What can I do in Prague?

Prague has always been one of the more touristy cities of Eastern Europe and is synonymous with Millennial culture, cheap beer and good food. With (usually!) cheap airline flights readily available, many tourists flock into this historic city for weekend breaks across the year, all to visit the impressive landmarks and to sample the rich variety of Czech cuisine and beer. It should be near the top of every European traveller’s bucket list and promises a memorable trip. I have been lucky enough to visit this impressive city a few times in recent years, most memorably last year with Jack where we had (I am not kidding) some of the best food I have ever eaten in my life. Where you ask, well…

Where can I eat?

On our first night, Jack and I were feeling rather lazy and just walked across the street to a little restaurant called Restaurace U staré pošty. One look at the menu was all it took to decide that we would be feasting on Smažený Sýr, a huge block of edam which has been deep-fried in breadcrumbs. I know what you’re thinking; it sounds too good to be true, however it genuinely blew my mind. It was served with a hefty portion of French fries, a salad and a garlic mayonnaise/ tartar sauce. This, when washed down with some of their local beer, could potentially win the award for filthiest, yet tasty, food I ate in 2019. On a more serious note though, I would certainly head to any local breweries like this in Prague. We went to a few and, although we did not feast on cheese the entire time, we had some truly special meals. Plus, the food was a lot cheaper than in some of the bigger restaurants. Win win.

If you are feeling a bit more Romantic I can definitely recommend Terasa U Zlaté Studně. This lovely little restaurant is located just beneath Prague Castle and has a balcony which offers splendid views over the city. Whilst the price is higher than the breweries, the food, scenery and atmosphere more than make up for it. In the evening, with the lights glistening over the cityscape, I would dare say that this place is near perfect. In Prague you really do have a mixture of different places to explore and try. There are many bistros, bakeries and cafés for you to go in and really experience some delicious Czech food. If you are on a lower budget, I would stick to the breweries – the food is great and you get to experience the culture, just for a fraction of the price of larger restaurants.

Here are some must-try dishes and where to find them:

Bramboráky: Savoury potato pancakes. U Kroka offers a delightful take on this classic dish.

Svíčková: Marinated beef with creamy sauce and dumplings. Try it at Café Imperial, known for its elegant ambiance and traditional menu.

Goulash (Guláš): A flavorful beef stew. Lokál Dlouhá serves an excellent version with fluffy bread dumplings.

Trdelník (Chimney Cake): A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry. Get yours freshly made at stalls near Charles Bridge or at Good Food Coffee and Bakery.

Smažený Sýr: Deep-fried cheese served with tartar sauce. Enjoy it at Kozlovna Apropos.

Where can I grab a drink?

Drinking alcohol in Prague is something that should be mandatory; you just have such a wide selection of different places to try. Whether you want beer, wine or cocktails, Prague has you sorted.

Veltlin was a personal favourite of mine and allows you to sample wines from the old Austria-Hungary Empire, all whilst sitting in a cosy setting and having the waiters dote upon you. You can also order an antipasti-style side of cheese, cured meats or olives to have alongside your wine, making Veltlin a perfect romantic stop on a lazy summer afternoon.

If you want something a bit more upbeat, why not check out some of Prague’s bars tailored to a younger age? I can personally recommend the Beer Geek or the Cash Only Bar, the latter of which feels almost Americanised with classical New York barstools and God-tier food like hot dogs, burgers and popcorn. Beer Geek has a wide-selection of beer for you to sample and allows you to expand upon different lager types as you would be pushed to find anything but a pilsner in Prague. If however you are a big fan of Pilsner, alike with grabbing a bite to eat, just hit up the breweries. There are so many within the city that I could not possibly list them all, but if you want to just sample pilsner after pilsner, why not make an evening of visiting the different ones? It would also sort you out for food too!

A hidden gem we found last time was a brewery up in Letna Park. We sat for a good hour or so underneath the trees on benches drinking beer, all the whilst looking over Prague. The park is situated on a hill and offer tremendous views over the city. I can honestly say that I have not enjoyed a beer so much before!

Here are some traditional drinks you should try in Prague:

Pilsner Beer: Visit Pivovarský Klub to sample an extensive range of Czech lagers, including the legendary Pilsner Urquell.

Czech Dark Beer: Try Kozel Dark or Budvar Dark at U Medvídků, a historic beer hall and brewery.

Becherovka: A herbal liqueur perfect as a digestif. Hemingway Bar serves creative cocktails featuring this classic spirit.

Moravian Wine: Head to Vinograf Wine Bar for a curated selection of local wines.

Kofola: A Czech soft drink alternative to cola, available at most traditional pubs like U Fleku, which also brews its own beer.

How to spend your day

Prague is not known for being a cultural capital of Europe for no reason. It’s not a case of how to spend your day, it’s a case of how to spend your days. There is just so much to do that you cannot possibly just spend one day exploring.

Firstly, you cannot go to Prague without seeing the Charles Bridge. Being just over half a kilometre, the bridge took almost 50 years to construct during the 14^th Century. As you walk along it, you will notice many different statues all representing saints and holy people from the 17^th Century. You will also be greeted by the spectacular views of Prague Castle and the old town as you leisurely walk along it.

Speaking of the castle, again this is just one of the things you need to see whilst you are in the city. Within the castle complex, you can also visit the Cathedral which allows you to climb up their tallest tower to witness incredible views over Prague. Believe me when I say that, just before sunset, the photography opportunities are amazing from this point.

Just a stone throw away is the Old Town Square, filled with buildings belonging to various architectural styles, including the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, which has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The square is also home to the famous Orloj – a medieval astronomical clock mounted on the Old Town Hall. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still in operation. Head up the tower of the Old Town Hall for more panoramic views – this time of the Old Town and it’s beautiful colourful buildings.

A stone throw away from the square is the Jewish Quarter, which is filled with history and makes for a good hour of exploring. It is the place where the legend of the Jewish Golem originated and is also the home to the world’s oldest active Synagogue.

Another historic site is Wenceslas Square which is also home to the main shopping plaza in the city. This centre of the New Town is a site of celebrations and gatherings. Behind the obvious and grand statue of Saint Wenceslas is the National Museum, home to over 14 million pieces of interest ranging from natural science to the history of Prague.

If you are looking for somewhere a bit more chilled, I can thoroughly recommend Vyšehrad. This ancient fort from the 10^th Century is now home to a park offering magnificent views over the Prague Cityscape. We went for a picnic during the evening and the views were among the highlight of the entire interrail trip. For those itching for a historical fix, you can take a stroll to the Basilica of St. Paul and St. Peter and admire the beautifully decorated doors.

Another park which I can thoroughly recommend (especially if you like ice cream…) is Petrin Park. To get here, you have to take a funicular up the hill, offering you yet more amazing views. Once you are there, you will be greeted by the stunning gardens which are perfect for strolling around on a summer’s day. You also need to take a trip to Petrin Tower, which boasts a little café inside which serves both hot and cold food and beverages.

Final Thoughts | What can I do in Prague?

Prague offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re exploring its historic landmarks, savouring Czech cuisine, or simply soaking in its unique atmosphere, the city has something for everyone. Plan your trip and discover the magic of Prague for yourself!