In this article, we will delve into some of the most intriguing hidden gems in Prague, providing a glimpse into the lesser-known side of this enchanting city. So, if you’re looking to go beyond the usual tourist hotspots, read on to discover the hidden treasures that Prague has to offer.
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1. Visit one of the underground bars in Prague
As Winter can feel like forever in Prague, they’ve got pretty good at turning underground spaces into bars. The best one to visit is Black Angel.
Black Angel is one of the coolest cocktail bars in the city. The owners have collaborated with local glass blowers to manufacture unique glasses for every cocktail!
There’s even a magical story behind it. When the bar was being constructed, the owners found a hidden chest filled with cocktail recipes from the original owner, left untouched since the beginning of the century. They still use some of them today!
If you want to make sure you get a seat, make a booking on their website.
- Address: Staroměstské nám. 29, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Mustek
- Open daily 5 pm – 3 am
2. Head to the opera
The Prague opera house is a true hidden gem, and is where Mozart himself originally showcased The Marriage of Figaro. It has a long history, dating back to the early 18th century with a host of famous operas originating here, including Don Giovanni and Madam Butterfly.
It’s still popular today with locals and tourists. Look on their website to see what’s showing when you’ll be in town.
- Address: Wilsonova 4, 110 00 Praha 1-Vinohrady
- Nearest Metro: Muzeum
- Open daily 3 pm – 7 pm
3. Explore Prague during an alternative walking tour
This best selling tour will take you around the best alternative neighbourhoods and secret spots in Prague. You’ll go beyond the usual tourist spots and see everything through the eyes of a local, including:
- Prague’s graffiti and street art scene
- An artsy cafe where Czech designers show their work
- A steam-punk underground club
- A quirky Vietnamese market
- A community funded theatre in a former slaughterhouse
Book your tickets!
4. Get your fill at the Manifesto Market
Hidden away in the Anděl district is the Manifesto Market. It’s filled with pop up stalls, food trucks and bars for every type of food you could think of. The market actually has multiple locations around the city, but the one in Andel has remained a secret spot as it’s off the beaten path. It’s close to a tram station though, so it’s easy to get to and add to your Prague itinerary!
- Address: Ostrovského 34, 150 00 Praha 5-Anděl, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Anděl
- Open daily 11 am – 10 pm
5. Go drinking at the Dancing House
The Dancing House isn’t exactly a secret, but it is an unusual place to visit! It’s on the outskirts of the city so it’s easy to miss. It’s a modern and quirky structure, symbolising the arrival of democracy in Bohemia in the late 1980s. It’s worth taking the trip here, and it makes for a great Instagram spot. They have a rooftop bar that has wonderful views of the city. Go up to the 7th floor in the lift, walk up a flight of stairs and you’ll find the Glass Bar entrance. You’ll need to spend 100 CZK ($4.41) to use the outdoor viewing deck, but you can enjoy the heated indoor bar for the price of any drink.
- Address: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Karlovo náměstí
- Open daily 10 am – 10 pm
6. Explore the Holešovice Neighbourhood
If you want to explore a more unique side of Prague, head to the hipster Holešovice district. It used to be a meatpacking district but is now the coolest area in Prague. It’s filled with quirky cafes, independent bars, bookshops and art galleries.
There’s a popular park there called Letna Park, which is lovely in the summer. Enjoy nature trails, an outdoor cinema, and great views.
7. The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague
This is one of the best secret spots in Prague. There’s a hidden history in the city with various dabblers in the dark arts making Prague their home. At The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians, you’ll learn all about them, with two levels of displays and exhibits. The second floor is particularly special, as it claims to be the tower where the famous sorcerer Kelley performed esoteric experiments. It’s decked out like an alchemist’s lab, filled with scrolls and grimoires.
- Address: Jánský vršek 8, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Malostranská
- Open daily 10 am – 8 pm
8. Go for a beer bath
Beer plays a huge role in Czech culture, and you’ll find it everywhere in Prague. A lot of the time, it’s even cheaper than water! And now, you can even go to a beer spa.
Beer baths were actually a tradition from the Middle Ages, as they thought they would cleanse the pores and revitalize the nervous system.
In this experience, you get to enjoy unlimited premium beer and enjoy beer-related treatments by a team of professionals. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in the city, but one you won’t forget!
Book your tickets
9. Relax at a tea house
Prague has a huge number of tea houses that are perfect for relaxing in after exploring the city. Most have an Asian flair, are dimly lit, and are tucked away from the main streets. You’ll find a huge menu with detailed descriptions of each type of tea and what flavours to expect. There are over 150 in the city, but here are some popular ones:
- Tea Mountain, Křižíkova 488, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
- Orijin Tea, Charvátova 1988/3, 110 00 Nové Město
- Čajovna Setkání, Vojtěšská 209/2, 110 00 Nové Město
10. Visit the smallest house in Prague
This is one of the best hidden gems that is only 10 minutes away from the Old Town Square. Hardly anyone comes here, but it’s a nice place to go an get a photo. It used to be a brothel, but now it’s empty. There’s a sign above the door that declares it the small house in Prague.
- Address: Anežská 1043/4, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Staromestska Station
- Open daily 10 am – 8 pm
11. Olšany Cemetery
Olšany Cemetery is the largest graveyard in Prague. It’s filled with history and was the resting ground for plague victims in the 1600s. Many famous Czech artists, writers, and politicians have been buried here.
