10 Famous Things In Prague, Czech Republic

Nicole
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

Known as “the City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, as well as the center of most of the tourism coming into the country. Tourism in the city is mostly centered around the historic buildings and breathtaking ancient architecture. With buildings and structures dating back as far as the ninth century, Prague is definitely a sight to behold, especially for those who love the Gothic and old style architecture and design. An iconic city for travel, there are definitely some things you must do and experience before you leave this beautiful city. What are they? Read on to find out the 10 famous things in Prague, Czech Republic.

1. See how the Czech Marionettes are made

Prague (7252350234)
Source: Photo by user jimmyweee used under CC BY 2.0

You can’t get a more thoughtful and genuine souvenir from Prague than one of the wonderful handcrafted Czech Marionettes. These pieces of authentic and amazing artwork are handcrafted and carved on the spot with excellent craftsmanship. Besides being able to buy the puppets, you can also opt to attend an art workshop conducted by the artists themselves, to find out more about this amazing art of making the Czech Marionettes.

Czech Marionettes

Address: Nerudova 47, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia

Website: Czech Marionettes

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: varies

2. Bohemian glass

Prague
Source: Photo by Flickr user Avinash Bhat used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Prague is also known for its production of fine glass art products, made specially from Czech glass and Czech crystal, which is then painted and designed in a Bohemian style. Around the city, there is a bountiful of different shops and places to buy the most unique and beautiful fine glass products. From wine glasses to vases, to jewelry and stained glass pieces, there are many different kinds of products to look at and buy. There are a few glass production locations close to the city, for those who are interested in the glass-making process.

3. Visit the Christmas markets in Prague

Prague - Europe Christmas Markets
Source: Photo by user Roderick Eime used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If you happen to be visiting the city in December, Christmas markets in Prague are definitely a stop you must make. The Christmas markets are the best place to soak up all those Christmas vibes and get into the spirit of the upcoming winter holiday. The markets light up the city and become a winter wonderland during this month, bringing joy and that festive spirit to both locals and tourists. The two main and biggest markets are at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, with other smaller ones at Republic Square and outside Prague Castle.

4. Prague Spring Music Festival


The annual Prague Spring Music Festival celebrates the best performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles worldwide. It is the biggest music festival in the Czech Republic and features musicians from all over the world performing music of different genres. If you happen to be in the country during springtime, around the months of May and June, you simply cannot miss one of the biggest cultural events in the country!

Prague Spring Music Festival

Website: Prague Spring Music Festival

Months: May - June

Prague Tour Guide

Get-A-Tour S.R.O.

Get A Tour S.R.O.

Welcome to Prague. If you read this lines, it means that you plan your vacation in Czech Republic. I am glad that I can show you the beautiful Gothic city of Prague and be your guide on your adventure. I graduated from the University of Foreign Languages and historical faculty and love to meet different people, enjoy new corners of the world and tell compelling stories of a place. I wor... Read more

Tours by Get-a-tour

5. Prague Castle

Prague Castle is not only the official office of the President of the Czech Republic, but it’s also one of the most famous tourist attractions of the country. It is one of the most significant historic and cultural monuments of the Czech Republic, with the building dating back to the ninth century. A UNESCO World Heritage site, you can see the various architectural styles of the castle as it underwent construction throughout history, from the remains of buildings built during the Roman Empire to the Gothic style of the 14th century. This tour brings you on a private tour of the castle, as well as a tour through the Old Town of the city.

6. Bohemian garnets

Brosch, Bohemian garnets
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zde used under CC BY-SA 4.0

These Bohemian garnets, also known as Prague garnets, have been mined from the Czech Republic for centuries and are an icon of the country. These garnets are a beautiful deep red color, similar to the color of wine, and they are often mistaken for rubies, but are in fact much more special. Many jewelry shops in the country will sell jewelry made from these precious stones, labeled either as Bohemian garnet, Czech garnet, or even Turnov garnet.

7. Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut

Knedlo vepřo zelo
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juandev used under CC BY 3.0

The combination of roasted pork loin, breaded dumplings, and sauerkraut is the national dish of the Czech Republic, and definitely one of the classic local dishes you must try. Sauerkraut is a form of fermented raw cabbage, which goes amazingly with the hearty meal. This classic dish is known as vepřo knedlo zelo in the Czech Republic, and a classic entree that can be found in many restaurants around the city. It is also traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day to bring in good luck for the next year, not just in the Czech Republic, but across many European countries.

8. Have a pint of Czech beer

Prague Praha 2014 Holmstad Czech beer - Tsjekkisk øl - 4
Source: Photo by user Øyvind Holmstad used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the whole world, and for a good reason too. The history of beer goes way back in the country, with the brewing of beer starting as early as the 10th century. Czech beer is commonly pale lagers or pilsners, with the world’s first pilsner company starting right in Czech. Those who are lovers of beer definitely must try the different types of Czech beer!

9. Visit the Prague Astronomical Clock

Astronomical Clock, Prague
Source: Photo by user Jay8085 used under CC BY 2.0

The Prague Astronomical Clock is a medieval clock located in the city and a beautiful tourist attraction. Installed in 1410, it is the oldest clock in the world that is still operating. The Astronomical Clock, or the Prague Orloj, is mounted on the wall of the Old Town Hall in Old Town Square. At the strike of every hour, visitors can be treated to the sight of the procession of the Twelve Apostles. While it is visible from the town square, those who want to get a closer and better look can buy a ticket to the Old Town Hall and view it from the chapel.

Old Town Hall

Address: Staroměstské nám. 1/3, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia

Website: Old Town Hall

Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 10pm; Tue - Sun: 9am - 10pm

Price: 10 USD (250 CZK)

10. Prague River cruise

View the amazing sights and architecture of the beautiful city of Prague from the view of a boat floating down the river. The Prague River, more commonly known amongst locals as the Vltava, is the longest river in the country. The river divides the city: on one side of the river lies Old Town and New Town, and on the other bank lies the Lesser Town and Prague Castle, which is truly a sight to behold from the river cruise. The Charles Bridge joins the two banks and it is also the main tourist attraction, sitting right at the heart of the city.

Take in all the beautiful city sights

There is so much more to see and do in this beautiful city, more traditional dishes to try and more historical sites to visit. These are our top 10 famous things in Prague. Be sure to experience them the next time you’re in the Czech capital.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History

Report a problem
Please choose the statement that best describes your concern


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nicole, a university student with a passion for both bustling metropolises and charming, undiscovered treasures, finds great delight in her travels. Her exploration of new places is enhanced by her...View profile

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Don’t miss out on the best price for your ideal accommodation in Prague
(Do a quick search on the following sites)
×