Choose from 99 Fun Things to Do in Czech Republic
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Prague State Opera
A short walk from the New Town’s central Wenceslas Square, the grand Prague State Opera house is one of the city’s most exquisite buildings, undergoing several name changes over the years. Originally built as the German Theater, the ornate Neo-Rococo structure was designed by Viennese architects Fellner & Hellmer and opened to much acclaim in 1888. Despite falling into disrepair during the post-WWII communist years, the Prague State Opera has now been fully restored to its previous glory and the opulent interiors are truly magnificent, blending elegant white and gold décor with plush red velvet and glittering chandeliers.
Of course, the only way to truly experience the old world ambiance of Prague’s Opera House is to attend a performance, and there are plenty of opportunities during the Prague State Opera season between September and June. A varied program of opera and ballet features works by all the greats, including Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti, and the Opera house also hosts an annual Verdi festival throughout the summer months, an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and a series of Christmas-themed classical music concerts during the festive season.
Of course, the only way to truly experience the old world ambiance of Prague’s Opera House is to attend a performance, and there are plenty of opportunities during the Prague State Opera season between September and June. A varied program of opera and ballet features works by all the greats, including Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rossini, Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti, and the Opera house also hosts an annual Verdi festival throughout the summer months, an elegant New Year’s Eve Gala and a series of Christmas-themed classical music concerts during the festive season.
Practical Info:
Within walking distance of Metro: Muzeum (lines A & C), Tram: Muzeum (11), Bus: Muzeum (504, 505, 511)
Address: Legerova 57/75, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Prices vary per show
From $ 14
Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj)
One of Prague’s biggest visitor attractions, the ornate 15th-century astronomical clock is found on the southern side of Prague’s Gothic Old Town Hall. Gilded and complex in design, the clock was made by Czech master clockmaker Mikuláš of Kadaň in 1410 although it has been repeatedly restored and added to over the centuries. Its upper face shows the time and day of the week, the lower one reveals delicately painted signs of the zodiac. Every hour, on the hour, hundreds of tourists gather around the clock to witness the figure of Christ emerge from tiny trap doors above the upper dial of the clock, followed by a collection of wooden Apostles, to act out a mini-medieval morality tale, while the skeletal figure of Death strikes a bell, Greed counts out his money and Vanity worships his reflection.
The Old Town Hall itself was built in 1338 and is today a popular venue for Prague weddings as well as home of the city’s main tourist information center. Trips up its medieval tower reveal superb views of Old Town Square, the sinister twin spires of Baroque Týn church, and the bronze statue of medieval Czech reformer Jan Hus, which lies at the heart of the square. A series of palatial medieval halls are also open to the public.
The Astronomical Clock “performs” daily on the hour between 9am and 11pm in Prague’s Old Town Square.
Address: Staroměstské náměstí 1, Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 12
Republic Square (Námestí Republiky)
Situated between Prague’s Old Town and New Town, Republic Square (Námestí Republiky) is one of the main focal points of the city. The large 19th century Municipal House dominates the square, and it is also home to a number of bustling shops, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
The Powder Gate is a particular draw for those visiting Republic Square. This ancient Gothic tower sits on the edge of the Old Town and was one of the original city gates, dating back to the 11th century. In stark contrast to this historical building, elsewhere on the square there’s a large modern shopping center that opened in 2007.
Another notable building within Republic Square is the Czech National Bank. There are also a number of market stalls around the square, with a farmer’s market held weekly.
Practical Info
Republic Square can be reached on foot from a variety of places and attractions around the city. To reach it by metro, take Line B to Náměstí Republiky. The square can also be reached by tram, with good connections from Holešovice and Prague 8.
Address: Republic Square, Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 52
Prague Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti)
Prague’s Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) is the historic heart and navigational center of the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. A feast of architectural wonders, the medieval square is ringed with grandiose Romanesque, baroque, and Gothic style buildings, including some of Prague’s most photographed monuments.
The Basics
The best way to explore Old Town Square is on foot—join the crowds wandering and sipping coffee in streetside cafés, admire the intricate architecture, or join a group walking tour of the city to benefit from the experience of an expert guide. Most Prague tours pass through the square on the way to nearby attractions such as Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge, or the Jewish Quarter. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group or private tour, or combine an Old Town walking tour with a visit to Prague Castle, a sightseeing cruise along the Vltava River, or a traditional Czech lunch.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in the Old Town area.
