Overview & visitor information
Prague’s cobblestone streets shut down as over 14,000 runners cross 42km.
Festival
Prague International Marathon
Prague’s cobblestone streets shut down as over 14,000 runners cross 42km.
City guide
More festivals in Prague
Keep exploring Prague.
pragueThree Kings Day
Activity
Held on the 6th January, this festival marks the end of the Christmas season with carolling, bell ringing and the distributing of gifts to the poor.
pragueAnniversary of Jan Palach’s Death
Activity
Occurring on the 19th of January people congregate in Wenceslas Square at the Jan Palach Memorial to pay tribute to the student who set himself on fire in 1969 in protest against Soviet occupation.
pragueMasopust
Activity
A massive carnival with street parties, fireworks and concerts that starts on Friday and culminates to a masked parade on Shrove Tuesday.
pragueSt Matthew Fair
Activity
A funfair full of rollercoaster, rides and many food stalls in Vystaviste from February 24th to Easter.
pragueEaster Monday
Activity
This universal holiday is heralded by an old Czech ritual. In Prague men of all ages chase their beloveds and swat them on the legs with willow switches tied with ribbon. In return the women give gifts of hand painted eggs. After that the party gets started.
praguePaleni carodejnic (Burning of the Witches)
Activity
A pagan ritual to ward off evil on April 30th, people burn brooms in Vystaviste, hold bonfire parties on Kampa Island and Petrin Hill, though these are held unofficially.
praguePrague Spring
Activity
Starting on May 12th, the Prague Spring celebrates the anniversary of composer Bedrich Smetana’s death. This prominent classical music festival proceeds from Vysehrad to Smetana Hall in Municipal House. Smetana’s Ma Vlast (‘My Country’) is the opening music of the festival programme.
praguePrague Fringe
Activity
Held in Mala Strana in late May, this festival includes English comedy acts, theatre and musical nights.
pragueKhamoro
Activity
Occurring in late May, this festival celebrates Roma culture with its traditional music, dance, art and a parade through Stare Mesto.
pragueMore places in Prague
Keep exploring Prague.
pragueWhat to do with Children in Tow?
Activity
With its fascinating architecture, Prague can be thought of as an ancient place for children to be enthralled by and enjoy. Along with Prague Castle, there is its fascinating Toy Museum and Miniatures Museum (they are not allowed to touch the displays though). There are numerous toy shops dotted around the city which, when travelling by tram can be entertaining for children, along with the puppet theatres.
pragueFranz Kafka Museum
Museum
Pay homage to Prague’s most famous resident in this weird museum. Original documents and photos are exhibited in claustrophobic, strobe-lit sections and marvel at the writer’s complex relationship with Prague which is broached within a trippy short movie.
pragueLennon Wall
Sight
Rebels against communist Czechoslovakia praised Western rock musicians such as John Lennon and when he died in 1980 this wall was painted in his honor; repainted again and again every time the secret police white-washed it. Today it stands proudly though a bit graffiti splattered.
pragueMemorial to the Victims of Communism
Statue
A prominent sculpture that has male figures at various stages of aridness descending a staircase; a line runs down the centre counts the victims of torture, exile and death which is quite sobering.
pragueCharles Bridge
Bridge
The most popular walkway across the Vltava River that connects Mala Strana and Stare Mesto, the Charles Bridge is over 650 years old. However, a 100 million Kč renovation that began in 2007 and was due to end by 2008 stretched into 2009 so it may still be a bit crowded with sections being roped off to the public. If you rub the bronze plaque beneath the statue of St John, you will return to Prague.
pragueSt Vitus Cathedral
Churches
If you must see one part of Prague Castle then make it St Vitus Cathedral. Its construction began in 1344 and despite it is very Gothic in appearance it was only completed in 1929. Passing through the Golden Gate doorway adorned with its 14th century Mosaic of the Last Judgement, you’ll be given a brochure of highlights to visit. One of these is the view of Prague from the 96m tall Great Tower and the silver tomb of St John of Nepomuk. The ornate Chapel of St Wenceslas however has a special significance. On the southern side of the chapel there is a little door with seven locks, each key needed to unlock this door is in the safekeeping of a separate official. What lies behind the door? The Czech crown jewels which are rarely shown to the public; the oldest of which is a 22-carat gold St Wenceslas Crown made for Charles IV in 1347. The crown does come with a curse however: any usurper who wears it is doomed to die within the year. Admission prices: the nave and chapels are free but a ticket is required for the rest.
