Is Prague Worth Visiting: 33 Reasons to See The Golden City

If you’re wondering whether to travel to the Czech capital, let us tell you that:

Prague is worth visiting for its jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant nightlife, exploding gastronomy, rich art scene, abundant history and culture, and musical legacy. Explore the city for the Vltava River, the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, the Dancing House, and its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 33 reasons to visit Prague, Czech Republic.

From the quirky city squares to the stunning strongholds, and from the postcard-worthy views to the distinctive lifestyle, we’re sure you’ll find out why it’s worth getting lost in Prague.

Grab your best mood, and let’s dive right in!

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Travel to Prague for Its World-Class Landmarks

The capital of Czechia is chock-full of historical attractions. In the section below, you’ll find the landmarks that make Prague worth visiting.

1. Prague Castle (Prazský Hrad). One of the city’s main tourist sights covers an enormous area of 718,609 sq. ft. (66,761 sq. m). The 9^th-century palatial complex used to be a seat of power for Holy Roman emperors and kings of Bohemia. Today, Prague Castle serves as the office of the Czech Republic’s President. Visit the majestic castle with this skip-the-line ticket.
2. Charles Bridge (Karlův most). The history of this magnificent structure over the Vltava River is what attracts legions of tourists to Prague. The superstitious King Charles IV founded the bridge in 1357, on July 9, at 5:31 AM. This is not random because the King was following a palindrome – a numerical sequence that reads the same from both sides. Here’s the sequel in writing – 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1. Do you want to know one of the weirdest facts about Prague? Legends say Charles Bridge is haunted by ghosts.
3. The heart-pumping bridges over the Vltava River. With its 18 bridges over the Vltava River, Prague is considered one of the most picturesque places on Earth. While other cities have more bridges (like Amsterdam with 1,753), the way Prague’s gorgeous river structures shape its landscape is unparalleled. That’s why every photo of this unique capital looks like a postcard. So, when you go to Prague, be sure to cross at least half a dozen of its bridges.
4. Vyšehrad. Meaning “Upper castle” in Czech, Vyšehrad is a historic stronghold overlooking the Vltava River. The 11-century-old fortress is home to the Rotunda of St. Martin and the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. The remains of historic celebrities – like Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, and Karel Čapek – lay in the Vyšehrad Cemetery.
5. Wenceslas Square. One of the main city plazas is Wenceslas Square, a short walk away from Old Town Square. Wenceslas Square is a popular social hub, where you can find lots of cafés, cocktail bars, and shops. It’s also a cultural center of the New Town of Prague. Hundreds of celebrations and demonstrations take place on the plaza every year.

6. Žižkov TV Tower. This bizarre-looking edifice stands as an awkward reminder of the Soviet past, resembling a spacecraft ready to launch into the sky. The Žižkov Tower is also famous for the notorious figures of crawling babies that cover its exterior. Despite this ultimate provocation, the vistas from the tower are second to none. From the observatory, you can admire a stunning 360°-panorama, while the bar, the restaurant, and the One Room Hotel provide a memorable culinary and accommodation experience.
7. The Dancing House (Tančící dům). This building is a world-famous masterpiece, which redefines architectural possibilities. The Dancing House was designed by the architects Frank O. Gehry and Vlado Milunić. The house’s terrace provides a heart-pumping view of the whole city. That’s why visiting it is a must when in Prague. The best news? You can also rent one of its 21 lavish bedrooms.
8. The Petřín Lookout Tower. Located on Petřín Hill, where its name comes from, this structure looks like a shorter version of the Eiffel Tower. The Petřín Lookout Tower is 197 ft. (60 m) high and provides a magnificent view of Prague. However, the only way to admire the heart-stopping vistas is to climb the tower’s 299 stairs.
9. The Old Town. Prague has one huge UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it’s not a single object. It covers the whole historic center of the city and consists of cobblestoned streets, age-old monuments, as well as churches and palaces built by King Charles IV in the 14th century. Some of the stunning creations of the emperor include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and St. Vitus Cathedral.
10. The Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj). One of the top things that make Prague worth visiting is the city’s Astronomical Clock. Pražský orloj is the third-oldest astronomical clock on the planet. But as a part of the medieval Old Town Hall Tower, the clock might be the world’s most stunning. If you want to observe an otherworldly event, be near the clock at every round hour between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM. The procession of the Twelve Apostles will blow your mind.
11. The Old-New Synagogue (Altneuschul). Europe’s oldest-active synagogue is the Altneuschul in Prague. The temple holds another record – it’s the city’s first Gothic structure. The synagogue owes its fame to its stunning façade, so you shouldn’t miss it when in Prague. The Old-New Synagogue is in the Jewish Quarter, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in the Czech capital.

