Prague Things To Do

No trip to Prague is complete without strolling across this iconic statue-studded bridge spanning the Vitava. Linking the Old town with the Royal Way and the Prague Castle, it hosts street performers and artists.

The world’s largest medieval castle is so huge it feels like its own town – gothic spires, narrow lanes, palaces, statues and courtyards surround the massive St. Vitus cathedral. Spend at least half a day.

Get a feel for Prague’s communist years from 1948 to 1989 in this fascinating, well-organized museum. Exhibits include an Interrogation rooms, video clips and a historical schoolroom.

Wander the 13th-century streets, still bursting with ornate synagogues, of Prague’s former Jewish ghetto. A gloomy, evocative cemetery and the Maisel Synagogue’s Jewish Museum outline the history of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia.

Flanked by baroque and gothic buildings, Prague’s massive (and oldest) square lights up nightly like a Christmas tree. Make time for the free, hourly spectacle at the Old Town Hall’s Astronomical Clock, when figurines march out to music.

This panorama-filled hilltop (it’s name means “High Castle in Czech) is outside the traditional tourist loop, but well worth a visit. Bring a picnic and climb around the crumbling castles and fortifications dating as far back as the 11th century.

Visit this monastery dating back to 1143 for its architecture – Gothic and Baroque styles surround a Romanesque basilica – and its 18th century art collection of over 1,000 paintings, sculptures and handicrafts.

Learn how Prague influenced one of the greatest figures of 20th century world literature. The museum brings together many of Kafka’s first edition books, letters, photographs and drawings.

The rich architectural history of Prague extends as far back as the 10th century, making the city a veritable living museum of the shifting styles of the centuries, from Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance structures to Art Nouveau, Cubist, and Functionalist designs. Splurge on a qualified guide – this 3-hour tour ($175) practically equals a semester-long course in the subject back in the St

This petite gallery devoted to the life and work of Czech-born, art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha is a must-see for art connoisseurs. The posters he created for actress Sarah Bernhardt take center stage; his pastels, lithographs, and themed series are sensuous and fantastical. A short biographical video, shown in the rear of the gallery, puts his work in historical perspective for visitors.