Prague Travel Guide: What to See, Eat and Do
Whenever I travel through Central Europe, it always feels like coming a little closer to home. There’s something about the cobbled streets, the hearty food, and the familiar atmosphere — a certain Slavic rhythm in people’s expressions and pace of life — that reminds me of Ukraine.
Of course, our histories and mentalities are different, yet there were several periods when both Ukrainians and Czechs lived under the rule of the same powers. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the western regions of Ukraine were part of it, just like parts of the Czech lands. Later came the Nazi occupation during World War II, and then both nations endured Soviet domination in the 20th century.
One way or another, all this left a mark on people, mentality, culture, and everyday life. Perhaps that’s why I often feel especially confident traveling around Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. The atmosphere feels familiar, and I have a sense of what to expect from people.
In this Prague travel guide, I’ll share the places that stood out to me most, from the Old Town and its famous landmarks to cafés, local food, practical tips, and a few things worth knowing before your trip.
What to See in Prague’s Old Town
Prague in September is pure magic. The summer heat is gone, but it’s still warm enough to walk around in light clothes. You can stop by a cozy café, sit on a sunny terrace, and not worry about a cloudy sky — even if it rains, it’s a short, warm summer rain.
Prague’s Old Town is packed with beautiful architecture, historic churches, and some of the city’s most famous landmarks. At the heart of it is Old Town Square, where you’ll find the Prague Astronomical Clock, dating back to the early 15th century.
Watching its famous figures appear on the hour is one of those classic Prague experiences that is absolutely worth seeing at least once.
Prague Astronomical Clock: What Happens on the Hour
For a few minutes, the entire square freezes; the crowd goes silent, and all eyes and phones turn toward the tower. One by one, the twelve apostles appear in the narrow windows, as if greeting and blessing the spectators.
Then Death’s figure strikes the bell, reminding us that nothing in this world lasts forever. He invites the other four characters to join him — but the Vain Turk, the Greedy Miser, and the Conceited Man all refuse.
What an incredible piece of craftsmanship and symbolism! You stand there watching like a child again, completely enchanted.
Czech History and National Pride
Prague has endured a lot throughout its long history, and Czechs carry that history with pride. You can see it in the monumental statues and memorials to great Czech figures — Jan Hus, Jan Žižka, František Palacký, Franz Kafka, Václav Havel. These monuments impress not only with their composition and artistry but with the reverence behind them.
Operation Anthropoid and the Heroes of Prague
One of the most moving stories of courage from Czech history is that of the World War II resistance fighters who carried out Operation Anthropoid, the mission to assassinate Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich.
After the attack, the Czech paratroopers found a secret hideout under the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. But they were betrayed by one of their own associates from the resistance.
Surrounded by German forces, they fought until the end, refusing to surrender. Today, this memorial site is called in Czech “Národní památník hrdinů Heydrichiády” – which its own website refers to as ‘National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror’.
A nation that honors and remembers its heroes deserves deep respect.
Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral — Must-See Landmarks
Prague Castle is one of the landmarks I definitely recommend seeing while you’re in the city. Be sure to visit St. Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle. Step inside — you won’t regret it. Its grandeur is something everyone should witness at least once.
In fact, all the structures within the Prague Castle complex were built, rebuilt, and expanded for more than 1,100 years. The castle reflects the entire history of the Czech nation — from its earliest princes to modern presidents.
Step through its massive doors. Light pours through colorful stained-glass windows, painting the stone walls with soft reflections of red, blue, and gold. I stood there for a while, just letting that calm beauty sink in.
Among the many treasures inside, one that truly caught my attention was the silver tomb of Saint John of Nepomuk. The sculpture gleams in the dim light — angels, clouds, and flowing drapery cast entirely in silver, shimmering like a frozen prayer. It’s hard to believe such delicate artistry could survive the centuries.
Czech Cuisine You Must Try in Prague
Czech cuisine deserves its own story. It’s simple, rich, and full of flavor — the kind of food that makes me feel like I’m back in my granny’s village kitchen, with something delicious slow-cooked in a real oven.
The most traditional dishes you’ll find almost everywhere are roast pork with potato dumplings and sauerkraut (vepřo knedlo zelo), and a filling and warming goulash soup – Czech comfort food.
Be sure to visit a traditional restaurant and try the famous roasted pork knuckle — it’s absolutely delicious! We had it in the restaurant Pork’s Vodičkova, and it was a blast! The potato pancakes were a great addition to the meat. I’m not really a meat lover, but this dish was truly unforgettable.
One portion was enough for two of us, but if you’re a devoted meat-eater, get your own — you won’t regret it.
Czech Cafés and Pastries
I won’t even start talking about Czech beer — you already know it’s world-class! But the local pastries surprised me in the best way.
At Lžička Cafe, I was looking for something sweet to have with my coffee when the lady behind the counter suggested a cheese-filled pastry called bačty. I loved it so much that I decided to try making it at home — I’ve already found a recipe!
Getting Around Prague
Prague’s public transport is excellent — clean trams, fast connections, and a very convenient ticketing system. I always prefer using mobile apps when I travel, so I downloaded PID Lítačka in advance.
Through it, you can search routes, buy and activate tickets (30-minute, 3-day, or long-term), and pay easily by card or Apple / Google Pay.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Prague
Wonderful Prague — a wonderful trip! We spent four days in Prague, and somehow they went by far too quickly. We walked a lot, around 23,000 steps a day, more than on any of our other European trips.
Go to Prague — you won’t regret it. Just make sure to bring the right shoes and the right company.
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About the author:
Hello and welcome! I’m Victoria, a travel writer and the creator of Best Kyiv Guide. I spent years working as a private tour guide in Kyiv, sharing the city’s history and everyday life with visitors. I now live in Sweden and write about the places I explore firsthand, sharing personal travel experiences, practical tips, and stories from Sweden, the Baltics, and across Europe.