Best places to visit in Prague: top attractions you don't want to miss

Prague is a city that never fails to surprise. You can explore the city's winding cobblestone streets, museums, and iconic castle, and still have much more to see and do in this cherished capital. This guide should make deciding easy by highlighting Prague's essential places to visit.

You can learn about the city's complex and fascinating 20th-century history and admire masterpieces in Prague's must-visit art galleries. You can also plan memorable family days out at Prague's museums zoos, parks, and museums. There are a few hidden gems in the Czech capital that will only make you fall more in love with the city too. This list of the 20 best places to visit in Prague will ensure you don't miss out on the essentials that make this city so special.

Best places in Prague for history

1. Farewell Memorial

The face of Prague was changed forever by the Nazi occupation. The Farewell Memorial is a lasting reminder of the Jewish children that fled during the Second World War. Visit the memorial as part of a fascinating private history tour of Prague, and hear anecdotes from the war, its scars, and local resilience.

Highlights:

The tour will take you to major war landmarks, including the Farewell Memorial. You'll also take in the magnificent Cyril and Methodius Cathedral and the idiosyncratic Dancing House.

Address and opening hours:

Meet at the entrance to the Dancing House, at Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, Nové Město, Tančící dům, 120 00, 2 Prague 2. Start times vary.

2. Prague Castle

No history buff's trip to Prague is complete without a tour of the Prague Castle complex. As the largest ancient castle complex in the world, it provides endless wonder and lavish interiors. This feat of 9th-century engineering has remained at the center of Prague's long and turbulent history. Learn of the fascinating events seen from atop these walls with an entertaining and informed guide.

Highlights:

Keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking stained-glass window in St Vitus' Cathedral, designed by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha.

Address and opening hours:

Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1. Open daily 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.

3. Cold War nuclear bunker

Prague's history throughout the 20th century was tumultuous, from independence through occupation and, finally, the Velvet Revolution. Learn all about Prague's communist past and beyond with a tour of the fascinating Cold War bunker. This claustrophobic but engrossing place is the perfect setting for a history tour.

Address and opening hours:

Meet up at the Powder Tower at Republic Square, at Nám. Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město. Start times vary.

4. Terezin

30 miles north of Prague lies Terezin. The Nazis established a concentration camp here to detain more than 150,000 Jews. It now serves as an important reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. A guided tour of the Terezin Concentration Camp will leave you with a thorough understanding of this dark chapter in Czech history.

Highlights:

The tour includes round-trip bus transportation from Prague and takes about half a day.

Address and opening hours:

Meet up at the main entrance stairs to the Rudolfinum building, at nám. J. Palacha 1, 110 00 Staré Město. Start times vary.

5. National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror

Unique in history as the only successful government-sanctioned assassination of a top-ranking Nazi official, Reinhardt Heydrich's death had far-reaching consequences for the Czech people. Learn more about this dramatic period with the Operation Anthropoid tour. You'll begin at the National Memorial, a somber cenotaph to Czech resistance.

Highlights:

Travel back in time with a visit to the crypt where the assassins, Gabčík and Kubiš, were in hiding for three weeks.

Address and opening hours:

Meet up at the entrance to the crypt below the steps at Václavská 308/22, 120 00 Nové Město. Start times vary.

Best places in Prague for art

6. National Gallery

The National Gallery isn't just one museum, but many historic places dotted around Prague that are essential places to visit for art lovers. Entry is free for all permanent collections. Old Masters are housed in the Convent of St Agnes, Šternberk Palace, and Schwarzenberg Palace. 19th-century art can be found at Salm Palace. Modern and contemporary art in the Veletržní Palace.

Highlights:

The international collection at the Veletržní Palace boasts works by Picasso, Rodin, Miró, and Klimt, among many others. If you only have time to visit one building, make it this one.

Address and opening hours:

The addresses and opening hours vary. Check this page for information.

7. Central Gallery

The next stop on any art lover's list is the Central Gallery. Choose from three impressive exhibitions: Dalí, Warhol, and Mucha. Each exhibition takes about 40 minutes, and you can get a bargain price for all three with this Central Gallery entry ticket.