A cemetery might be an odd thing to put on this list, but it’s actually one of the prettiest places in Prague. It contains art nouveau monuments and ivy-covered graves and buildings, making it quite a magical place to explore.
- Address: Vinohradská 1835/153, 130 00 Praha 3, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Želivského
- Open daily 8 am – 7 pm
12. Go down Prague’s narrowest street
This will be a quick stop on your tour of Prague, but it’s worth a look! This street is so narrow, it even has its own stop sign to let pedestrians know when it’s their turn to walk. Not for the claustrophobic!
- Address: U Lužického semináře, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Malostranská
13. Visit the most beautiful library in the world
The National Baroque Library of the Czech Republic is often called the most beautiful library in the world. Once you see it, no doubt you’ll agree.
It has beautiful baroque architecture, and stunning ceiling frescoes painted by Jan Hiebl. It’s one of the biggest and oldest libraries in Europe, and has some books from as early as the 1st century. Visitors aren’t allowed in the actual library, due to the immense value of the books inside. But, you can take a look from the viewing deck.
- Address: Mariánské nám. 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia
- Nearest Metro: Prague Main Station
- Open daily 10 am – 5 pm
14. Have a medieval dinner
If you love medieval history, don’t miss this unique experience. You’ll get to spend an evening in an authentic medieval tavern, and enjoy a 5 course dinner with unlimited drinks and amazing entertainment. You’ll be watching jugglers, belly dancers and swordsmen performing to music. It’s a night you won’t forget!
Book your tickets
15. Go Absinthe tasting
Absinthe is a legendary spirit from the Bohemian era, thought to induce psychadelic and hallucinogenic effects. It was banned in many countries, but recent studies have proven it’s no more dangerous than any other alcohol. You should definitely try some when you visit Prague, and you’ll see a lot of Absinthe stores around the city where you’ll be able to sample it in a variety of flavours.
When to visit Prague
Prague is a city that can be visited at any time of the year, but the best times to visit are during the spring (April and May) and the fall (September and October).
During these seasons, the weather is mild and the city is less crowded with tourists. The beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and the colorful autumn foliage in the fall make for stunning backdrops for exploring the city’s historic architecture and charming streets.
The summer months (June to August) can be quite hot and crowded, with many tourists flocking to the city to take advantage of the long days and outdoor events.
The winter months (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but Prague’s beautiful Christmas markets and festive atmosphere make it a popular destination for those looking to experience a cozy and magical winter getaway.
How to get to Prague
If you are coming from within Europe, the most convenient way to get to Prague is by taking a direct flight to Václav Havel Airport, which is located just outside the city.
Another option is to take a train, as Prague is well connected to other major European cities by rail. If you prefer to travel by car, you can drive to Prague from nearby countries such as Germany, Austria, or Poland.
The city also has a well-developed bus network, with frequent services running to and from neighboring countries.
Once you arrive in Prague, you can easily navigate the city using the efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and the metro.
Hidden Gems in Prague FAQs
What you Cannot miss in Prague?
Prague is a beautiful and charming city that has a lot to offer to visitors. There are many things you cannot miss in Prague, such as:
- The Old Town Square: This is the heart of the city, where you can admire the stunning architecture of different styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance.
- The Charles Bridge: This is one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, a stone bridge that connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the castle, as well as the statues of saints and other figures.
- The Prague Castle: This is the largest ancient castle in the world, and the seat of the Czech presidents. You can visit the castle complex and see the impressive buildings, such as the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane.
- The Jewish Quarter: This is a historic area that preserves the legacy of the Jewish community in Prague. You can visit the synagogues, the Jewish Museum, and the Old Jewish Cemetery, where thousands of gravestones are piled on top of each other.
- The Petrin Hill: This is a green oasis that offers a panoramic view of the city. You can take a funicular ride to the top of the hill, where you can see the Petrin Tower, a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower.
What to stay away from in Prague?
There are many things to enjoy in Prague, but there are also some things to stay away from. Here are some tips on what to avoid in Prague:
- Avoid the tourist traps: Some places in Prague are overpriced, overcrowded, and low-quality, especially in the Old Town and near the main attractions. These include some restaurants, bars, shops, and exchange offices that may rip you off or scam you.
- Avoid the pickpockets: Prague is generally a safe city, but there are some areas where pickpockets and thieves may operate, especially in crowded places like public transport, markets, or festivals.
- Avoid the taxis: Taxis in Prague are notorious for being expensive, dishonest, and rude. They may charge you extra fees, take longer routes, or refuse to use the meter.
- Avoid the crowds: Prague is a popular destination, and it can get very busy and noisy during peak seasons and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit Prague in the off-season, or early in the morning or late in the evening.
What is Prague most known for?
Prague is famous for its stunning architecture and museums, which showcase the diverse styles and influences of different historical periods and cultures. Prague has many UNESCO-listed monuments, such as the Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock. The Old Town Square is the heart of the city, where you can admire the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings, and see the famous clock that shows the movement of the sun, moon, and planets, as well as the 12 apostles. The Charles Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, a stone bridge that connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the river and the castle, as well as the statues of saints and other figures . The Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, and the seat of the Czech presidents. You can visit the castle complex and see the impressive buildings, such as the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane .
Can you walk everywhere in Prague?
Yes, you can walk everywhere in Prague, or almost everywhere. Prague is a very compact and walkable city, and most of the center of the city is closed to vehicles, including taxis.
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