10 Off the Beaten Path Things to do in Prague
Prague is a magical city, full of fairytale splendor and Instagram-worthy photo ops around every corner. So it’s no surprise that tourists flock to the Czech capital in droves, often turning the city’s main attractions into a bustling, elbow-to-elbow experience. If you’re not a fan of human sardine cans or if you’ve already checked off the big-ticket sights, here’s your guide to some of the best hidden gems in Prague.
Step off the beaten path and discover the lesser-known treasures that make Prague even more enchanting. From secret gardens and quirky museums to tucked-away cafes and serene parks, these spots offer a quieter, more intimate glimpse of the city. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to explore a side of Prague that most tourists miss. Trust me, it’s worth it.
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1. Sample Beer Ice Cream at U Medvidku
A cold glass of beer is a refreshing treat and is often enjoyed with a meal. But at U Medvidku in Prague, they take their love for beer up a notch with a beer ice cream dessert. Yes, you read that rightโbeer ice cream. Because apparently, just drinking it wasn’t enough.
This historic establishment has had more makeovers than a reality TV star. It started as a brewery and cabaret, morphed into a beer house with a microbrewery, and is now a hotel. Despite all the changes, the main attraction remains the traditional Czech fare. We’re talking schnitzel, goulash, pork knuckle, and dumplings galore. These hearty meals are packed with flavor and will fuel you up for a day of exploring Prague’s old town.
Beer isn’t just for drinking here. It’s infused into cheese, dips, and sauces. And if you think you can handle it, they offer the countryโs strongest beer, XBeer-33, with an alcohol content of 11.8%. Good luck walking straight after that one.
But the piรจce de rรฉsistance is their beer ice cream. Imagine all the creamy goodness of ice cream, but with the bitter hoppiness of beer. For the uninitiated, it might be a shock to the taste buds. But for beer aficionados, it’s a quirky treat and a chance to tick off another way to consume beer from their bucket list.
2. Indulge at Bernard Beer Spa
Among the best hidden gems in Prague is undoubtedly a visit to one of the cityโs beer spas. If you love beer and you love spas, then this is a must-do experience on your next trip to Prague.
Take Bernard Beer Spa, for example. Located just a short Uber ride from Old Town (do yourself a favor and skip the taxisโthey’re notorious for taking scenic detours on your dime), this beer spa is open seven days a week from morning until late into the evening. Most reservations last 40 minutes, though you can pay extra for more time. Booking online is a breeze.
Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with a crew of up to six, you can reserve a private room with one or two oversized wooden bathtubs, depending on your party size. Each tub comfortably fits up to three people. These tubs arenโt filled with just any waterโthey’re filled with hot, bubbly water brimming with beer hops. Within armโs reach are one or two beer taps, so you can pour yourself as much cold beer as your heart desires. And if youโre feeling extra indulgent, opt for a massage afterward. As a parting gift, each guest receives… you guessed itโmore beer!
Prices range from $124 USD for one or two people sharing one tub for a standard 40-minute session, up to $337 USD for six people sharing two tubs. Add massages or extend your appointment if you’re feeling fancy. Book in advance!
3. Check Out the John Lennon Wall
A truly cool attraction and one of the most unique places to visit in Prague is the John Lennon Wall. This vibrant street art wall, nestled near the French embassy in the city center, has been a canvas for locals and tourists since the 1960s, adorned with sayings, love poems, drawings, and political texts.
Though John Lennon never set foot in Prague, he became a hero to Czech youth. The wall earned its name when a single image of Lennon appeared after his assassination, symbolizing freedom and the political struggle against the regime of the time.
Once a hidden gem, the John Lennon Wall is now a well-known tourist hotspot. Snapping a photo here is practically mandatory on any trip to Prague. Don’t forget to bring your pens and paintsโyou might feel inspired to leave your own mark on this iconic piece of history!
4. Manifesto Market
Located at Ostrovskรฉho 35 in the heart of Prague 5, this newish food hall is the talk of the townโor at least, it will be once the secretโs out. With space for up to 500 hungry patrons, it promises a smorgasbord of flavors, especially if youโre a fan of Asian cuisine. True to Manifestoโs sustainable ethos, youโll dine amidst lush green walls and hydroponic farms, with your meal served on chic Czech-made porcelain. Plus, the rotating roster of 15 pop-up restaurants ensures thereโs always something new to try. Open daily from 11 AM until late.
5. Petrin Tower
One of the best spots to observe the charming city of Prague from above is the Petrin Lookout Tower, a delightful hidden gem nestled in the serene Petrin Hill park.
Inspired by the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Petrin Tower was erected in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition, just two years after its Parisian counterpart. Though it stands at a modest 63.5 meters, its vantage point atop Petrin Hill provides sweeping views of the Czech capital from two observation platforms, with the higher one at 55 meters.
To reach the top, you can either tackle the 299 steps or opt for the elevator, which costs 440 CZK for a family of four. The climb is worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Prague and its picturesque surroundings. On clear days, you can even spot Snezka, the highest peak in the Czech Republic.
The lower platform hosts a quirky museum dedicated to the fictional Czech character Jรกra Cimrman, and a cozy cafรฉ for a quick snack or drink.
After soaking in the views, take a leisurely stroll around Petrin Hill’s summit. Explore the extensive landscape gardens, visit the observatory with its telescope, enjoy the hall of mirrors, and relax at one of the charming little cafรฉs.
A small entrance fee applies to enter Petrin Hill, but there’s no need to pre-book. The tower opens daily at 10 AM, with closing hours varying depending on the weather and the season.
