10 quintessential Prague experiences

01.03.2024 - 08:31 / lonelyplanet.com

Most people start their visit to the Czech Republic in Prague, the cradle of Czech culture and one of Europe’s most intriguing capitals.

Famous for its Gothic architecture and its incredible castle complex, Prague is also a vibrant city with beer gardens, modern as well as traditional cafes, and a developing foodie scene. Start planning your trip with this guide to the very best things to do.

Prague has become a haven for specialty coffee lovers. Slow drip, nitro brew, Chemex: coffee fans have all bases covered. The popular Vinohrady district contains the highest concentration of contemporary cafes, though it’s easy to find good coffee all over the city. 

Yet you may be more interested in experiencing the charm of days gone by at one of Prague’s more traditional coffeehouses. Grand Cafe Orient is located in a stunning Cubist building near the Old Town Square, while Café Imperial brings you back to a more elegant era.

Planning tip: Want to enjoy some live music with your brew? Head to Kavárna Slavia, once a popular hangout of the late Czech president Václav Havel, where a professional pianist plays live every evening from 5pm.

Baroque structures abound in Prague, especially in the Lesser Quarter area. St Nicolas Church is a fine example: with rich frescoes decorating its walls and its large green dome, this cathedral represents one of the grandest Baroque displays found in Central Europe.

The era of Cubism may have been short-lived, but Prague found a special affinity for the style. The angled lines of Prague Cubism can be studied at the House of the Black Madonna in the Old Town, which houses a small Museum of Czech Cubism, as well as the Cubist-inflected Grand Cafe Orient.

Prague is home to many green spaces, with plenty of shaded resting areas. Beer gardens are also a big draw, especially in the heat of summer. Hilly parks such as the one in Letná or Riegrovy Sady offer views out over the city. 

If you crave a wilder nature escape, Prague has some fantastic hiking opportunities just a stone’s throw away from the city center. One of the most popular hiking getaways for Prague locals is the Prokopské údolí valley, featuring winding trails through forests and meadows. Divoká Šárka is another great – and wilder – area, with creeks and marshes to explore.

By hearty, we mean Czech classics such as svíčková (sirloin beef and bread dumplings generously topped with a creamy sauce), vepřo knedlo zelo (roasted pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings), fried cheese, and a few widely adopted staples from neighboring countries, like goulash and schnitzel. You can enjoy such traditional fare a local chain of pubs called Lokál, whose dishes are prepared so well that they’d please even the most finicky Czech elders. Don’t