Explore off the beaten path with Prague's best hidden gems

You've crossed over Charles Bridge and back and gazed out over the city from Prague Castle. You've explored the Malá Strana, strolled the streets of the Jewish Quarter, and found countless beer gardens. Do you think you've seen all that Prague has to offer? Nothing could be further from the truth. Prague has a multitude of well-kept secret gems that will take you off the typical tourist trail. Get to know the city's beating heart with this list of the top ten hidden places and experiences.

Explore this list of the city's secret places and offbeat experiences to find hidden gems that most tourists miss. From hunting for truffles to paddle boarding on the Vltava to touring the city's hidden breweries, you can experience Prague's best-kept secrets for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Once you've strayed off the beaten path, you may not want to go back.

1. Dive into Prague's alternative and underground scenes

Step off the beaten path with this alternative walking tour, which will introduce you to sides of the city you never suspected existed. From a steampunk underground club to an art theatre in a former slaughterhouse, this is a walk on Prague's wild side, guided by young locals for travelers who want to experience Prague's inspiring alternative scene.

Highlights:

Get top tips on Prague's hippest neighborhoods that aren't covered by other walking tours and gain insight from the local guides into the city's most exciting secret places.

2. Sample some Slivovitz like a local

While other tourists swill beer, you can discover Czechia's other, lesser-known national drink: slivovitz. This interactive experience is an introduction to the delicious plum liqueur, which has been brewed in Bohemia for centuries.

Highlights:

The exhibition includes a free spirit and canapé tasting and an immersive 5D VR experience where you become a plum (which is even more fun than it sounds).

Address and opening hours:

U Luzickeho seminare 116, Malá Strana, Prague. Open Sunday-Thursday 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM

3. Step into the Bohemian fairytale worlds of Koneprusy Caves and Karlstejn Castle

For a day trip that's truly off the beaten path, escape the city and visit the magical Koneprusy Caves. It's the largest cave system in Bohemia and the site of ancient, mysterious Druidic rites. Then, after a delicious lunch of local food and beer, visit the picturesque village and castle of Karlstejn, the medieval residence of Bohemian kings.

Highlights:

Enjoy authentic Bohemian folk tales and anecdotes over lunch in a traditional Czech tavern, and admire the 14th-century crown jewels at the castle.

4. Take flight with a simulated skydive

If you've ever dreamed of skydiving but don't quite dare to take the plunge, this indoor skydiving experience may be just the ticket. The Skydive Arena has created a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel, which gives you all the adrenaline and fun of flying with none of the danger. Learn to control your body in a wind stream, leap into the unknown, and enjoy the freedom of flying – the sky's the limit.

Highlights:

There is a recording system in the wind tunnel, with the optional bonus of taking home a DVD of your adrenaline-filled adventure.

5. Hunt for delicious truffles in serene Petrin nature park

If you're a foodie, this unique truffle hunting tour will be right up your street. Watch as an expert local truffle hunter demonstrates their skills, learn fascinating facts about this delicious local foodstuff, and enjoy a truffle lunch at a luxury restaurant.

Highlights:

Nela the dog is a core member of the truffle-hunting team; get to know her and watch her at work before taking home some black truffles for your kitchen.

6. Pedal down the river on Europe's only cycle boat

Merrily, merrily, float downstream through the center of Prague while lazily pedaling this one-of-a-kind cycle boat. View the city's most iconic landmarks while enjoying your choice of beer, cider, or prosecco. The route takes you past the impressive National Theater to Stvanice Island, passing the famous Charles Bridge. Enjoy the envious glances of tourists from the river banks – life is but a dream.

Highlights:

Choose from unlimited premium Czech beer, 7 bottles of prosecco, or 15 liters of cider. Just make sure you can still walk once you're back on land.

7. Escape to the Spanish Synagogue and admire it spellbinding acoustics

Music and architecture fans won't want to miss this spectacular opportunity to attend a concert in the extraordinary Spanish Synagogue. This stunning building is built in the Moorish Revival style and boasts incredible arabesque decorations.

Highlights:

Choose from a program of different musical styles on different days. From classical to jazz to Jewish music, there's something for every taste.

Address and opening hours:

Vezenska 141/1, 110 00 Old Town, Prague.

8. Hop on two wheels for a tour of Prague's monastic breweries

Whizz through the city's parks on this unforgettable Segway tour of Prague's monastic breweries. Czechia is famed for its beer brewing, and two of the oldest brewing sites in the country also happen to be monasteries. Discover the hidden gems of Strahov Monastic Brewery, founded in 1142, and Brevnov Monastery, where you can taste another local beer produced by the oldest brewery in Bohemia, in operation since 993 A.D.

Highlights:

The guides are experts not only on Prague's culture and history but also on Czechia's rich brewing tradition, so be sure to ask them for further beer recommendations.

9. All aboard for a paddle-boarding adventure with a unique view of Prague

There's no doubt about it; life is more fun on a paddle board. Surely the ultimate carefree way to see the city from a new perspective is while paddling down the scenic River Vltava. Get on board with new adventures, find your balance, and you're off on a trip to remember.

Highlights:

You'll be led by an experienced paddle-boarding instructor who is also a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide. Learn new facts about Prague's history and culture while picking up a new skill.

10. Embrace the great outdoors with a guided climbing experience

If you're action-oriented, this beginner-level guided climbing experience is an ideal way to enjoy the beauty of Prague's natural surroundings. Escape from the city for a half-day climb, and challenge yourself by learning a new skill or developing an existing one. Suitable for all fitness levels, this is a fun way to see another side of Czechia, off the beaten path.

Highlights:

Grab a beer with your instructor after the climb, and receive some top local tips on more hidden gems in Prague.

FAQs

What are some lesser-known attractions in Prague that are worth visiting?

Prague is bursting at the seams with hidden gems. Try visiting the 'Idiom' installation at the Prague Municipal Library, a cylindrical tower made of hundreds of books, or check out the eerie Dripstone Wall, an art installation depicting grotesque faces.

Are there any hidden or secret gardens in Prague that I can explore?

The Vrtba Garden is one of Prague's loveliest secret places, hidden in plain sight in Mala Strana. Not far from it is the Vojanovy Sady, a medieval walled garden; the best time to visit this oasis is spring when the magnolias are in bloom.

Can you recommend any hidden or secret viewpoints in Prague with great views of the city?

Letna Park is a beautiful spot for a picnic and offers stunning city views from a lesser-known perspective. To see the city from another angle again, go up Petrin Hill, another great hidden gem.

What are some lesser-known neighborhoods in Prague that are worth exploring?

The up-and-coming Karlin neighborhood remains unaffected by the city's streams of tourists. Karlin Square is a beautiful green space filled with young locals and lined with coffee shops, bakeries, and microbreweries. Holesovice was formerly the city's meat-packing district, but it's now one of the hippest parts of town. Check out the Hala 22 food market, which serves fresh produce and artisanal products daily.

Can you recommend any hidden architectural gems in Prague that are not as crowded as the famous landmarks?

The Klementium Library is one of the world's most beautiful libraries. You need to book ahead to get in, but this hidden gem is not to be missed.