- Parking is scarce in Old Town and many streets are one-way or pedestrian-only, so it’s best to walk or use public transport.
- Many of the attractions around Old Town Square are wheelchair accessible, but its best to check in advance.
How to Get There
Prague Old Town Square is located at the center of Old Town on the east bank of the Vltava River. It can be reached on foot from Lesser Town and New Town. The nearest tram stop is Staromestska, and the Staromestska, Namesti Republiky, and Mustek metro stations are all a short walk away.
When to Get There
Most tour guides time their arrival at Old Town Square to see the astronomical clock display, which occurs at the turn of every hour, but you can admire the square’s grand architecture anytime. It can get extremely busy during the day, especially during the peak summer months, so opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds. Visit the square after dark to see the buildings dramatically illuminated, or stop by during the festive holiday season, when the square hosts the city’s main Christmas market.
Landmarks of Prague’s Old Town Square
Strolling around Old Town Square makes for an impressive walking tour, with magnificent buildings on every corner. Notable monuments include the Old Town Hall, famous for its Gothic facade and intricate astronomical clock; the Tyn Cathedral; the baroque Church of St. Nicholas; the Rococo Kinský Palace; and the Jan Hus statue.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 8
Prague Zoo
The Prague Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world and aims to educate the public about wildlife while protecting the animals that live there. Many of the exhibits allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Despite being in the middle of a city, there is lots of greenery at the Prague Zoo, making it a nice escape as well as a fun place to see a wide variety of animals. There are several areas geared towards children such as play areas, a petting zoo, and a viewing train.
Some of the more interesting animals you can see at the zoo include the Komodo dragon, western lowland gorilla, polar bear, honey badger, Galapagos tortoise, Malayan tapir, camel, kangaroo, southern cassowary, Malayan tiger, antelope, aardvark, Przewalski's horse, eastern black and white Colobus monkey, Steller's sea eagle, cape fur seal, Red River hog, giraffe, river stingray, Humboldt's penguin, lesser panda, rhinoceros hornbill, Asian elephant, and hippopotamus. The Prague Zoo is involved in helping different species survive through breeding at the zoo and protecting them in their natural habitats in different parts of the world.
Practical Info
The Prague Zoo is located at U trojského zámku 3/120. To get there take metro line C to the Nádraží Holešovice metro station and then take bus 112. Opening hours are 9am to 4pm November through February; 9am to 5pm in March; 9am to 6pm April, May, September and October; 9am to 7pm in June; 9am to 9pm July and August. Admission is CZK 200 for adults and CZK 150 for children ages 3 to 15.
Address: U trojského zámku 3/120, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Vary by season
Admission: Adults: CZK 200; Children (3-15): CZK 150
From $ 35
Nerudova
Cutting a swathe through the Baroque beauty of Prague’s historic heart, Nerudova runs uphill through Malá Strana (Lesser Town), forming a link between Charles Bridge and Prague Castle on the west banks of the Vltava River. In the days of the Czech monarchy, the street formed part of the Royal Way, which the king followed from the Old Town Square to the castle on ceremonial occasions.
Now named after the famous 19th-century poet Jan Neruda, who lived at no. 47, the street is composed of brightly colored and gabled Baroque townhouses and palaces, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and today bursting with boutique hotels, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants; as the street wends up towards the castle it becomes the province of several overseas embassies. Unusual features of Nerudova are the symbols painted or carved on to the façades of the buildings; these represent the professions of the original owners in the days before street numbering was introduced; thus a musician lived at ‘At the Three Violins’ (no. 12) and a goldsmith at ‘At the Golden Cup’ (no. 16). An intriguing pharmacy with its original interior dating from 1821 is located at ‘At the Golden Lion’ (no. 32) and the elegant Morzin Palace (no. 5) is embellished with imposing statues of Moors; this is currently the Romanian Embassy.
Practical Info
Nerudova is a pedestrianized street and within easy distance of the Old Town Square, which lies at the opposite (east) side of Charles Bridge. Dittrich Pharmacy: Nerudova 32. Open daily Apr–Sept 11am–6pm; Oct–Mar 10am–5pm. Admission adults 20 CZK; seniors, students & under 18s 10 CZK.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 28
Prague City Gallery
The Prague City Gallery exhibits modern and contemporary art in seven different historic buildings throughout the Czech capital. Guided tours allow visitors to view the collections of 19th- and 20th-century art on display at the Golden Ring House, Municipal Library, and House of Photography, and to take in the palatial surroundings of many of the exhibits. Admire the late 13th-century Stone Bell House with its Gothic facade; the 18th-century Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace and its Baroque and Rococo architecture; and the 17th-century Troja Chateau, which was inspired by Roman villas and hosts a number of sculptures and paintings.