Visit Prague to Discover the City’s Distinctive Culture and Lifestyle

Czech Republic’s largest city can easily rival Paris, London, and Barcelona when it comes to art, culture, and lifestyle. In the section below, you’ll find out the culture and lifestyle that makes Prague worth visiting.

12. The largest club in Central Europe. One of the craziest facts about Prague is that the city houses Central Europe’s biggest club. The five-story complex packs bars, dance floors, and other unusual establishments like an ice bar. Karlovy Lázně is proof that Prague is much more than historic sites and drop-dead beautiful bridges. The city’s nightlife is booming, too.
13. The Vltava River. Prague’s mighty Vltava River has played a chief role in the life of the capital and its citizens. Numerous cruises that crisscross the river provide stunning panoramas of Prague’s attractions from a different point of view. The cruises are among the best things Prague is known for.
14. The John Lennon graffiti wall. One of the best examples of Prague’s pop culture vibes is the John Lennon graffiti wall. Since the early 1980s, travelers and local artists have been adding John Lennon-inspired graffiti, lyrics from Beatles’ songs, and images related to local and global causes. If you’d also like to add your contribution, find the wall in Velkopřevorské náměstí.
15. Prague’s musical scene. Every year, the Czech capital hosts thousands of events, concerts, and musical festivals. These include the Dvořák Festival, the United Islands Festival, Prague Spring Festival, and many more. Do you dig classical music? Then, you shouldn’t miss watching a spectacle at the Rudolfinum and the Municipal House.
16. The Rudolfinum. This 19^th-century, Neo-Renaissance edifice is home to the world-famous Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The Rudolfinum sits on the banks of the mighty Vltava River and is a gorgeous example of Prague’s well-preserved architecture. Inside, you’ll find concert halls, exhibition spaces, and an art gallery.

Go to Prague to Explore the City’s Fantastic Museums

Prague is not just music, bridges, and crazy architecture. The city’s museums are worth exploring, too. Let’s check the most interesting ones below.

17. The National Museum (Národní Muzeum). The oldest museum in the Czech Republic is the National Museum in Prague. Just a quick look at its exterior can take your breath away. Inside, you’ll have a chance to explore over 2,000 exhibits. They’re divided into several collections, including arts, archaeology, anthropology, zoology, music, and others. Visit the museum with this skip-the-line ticket.
18. Franz Kafka Museum. Czech people have a similar sense of humor to Belgians. Why? Because Prague has a crazy sculpture of two men pissing into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Which is quite similar to the urinating boy that’s a symbol of Brussels. You can find the two-men sculpture in the courtyard of the Franz Kafka Museum. The exhibitions will show you the eccentric life of the extravagant Czech writer.
19. Museum of Communism. If you’d like to discover more about the occupation of Czechoslovakia during Soviet times, head to the Museum of Communism. The exhibits offer a captivating look at life in the country, and Prague in particular, behind the Iron Curtain. Posters, videos, artifacts, and other peculiar mementos await you at the Museum of Communism. Book your online tickets via this link.
20. National Museum of Agriculture. Svet loves tractors and harvesters. If you share his fascination, then the National Museum of Agriculture should be on your travel wish list. The museum provides visitors with a contemporary look at farming, fishing, forestry, food, and everything outdoors. The interactive exhibits are great if you’re traveling to Prague with children. Grab your tickets here.
21. National Technical Museum (Národní Technické Muzeum). Fancy looking at planes, locomotives, and tech? Then, go to the National Technical Museum. Inside, you can choose between 15 permanent exhibitions, covering mining, transportation, printing, home technology, TV and photo studios, and more. Reserve your online tickets via this website.