Highlights:

All three artists have a connection to Prague that's well illustrated in the displays.

Address and opening hours:

Staroměstské nám. 15, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia. Open daily 6:00 AM-10:00 PM. The last tickets are sold at 7:00 PM.

8. Lobkowicz Palace

Lobkowicz Palace is host to the largest and oldest private art collection in Central Europe. With an entertaining audio tour of the ornate palace, you can see masterpieces by Brueghel, Canaletto, and Velasquez. There are also original musical scores written by Mozart and Beethoven.

Highlights:

The ticket gives you entry to Prague Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, and St George’s Basilica: all unmissable sightseeing spots.

Address and opening hours:

Lobkowicz Palace, Jiřská 3, 119 00 Prague. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. Mucha Museum

This sensuous museum is dedicated to a local legend, Alfons Mucha, and is a must-visit for fans of Art Nouveau. The Alphonse Mucha exhibition boasts an impressive array of paintings, posters, sketches, and memorabilia that provide the definitive portrait of the prized artist's life. Get swept up with his trademark curlicues and maiden subjects.

Highlights:

The exhibition includes many of Mucha's world-famous graphic designs and also some of his lesser-known work, including sketches, paintings, and photographs.

Address and opening hours:

Kaunický palác, Panská 7 110 00 Prague 1. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

10. Holešovice

For Prague’s contemporary street art, this alternative walking tour of Holešovice is a fine introduction. Holešovice is a former-manufacturing neighborhood that now boasts a hip community of cutting-edge creatives, including the city's best graffiti scene. This is a must-see area for those interested in contemporary art.

Highlights:

Visit a former slaughterhouse and barracks in Holešovice, which have been transformed into a community art theatre and underground steampunk venue.

Best places in Prague for families

11. Křižík Fountain

Křižík Fountain is situated in the Prague Exhibition Grounds and never fails to delight. The fountain combines 3,000 water jets with colored lights and music to create a breathtaking sightseeing spectacle. Attend after dark to see it in its full splendor and watch your family's faces light up.

Highlights:

Check the website to see the program of events.

Address and opening hours:

Výstaviště 170 00, Praha 7-Bubeneč. Open daily from 7:00 PM-11:45 PM.

12. Prague Zoo

Children of all ages will be enchanted by a trip down the Vltava River to visit Prague Zoo. The zoo itself is a firm family favorite with a history spanning 80 years. It's the second most-visited tourist attraction in Prague and is considered one of the best zoos in the world.

Highlights:

This attraction includes a boat ride (with a guide), entry to the zoo, a snack, and a bus ticket back to the city.

Address and opening hours:

U Trojského zámku 120/3, 171 00 Prague 7. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

13. Gallery of Steel

This place is a mecca for kids with an imagination. Consisting of an open-air gallery of reconstituted scrap metal sculptures, children will love exploring its fairy-tale and sci-fi characters with interactive displays. A Gallery of Steel ticket gets you access to this steely place for a fun family excursion.

Highlights:

Interact with and touch all the sculptures, shake hands with your favorite sci-fi character, or get a photo in a steel car.

Address and opening hours:

Celetná 15-9, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia. Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-9:00 PM.

14. Prague Golf & Games

One of the most entertaining attractions to be enjoyed in Prague is a game of glow-in-the-dark mini golf. At Prague Golf & Games, the course is illuminated with glowing UV paint. There is also a wide range of fun games to keep the party going, including billiards, darts, and pinball machines.

Highlights:

There are UV color face paints available onsite. Have fun with your family by painting each other's faces.

Address and opening hours:

Opatovická 160/18, 110 00 Nové Město. Open Sunday-Thursday 1:00 PM–10:00 PM and Friday-Saturday 1:00 PM-11:00 PM.

15. Airship Gulliver

Part of the DOX Prague contemporary art museum, the Airship Gulliver is a floating multidisciplinary art space and reading room. Designed to look as though it has crash-landed in the middle of the museum, this is a place that will spark the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Highlights:

While you're here, check out the rest of the DOX museum to see some contemporary art: they have an extensive educational program for kids.

