Prague, Czech Republic — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Prague
Sightseeing in Prague is a fascinating experience, as it is a city steeped in an intriguing history and teeming with sightseeing opportunities that will appeal to just about any and every kind of visitor. From medieval castles to museums and dancing buildings, this dynamic city is a treasure trove of attractions.
Prague is known as the City of a Thousand Spires, and if you head to the Castle District, otherwise known as Hradèany, to view castles such as St Vitus Cathedral and wander round the cobblestone streets of Old Town Square, you'll see why. You can also shop at the local market and visit the hill for of Vyaehrad. Culture vultures will love the Museum of Communism as well as the Jewish Museum, and history buffs will be captivated by the medieval Astronomical Clock.
Visitors to Prague will do well to purchase the Prague Card which will allow them free access to over 50 of the city's top attractions, discounts on exclusive tours and comes with an exclusive 150-page guidebook. The cost of the card is EUR34 and is valid for four days.
Shopping in Prague
While shopping in Prague isn't on a par with many top cities in Europe, many hypermarkets and shopping malls have started to develop, offering a wider selection of products since the fall of Communism. The growing competition has led to better prices for customers, making shopping in Prague a must!
The main shopping area in Prague extends from Wenceslas Square, past Na Prikope and into Republic Square, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams and H&M are all located here. The Parizska vicinity has some international boutiques, while Mala Strana and the Old Town Square are home to small shops and art galleries. The Old Town Square also has a permanent market selling arts, crafts and souvenirs. Much of what you'll find on the thoroughfare between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square is mass-produced and overpriced.
There are several shopping malls in Prague, including the upscale Palladium in the center of the city; Metropole Zlièín, which has cinemas and fast food eateries near the bus station; and the huge OC Nový Smíchov.
Local products include crystal ware and accessories, puppets, hand painted eggs, wooden toys, folk art and memorabilia from the Communist era (army surplus hats, knives and badges). Many artists sell pen-and-ink drawings on the street, and of course you'll find many Prague souvenirs bearing the face of native son Franz Kafka. Locally-mined Czech garnets are also popular, but make sure you get a certificate of authenticity.
Most shops are open from 9am to 7pm, with some large supermarkets staying open till 10pm or 24 hours a day. Most shops in the city center and tourist destinations are open on weekends. Some sales tax refunds are available to non-EU citizens.
Prague Nightlife
Prague's nightlife offers cafés, pubs and bars, live music venues and clubs - something for everyone. Be sure to have a few pints of Czech pilsner for those at home!
Prague's most popular nightclubs are situated right in the heart of Old Town, including Karlovy Lazne, which is the largest club in Central Europe. Vertigo, Roxy, N11 and Dublex are also well recommended. More upscale clubs include Bugsy's and Tretter's, and Cross Club in Holesovice is also entertaining. It is customary to share tables with strangers if things get crowded, so don't be shy!
For those bent on partying, Prague has several organized pubcrawls that start each night around 9pm, meeting at the clocktower, the Pub Crawl Bar, or Prague Underground Backpackers. M1 Secret Lounge, Think Pink, U Sudu, Atmosphere and Solid Uncertainty are some of the trendiest bars to visit, and Rocky O'Reilly's is the largest Irish pub in Prague. Alternatiff and Bordo are both laid-back places to have a drink and listen to some alternative music, while Club Nebe occasionally hosts live shows. Concerts by local and international artists can be enjoyed at Rock Café, Lucerna Music Bar and Palace Akropolis.
For a more relaxed evening, shows at the National Marionette Theater are renowned for their performances of Mozart operas. Classical music lovers will enjoy hearing music from local icon Anton Dvorak at venues like Smetana Hall.
Attractions for Kids
Prague has many attractions to offer children on vacation in the city. For starters, there is an entire castle district to explore, a fairytale world for kids to enjoy. Petøín Hill is home to a fantastic mirror maze, and children can also go pony riding in the area. The local toy museum will keep children entertained for hours, and a visit to the Traffic Rules Playground could be a great learning experience.
