Things to Do in Prague: A Guide to Sightseeing and Recommended Hotels Nearby

Traveloka MY
4 min read

For Malaysians looking to add a fairy-tale European city to their travel list, Prague is hard to top. As the capital of the Czech Republic, it's often called one of Europe's most beautiful cities, and it's easy to see why once you're standing on Charles Bridge at sunrise with the castle glowing gold above the river. Better still, Malaysians can enter visa-free as part of the Schengen Area's 90-day rule, so it's a straightforward add-on if you're already planning a wider Europe trip.

Prague also happens to be one of Europe's more affordable capitals, which is a pleasant surprise for anyone coming from pricier stops like London or Paris. Whether you're chasing centuries-old architecture, cheap world-class beer, or just a slower pace of sightseeing, here are some must-try recommendations for things to do in Prague.

10 Things to Do in Prague

Explore Prague with this comprehensive guide, ranging from iconic landmarks to hidden gems worth visiting.

1. Explore Prague Castle

The largest ancient castle complex in the world, Prague Castle has watched over the city since the 9th century and remains the official office of the Czech president today. Inside, don't miss St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. The main circuit ticket costs around 450 CZK (roughly RM90) for adults, and the complex is open daily year-round. For the best experience, arrive right at opening (9:00 AM) when St. Vitus is near-empty, or come back after 6:00 PM when the grounds stay open until 10:00 PM, free of charge and virtually crowd-free.

2. Walk Across Charles Bridge

This 14th-century stone bridge, lined with 30 baroque statues, is Prague's most photographed landmark and connects Old Town to the Lesser Town below the castle. It's free to walk across at any hour, but the real trick is timing your visit for early morning around 6:00 AM or just before sunset, when the crowds thin out and the light hits the statues just right.

3. Watch the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square

Built in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj) is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world still in working order. Every hour from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, a small procession of the Twelve Apostles performs above the clock face, a genuinely charming few minutes even if you've seen it in photos beforehand. Climbing the Old Town Hall Tower next to it costs around €13-21 and rewards you with one of the best panoramic views in the city.

4. Wander the Jewish Quarter

Josefov, Prague's historic Jewish Quarter, is home to some of Europe's oldest surviving synagogues and the deeply moving Old Jewish Cemetery, where headstones are stacked in layers due to centuries of limited burial space. A combined ticket covering the main synagogues and cemetery is the easiest way to see it all, and guided tours are widely available if you'd like more historical context.

5. Sample Czech Beer at a Beer Museum

The Czech Republic has one of the world's richest brewing traditions, and the Czech Beer Museum in Prague's Old Town brings it to life inside 13th-century stone-vaulted cellars. The self-guided ticket (around €22) includes three beer tastings and even lets you draft and bottle your own beer to take home. It's open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and a deeper 7-beer tasting experience is available for those who want to go further.

6. Cross to Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

Just across the river from Old Town, Malá Strana is Prague's quieter, more romantic side, all pastel baroque buildings, cobbled lanes, and the colourful Lennon Wall covered in decades of graffiti and song lyrics. It's an easy, flat walk from Charles Bridge and worth an unhurried afternoon before or after tackling the uphill walk to the castle.

7. Take a Vltava River Cruise

For a different perspective on the city, a Vltava River cruise lets you glide past Charles Bridge, the castle, and Prague's skyline from the water. Evening cruises are especially popular, since the riverside buildings light up beautifully after dark, and several operators offer options with dinner or a glass of prosecco included.

8. Visit the Dancing House

A striking piece of modern architecture in a city otherwise dominated by Gothic and baroque buildings, the Dancing House (nicknamed "Fred and Ginger" for its swaying, dance-like silhouette) is free to admire from outside and has a rooftop bar if you'd like a drink with a view over New Town.

9. Explore Vyšehrad

If you'd rather skip the crowds at Prague Castle, Vyšehrad is a lesser-known but equally scenic fortress complex south of the city centre, with sweeping views over the Vltava River, a historic cemetery where several Czech cultural icons are buried, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere than the main tourist trail.

10. Day Trip to Kutná Hora

Just over an hour from Prague by train, Kutná Hora is home to the famous Sedlec Ossuary, a small chapel decorated with the bones of an estimated 40,000 people. It's an unusual, slightly eerie half-day trip that pairs well with the town's other UNESCO-listed sights, including St. Barbara's Church.

Hotel Recommendations in Prague

Here are the top recommendations based on location and budget, tailored to your vacation style.

1. Hilton Prague Old Town

Hilton Prague Old Town is a 5-star hotel right at the gates of Old Town, within easy walking distance of the Powder Tower, Republic Square, and Charles Bridge. Guests consistently praise the central location, comfortable rooms, and well-maintained indoor pool, gym, and spa. It's an ideal base if you want to be within walking distance of nearly everything on this list.

2. Grandior Hotel Prague

Grandior Hotel Prague offers a quality stay right in the heart of Prague 1, with an on-site fitness centre and extensive facilities that make it a solid mid-to-upper range choice. Its central location keeps you close to both Old Town's main sights and the New Town area.

3. Hotel Merkur - Czech Leading Hotels

Hotel Merkur - Czech Leading Hotels is a well-reviewed option in Praha 1, earning a "Superb" rating from guests. It offers a comfortable, no-fuss stay within reach of the city centre's main attractions.

4. ibis Praha Mala Strana

For travellers who want to base themselves on the quieter, more romantic side of the river, ibis Praha Mala Strana offers reliable, budget-friendly comfort just a short walk from Charles Bridge and the uphill route to Prague Castle. Guests often highlight the helpful, friendly staff.

5. Hotel Bohemians

Hotel Bohemians in Praha 4 is a good option for travellers who don't mind being slightly outside the historic centre in exchange for a quieter, more residential feel, with easy access back into the city.

6. AZ Hostel

For backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, AZ Hostel in Praha 1 offers an affordable, well-located base close to Národní třída, putting you within walking distance of Old Town and Wenceslas Square.

Ready to Explore Prague?

Prague isn't just a pretty postcard, it's a city where medieval history, world-class beer, and quietly beautiful neighbourhoods all sit within an easy walk of each other. So, don't forget to add some of the recommended things to do in Prague listed above to your vacation itinerary.

You can also plan your vacation with Traveloka. As one of the best all-in-one apps in Southeast Asia, Malaysian travellers can use Traveloka to organise their Prague vacation seamlessly. There are various deals available, from the best flight fares to the best hotel booking rates. There's also a selection of attractions and activities that you can book easily. Just click, and everything will be right on your phone. 

In This Article

• 10 Things to Do in Prague
• 1. Explore Prague Castle
• 2. Walk Across Charles Bridge
• 3. Watch the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square
• 4. Wander the Jewish Quarter
• 5. Sample Czech Beer at a Beer Museum
• 6. Cross to Malá Strana (Lesser Town)
• 7. Take a Vltava River Cruise
• 8. Visit the Dancing House
• 9. Explore Vyšehrad
• 10. Day Trip to Kutná Hora
• Hotel Recommendations in Prague
• 1. Hilton Prague Old Town
• 2. Grandior Hotel Prague
• 3. Hotel Merkur - Czech Leading Hotels
• 4. ibis Praha Mala Strana
• 5. Hotel Bohemians
• 6. AZ Hostel
• Ready to Explore Prague?

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