In addition to guided tours, the City Gallery offers scheduled talks and cultural activities, as well as an inside look at the studio of sculptor and architect Frantisek Bilek, located within his Castle District villa. Visitors holding the Prague Welcome Card enter the galleries and other top city museums and attractions for free.
Practical Info
Five of the seven buildings that comprise the Prague City Gallery are located within Prague's Old Town and can be visited in a single walking tour: the Stone Bell House, the Golden Ring House, the Municipal Library, the House of Photography and the Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace. Villa Bilek is located across the river in the Castle District, while the Troja Chateau is a few miles outside of the center and must be reached by bus or taxi.
The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm, but hours vary slightly by location. Adult admission is 120 CZK for each building, with the exception of Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace (entrance is free) and Bilek's studio (50 CZK). Youth admission costs 60 CZK. Visitors enter free with the Prague Welcome Card, which includes admission to other city attractions such as Wallenstein Palace and the Franz Kafka Museum, as well as unlimited public transportation use (included in upgrade).
Address: Staroměstské náměstí 13, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Tues–Sun: 10am–6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Prague Castle (Prazsky hrad)
Sitting high on a hill overlooking the Charles Bridge and Vltava River, Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad) is a huge complex of museums, churches, palaces, and gardens dating from the ninth century. Nestled in the historic center of Prague—all of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the largest castle complex in the world is an outstanding relic of Prague’s architectural history and a must for any visitor to the City of a Hundred Spires.
The Basics
Comprised of dozens of buildings, Prague Castle can feel like a small town. To allow for ample time to explore, tickets are valid for two days: the day of purchase and the following day. Nearly all city tours include a stop at Prague Castle, and a variety of tickets are available depending on how much of the complex you want to see. Explore the castle on your own with a skip-the-line ticket, or book a guided walking tour for a more in-depth experience. To take in even more of Prague’s highlights, combine a visit to Prague Castle with a cruise on the Vltava River or a walking tour of Old Town.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the castle grounds is free and tickets to individual buildings are sold at several spots around the grounds.
- History buffs may want to allow an entire day to take everything in.
- Interior photography is prohibited in certain exhibits and allowed only with a permit in others.
- Don’t miss the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, which takes place daily at noon.
- Be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes to go through security upon entering the castle grounds.
How to Get There
Easily reach Prague Castle by taking tram 22 to Prazsky Hrad. Other options include taking a tram to Kralovsky letohradek or Pohorelec, or taking the metro to Malostranska or Hradcanska.
When to Get There
Prague Castle is open year-round with slightly shorter hours in the winter. To beat the crowds, arrive early in the morning, and try to avoid weekends and holidays.
Prague Castle Highlights
Prague Castle is rich with architectural and historical marvels, including the neo-Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which may be the most recognizable part of the complex. Inside, don’t miss St. Wenceslaus Chapel and its magnificent decorations. The treasury is one of the largest in Europe and includes a relic of St. Vitus’ arm, while St. George’s Basilica, with its austere interior, provides an interesting contrast to the elaborate cathedral. The small homes along Golden Lane originally belonged to servants, goldsmiths, and marksmen; look for house 22, where writer Franz Kafka once lived. The Old Royal Palace is now home to an interactive exhibition providing an overview of the city’s history, the Story of Prague Castle.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Prague castle complex: daily 6am-10pm, Historical buildings: Apr 1 - Oct 31: 9am-5pm, Nov 1 - March 31: 9am-4pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 10
Old-New Synagogue (Staronova Synagoga)
The Jewish ghetto in Prague grew up in Josefov around the Old-New Synagogue, which was in use as early as 1270. It has the distinction of being oldest functioning synagogue in Europe – for over 700 years services were only halted during Nazi occupation between 1942–45 – and today it is once more the heart of Jewish worship in the city. A Gothic oddity, the whitewashed synagogue is topped with brick gables and its interior is starkly simple and little changed since the 13th century, with one prayer hall for the men and an adjoining gallery for women, who originally were only allowed to witness services from behind a glass screen. An elaborate wrought-iron grill encases the pulpit and the Torah scrolls are contained in a plain Ark on one wall. Apart from a couple of chandeliers, the only embellishment is a tattered red flag bearing the Star of David hanging from the ceiling, given as a gesture of respect to the Jewish community by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357; the red banner close by was a gift from Ferdinand III in thanks for Jewish help in repulsing a Swedish invasion in 1648. Down the centuries the building has survived fires, pogroms and sieges, giving rise to the legend that is protected by angels.
