Best Things to Do in Prague: Food, Views & Hidden Spots
Prague feels like a city straight out of a storybook. Gothic spires, pastel rooftops, and cobblestone streets meet the Vltava River. It’s both grand and intimate. We spent a few days here without much of a plan, chasing light and stopping for too many pastries. Somehow, it became one of our favourite cities in Europe.
Prague surprised us with how pretty it was. Not in an obvious way, but like a storybook with extra colour and character. The architecture is beautiful and the food was good everywhere we went. It’s an easy city to explore. You can walk almost anywhere, but we loved hopping on the tram and looking at the window. The people were kind too. Our Uber drivers always helped with our bags! It’s one of those cities that quietly wins you over.
This is a mini guide with the places we loved the most, food, sunset spots, hotels & some hidden gems.
AT A GLANCE
Best area to stay: Malá Strana — close to everything but quieter than Old Town.
Best sunset spot: Letná Park (bring a drink and enjoy the sun go down over one of the most beautiful cities).
Favourite café: Café Hrnek — try their cinnamon and cardamom scrolls
Best view: From The Terrace at Fairmont Golden Prague.
Most underrated spot: Vrtba Garden — a quiet escape right in the centre.
How to get around: Walk or use the PID Lítačka app for easy trams and metro tickets.
Best areas to stay in Prague
Prague is compact, but every neighbourhood feels different. From the busy Old Town Square to the quiet riverside streets where locals spend their evenings. Each area has its own charm and rhythm.
Old Town (Staré Město)
Old Town is where most visitors stay. It’s filled with cafés, shops, and winding cobblestone streets that lead to Charles Bridge. The Astronomical Clock can be reached within minutes, and everything feels close. It can be crowded at times, but the convenience is worth it, especially for a short stay. Hotel: Fairmont Golden Prague here
Malá Strana (Lesser Town, west side of Charles Bridge)
Across the river, this neighbourhood feels slower. Baroque buildings, hidden gardens, and narrow streets create a peaceful atmosphere. Prague Castle can be reached by foot, and the evenings are calm once the day crowds fade. It’s a great base if you like walking everywhere but prefer a quieter stay. Hotel: Old Royal Post
Prague 7 (Holešovice & Letná)
North of the centre, Prague 7 is known for its creative energy. Cafés, galleries, and local markets can be found around every corner. Letná Park is nearby, offering some of the best sunset views in the city. The area feels more lived in, less touristy, and perfect if you want to experience the local side of Prague. Hotel: Mama Shelter Prague
New Town (Nové Město)
New Town mixes history with modern life. Wenceslas Square is surrounded by restaurants, stores, and hotels. The streets are wider, and the area feels more open than the Old Town. It’s still central, but often a little more affordable. Hotel: W Prague
Other hotels: Julius Prague, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Almanac X Alcron , Sir Prague, Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague
Tip: Prague’s public transport is excellent and well priced, so don’t worry too much about being right in the centre. You can get almost anywhere by tram or metro in under 15 minutes.
Our Hotel Pick
Fairmont Golden Prague
This is Prague’s newest 5-star hotel, set right on the river and only a few steps from the historic centre. The rooms have sweeping views over either the old town or the river. The spa is state of the art, and there are some amazing dining options there too.
The real star is the rooftop terrace. Order a cocktail at sunset and you’ll get one of the best skyline views in the city. You can check out more of the Fairmont Golden Prague here
Best Restaurants & Cafés in Prague
Prague takes its food seriously, and the flavours honestly surprised us. Every meal was full of comfort and character, from rich Czech classics to creative modern dishes. We were genuinely impressed, and these were some of our favourite spots. Also, eggs for breakfast were not hard to find! (very important for us Aussies)
Café Hrnek — cosy brunch spot with a rustic, vintage feel in Prague 7.
Perfect brunch spot. Their cinnamon and cardamom scrolls (usually midweek) are amazing! we also loved the traditional Czech porcelain cups
Kuchyň na Hradě — Czech classics with one of the best castle views in the city.
We came in summer when they had the mist sprays going on the terrace. It was the perfect spot for roasted chicken, cold beer, and city views. Try svíčková or the roasted chicken.
Naše Maso — a small butcher’s deli that’s become a local favourite.
They serve some of the best premium sandwiches and burgers in Prague, it’s casual and always buzzing. Grab a fresh self-pour Czech pilsner while you’re there. Naše Maso is part of the same hospitality group behind Kuchyň na Hradě, known for some of the best restaurants in the city. They’ve got over a dozen different concepts around Prague, and honestly, any of them are a good bet if you’re hungry. You can check out their full restaurant list and make reservations through Ambiente.
