20 August 2015
| Last updated on 23 August 2015The Ultimate Prague Bucket List
The 13 things you must do in Prague from the wondering Claire Lovesti.
If you’re anything like me, the idea of wandering around the stone streets of a medieval city, getting lost in a library, and exploring the world’s largest castle sounds like a dream vacation, which is why I have to return to Prague time and time again.I just fall in love with it, every time, all over again.
While the Astronomical Clock and St. Charles Bridge are hands down the most popular spots to visit in Prague, there’s definitely much more to experience while you’re in town, so knock out my 13 must-do’s for the City of One Hundred Spires.
1. Take Advantage of the Cheap Hops!
In the Golden City, beer is cheaper than bottled water. It’s not figurative language or a con they use to try to get you to visit, it’s absolutely true. Home to the original Pilsner (and Budweiser, known here as Budvar), it is well-made, at its cheapest a dollar, and it’s spectacular. ‘Nuff said.
2. Visit the Libraries
From the Strahov Monstary to the Klementinum, the old libraries of Prague are gorgeous examples of just how beautiful a fully stocked, and well-kept, library can be. For fans of Belle’s library from the Beauty and the Beast, it’s also a great alternative for when the weather doesn't't’t want to play nice and you’ve got a rainy day on your hands.
3. Spend an afternoon in Letna Park
Many people will tell you take in the sights from the top of Petrin Hill, but to beat the crowd, head to Letna for it’s unbeatable view. Home to the Metronome statue that was once a giant stone Stalin, a fabulous beer garden and plenty of green space, Letna is definitely the place for those looking for a respite from the urban jungle.
4. Take a Day Trip to Brno, Kutna Hora, or Cesky Krumlov
Prague’s public transportation system is awesome, and you should take full advantage of the many bus, train, and tram destinations that are available. From checking out the ultra-gothic Bone Chapel at Kutna Hora to the “dragon” of Brno, these small town destinations are equally as charming as Prague and less than a day’s ride away, so don’t be locked down to just Prague--go explore the rest of the Czech Republic!
5. Wander around Vysehrad
Vysehrad is one of the oldest parts of Prague, estimated to have been built in the 10th century,, and it’s one of the most charming areas in the city. For me, the quiet greenways, botanical gardens, and secret tunnels all around the old fort are enough to keep me occupied for the day, but even if that doesn't't’t convince you, it’s definitely worth it to get the panoramic view of the city from the ramparts. If you’re anything like me, the medieval feel of Vysehrad will end up becoming post after post on Instagram, so grab a SIM card to beat the global roaming charges before trying to upload. You can buy one from many shops and mini markets along the way and it works immediately. Just don’t forget to unlock your phone beforehand and then you can get to sharing without blowing your entire vacation budget.
6. Try the “Milk”
At U Parlamentu, my favourite traditional Czech restaurant, there’s a famous beer tradition of drinking almost an entire glass of beer foam. Referred to as “milk,” the beer head is said to be the most aromatic part of the beer, and it’s certainly delicious as an addition to the goulash or Moravian roast pork, so give your beer habits the night off and try your brew Czech-style.
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7. Go Out for the Great Music Scene
One of my favourite haunts, Chapeau Rouge, has a great party every Monday night with live deejays playing house, electronic, techno, deep house, and more in their underground club—and more often than not I find myself dancing the night away every week, even though it’s on a Monday, because the Prague night vibe is one of a kind. And Chapeau is just the beginning to the great music scene. Cross Club, a steam-punk inspired architectural dream, and Roxy Music Club, are two more great places to grab the latest in Prague’s party scene so block out a night in your schedule to stay up late and wander from deejay stage to deejay stage for an unforgettable night out.
8. Ride a Swan on the Vltava
It’s kitschy, it’s true, but doesn't’t a swan paddle boat out on the river just seem like the most fun? Every time I go to Prague, I have to drag my friends out onto the Vltava with an iPhone, speakers and a couple of ice cold Kofolas, to spend a sunny afternoon on the water. It’s a beautiful angle to look at the city from and it’s a nice break from all of the walking you’ll do taking in the city sites.
9. Go on a Scavenger Hunt for David Černý Statues.
David Černý, Prague’s most famous sculptor, is known internationally for his tongue-in-cheek social commentary, and in his hometown, it’s easy to stumble on masterpiece after masterpiece if you’ve got a map and a good GPS. Check out the world famous babies on Kampa Island, or In Utero near Dlouha Street, it’s certainly an education in taking your opinion to the creative extreme.
10. Add Your Own Graffiti to the John Lennon Wall
Tucked away in Mala Strana just a stone’s throw from the Charles Bridge, the John Lennon Wall is one of the few places in Prague where you won’t get arrested getting fancy with a can of spray paint. Originally just a normal wall in Prague, the spot became a place for people to write the artist’s words, as well as other Beatles’ lyrics, as a visual rebellion for the communist regime. Now, the wall is an ever-changing piece of artwork that constantly draws the young and hip to make a mark for posterity.
11. Check Out the Prague Castle at Night
There are a million tours that will take you around every nook and cranny of the Prague Castle, and if you’re into the more historical rendition, definitely go for that. But if you want to feel like you’re exploring the castle as if it were the 1600’s, take a trip at night after the tourists have packed up their self-sticks, and see the cathedral mosaics and castle wall view in the dark.
12. Go Antiquing
It’s the nature of cities as old as Prague to have a million antique shops full of gadgetry—when you’ve been around for a thousand years or more, things can pile up. So instead of packing up shot glasses for your friends and family back home, take a stroll in the antique shops (tucked around every corner, you just need a keen eye) and grab an old WWII cap or a handmade marionette puppet from the 1920’s. Not only is it uber-authentic, it’s an eco-friendly trinket that has a great story to tell about the history and culture of the city.
13. Have Dinner in Old Town Square.
Yes, it’s the tourist epic enter of the city, I know. But the atmosphere in the Square is absolutely unbeatable, especially on a summer night. Head to the square to check out the Tyn Church, walk up to the top of the Astronomical tower to watch the sun set and then pop down to the restaurants just below for a nice meal in their outside seating areas. Before you go, finish the night by grabbing a hot trdlnik from one of the street stands, it’s a sweet roll covered in sugar, cinnamon and butter, and your evening will be complete.
So whether you’re new to Prague or an avid return visitor like me, get your walking shoes on and—forgive the pun—Czech my picks out! Have any other suggestions for must-do’s in the Golden City? Leave a comment, I’d love to visit them next time I’m travelling!
Claire is 20 years old and has been travelling since she was legally old enough to flee the mother ship. She loves being an expat around the world and so far has visited 3 continents and 16 countries. You can up to date with her travels on her blog.