Practical Info
Cervená 2. Open Apr–Oct Sun–Thur 9am-6pm, Fri 9am– until an hour before the Sabbath starts. Nov–Mar Sun–Thur 9am-5pm, Fri 9am–until an hour before the Sabbath starts. Closed Sat and Jewish holidays. Admission adults 200 CZK; students & children aged 5–15 140 CZK. Yarmulkes are handed out at the entrance for men to cover their heads. The Old-New synagogue is easily accessible on foot from Prague’s pedestrianized Old Town.
Address: Cervená 2, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Hours vary, closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Admission: Adults: 200 CZK
From $ 14
Prague Metronome
Letná Park sits on high overlooking the Vltava River; it gives great views over the graceful Baroque spires of Prague’s Staré Město (Old Town), and is well know for its beer gardens, bars and picnic spots. The top of Letná Hill was once adorned with a 30-ft (9.2-m), 17,000-ton statue built in homage to Joseph Stalin, which was unveiled in 1955 while Bohemia was under Soviet rule. By 1962, however, Stalin had fallen from favor and his successor Nikita Khrushchev had the statue blown up. Its plinth was left empty for nearly 30 years, but eventually Czech artist Vratislav Novák designed and constructed a massive, functioning metronome and it was placed on the plinth in 1991. Today it is a well-loved landmark on Prague’s skyline.
Novák’s triangular metronome has a bright-red arm that is 75 ft (23 m) long and is clearly visible from Prague Castle as well as the river and its bridges below. The graffiti-strewn area immediately surrounding the metronome is popular as a skate park with the youth of the city, and it also serves as a viewing point and as a photographic backdrop for visitors on cycling, electric scooter and Segway tours of the city. At night the installation is illuminated and can be spotted after dark from boats cruising along the river.
Practical Info
The metronome is open 24/7. Admission is free. For transportation, take Metro Line A to Malostranská or trams 1, 8, 25 or 26 to Letenské náměstí.
Address: Nábřeží Edvarda Beneše, Prague 7, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: 24/7
From $ 12
Pribram Mining Museum
Pribram Mining Museum Silver, iron, and uranium were once mined at the Pribram Mine in the Czech Republic. Today the mine is divided up into different sections as the Pribram Mining Museum. Expositions, mining structures, machinery, mining railways and other attractions show visitors what those mining days were like. Exhibits also explain mining technology since the 1950s, the mining history of the area, and what life was like for the miners who once worked here.
Visitors can ride on mine trains, both on the surface and underground. Tours include several miles of underground mining tunnels, and visitors can also travel down into the pit in a mining elevator. There's also a slide that leads to a giant water wheel. You can also see historic mining steam engines and collections of minerals, or peer down Prokop mine shafts that are 5,250 feet deep. Other mine shafts here, called the old Anna shafts, are several hundred years old. Warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended for visits to the underground sections.
Practical Info
The Pribram Mining Museum is located at nam. Hynka Klicky 293 261 01 Pribram VI - Brezove Hory, about 42 miles south of Prague. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 9am to 5pm from April to October, and Tuesday–Friday 9am to 4pm from November to March. General admission is 40 CZK, and some sections require an extra fee.
Address: náměstí Hynka Kličky 293, Pribram, Czech Republic
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 9am to 5pm from April to October, and Tuesday–Friday 9am to 4pm from November to March.
Admission: 40 CZK, some sections require an extra fee.
From $ 92
Kbely Aviation Museum
Like the Army Museum Žižkov, Kbely Aviation Museum (Leteckém muzeu Kbely) is one of four museums overseen by the Military History Institute Prague. It was founded in 1968 on an historic military airfield at Kbely on the north-eastern outskirts of the city, and — thanks to its spectacular collection of 275 aircraft — is one of the biggest and best aircraft museums in Europe. At any one time, 85 planes are on show in the museum’s vast hangars, with many more displayed in the open air.
