If the Czech Republic’s charming capital – with its winding cobblestone streets, fairytale castles, gold-tipped towers and glorious Renaissance and Baroque architecture – isn’t on your bucket list, it’s because you have already been there.
Prague isn’t just pleasing on the eye: it’s also a ridiculously wallet-friendly European city. Here’s the low-down on things to do in Prague for free
Check Out Charles Bridge
One of the most beautiful and famous bridges in Prague, the 14th century Charles Bridge, is a free activity everyone can enjoy.
Built between 1357 and 1402, ‘Karluv most’ (as the Czechs refer to it) was, for 460 years, the only way of crossing the Vltava River without taking to the water. Situated at the heart of the Czech capital, the bridge serves as a remnant of an older, unspoiled Europe.
Like most iconic landmarkes, the bridge can get packed during the day with buskers, caricaturists and tourists – so aim to stroll its length either early in the morning or late at night so as to be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of the city’s skyline.
Enjoy The Hourly Show At The Astronomical Clock
Six centuries after its construction, Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock is still ticking, and every hour, on the hour, crowds gather beneath the Old Town Hall Tower to watch the ‘Procession of the Twelve Apostles’ for free.
Prague’s Astronomical Clock doesn’t just mark the minutes and hours: this 15th-century masterpiece also displays the position of the sun, moon and stars.
Legend has it that, upon completion, Master Hanuš – the maker of the clock – had his eyes burnt out by the Prague city council so that he couldn’t create such an impressive clock for a rival.
If you want to discover more curiosities about Prague, check out our dedicated travel guide.
Admire The Largest Castle In The World
Perched high on a hill overlooking the Charles Bridge and Vltava River, Prague Castle – which comprises a collection of museums, galleries, churches and palaces dating from the ninth century – is one of the best things to do in Prague for free, even when you stay in Prague only a few hours.
Visitors can explore the rambling castle complex and grounds, the setting for a whole host of fabulous free events and concerts, as well as the ‘Changing of the Guards’ (every hour from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.), for nothing.
Go To The Graffiti Wall Devoted To John Lennon
Love John Lennon? Then get yourself to the John Lennon wall. It started like any old wall, but after the murder of the Beatles’ frontman in December 1980, his image was painted on the Kampa Island wall opposite the French Embassy – together with his song lyrics.
Both secret police and property owners have attempted to whitewash the wall over the years. Happily, however, the Lennon-inspired graffiti has always been reposted by tourists and visitors alike, and finally, the authorities have relented.
Take A Jaunt To Josefov
Prague’s Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov (named after the emperor Josef II who helped to ease living conditions for the Jewish), is a must for fans of Jewish history.
Strolling the narrow streets, you’ll see six stunning synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall and an old cemetery – all of which survived the Holocaust owing to Hitler’s gruesome plan to preserve Josefov as an “exotic museum of an extinct race.”
Do you want to experience Prague like a local? Read our travel guide and discover the best flea and street markets of the Czech capital .