8 Reasons to Visit Prague

8 Reasons to Visit Prague

As if Prague needed any more reasons to entice tourists from around the world to visit the charming, beautiful, historical, and ever-busy Czech capital, there are various attractions and reasons to head here on your next vacay – post-Covid, of course.

If you’re wondering why the masses flock here every spring, summer, and Fall – and winter too, let’s be real – wonder no more. We have provided 10 reasons why the Czech capital should be the hottest spot on your go-to list. 

1. Visit The Largest Castle Complex – In the WORLD

Prague Castle at Dusk – By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29032210

The Prague Castle is a towering structure looming high above the city walls. Containing other historical buildings in the complex like St Vitus Cathedral and ancient homes, the Castle complex covers 17 acres rising high above the River Vltava.

With museums and churches, it is way too easy to spend an entire day wandering within the castle walls. Head here to walk down the Golden Lane, stroll through the dark halls of the historical Castle, and climb the stairs of high defense towers.

2. Learn About Franz Kafka’s History

Bookstore Prague Czech Republic – By Adam Jones, Ph.D. / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Franz Kafka was a Bohemian novelist and short-story writer who was regarded as one of the major literary figures in the 20th-century literature, combining realism and fantasy into one genre. Exploring themes of alienation, existentialism, guilt, and absurdity, Kafka was a talented writer who grew up and lived on the streets of Prague.

Close to the Old Town Square, Kafka was raised by his Jewish family who influenced his view’s on life and his writing styles. Throughout the city, you can see traces of Franz’s life, literature history, and familial tree. Wander around the streets to lean a bit more about this talented writer, ending with his final resting place in the New Jewish Cemetery.

3. Spend Some Money – Don’t Worry, Not Too Much

Clothing racks in second hand shop Prague – By MAKY.OREL / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

Prague is known for having everything a tourist could possibly want – historical buildings, entertainment venues, traditional restaurants, cozy bars, and outdoor activities. Fortunately for visitors, you can try a little bit of everything – and not for a pretty penny.

With budget-friendly options like an unlimited monthly transport ticket, dinners for 2 people for less than 20 euros, beers for under 1 euro, and specialty coffee drinks for less than 2 euros, you can easily spend an entire day here on a backpacker’s budget.

4. Tell Time With the Astronomical Clock

Prague Astronomical Clock
Source: Wikimedia commons

Prague’s astronomical clock located in Old Town Square was installed in 1410 and is currently the oldest-operating clock in the entire town, the entire country, and the entire world. Decorated with Gothic sculptures and wooden statues, this historically-decorated timepiece is a gem of the capital city. 

5. Have A Few Pints 

Pilsner Urquell Mug – By By Steven Walling – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64734689

Although other capital cities like London may be known for their love of pints and pubs, Prague is no stranger to beer – including good, tasty, and cheap beer. In fact, sorry Brits, but Czechs consume more beer per capita than any other country in the world. 

For tourists, this is like a beacon calling them to their next destination. Czech beers are known for being light, foamy, easy-to-drink, and great for hot days sitting outside and gazing at the flowing Vltava River.

Beer gardens are super easy to find. In the summer, you can throw a stone and, chances are, you’ll hit an entrance way to a beer garden or beer hall. Part of the summer culture in Czech, dogs, children, and – yes, better believe it – Americans are all welcome.

6. Learn A Bit About Communism

Museum of Communism School – By By Chemical Engineer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68968981

Although this may not be the most fun-loving thing to do on your vacation, adding some educational elements into your next vacation can be a great way to shake things up and learn about the city you are exploring. 

If you don’t know that much about the Central and Eastern European history, Communism was the governmental reign in charge of Czechoslovakia from 1948 until 1989. Citizens in Czechoslovakia were stripped of their personal freedoms, right to choose, and other basic human rights that every person should have.

With this loaded history, Czech citizens today are extremely proud in how far they have come as a country. Learning about what the country and the people had to go through to get to the beautiful place that is Prague and Czechia today is inspiring – and can help you see the country in a new light.

Learn about the history of Czechia by visiting the Museum of Communism and the KGB Museum, located in Nove Mesto and Mala Strana, respectively.

7. Attend a Life-Changing Festival

Church of St Ludmila Signal Festival – By By Martin2035 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63885381

Sure, you may have heard of some popular music festivals around the world. However, Prague is home to various events, concerts, art festivals, music festivals, and other live events that will blow Coachella out of the water.

Prague’s river boardwalk, known as Naplavka, comes alive during the long and hot summer days, bringing in millions of people to explore the local beer gardens, listen to live music, and attend festivals. 

You have your choice of festivals and concerts, ranging from Christmas markets to wine festivals to local musical talent playing on the streets. 

8. Stroll Across Charles Bridge

By DXR – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51022139

One of the oldest bridges still in use in Europe, Charles Bridge was built in the late 14th-century. Still operational today, with millions of people, residents and tourists alike, crossing the bridge across the Vltava River, this bridge has become a symbol of the Czech Capital.

Surviving natural disasters, wars, and stampeding feet from all over the world, the Charles Bridge provides a perfect viewpoint of Old Town, New Town, and the Prague Castle.

If you’re stuck on an itinerary for your Prague trip, look no further – we’ve got you covered!