The museum showcases the early days of Czech aviation, from World War I biplanes to Cold War Soviet spy planes, military helicopters to MIG-29s, supersonic jets to a (somewhat scorched) Russian Soyuz re-entry capsule. Most of the exhibits are related to Czech military aviation, but several Tupolev commercial airliners are on display and rare treasures from overseas include a South Vietnamese 5F Tiger II, a Swedish Saab 35 Draken fighter plane and a British Air Force F-4 Phantom II. Aircraft are displayed surrounded by period ephemera, including banners, medals, weapons and mannequins wearing military uniforms.
Practical Info
Open May–Oct Tue–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission is free. For transportation, take Metro Line C to Letňany and then bus nos. 185, 259, 280, 302, 375 or 376 to Letecké (takes 10 minutes).
Address: Mladoboleslavská 425/9, Kbely 197 00, Czech Republic
Hours: May–Oct Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
From $ 35
Prague Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
Part of Prague’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is among the most remarkably preserved in Europe. Today, its striking monuments and memorials stand both as a tribute to the city’s rich Jewish heritage and a poignant reminder of its tragic past.
The Basics
Join a Jewish Quarter walking tour, which will visit the district’s four synagogues—the Old-New Synagogue, Klausen Synagogue, Spanish Synagogue, and Maisel Synagogue—as well as Jewish Town Hall and the 20th-century Jewish Ceremonial Hall. Tour the Old Jewish Cemetery and the former Pinkas Synagogue, now hosting a moving Holocaust memorial, to learn more about the Czech Republic’s Jewish history. Also explore Franz Kafka’s birthplace and Parizská Street for some designer shopping.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A “Jewish Museum” ticket, valid for seven days, includes entrance to seven of the district’s synagogues and historic buildings.
- Walking tours of the Jewish Quarter typically take three to four hours.
- Many attractions, including the Spanish Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery, are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The Jewish Quarter is between Old Town Square and the Vltava River, and it’s easy to walk there on foot from any of the attractions in Prague’s Old Town. The closest tram stop is Pravnicka fakulta (trams 2, 17, and 18) and the nearest metro station is Staromestska (line A).
When to Get There
The Jewish Quarter is at its busiest during peak season (July and August); an early morning visit is the best time to avoid the crowds.
The Jewish Museum of Prague
During World War II, Hitler planned to preserve Prague’s Jewish Quarter as a “Museum of an Extinct Race.” Many religious buildings were left intact and valuable Jewish artifacts from all over Europe were imported to Prague. Today, Prague’s “Jewish Museum” serves as a memorial and tribute made up of seven of the quarter’s most important sites—the Robert Guttmann Gallery, the Ceremonial Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Maisel, Pinkas, Spanish, and Klausen synagogues.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
Admission: Free
From $ 44
Public Transport Museum
Opened in 1993 in a former tram depot in Prague-Střešovice, the Public Transport Museum is a two-fold exhibition, with featured displays covering the history of public transport in Prague as well as showcasing more than 45 historic vehicles. Exhibits date back to 1875, when horse-drawn trams were introduced into the city and include well-preserved, gleaming electric trams, fire engines, coaches and buses, all neatly lined up in rows. Many other exhibits, including models, advertising posters, photographs, route maps, travel tickets, old models and short, flickering films, higlight the development of Prague’s transport network over the last 150 years.
Combine a visit to the Public Transport Museum with a turn on the ‘nostalgic’ Tram Line No 91. A fleet of bright-red trams set out from the tram depot — built in 1909 and a city landmark in its own right — every Saturday and Sunday between March 25 and November 17 to do the rounds of Prague’s major sights, including the Castle and Wenceslas Square. Departures are on the hour; the trip takes 40 minutes and costs 35 CZK one-way.
Practical Info
Open Mar 25–Nov 17 Sat, Sun and public holidays 9am–5pm. Admission for adults is 35 CZK; children are 20 CZK. For transportation, take Metro Line A to Hradčanská.
Address: Patočkova 4, Prague 6, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: Mar 25–Nov 17 Sat, Sun and public holidays 9am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 35 CZK; Children: 20 CZK
From $ 35
Prague Old Town (Stare Mesto)
The center of ancient Prague, the Old Town (Stare Mesto) makes a popular starting point for walking tours of the city, sprawled along the eastern banks of the Vltava River and connected to the Lesser Town by the grand Charles Bridge. A key part of the UNESCO World Heritage city, the Old Town’s medieval churches, ancient buildings and maze of cobblestone lanes is historic Prague at its most picturesque, with many structures dating back to the 13th century.
