite the significant closure, visiting the museum is still possible with the Museum's newest building, erected in 2009, showcasing a small selection of the vast permanent collection and the grounds remaining open for visitors to admire the spectacular architecture.
Metro: Muzeum (lines A & C), Tram: Muzeum (11), Bus: (504, 505, 511)
Metro: Muzeum (lines A & C), Tram: Muzeum (11), Bus: (504, 505, 511)
Address: Vaclavske namesti 68, 115 79, Praha 1, Czech Republic
Hours: Closed until 2015. New Building currently open: Thu-Tue 10am - 6pm; Wed 10am - 8pm.
Admission: Adult: 100 CZK, Child/Student/Senior: 70 CZK
From $ 14
Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
This medieval complex of buildings atop Vysehrad Hill, just south of Mala Strana (Old Town), has played an important part in Prague's history, having served at various points as a royal residence, religious center, and military fortress. It's one of the most significant of the Czech Republic's National Cultural Monuments, and it offers excellent views across the city.
The Basics
The site dates back to the 10th century"”that's when a church and fortified trading post were built; by 1085, the first king of Bohemia had also built a castle here. Although only fragments of the castle remain, including the underground casemates and the twin spires of the castle's church, the monument underwent a major neo-Gothic facelift in 1895, giving it an impressive, lofty interior. Some of Prague's most prominent citizens are buried in the ornate neighboring cemetery, including composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonín Dvorák, the patriotic author and poet Jan Neruda, and Art Nouveau maestro Alphonse Mucha.
Some Prague sightseeing tours, especially those focused on off-the-beaten path sites, include a visit to Vysehrad, which is sometimes referred to as the city's "other" castle. For a more in-depth explanation of the complex's history, take a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vysehrad National Cultural Monument is a must-visit for history lovers.
- Surrounded by peaceful gardens, a Romanesque rotunda, riverside walks, and open-air cafes, Vysehrad is a great place to escape the crowds.
- There's no entrance fee, but you do need to pay to see exhibitions.
How to Get There
The Vysehrad metro station and Albertov tram stations are both a 15-minute walk away. From Vyton tram station it's a 10-minute walk.
When to Get There
The site is open to the public every day of the week, from morning through early evening. Winter opening hours are slightly shorter. Prague is pleasant year round, but winter does bring heavy snow and frost.
Legends of Vysehrad
Vysehrad is a subject of local folklore. Legend has it that Libuse, the founder of Prague, stated her prophecy about the future glory of the city from her seat in Vysehrad. The site also appears in the traditional Bohemian tale, The Maiden's War, about an uprising of women against men. The leader of the band of women attacks the men at Vysehrad; alas, she"”and all the women"”are defeated.
Address: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Troja Chateau
The lovely late Baroque Troja Chateau was designed by Italian architect Jean Baptiste Mathey for Count Václav Vojtěch Šternberk and was completed in 1689; it was used by the count as his summer residence. The striking russet-red and white palace is entered via a spectacular flight of steps flanked by figures taken from Greek mythology and has an impressively elaborate interior swathed in frescoes; the best are found in the ornate Grand Emperor’s Hall — named for Emperor Leopold I, who came visiting in 1702 — and are by the Dutch artists Abraham and Isaac Godyn; the project took five years to complete. The opulent rooms are filled with sculptures and artwork and the chateau forms part of Prague City Gallery.
Troja is surrounded by formal gardens divided into terraces and parterres and decorated with fountains, statuary and ornamental trees. An imposing stable block stands in the courtyard, with vaulted ceilings decorated by Abraham Godyn with more scenes from Greek mythology.
Northwest of the city center near Prague Zoo and the botanical gardens, the chateau can be reached along the new bike path following the banks of the River Vltava. It is a popular venue for public functions and is only open to the public at weekends, although the grounds are open daily.
Practical Info
U Trojského zámku 4/1, Prague 7. Open May–Oct Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. Admission adult 100 CZK; senior 300 CZK, students & children 60 CZK; family 250 CZK. Entrance to the grounds is free. Bus 112 to Zoologicka zahrada or trams 5, 17 or 25 to Trojska.
Address: U Trojského zámku 4/1, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic 171 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Open Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 100 CZK; Seniors, Students & Children 50 CZK; Families: 200 CZK
From $ 35