6. Strahov Library
Tucked away in the quaint suburb of Strahov, just across the Charles Bridge, lies what many believe to be the worldโs most beautiful libraryโa stunning hidden gem in Prague. The majestic Strahov Premonstratensian Monastery, dating back to around 1138, houses this breathtaking treasure.
Inside, youโll find the Baroque Theological Hall, the Classical Philosophical Hall, and the intriguing Cabinet of Curiosities. The arched ceilings adorned with painted frescoes, alongside antique maps and globes, make the Strahov Library an awe-inspiring sight.
Visiting the library will set you back 150 CZK for adults and 80 CZK for children, and 300 CZK for families.
Open daily from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM, the library is closed only on December 24-25 and Easter Sunday. But for those with an extra day or seasoned travelers returning to Prague, the Strahov Monastery offers a glimpse into a beautiful, lesser-known part of the city.
7. Enjoy the Views from St. Vitus Cathedral
Prague is a beautiful city with countless viewpoints to appreciate its grace and elegance. One of the best views in Prague is from the South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral. Located within the grounds of Prague Castle, the cathedral attracts plenty of visitors, but the tower is overlooked by the vast majority. Perhaps the 287-step climb deters some, making it one of Prague’s best-hidden gems.
For those willing to make the ascent, the rewards are stunning 360-degree views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, the Old Quarter (Starรฉ Mฤsto), and the Little Quarter (Malรก Strana).
Frequent breaks on the way up allow climbers to marvel at the bell-towerโs machinery, including Zikmund, the largest of the bells in the tower. Cast in 1549, itโs so massive that it requires six bell ringers to operate itโfour to swing the bell and two to handle the clapper.
The views include the impressive rooster weathervanes associated with Saint Vitus, the patron saint against oversleeping. The striking panorama features a multitude of red-roofed buildings and a rich assortment of towers, steeples, and spires. The viewing deck attracts few visitors, allowing you to soak up the views at a comfortable and leisurely pace. Book your tour in advance.
8. Hike Vyhlidka Maj
Youโve probably heard about Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, right? Well, meet its European counterpart! Just a bit outside of Pragueโs city center is Vyhlidka Maj, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Vltava River as it gracefully bends around a lush green landscape.
This hidden gem is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Pragueโs tourist hotspots. If you’re itching to get away from the city for a day, Vyhlidka Maj is an excellent option. The best part? Itโs free to visit! Though you’ll need to shell out a couple of bucks for the bus ride. Simply hop on a bus to Teletรญn and walk to the viewpoint, or for the more adventurous, take the bus to ล techovice and enjoy a full-day hike to Vyhlidka Maj.
Accessible any time of the day and year, the viewpoint is especially stunning during spring or fall when the landscape is awash in vibrant colors. Early fall, in particular, offers a magical palette of hues that makes the scene even more enchanting. But honestly, this spot is absolutely beautiful no matter when you go.
9. Vineyards
Looking for something a little different to do in Prague? How about visiting a vineyard within the city limits? Yes, you heard that right. Prague isnโt just about gothic spires and medieval charmโitโs also home to some sneaky vineyards hiding in plain sight. Take your pick from the likes of St. Klรกra Vineyard or the many small producers cleverly tucked into the hillsides of the Vysehrad neighborhood. But if you want to feel extra cool, head over to the Vinohrady neighborhood, where one of the cityโs best-kept secrets awaits.
In the lush Havlรญฤkovy sady park, youโll stumble upon the Grebovka wine cellar. This cozy little spot is only open on Friday afternoons, because, of course, they like to keep it exclusive. Here, you can savor local wines while lounging in the park or take them to-go in, wait for itโplastic bottles. Classy, right? But donโt let the packaging fool you. The wine is delicious, and the setting is unbeatable. Imagine sipping your vino in a terraced garden, surrounded by some of the best views in Prague. Itโs like a scene straight out of a movie, except youโre the star.
And while youโre at it, donโt just rush in and out. Havlรญฤkovy sady is worth a wander. With its fountains, young lovers strumming guitars, and even a grotto with Italian vibes, itโs one of Pragueโs many well-kept secrets thatโll make you feel like youโve uncovered a hidden treasure.
10. The Macabre World of Kutna Hora
The Sedlec Ossuaryโbetter known as the “Kutna Hora Bone Church”โis the kind of hidden gem that makes you wonder if you’re starring in your own horror movie. Sure, it’s not technically in Prague, but itโs close enough for an epic day trip thatโll have you questioning your life choices in the best way possible.
This creepy little chapel is oddly beautiful, like a gothic Instagram filter come to life. It’s decorated entirely with the bones of dead miners who cashed in on Kutna Hora’s gold boom, making it the ultimate DIY projectโif your idea of DIY involves human skeletons. Despite its macabre dรฉcor, it remains a secret attraction that somehow hasnโt made its way onto every basic touristโs itinerary.
You can show up solo, or if you’re feeling extra touristy, hop on one of the many bus tours that stop by the larger, more mainstream chapel in Kutna Hora. Inside the ossuary, you’ll find a chandelier made entirely of human bones. Yes, entirely. And if that’s not enough to make your jaw drop, you can check out where the artist signed his work usingโwhat else?โhuman femurs.
Now, youโd think this place would give off the same vibe as the catacombs in Parisโcreepy, unsettling, the works. But somehow, the Kutna Hora Bone Church manages to maintain a weird sense of spirituality. Before you know it, you’ll forget you’re surrounded by thousands of human remains and start appreciating the artistic flair used to store these long-forgotten miners who played a big part in shaping Kutna Horaโs history.
Make sure you donโt show up on Christmas, as itโs the only day the ossuary is closed. Otherwise, aim to arrive between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., depending on the season, to catch it open. Book a day trip from Prague to see this!