The Old Town Square is the focal point of the district, presided over by the Lady Before Tyn Cathedral, the central Jan Hus statue and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock tower – one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, dating back to the early 15th century. The square’s mix of distinctive pastel-shaded buildings and fine Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture has long provided the backdrop for city life, and the public square, once a medieval market, is a popular venue for national celebrations, protests and political events.
Other notable buildings in the Old Town include the 13th century Convent of St Agnes, Prague’s earliest example of Gothic design; the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas; and the exquisite Art Nouveau Municipal Hall, a masterpiece crafted by some of the most prominent Czech artists of the 19th century. Just north of Wenceslas Square, the boundary point of the New Town, the Carolinum, part of the Charles University (the oldest university north of the Alps), and the 18th century Estates Theater, Prague's oldest theatre, are also worth a look.
The Old Town Square is the focal point of the district, presided over by the Lady Before Tyn Cathedral, the central Jan Hus statue and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock tower – one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, dating back to the early 15th century. The square’s mix of distinctive pastel-shaded buildings and fine Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture has long provided the backdrop for city life, and the public square, once a medieval market, is a popular venue for national celebrations, protests and political events.
Other notable buildings in the Old Town include the 13th century Convent of St Agnes, Prague’s earliest example of Gothic design; the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas; and the exquisite Art Nouveau Municipal Hall, a masterpiece crafted by some of the most prominent Czech artists of the 19th century. Just north of Wenceslas Square, the boundary point of the New Town, the Carolinum, part of the Charles University (the oldest university north of the Alps), and the 18th century Estates Theater, Prague's oldest theatre, are also worth a look.
Address: Prague, Czech Republic
From $ 10
Pinkas Synagogue and Cemetery
There are dozens of places to honor fallen Jews in the city of Prague, but few are as iconic—or as striking—as the Pinkas Synagogue and nearby cemetery. Travelers who enter into the dark doors of Pinkas will find walls inscribed with the more than 77,000 Jews who were killed during the Holocaust, a stunning representation of the atrocity on a visual scale. At the front of the structure a list of concentration camps where men and women perished is listed and the Synagogue’s second floor showcases a small exhibit of moving children’s art.
The nearby burial site serves as the final resting place for some 20,000 Jews. Travelers can wander the well-worn path through 12 layers of graves that belong to famous rabbis, poets and scholars. Off-kilter stones worn by decades of weather serves as a reminder of all that was lost and provide a space of quiet contemplation for visitors.
Practical Info
Pinkas Synagogue hours vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check ahead before making a visit. It is closed to visitors on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
Address: Široká 23/3, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Closed to visitors on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Check hours before visiting.
From $ 40
Reduta Jazz Club
Opened in late 1957, the Reduta Jazz Club is the oldest jazz club in Prague. Deriving its name from places in ancient Greece that were centers of fun and music, the club has a storied history. In the 1960s, it operated as both a jazz club and as a cabaret theater, with theatrical performances known as text-appeals. The club played an increasingly important role in Czech culture and politics into the 1980s as it became a gathering place for dissidents. Over the years, it hosted the likes of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the U.S. Army Big Band, the European Big Band and even welcomed former U.S. president Bill Clinton for a jam session in 1994.
Known as well for its great acoustics and Petrof grand piano, the club today features everything from jazz and blues to big band and swing music. The theater still operates as well, offering mime performances, kids’ shows and a unique black light theater, the first of its kind in the world.
Practical Info
The Reduta Jazz Club is on Narodni Street in the center of Prague and can be reached easily from the Narodni Trida Metro station. The club is open to all ages every day, with performances generally starting around 9 or 9:30pm and the Saxophone Bar opening about half an hour earlier. Theater performances usually start at 7 or 7:30pm, with children’s shows at 9:30am or 3pm.
Address: Národní třída 20, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily; performance times vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Prague National Theatre (Narodni divadlo)
Much more than just a pretty façade, the Prague National Theatre (Narodni divadlo) is one of the capital’s most important and culturally significant buildings, celebrated as a symbol of Czech cultural and political independence. Completed in 1883 while the country was under Austrian rule, the National Theatre was originally refused funding by the government of Vienna but after a nationwide appeal and a flood of financial contributions from Czech citizens, building commenced in 1865. It’s unique funding means that, more than any of the city’s historic buildings; the Prague National Theatre really does belong to the people.
