The Best Free Things to Do in Prague

“With its mix of historical sights and cultural treasures, and with plenty of great restaurants and pubs to discover, the cost of a visit to Prague can mount up. However, you can experience a lot in the Czech capital and not spend a single penny. We’ve gathered together some favourites for our guide to the best free things to do in Prague.

Catch the Show at the Astronomical Clock
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The greatest free show in the Czech capital is undoubtedly the hourly performance of the Astronomical Clock at the Old Town Hall on the Old Town Square. Join crowds at the base of the Old Town Hall Tower on the hour to see the appearance of the carefully crafted Twelve Apostles – as well as the figure of Death striking out the time.

You’ll also be taking in some living history: Prague’s Astronomical Clock was installed in 1410 and it’s the oldest clock of its kind still in operation.

Avoid the Crowds for Your Charles Bridge Photo
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Connecting Prague Castle with the Old Town, Charles Bridge is historically the most important crossing point on the Vltava river. But that’s not all. With its collection of statues, this pedestrian bridge has also become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

It is, of course, absolutely free, but if you want to avoid the crowds for your holiday snaps, set your alarm early or make it the last thing you do before you go to bed. Early in the morning or late at night is when you can have the bridge pretty much to yourself and experience this landmark at its most beautiful.

By Sergey Ashmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38296402

Explore the Jewish Quarter
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Josefov – or the Jewish Quarter of Prague – dates back to the 10th century and was once home to 18,000 inhabitants when it was the largest ghetto in Europe. Today you can walk the streets of this atmospheric neighbourhood between the Old Town Square and the river.

There are six synagogues in Josefov and the Old Jewish cemetery, and keep an eye out for the Franz Kafka Monument, dedicated to the famous writer not far from his birthplace. While exploring Josefov is free, there is an entrance fee for the Jewish Museum. This also gives you access to the synagogues and the cemetery.

Climb Petrin Hill for Great Views
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Once home to the vineyards of the King, Petrin Hill, on the opposite side of the river of the Old Town, is a wonderful park with great views across the rooftops of the city and the neighbouring Castle Hill.

To enjoy the city views for free you’ll need to ignore the funicular railway and make the effort to the top on your own two feet – it’s certainly worth it. Once at the top, take some time to explore the Rose Garden or treat yourself to a beer at the base of the Eiffel Tower-like Petrin Tower.

_Vltava River in Prague, seen from Petřín hill. – _Watch the Changing of the Guards at Prague Castle
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest castle complexes in the world, Prague Castle looks down on the rest of the city from its impressive perch atop Castle Hill.

You can explore much of the complex for free, as well as the gardens, while each hour you can watch the changing of the guards in front of the main gates. The castle complex is open each day 6am-10pm.

Discover Prague’s Street Art Collection
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Prague is home to many great museums and galleries, but you can also enjoy some fine works of art for no charge by searching out its collection of street art.

There are some amazing works on show throughout the city, and highlights include David Černý’s enormous babies at the entrance of Museum Kampa in Kampa Park; the Lennon Wall mural; the Yellow Penguins on the banks of the Vltava river; and the striking Kafka Head in front of the Quadrio shopping centre, not far from Národní street.

Picnic in Letná Park
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Occupying a plateau above the river to the north of the Old Town, the view across to the castle and the bridges makes the walk up the many steps to Letná Park completely worth it.

A popular hangout spot for the youngsters of Prague, the terrace on the edge of the park is a great place for a picnic with a view in the shadow of the Metronome (built to occupy the plinth where an enormous statue of Stalin once looked down across the city). Stock up on picnic supplies at the nearby Holešovice Market.

_By User:Aktron – Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=756192__Need a place to stay in the Czech capital? Check out our selection of top hotels in Prague._”