7 Things you Must Do in Prague

Last year I shared my travel guide to Prague. I just can’t believe that next week marks 11 years since my tour to this Eastern European capital. The other day I got an email about Prague and I just had to revisit this trip by flipping through my photo album (yes, I actually printed pictures). And as I reveled in old memories, my travel blogger hat went on and I just knew I had to share more about this beautiful place. These are the seven things you must do in Prague.

1. Find the Infant Jesus of Prague

Strange story: My aunt had visited Prague years earlier and when we were asking her for tips she told us about how one day she headed out, map in hand, to find The Church of Our Lady of Victories (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné), home to the Infant of Prague. But she couldn’t find it. Finally, she put away her map and just started wandering. It was then that she stumbled upon the church. Fast forward to our trip and the same exact thing happened. We went out looking for the church and it wasn’t until we had given up that we found it. Not sure if that’s a sign, but I definitely thought it was mystical. 

The Infant of Prague is a 16th-century wax-coated wooden statue of the Child Jesus. It was a wedding gift to the Princess Polyxenia of Lobkowitz from her mother. You can read more about the statue’s origin here. Now, hundreds of pilgrims journey daily to the shrine to pray before the Infant of Prague.

2. Explore the Old Town Square

One of Prague’s claims to fame is that it is one of the few major European cities that went unscathed during World War II. If you love architecture or if you just want to see a perfect example of old world charm, head to Old Town Square. Not only is it filled with world-class restaurants, you’ll also get to enjoy street performers, musicians, and shop from local artisans.

3. Climb the Astronomical Clock

Right in Old Town Square is the Astronomical Clock, known as Prague Orloj. While you should stick around to hear the turn of the hour chime, many people don’t know that you can actually climb the tower and to see Old Town Square from a completely different viewpoint. There is also a trumpeter that plays atop the tower. 

Prague Orloj was built in the fifteenth century and while it has gone through extensive restoration efforts (including a recent catastrophe finished in 2018), it is regarded as the best preserved medieval mechanical clock in the world. If you’re a fan of the Lore Podcast, there is actually an episode of the Amazon TV series about the so-called Curse of the Orloj.

4. Stroll across the Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge was erected in the 14th century and it is one of my favorite spots in Prague. Commissioned by Charles IV, the first King of Bohemia to become Holy Roman Emperor, the large statues were not added until the 17th century. It was renamed for Charles in the 19th century. Today it is not only a great place to take a walk, you can enjoy traditional music and purchase souvenirs from street vendors.

5. Visit Prague Castle

I took one of the most expensive cab rides of my life (and I lived in NYC for two years) to visit Prague Castle in Hradcany. But it was worth it. This popular tourist spot was the seat of Czech rulers and today it is the official residence of the president. While you can wander the grounds for free, if you want to visit the St. Vitus Catherdral and the Basilica of St. George you will have to buy a ticket. You can also purchase entry to visit Golden Lane, a street within the palace grounds that was built in the 16th century to house the castle guards.

6. Admire the Lennon Wall

I am a HUGE Beatles fan. Part of my first trip to London was devoted to Beatles history and landmarks (as well as a sidetrip to Liverpool). But I’m going to be honest here and tell you that I had never heard of the Lennon Wall in Prague. The wall was originally known as the ‘Crying Wall’, where people would come and express their frustrations with the communist government. During that era, western pop songs like those by The Beatles were actually banned. People would even be imprisoned for playing them. But Lennon’s music represented freedom. So it was renamed for Lennon after his death in 1980.  Yoko Ono, Lennon’s widow, even visited the wall in 2003.

7. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

I shared this in my Prague travel guide, but when I was visiting Prague I was fresh out of grad school, just starting my first job in television, and was traveling on a very tight budget. But luckily, the food in Prague is very reasonable, especially when you buy it from street vendors. Their coffee is particularly delicious and I’ve heard the beer is incredible too. As a pescetarian, I would often have smazeny syr (fried cheese) for lunch. My favorite local treat was trdelnik (pronounced tre-del-nik), a unique cinnamon sugar pastry found throughout Prague. And since it comes in a roll, you can fill it with ice cream, nutella, whipped cream, chocolate, the options are endless!

A Few Notes as You Plan Your Trip

As of April 2022, travelers to the Czech Republic are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or complete a Passenger Locator Form. Also keep in mind, while the Czech Republic does not share a border with Ukraine, it is close. 

Have you traveled to Prague? What did you love about it?