Taking 16 years to finish, the theatre is the masterwork of Czech architect Josef Zítek, who crafted a dramatic neo-Renaissance façade reflective of the artistic liberation of the Czech National Revival. In 1983, a modernist glass annex – the ‘New Scene’ – was also added to the theatre, the work of architect Zdeněk Vávra, designed to mark the building’s 100th anniversary.
Standing proud by the riverside in the Old Town, with its golden rooftop shimmering in the sunlight, the National Theatre remains one of Prague’s most instantly recognizable sights and those lucky enough to catch one of its many drama, opera and ballet performances will be captivated by its equally impressive interiors.
Taking 16 years to finish, the theatre is the masterwork of Czech architect Josef Zítek, who crafted a dramatic neo-Renaissance façade reflective of the artistic liberation of the Czech National Revival. In 1983, a modernist glass annex – the ‘New Scene’ – was also added to the theatre, the work of architect Zdeněk Vávra, designed to mark the building’s 100th anniversary.
Standing proud by the riverside in the Old Town, with its golden rooftop shimmering in the sunlight, the National Theatre remains one of Prague’s most instantly recognizable sights and those lucky enough to catch one of its many drama, opera and ballet performances will be captivated by its equally impressive interiors.
Practical Info:
Within walking distance of Narodni divadlo Station: Trams 6, 9, 17, 18, 22, 53, 57, 58, 59, 91
Address: Ostrovní 225/1, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Tours and Tickets available daily from 10am - 6pm
Admission: Adults/Students: 200 CZK, Seniors/Children: 150 CZK
From $ 12
KGB Museum
Opened in 2011, the KGB Museum in Prague is a small museum dedicated to displaying memorabilia related to the activities of various national security authorities, including the KGB, the Cheka and the NKVD. Items on display include spy cameras, weapons, electrical interrogation equipment and other equipment from KGB laboratories. Of particular interest to visitors are Vladimir Lenin’s death mask, the weapon used to kill Leon Trotsky and the personal belongings of Lavrentiy Beria, the head of the NKVD.
A separate room of the museum features a collection of photographs taken in Prague in 1968 by KGB officers, while other rooms give visitors a sense of the offices and everyday work environments of the officers. It is said that some of the materials on display are still officially classified.
Practical Info
The KGB Museum is located on the west side of the Vitava River in Prague, less than a ten-minute walk from Prague Castle. Using public transportation, the museum can be reached by taking tram 12, 20 or 22 or bus 192. It is also about a 15-minute walk from the Malostranska subway station.
Address: Vlašska 13, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily, except Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: 300 Czech koruna
From $ 83
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
The Czech Republic is famous for the volume of beer (pivo) the nation consumes. The favourite drink of locals and tourists alike is lager and none is more popular than the classically Czech brand Pilsner Urquell, which is produced at an historic brewery in Pilsen (Plzeň in Czech).
An hour’s drive from Prague, Pilsen is the capital of West Bohemia and was European City of Culture in 2016. Beer has been brewed in the city since 1295, but the story of Pilsner Urquell begins with the building of the Prazdroj Brewery in 1842. This was the year that Josef Groll developed his unique method of brewing, which is still used in making Pilsner lager today.
A guided tour of the brewery leads through the brewing process, from the vast copper storage vats in the factory through the 1930s brew house before traveling to the state-of-the-art bottling facility, which is capable of handling 120,000 bottles an hour. Every tour lasts one hour and 40 minutes and ends in the historic cellars with a tasting session of several unfiltered pilsners straight from the oak cask. To learn about another traditional Czech craft, combine a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery with a tour of the Bohemia glassworks in Nizbor.
Practical Info
U Prazdroje 7, Pilsen. Opening hours daily 7am–11pm. Tour tickets adults 180 CZK; seniors & students 108 CZK; family 396 CZK. Pilsen is an hour and 15 minutes southwest of Prague and is best accessed by car along the E50.
Address: U Prazdroje 7, Pilsen, Western Bohemia 304 97, Czech Republic
Hours: Open daily 7am–11pm
Admission: Adults: 180 CZK; Seniors & Students: 108 CZK; Families: 396 CZK
From $ 106