Explore Prague for the Wonderful Food and Drinks

The capital of Czechia is one of the best cities to satiate your gourmet cravings. Discover the foods and beverages that make Prague worth visiting in the section below.

22. The world-class Czech beer. When it comes to beer consumption per capita, Czechs are the world champions. In fact, in 2020, they drank 181.7 liters (384 U.S. pints) on average. This is almost twice as much as the second country in the world by consumption – Austria. An even crazier fact is that in the Czech Republic, beer is cheaper than bottled water. Fancy a pub crawl? We recommend this one, which includes a 2-hour open bar.
23. Deep-fried cheese. Smažený sýr might be just a simple deep-fried cheese, but the result can caress the palate of even the most fastidious gourmands. Chefs use many cheese types to prepare smažený sýr. These include Czech variations like the Hermelin soft cheese and the Niva blue cheese.
24. The Prague ham. If you don’t find time to try anything else, sample the popular Pražská šunka (Prague ham). The mouth-watering delicacy is first brine-cured, then stewed, and finally smoked over beech wood. You can find the ham in restaurants, as well as from street vendors. On the street, it usually comes with a side of boiled potatoes. For the ultimate seduction, pair Pražská šunka with Czech beer.
25. The Czech desserts. One of the most famous Prague pastries is the chimney cake. Trdelník, which is the dessert’s name in Czech, hails from Slovakia. But you can find this finger-licking pastry anywhere in Prague. Locals prepare Trdelník by wrapping a rolled dough around a stick, grilling it, and topping the cake with sugar and walnuts. Other must-try desserts you shouldn’t miss are medovnik (honey cake) and apple strudel.
26. Kulajda. If you dig soups and sauces, don’t hesitate to try Kulajda. This traditional Czech soup combines a cream of potatoes with mushrooms, vinegar, and dill. Oftentimes, restaurants place a poached egg on top. The best spot to try Kulajda is in the restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It’s a whole bucket of soup, so it’s good for sharing.
27. The first café in Prague – the Golden Snake. Prague is worth visiting for its coffee culture. The first coffee shop in the Czech capital opened to the public in 1714. Since then, the Golden Snake has been the top location in Prague for coffee enthusiasts from across the globe.

Discover the Crazy Facts About Prague

When it comes to peculiarities, Prague is full of them. In the following section, we’ll show you the craziest facts that make Prague worth visiting.

28. The first Michelin-star restaurant in a former communist city. Prague became the first post-communist city in the world to have a Michelin-star restaurant. This happened in 2008 when the Four Seasons Hotel’s restaurant received the honor. Sadly, the hotel’s establishment is no longer open to the public. But Prague still holds the title.
29. The City of a Hundred Spires. Prague has many nicknames. One of them is The City of a Hundred Spires. That’s due to the fact you can find over 120 large spires and towers all over the city, among countless smaller ones. We suggest you don’t spend time counting them all as they’re more than 1,000.
30. The city has had its first “co-working” space since 1902. In the early 1900s, Café Louvre served as a daily office equipped with a telephone and a writing room. Even then, the sophisticated establishment had an elegant interior and could host a whopping 700 people.
31. The myth about the Astronomical Clock. Legend says that the councilors in the Old Town blinded Hanus Carolinum – the creator of the Astronomical Clock. The reason? They wanted to prevent him from creating something even as close as flawless as the Astronomical Clock. This might be a gruesome myth, but it’s part of the peculiar history of Prague.
32. The Prague Christmas Markets. In winter, Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square become home to splendid Christmas Markets. The event lasts from the beginning of the holiday season until the first week of January. The markets light up Prague, making you feel like you’re in a real “winter wonderland” scene.
33. One of the narrowest streets in Europe. The pedestrian Vinárna Čertovka Street has traffic lights on both ends. Why? Because they serve to ensure the safety of locals and tourists who try to pass through the 20-in (50-cm) wide street.

Now You Know What Makes Prague Worth Visiting

This wraps up our list with the top 33 reasons to visit Prague.

The astonishing capital of Czechia will steal your heart with its jaw-dropping bridges, delectable cuisine, and staggering architecture.

Before you book your lodging, check out our guide to the best areas to stay in Prague.

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What do you think is the best reason to visit Prague?

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