12 top free activities to experience in Prague

Prague is no longer the affordable getaway it once was. While the beer remains delightfully inexpensive, major attractions like St Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Library, and the Prague Jewish Museum now ask visitors to spend a bit more.

Fortunately, there are still numerous enjoyable options in the Czech capital for those on a tight budget, regardless of how small. Here’s our selection of the absolute best free activities in Prague.

1. Embrace the atmosphere on the Charles Bridge

While it’s one of Prague’s most famous landmarks, the 650-year-old Charles Bridge is free to cross. Walk along its historic stone path to admire stunning baroque statues, encounter various street performers and artists, and take in the breathtaking spires and domes lining the riverbanks.

Insider tip: For a stunning view of the entire 500m (1640ft) stretch of the stone-arch bridge, visit the riverbank behind the Franz Kafka Museum.

2. Marvel at the Astronomical Clock

This iconic city landmark, the Astronomical Clock, is among the top free attractions in Prague. However, its hourly performance of mechanical figures may leave some visitors a bit disappointed. Instead, visit between shows to appreciate the clock’s intricate design up close.

In addition to being intricately stunning and full of symbolism, the two clock faces serve as informative displays. They reveal the time (watch for where the golden hand intersects the Roman numerals), the current day and month, the zodiac sign, sunrise and sunset times, the moon's phase, and much more. Quite impressive for a clock first installed in 1410.

3. Explore David Černý's public art installations

When it comes to bold modern art in Prague, one name stands out: David Černý. The artist is particularly famous for his work Entropa, a large sculpture portraying EU countries as crude stereotypes (like France depicted as on strike and Romania represented as a Dracula theme park), which sparked a bit of controversy and is no longer on display. However, many of Černý's other pieces are scattered throughout Prague, and best of all, they are entirely free to experience.

Notable works include Kůň, situated in the heart of the Lucerna Palace shopping arcade, showcasing a lifeless, upside-down horse being ridden by an oblivious King Wenceslas; K, an enormous rotating metal bust of Prague author Franz Kafka, positioned above the Národní třída metro station; and Miminka, a series of faceless babies scaling the TV Tower in Žižkov. You can also spot some ground-level miminka on the small river island of Kampa.

4. Ascend Petřín Hill for breathtaking views of the city

Crowned by a miniature version of the Eiffel Tower, Petřín Hill is one of Prague’s favorite recreational spots. Enjoy the wooded paths, vibrant rose gardens, and stunning vistas of the city below—don’t forget to check out the Hunger Wall, built in 1362, which was supposedly erected not for defense but to provide work for Prague’s starving citizens during a famine.

Insider tip: You can hike up and down Petřín or take the 19th-century funicular; it’s part of the public transport system, offering a free bonus for anyone with a valid one- or three-day travel pass.

5. Explore the grounds of Prague Castle at no cost

While entry to most of Prague Castle’s opulent interiors, such as St Vitus Cathedral, requires a ticket, you can freely wander the grounds and gardens—just don’t forget to bring your ID for security. You can also enjoy the charming Golden Lane, where writer Franz Kafka once lived, after the stalls close and a serene quiet envelops the historic street.

Insider tip: Visiting the castle’s courtyards is most enjoyable at night, as the crowds usually dissipate in the early evening, but the gates stay open until late.

6. Meander through the cobbled streets of Nový Svět Quarter

Enhance your visit to Prague Castle by exploring the 'New World.' Just a short walk northwest of the castle complex, this charming neighborhood feels like a different realm, featuring cobblestone streets, pastel-hued 16th-century homes, and remnants of the ancient city walls.

Insider tip: This area also boasts a small garden, a playground for children, and a delightful café.

7. Discover Vyšehrad Citadel on a guided tour

Similar to Prague Castle, the Vyšehrad Citadel sits atop a hill and was once a royal residence, featuring an important church that overlooks the Vltava River. Unlike Prague Castle, however, it’s free to enter.

In addition to exploring the stunning Church of Sts Peter and Paul, you can walk along the Citadel’s walls for incredible views of the city and visit the Gothic Vyšehrad Cemetery, the final resting place of notable Czechs such as Dvořák, one of the first Czech composers to gain international acclaim, and Mucha, the famous artist behind The Slav Epic, a series of 20 massive canvases that narrate the history and mythology of the Slavic peoples (a dedicated gallery in Prague is reportedly in the works to display it).

Insider tip: During the summer, Vyšehrad boasts one of the best beer gardens in Prague.

8. Be amazed by the entrance hall at Municipal House

Linked to the tall Gothic Powder Gate that serves as the gateway to the Old Town, Prague’s Municipal House is an art nouveau architectural gem. While the upper halls require a paid guided tour, budget travelers can still admire the stunning facade, featuring a grand entrance mosaic, as well as the ornate foyer, all for free.

Insider tip: This location also features a cafe adorned with chandeliers.

9. Check out the Infant Jesus’s outfit

Originally brought from Spain in 1628 and thought to possess miraculous healing abilities, the Infant Jesus continues to attract pilgrims and is a wonderful sight to behold on a Sunday.

The 47cm-tall (19-inch) wax figure of the baby Jesus is dressed in a dazzling and ever-changing collection of colorful costumes that could rival Brussels’ Manneken Pis. You can find this statue, along with a free museum displaying many of its most elaborate outfits, in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Malá Strana.

10. Explore the paths in Letná Gardens for sweeping views

Prague boasts a surprising number of green spaces for a major city, ranging from the lake-filled Stromovka Park to the statue-lined Wallenstein Garden. However, for a blend of winding paths, beer gardens, and expansive open areas, Letná Gardens is hard to surpass.

Ascend the steep staircase from the Čechův Most tram stop and enjoy a gradual reveal of stunning panoramic views of Prague, including the Vltava River, the city’s bridges, and rooftops. At the summit, you’ll encounter a massive plinth that once held a gigantic statue of Stalin (which was demolished). In its place now stands an impressive 75ft (23m) metronome—a reminder of the saying: in time, all things pass.

11. Appreciate the interiors of Týn Church

Although the Czech Republic is one of the most secular nations in the world, its capital is filled with magnificent churches from centuries gone by—many of which are free to visit (though donations are warmly welcomed). Among the most photographed is the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, a stunning Gothic structure that towers over Old Town Square.

Step inside to discover a striking baroque interior, featuring a 17th-century altar and the grave of pioneering Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who is also known for wearing an artificial nose for much of his life (having lost part of his original one in a sword duel with a rival mathematician).

12. Take a walk up Vítkov Hill

While ascending the futuristic (or perhaps off-putting) TV Tower will cost you quite a bit, you can enjoy similarly stunning views of Žižkov and Karlín from nearby Vítkov Hill. Although the National Monument has an entrance fee, you can freely admire the colossal Jan Žižka statue and wander along the shaded paths atop the hill.