As one of the most well-preserved cities in central Europe, Prague offers many interesting sights—there is a reason the Czech capital is called the town of a hundred spires!—but there’s more to it than simply walking on cobblestone streets and looking up at the many churches, townhouses and castles. Prague also tells a story of people living through two totalitarian regimes within the past hundred years, then emerging to create one of the most affluent places in the region after liberal reforms of the 1990s. Today, Prague boasts a rich food culture, including, of course, the famous Czech beer!
Here is a selection of things to do while you visit this wonderful city:
- Take a stroll on the Royal Route
If you’re up for a two-hour stroll through the city center, the Royal Route—the traditional coronation parade route of the Czech kings—is a great path that will take you past all the major sights. Join the Route by walking from the hotel down Wenceslas Square and toward the Old Town Square. This features the legendary Prague Astronomical Clock on the Old Town City Hall, the site where 27 of the leaders of the Bohemian opposition to the Habsburg rule were executed in 1621, and two churches: St. Nicolas and Our Lady before Týn. From there, make your way to the riverfront and the famous Charles Bridge, a gothic stone bridge constructed in 1357. Then head through the Malá Strana and its square where the Czech Parliament is located (as well as another Church of St. Nicholas) and up the castle stairs toward Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech president and home to the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral.
- Lose yourself in Prague’s museums
Prague’s most famous museum is the National Museum; located at the top of the Wenceslas Square, the building houses both natural history exhibitions as well as Czech history exhibitions. A useful tip if you are going on a weekend: There is the old building and a new building just across the road—they are connected with a tunnel and your ticket is valid for both, so enter via the new building to avoid waiting in line!
If you cross the river, visit the Kafka Museum! (Did you know that Kafka was a Prague native?) Also consider the National Gallery and the Prague City Gallery, which have many buildings all throughout the city, including ones in the Old Town Square and at the Prague Castle. Both contain numerous temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collections.
A controversial item on this list is the Museum of Communism; although some find it a chilling look back at the 41-year-long dictatorship, others consider it more of a tourist trap.
- Enjoy the Prague skyline (and the remnants of communism)
If you like to look at cities from above, Prague offers you multiple options! Apart from Prague Castle, there is also Petřín Hill, which has a funicular leading to the top (the standard city transport pass is valid on it). The Petřín Tower, built on top of the hill, is inspired by the Eiffel Tower and was built only a few years after the original.
Another spot to explore is the Letná park, where you can get a snack or a drink at the Hanau Pavilion overlooking the river and Prague Castle, and walk through the park to the Prague Metronome. This park was formerly the location of the largest statue of Stalin in the world, and there is still a bar called Stalin right under the Metronome—a symbol of the passing of eras and the change that comes with them.
From there, you can also see the Vítkov Hill on the other side of the river, with the former mausoleum of Clement Gottwald, the first Czechoslovak communist President.
- Vyšehrad Castle
Just a few metro stops away from the venue is the older of the two main castles in Prague: Vyšehrad (the former seat of the Czech kings before they moved to the other side of Vltava). Besides the castle itself, there is the Vyšehrad Cemetary, the resting place of many famous figures of the country’s history and culture, and a very pleasant walk in the park surrounding the castle with views of the Vltava river.
- Nature, parks, and the Zoo
If you get tired of the noise of the city, there are plenty of green spaces to explore. Besides the above-mentioned Petřín Hill and Letná Park, there is also Riegrovy Sady, a park a little north of the center, with a nice view of the city and a pleasant beer garden. Just under the Prague Castle, there is the Deer Moat—a surprisingly quiet refuge from the tourists just above at the Castle. Another pleasant experience not too far from the venue is the Grébovka Park, with Renaissance-styled structures and a pleasant café, and view of the Vyšehrad Castle.
However, the largest park in the inner city is the Stromovka Park; you can walk directly across a bridge from this park to the Prague Zoo—one of the top-rated zoos in the world!
Places to eat and drink:
Bredovský dvůr is a restaurant near Wenceslas Square serving good local cuisine and Czech beer. Address: Politických vězňů 935/13, 110 00 Nové Město
Cafedu is a student café serving snacks, light meals, and brunches with a 24-hour study place; located at the top of Wenceslas Square. Address: 12, Škrétova 490, 120 00 Praha 2
Café Louvre is a centrally located café and restaurant with a charming 1920s atmosphere. It is good to visit in the morning for a pleasant brunch, or for lunch or dinner. Address: Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město
Café Slavia is another great place to visit for a meal, a beer, or a coffee throughout the day. It has preserved an early 1900s atmosphere, and is located on the riverfront right next to the National Theater. Address: 2, Smetanovo nábř. 1012, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha
Craft House is a great place to get a slightly more expensive local craft beer and some light snacks, such as the locally popular pickled cheese. Address: Navrátilova 1421/11, 110 00 Nové Město
Dno Pytle is a Czech craft beer pub that’s not afraid to get political (you’ll see it when you see it). Address: Vinohradská 63, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady
Mincovna is a relatively affordable Czech restaurant directly on Old Town Square. Address: Staroměstské nám. 930/7, 110 00 Josefov
Mlejnice is a very traditional Czech restaurant by Old Town Square. Address: 14, Kožná 488, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha 1
Lokál Dlouhá is a Czech pub near Náměstí republiky in the city center, and is good for a beer or an affordable lunch. Address: Dlouhá 33, 110 00 Staré Město
Lokál U Bílé kuželky is a local pub just by the Charles Bridge and under the Prague Castle where you can get a beer or a quick lunch. Address: Míšeňská 12, 110 00 Malá Strana
U Pinkasů is another traditional Czech beer place, very close to the event venue. Head there for a good Pilsner! Address: Jungmannovo nám. 756 /16, 110 00 Můstek
Vinárna U Sudu is the place to head when other places in the area close for the night—located near the event venue, this subterranean labyrinth of a pub closes late after midnight, and is a worthwhile experience for night owls. Address: Vodičkova 677/10, 110 00 Nové Město
As a large city with many international visitors, Prague also offers several different cuisines in the city, in case you get fed up with the local cuisine. 🙂
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Looking forward to seeing you in the beautiful city of Prague for LevelUp Europe!