Address and opening hours:

Poupětova 1, Prague 7. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.

Best places in Prague for culture

16. Spanish Synagogue

The Spanish Synagogue is a wonderful architectural site that's built in a splendid Moorish-meets-Andalucian style. This special space documents the life of Prague's Jews as one of the most important memorials in the city. Turn your trip into an experience with a concert in the Spanish Synagogue led by the Prague FOK Symphony Orchestra.

Highlights:

Check the program to select which date you go. You can pick from classical, jazz, and traditional Jewish hymns, all performed in an acoustically magnificent space.

Address and opening hours:

Vězeňská 1, 110 00 Staré Město. Open Sunday-Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM: get evening access with a concert ticket.

17. Klementinum Library

The Klementinum lays claim to being one of the world's most beautiful libraries, a lush space of gilded wood and glittering frescoes. It's nestled in the delightful Staré Město region, a treasure trove of Prague's 16th century. Get exclusive access to this astonishing world wonder with the guided Klementinum sightseeing tour. This will get you up close to the Library Hall, Meridian Hall, and the iconic Astronomical Tower.

Highlights:

Look out for the interior sundial in the 17th-century Meridian Hall.

Address and opening hours:

Mariánské nám. 5, 110 00 Staré Město. January-February: 10:00 AM-4:30 PM; March-October: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; November-December: 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

18. Smetana Hall

Smetana Hall is an impressive Art Nouveau building that includes a dazzling concert hall. Get the most out of your visit with an unforgettable concert in Smetana Hall. Once inside, you can marvel at the prized mosaics by Karel Špillar, paintings by Jan Preisler, and the hall's eye-catching glass dome.

Highlights:

Roman Fedchuk is an award-winning solo violinist: sit back and let his sublime playing transport you.

Address and opening hours:

Náměstí Republiky 1090, 110 00 Staré Město. Start times vary.

19. Franz Kafka's home in Josefov

The celebrated author Franz Kafka grew up in Prague, writing many of his masterpieces in Josefov. Head to Josefov and beyond on an informative walking tour that takes in highlights like his former home, school, and university. You'll find a bronze statue right outside his home on 27 Dušní, making the perfect photo memento for fans of the writer.

Highlights:

The tour will take you to the apartments where Kafka grew up and to his favorite cafés. This tour is a real treat for bookworms.

20. Reduta Jazz Club

The Reduta Jazz Club is Prague's oldest jazz venue and was a crucial space for creativity during the communist period when jazz was condemned as free-spirited. The club is perhaps best known as the spot where Bill Clinton played a sax solo in 1994. Visit this illustrious club that's frequented by stars and world-class musicians, while also experiencing a true slice of music history.

Highlights:

If you want to experience the club as Bill Clinton and Václav Havel did, select the VIP option when booking.

Address and opening hours:

Národní 116, 110 00 Nové Město. Open Monday-Sunday, 6:00 PM-12:00 AM.

FAQs

How many days should I spend in Prague?

Allow four or five days to truly experience the city: the longer you have, the more in-depth you can explore all of Prague's hidden gems, and that's before even beginning to explore the day trips of the surrounding region.

What is the best time of year to visit Prague?

Each season offers something unique in Prague: from the magical Christmas markets to the blooming flowers in spring. Plan to visit Prague in the summer for the best weather, outdoor events, and festivals.

How do I get around Prague?

Prague has an excellent metro system, which is efficient and affordable. Metros run from 5:00 AM-12:00 PM. There's also a tram network and a reduced service of night trams. There are buses, although these are less handy for tourist districts as they tend to connect the suburbs.

What are the best neighborhoods to visit in Prague?

The Old Town (Staré Město) and the New Town (Nové Město) are most popular among tourists, as this is where most of the tourist attractions are located. If you want to experience Prague off the beaten tourist trail, try visiting the hip neighborhoods of Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín, and Holešovice.

What are the best places to go shopping in Prague?

Na Prikope is the high street shopping district, although you will also find some boutique stores. For luxury shopping, head to Paris Street, the city's most expensive shopping street. For a more quirky souvenir, try the market at Havelska Street: this is the only surviving market from Old Prague.