12 Best Prague Attractions for First-Time Visitors

Dubbed as the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is celebrated for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and scenic beauty. As the illustrious capital of the Czech Republic, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you’re planning to visit the city for the first time, consider adding our picks of the best Prague attractions to your itinerary! 

Also read: 10 Best Airbnbs in Prague That Deserve Your Attention

Best Prague attractions for first-timers looking for things to do in the Czech Republic

1. Vltava River

The dazzling Vltava River is truly a sight to behold. As the longest river flowing through the Czech Republic, its banks are lined with some of Prague’s most iconic and beautiful architecture, including the Prague National Theatre and the Rudolfinum. 

We highly recommend taking a boat ride along the Vltava River; it’s one of the most scenic places to visit in Prague, and a boat ride is the ideal way to get a stunning panoramic view of the city. As you cruise down the river, keep an eye out for some of Prague’s most famous historical and cultural landmarks. One such landmark is the Charles Bridge, which straddles two sides of the river, connecting Old Town and the Malá Strana area where Prague Castle stands. 

TripZilla Tip: Take a boat ride along the Vltava River around sunset to fully experience the romance of Prague!

2. Prague Castle

We can’t overstate the grandeur of the magnificent Prague Castle, which holds the Guinness world record for being the world’s largest ancient castle. The stunning castle is an extremely important historical and cultural site in Prague and overlooks key landmarks, including the Vltava River and Old Town. 

There are many attractions to explore within the vast compound of Prague Castle. Inside the Old Royal Palace, you can check out the breathtaking architecture of the Vladislav Hall, which hosts important state ceremonies. Not only that, you can also take a walk in the beautiful Prague Castle Gardens. If you’re at the castle at noon, head to the first courtyard to watch the classic Changing of the Guard Ceremony with fanfare and a parade!

Exploring Prague Castle is one of the essential things to do in Prague for any first-timer who wishes to learn more about Czech history and culture!

Also read: 15 Magnificent Castles on Airbnb and Vrbo That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty

3. Old Town

Rich in history, culture, and spectacular ancient architecture, Old Town is undoubtedly one of the best places in Prague for first-timers. Wander around and be dazzled by the Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque-style buildings. 

One of the best and most iconic Prague attractions in the area is the Old Town Hall, a large complex of beautiful buildings from different time periods. Here, you’ll find the Municipal Hall, famous for its Art Nouveau interior design, and the Old Council Hall which boasts a marvellous Gothic interior. You can opt for a guided tour to explore the buildings’ stunning interiors. 

Visiting the iconic Old Town Hall Tower is one of the best things to do in this Prague hotspot, too. It has a viewing gallery from which you can enjoy an amazing view of the city, including Prague Castle! 

Also read: 12 Oldest Cities in the World for Travelling Back in Time

4. Prague Beer Museum

Located in the centre of Old Town, the Prague Beer Museum is among the most popular places to visit in Prague for locals and tourists who are passionate about beer. The entrance fee to the museum allows you to explore the beer-making process, the roots of Czech beer. You can even sample beer, such as the Gambrinus beer and Bernard beer!

5. Letna Park

Letna Park is one of Prague’s most popular parks. It’s famous as a great vantage point for you to see Prague’s key attractions, including the Vltava River, Old Town Square, and Prague’s iconic bridges. Inside the park, you can visit the celebrated Hanavský Pavilion, which offers a fantastic view of the city. Best of all, Letna Park is kid-friendly, making it one of the best Prague attractions for all families!

6. Prague Zoo

With its gorgeous rugged terrain, the globally renowned Prague Zoo has been named one of the world’s most beautiful zoos. The zoo is home to hundreds of wildlife and boasts impressive animal zones such as the Elephant Valley, African Savanna, Indonesian Jungle, and the Pavilion of Penguins. Here, you’ll be captivated by the majestic sight of Asian elephants, giraffes, birds, and many more animals from all over the planet. There are also play areas for children. We recommend the zoo as one of the best family-friendly things to do in Prague!

Also, did you know that the stunning Vltava River runs through the zoo terrain? Between April and October, you can even reach the zoo via a scenic boat ride along the Vltava River! Make sure you drop by Prague Zoo on your first trip to Prague.

7. Wenceslas Square 

If you’re wondering where to go in Prague to find unique souvenirs, we recommend a good shopping spot: Wenceslas Square. Conveniently located in New Town near the Prague National Museum and Na Příkopě Street, Wenceslas Square is Prague’s main square and is home to a wide array of thriving businesses. Here, you’ll have your pick of interesting souvenirs as there’s a vast range of fashion, books, and handmade items being sold. And for foodies, there are also many cool cafes to stop by!

8. Prague National Theatre

Located within walking distance from Wenceslas Square, the Prague National Theatre is the most famous theatre in Prague. The theatre’s grand exteriors and interiors, including its luxurious gold embellishments, truly express the immense pride that Prague takes in its arts and culture! If you’re a huge fan of the arts, Prague National Theatre is among the best Prague attractions to visit. 

Opera, ballet, and drama performances held in Prague National Theatre are among the most vibrant things happening in Prague. We highly recommend booking tickets to watch at least one performance in this dazzling theatre. (Book your tickets at least a few months before your trip as they can sell out quickly!)

9. Na Příkopě Street

Looking for trendy things to do in Prague? Consider exploring Na Příkopě Street, a pedestrian-only shopping street famous for its many malls and small boutiques. Located very near Wenceslas Square, Na Příkopě is another good shopping spot to find Prague souvenirs. And like the other buildings in the heart of Prague, the architecture along this street is also gorgeous! 

TripZilla Tip: You can even find high-quality Bohemian crystal here! World-renowned for its impeccable quality and centuries-old heritage, Bohemian crystal or Czech glass is among the best souvenirs you can take home from Prague.

Also read: 30 Europe Souvenirs to Bring Home from Your Next Adventure

10. Rudolfinum Dvořák Hall

This is one of the best Prague attractions for any first-time visitor who loves music! The Rudolfinum is Prague’s most illustrious concert hall and is the home of the renowned Czech Philharmonic. If you’d like to explore the interiors of the Rudolfinum, including the beautiful Dvořák and Suk Halls, then we highly recommend that you book a guided tour in advance. A guided tour will even bring you to the Rudolfinum’s roof, where you can overlook the city!

11. Kafka Museum Prague

If you’re passionate about Prague’s literary arts scene, then consider visiting the Kafka Museum Prague. It’s dedicated to Franz Kafka, who is among the best-known authors of 20th-century Prague German literature. The museum contains two key exhibits: Existential Space, which portrays how Prague shaped Kafka’s life, and Imaginary Topography, which depicts the physical topography of Prague that’s vaguely described in Kafka’s writings. Here, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Kafka’s literature and how it reflects Czech history. 

Note: The museum has been designed to reflect the mood of Kafka’s literature, which often revolved around melancholic and dark themes — so, visiting the museum might not be for the faint-hearted!

12. Illusion Art Museum Prague

Among the many famous museums in Prague, the Illusion Art Museum Prague stands out for its fantastic optical illusions and trick art. It’s well-loved by children and adults alike — many artworks are rooted in Czech history, and most of the exhibits are interactive! Charge your phone’s battery, because you’ll find lots of Instagrammable spots here. Having fun while exploring Czech art and history at the Illusion Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Prague.

Also read: 12 Greatest Art Museums in Europe You Need to Visit

So, we’ve brought you some of the best Prague attractions for first-timers. We’re sure these places to visit and things to do will make your first Prague trip absolutely amazing! So, ready to book that flight?

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Featured image credit: RudyBalasko via Canva Pro