Zlatá Praha Restaurant— fine dining above the rooftops of Old Town
One of Prague’s newest fine dining spots, with stunning views that make it perfect for a sunset dinner. The menu blends Czech flavours with a modern twist, beautifully presented and full of flavour. A must visit if you’re after a special dining experience. Despite the idyllic setting, it doesn’t feel pretentious, just amazing food, warm service, and fairytale views.
Golden Eye Bar— stylish cocktails with views over the Vltava River.
The space feels warm and beautifully put together without trying too hard. There was a live DJ the night we went, and the vibe was just right, relaxed but still a little fancy. The wagyu was amazing, and the cocktails were some of our favourites in Prague.
The Terrace at Fairmont Golden Prague – A must visit when in Prague
The view here is unreal at sunset, and the food comes from Golden Eye next door, so it’s just as good as the bar. Honestly, one of those experiences you shouldn’t miss while in the city.
Best Things to do in Prague (our personal favourites)
There are endless things to do in Prague, you’re guaranteed never to be bored. Galleries, museums, parks, castles… we explored at our own pace, and it’s such an easy city to wander. It’s also great just for people watching if that’s more your style. Here are some of our favourite things we did.
BEST VIEWS IN PRAGUE
1. Sunset at Letná Park— spectacular views of Prague at sunset
From here you can see all the bridges lined up over the river. Pack a picnic or just wander up and watch the city turn golden and the lights flicker on. Check here for the exact maps spot with the best view point.
2. Golden Hour Cruise — seeing Prague from the water is always worth it.
We booked ours through our hotel, and it was such a calm, beautiful way to experience the city. Whether it’s the Seine in Paris, the Bosphorus in Istanbul, or here on the Vltava, exploring a city from the water, especially at sunset, always feels like the best way to see it.
3. Old Town Bridge Tower— the best view of Charles Bridge at sunset
Climb to the top and you get views over both the bridge and the old town as it catches the golden light. You can buy a double pass for both towers, but this one was our favourite — and surprisingly, it wasn’t busy at all.
HISTORIC AND HIDDEN GEMS
4. Vintage Tram 42 — a fun way to see the city in style
We took this vintage hop on hop off tram instead of a bus, and it was such a good call. You can buy tickets onboard and ride past all the main sights, the trams themselves are beautiful too. If you want some local tips the staff in the tram are always happy to chat.
5. Strahov Library — this place looks too perfect to be real.
Frescoed ceilings, marble, and gilded shelves — like stepping inside a film set. You can walk through the corridor and see the library from the entrance, but you can’t actually go inside the historic rooms unless you book a private tour. It’s a beautiful (and quieter) alternative to the Klementinum Library in the city centre, which usually has long lines and bigger crowds.
6. National Museum— worth visiting for the building alone.
Even if you skip the exhibits, it’s worth going just to see the architecture. The grand staircase, marble details, and domed ceiling are stunning
7. Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada)— a quiet baroque garden tucked away in the middle of the city
It’s one of those places you could easily walk past without noticing, but once you’re inside it feels like a secret.
8. Park Legií— riverside views and local energy.
The park sits on Střelecký Island, right under the Legion Bridge, with some of the prettiest views back toward Charles Bridge and the castle. It feels more like a local spot, there’s a small café, live music on weekends, and plenty of space to sit by the river and watch the boats go by. Perfect in summer when the weather’s warm.
Prague is such an easy city to explore and one where you’ll never be bored. The food scene is incredible, the views are beautiful, and it’s full of gems to discover.
Getting Around Prague
The main tourist area of Prague is small enough to walk almost everywhere, but its public transport system is one of the best in Europe. Trams, buses, and the metro are all part of the same network, and you can buy tickets through the PID Lítačka app. Just download it, add your card, and buy a 30 minute, 90 minute, or 24 hour ticket before you board.
Tip: The 24-hour pass is great value if you’re exploring all day.
Trams are the nicest way to see the city (Tram 22 passes by Prague Castle), and they run late into the night. The metro is quick and clean, with only three lines, so it’s hard to get lost. Google Maps works well for directions, but the Lítačka app also shows live tram times, handy when you’re waiting at the stop.
Tips for Visiting
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). Most places take cards, but it’s worth carrying a little cash for small cafés and markets.
- Tipping: Around 10% is standard and always appreciated.
- Language: English is widely spoken, but a little Czech goes a long way, “Děkuji” (thank you) always gets a smile.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather, summer for long days and outdoor dining, and winter for the Christmas markets and cosy cafés.
- Getting around: The city is super walkable, and you can even tap your card on newer trams.
- Sunset spots: Letná Park and The Terrace at Fairmont were our favourites.
Prague was one of those places that quietly surprised us. It’s beautiful in photos, but even better in person, easy, charming, and full of little details that stay with you long after you’ve left.
If you liked the tones in these photos, they’re from our film collection, the same ones we use for all our travels
