Known for its medieval Old Town and iconic Gothic and Baroque architecture, here’s what you should know before visiting Prague, Czech Republic.
Towers, parks, and architecture—Prague is a city that deserves a spot on more lists for places to visit. Centrally located in Europe, the Czech Republic offers easy access to the rest of the continent, making Prague a convenient base for exploring nearby countries by plane, train, or bus. It’s also more affordable than other major European destinations like Amsterdam or London.
This guide is perfect for first-time visitors and covers what to do, where to eat, and what to buy. With recommendations from our Prague-based team and students who have studied abroad with us, you’ll get an deeper look at what the city has to offer.
What to Do in Prague
1. Visit a park
Prague is often ranked among the world’s greenest cities, with an abundance of green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The city is home to many beautiful parks, including Letná Beer Garden, Riegrovy Sady, Stromovka, Petřínské Sady, and Havlíčkovy Sady—just to name a few local favorites.
2. Spend some time on the Vltava River
Every visitor to Prague encounters the river when crossing the Charles Bridge, but not everyone experiences the city from the water. If you visit between May and September, when the weather is typically nice, paddle boating offers a relaxing hour on the river with beautiful views of the city. Bigger boat rides are also available year-round.
Náplavka, the riverside promenade, is another local favorite. Here, you’ll find boats docked along the river serving food and drinks, bars tucked into the river wall, and a vibrant farmers market that takes place on Saturday mornings.
3. Go to the theater
Prague has several theaters that offer world-class plays, operas, and ballets at a fraction of the price of other cities. Beyond the performances themselves, the buildings are also incredibly beautiful, and the only way to experience their interiors is by attending a show!
Recommended Theaters:
- Národní Divadlo (National Theater): Theater, opera, ballet
- Statni Opera (State Opera): Opera and ballet
- Stavovské divadlo (Estates Theater): Opera, drama, ballet
- Nová scéna (New Stage): Laterna Magika and other performances
4. Experience a Sparta hockey game
There’s not much left to say except that a hockey game in Prague is something you really have to experience for yourself. As one student put it, “The best part was the crowd participation and fan culture. I bought my classic Czech soda, Kofala (aka their version of Coca-Cola), and a team scarf. Every time Sparta scored a goal, the crowd would spin it in the air and hold up the banner that read ‘Let’s Go Sparta.’” (read more here)
5. See art
Prague is full of museums (The National Gallery, DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, Museum of Communism, and the Mucha museum, and more), but some of the most unique art can actually be found outside of them. David Černý is one of the most famous contemporary Czech artists and his work can be found all around the city. Don’t miss the babies on Kampa Island, “Horse” in the Lucerna passage, and “Piss” outside of the Kafka Museum in Malá Strana.
6. Enjoy the views
Some of the most beautiful parts of town happen to be surrounded by hills, so you can get a different angle from Strahov Monastery, Letna, Vítkov, Riegrovy Sady, or Vyšehrad. Prague is also dotted with towers which offer amazing panoramas such as the clock tower in Old Town Square, the Klementinum, or the TV tower.
7. Stroll through markets
Markets are great places to find locally made goods that you might not find elsewhere. Depending on the day you might find pottery, homemade soaps, jams, even Prague themed board games! Prague has many great farmers markets, but some of the best are at Naplavka (Saturdays) and Jirího z Podebrad (Wednesday to Saturday).
Christmas Markets (Late November – January 6): Old Town Square is the largest and most popular market with a massive tree, daily concerts, and live nativity scenes. Wenceslas Square is known for its ice-skating rink!
Easter Markets (March–April): Similar to Christmas markets, Easter markets often feature decorated eggs, traditional handicrafts, and seasonal food, mainly located at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
What to Eat in Prague
1. Chlebíčky
A beloved Czech open-faced sandwich! They come with all kinds of different toppings, but the most popular is ham and potato salad. You’ll find these sandwiches at delis and cafes throughout the city, making them a perfect quick bite between classes or sightseeing adventures. Psst…if you study abroad with us in Prague, be sure to stop by Libeřské lahůdky, a local deli located just around the corner from the CET Center!
2. Svíčková
Beef served in a creamy sauce made of root veggies and topped with whipped cream and cranberry sauce. You can find svíčková at many Czech pubs and restaurants throughout Prague, including the popular local restaurant chain Lokál.
3. Větrník
A Czech version of a profiterole filled with vanilla cream and dipped in caramel. It’s sold everywhere, especially near Old Town Square!
4. Smažený sýr
Fried Cheese, usually served with tartar sauce and potatoes. This is one of the few vegetarian dishes that you’ll find on the menu in traditional Czech pubs.
5. Bun Bo Nam Bo
If you’re tired of heavy Czech food, head to one of the city’s many Vietnamese restaurants. During communism the Czech government had a sort of exchange program with Vietnam and today the Vietnamese community is the third largest immigrant community in the country!
6. CET Student Favorites:
Bageterie Boulevard: This restaurant is basically like a fast-food chain that sells quality baguette sandwiches and fries. They are on every major street across the city, so you will never be far from the best lunch in town. One of our students’ personal favorites is the “Brussels” with chicken, blue cheese, grilled onions, and barbeque sauce! (read more here)
Arctic Bakehouse: Try the gorgonzola braid, stuffed with creamy, soft cheese and topped with flaky, baked honey. Plus, it’s conveniently located just across from the CET Center in Prague!
What to Buy in Prague
1. A postcard from Pragtique (or a mug, a totebag, etc…)
Pragtique is a shop filled with locally designed tote bags, notebooks, mugs, postcards, and more. If you’re searching for a meaningful souvenir, this is a great place to start. Good souvenirs can be a bit hard to come by in Prague, but this shop really delivers!
2. A rybička knife
These little fish knives are every Czech child’s first pocketknife, typically used for mushroom picking. Produced for decades, it is a nostalgic item that often serves as a first “adult” tool, holding high sentimental value.
3. Botas 66
Czech designers introduced these classic sneakers in the 1960s, and they continue to make them in the Czech Republic today. Available in a variety of colors, they remain a popular Czech footwear staple.
4. Czech Crystal or Porcelain
For centuries, Czech artisans have crafted the crystal and porcelain for which the Czech Republic is famous. Shops like Moser showcase classic crystal designs, while Artel offers more modern and playful pieces alongside a great selection of gifts. The iconic Blue Onion pattern remains a staple of Czech porcelain and appears on everything from plates and tea sets to Czech Republic-shaped trays.
If Prague is on your to-visit list, studying abroad there might be the perfect way to experience it more deeply. CET Prague offers a meaningful, hands-on program that goes beyond the classroom. You can choose from multiple core courses, learn Czech, and customize the rest of your schedule to fit your interests. And with a two-part Traveling Seminar, your learning doesn’t stay in one place—it comes with you on the road to Poland, Austria, and Hungary.