praguePrague Castle
Castles
You cannot visit Prague without visiting its most famous landmark. Founded in the 9th century by Prince Bořivoj of the Premysl dynasty, the castle grew arbitrarily as subsequent rulers made new additions. All Czech rulers have had their residences at the castle except for the country’s first post-communist president who preferred the comforts of his own home. The castle now stands at almost seven football fields long, proceeding east to west through three courtyards. The information, while detailed, gives a basic overview of the opening hours and admission prices; see the castle website for a more information.
praguePetrin Lookout Tower
Tower
While you can walk up this lookout from different routes the best way is to take the funicular railway from Ujezd. Services leave every 15 to 20 minutes and ordinary public transport tickets are valid. Some of the best views of Prague are from this lookout, which has 299 steps and was built in 1891 for the Prague Exposition. Here you’ll find a nearby mirror maze and other attractions from the late 19th to early 20th century. There is also an Observatory but opening times vary according to the season; check the website www.observatory.cz for details.
pragueAstronomical Clock
Tower
Old Town Hall Times: the chiming times are every hour on the hour from 9am to 9pm
pragueMunicipal House
House
Full of Czech symbolism, this building is Art Nouveau homage to nationalism. There is a mosaic called Homage to Prague above the entrance which represents the oppression and resurrection of the Czech people. There is a cafe; concerts are held in Smetana Hall and tours.
More restaurants in Prague
Keep exploring Prague.
pragueNostress
This restaurant mixes French and Asian cuisine with noodle dishes and meals with fish, duck and other meats; the dessert menu has a variety of French and Belgian treats. However the food is not cheap but there are business lunch specials on offer during the week and on Fridays there is live music.
pragueU Jednoho Pokoje
A very exclusive restaurant where the address and contact details are vague, you must make reservations 24hr via email, see for details, giving your name, your contact details, the evening you wish to book, the number of people you are bringing and any food preferences. The food however makes this all worth it; French cuisine served as you dine alongside monthly art exhibitions.
pragueSvata Klara
For something completely different this restaurant has one defining feature other than its food: the setting is in an underground cave! Established in 1679 in New Town, this restaurant serves a board variety of game dishes with fish, beef and lamb; there is also a small selection of soups and fondue, salads and cheeses.
pragueCafe No. 1
A modern cafe that likes to play the latest techno music, Cafe No. 1 has 12 different types of hot chocolate along with coffees, milkshakes and juices. The food selection offers breakfast with eggs, pasta, risotto, salads and pitas. The evening sees cocktail and beer menus take centre stage as the pre-party crowd gathers.
praguePlatyz Cafe-Bar
Found in a little courtyard passage off Narodni, this place offers a variety of Italian cuisine including pizzas, pastas and meat dishes in various sauces. There is an impressive wine menu and also a menu of ‘top-class’ drinks.
pragueKlub Architektu
Don’t let the ‘club’ part of the name fool you; this place serves quality Czech food along in its cozy cellar inspired setting. Despite its Old Town location the prices are cheaper than most places. In the summer months it is wise to book ahead, though in general it is not mandatory.
pragueCafe Slavia
A restaurant with a literary bent, this used to be the favorite eatery of author Milan Kundera as well as a hang-out of the all the intellectuals and their fans. Opening in 1881, the food menu reads like standard Czech cuisine, offering fish and chicken dishes along with soups and cheese platters.
pragueBoulevard Bageterie
Boulevard Bageterie is sandwich shop that feels like a fast food outlet but offers food that is fresh, edible and good for you. It gives you a choice of ordering off the menu or making your own sandwich and the ingredients are of good quality, prices are reasonable and there is space for patrons to sit.
pragueDahab Restaurant
Daham Restaurant is a fast food restaurant specializing in gyros, pizza, falafels and other sorts of snack food. Located next to the Roxy club, it is open until 1am.
pragueDaily Fresh
Address: Karlova