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Prague Travel Guide: Hidden Gems, Foodie Finds, and Romantic Spots You’ll Love

Prague travel guide

There’s no denying that major metropolises like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are stunning destinations. But the allure of these historic cities also means that many of these beloved spots now struggle with overcrowding. Luckily, there are still plenty of places across the continent where you can escape the crowds – and one of them is Prague.


This year, for our anniversary, we were lucky enough to visit the romantic Czech capital — and we weren’t disappointed! Having already explored Vienna’s immersive culture and Budapest’s rich history, we were eager to experience another gem of Central Europe. As you’ll see throughout this Prague travel guide, the city exceeded all expectations. With fairy-tale vistas in every direction, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, excellent beer, and delicious food, Prague offers endless places to explore and plenty of fun to be had.


Stay tuned for our adventures in the eclectic Czech city!


Accommodation


Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

For architecture and history buffs, there’s no better place to be than Prague. The city is brimming with Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and historic landmarks. While there are plenty of excellent modern hotels, we recommend choosing accommodation with a little more history.


If you’d like to experience how kings and queens used to live, consider staying at the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa. Housed in four former bourgeois houses, this five-star luxury boutique hotel is just steps from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Inspired by the Venetian Renaissance, the hotel offers a stay that feels like traveling back in time. The boutique accommodation is owned by an Italian family who live on-site — and if you’re lucky, you might meet them during wine hour!


As a guest, you can choose from 27 rooms and 19 suites, all of which are adorned with antique furnishings, Bohemian crystal, and truly royal-style decor. While all rooms are beautiful, keep in mind that only some have balconies.


If you really want to treat yourself, we highly recommend booking one of the suites for an extra touch of luxury. During our stay, we chose the Junior Suite, which was incredibly spacious and beautifully decorated – the perfect blend of elegance and comfort.



After a long day of exploring, take advantage of the on-site Ecsotica Spa. Like the hotel itself, it’s decorated with gorgeous antiques. The highlight, however, is its stunning mosaic-tiled swimming pool – something you won’t find in other Old Town accommodations. When staying here, guests have exclusive access to the entire relaxation area, which also features a sauna.


Another great thing about staying at the Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa is the breakfast. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet with unlimited Prosecco, plus the option to order extra dishes from the menu. However, note that some selections come with an added charge.


Fun fact: The American embassy is just across the street, so the area is well protected and pleasantly quiet – you won’t have to worry about crowds disturbing your peace.


Additional Amenities

  • Enjoy daily afternoon wine & cheese from 4:30 pm to 5 pm.

  • Take advantage of evening turn-down service with chocolates.

  • If you’re craving some privacy, room service is available 24/7 (however, keep in mind the menu is limited and for an extra charge).

  • Guests can use a private pocket guide.

  • Prague has many excellent foodie destinations. However, when hunger strikes and there’s no time to waste, the hotel offers two restaurants and a café.


Our tip: Head to the Aquarius Restaurant and Café to try the best homemade chocolate pralines!


Things to See & Do


Join a Walking Tour

What makes Prague such a lovely destination is that it’s incredibly walkable. With so many amazing attractions and historic landmarks all around, getting your daily steps in couldn’t be easier.


If, like us, you’re visiting the Czech capital for the first time and want to see as much as possible, a walking tour is an excellent solution. We joined the Prague Guided Walking Tour and Cruise with Authentic Czech Lunch, which took us through the Old Town, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, Lesser Town, and Charles Bridge. The cherry on top, however, was the 1-hour boat cruise on the Vltava River! When joining this type of tour, be sure to opt for a smaller boat, as larger boats can’t sail the iconic canal.


Our tip: During the tour, our group consisted of 23 people, which felt a little too big to fully enjoy the experience. If you have the opportunity, consider taking a private walking tour of Prague for a more personal experience.


Sample Local Cuisine

Prague really is a foodie paradise. From goulash to grilled sausages, there’s so much to taste and try! So, don’t make the mistake of eating your way through Old Town. As locals will quickly tell you, most of the restaurants in the area are overpriced and serve mediocre food. 


Instead, join a Prague Foodie Tour like we did! This ended up being one of our favorite experiences during the whole trip. After all, what’s a better way to learn about the local culture than eating?


Explore the City’s Sights on a Scrooser

While walking tours are a great way to discover Prague, there are also faster-paced ways to see the city. One of the highlights of our trip was joining the Grand City Tour on Scrooser, which combines sightseeing with the fun of riding a fat-wheeled electric scooter. These vehicles are surprisingly easy to handle – if you can ride a bike, you’ll be just fine. Plus, about 30 minutes before the tour, the guide gives a quick lesson and time to practice before heading out on the adventure.


If you’re planning to join the Scrooser tour, we highly recommend pairing it with a walking tour later on. The Scrooser is a great way to cover more ground and take in the city’s beauty at a faster pace, while a walking tour lets you slow down and soak in all the small details you might otherwise miss.


Experience a Mozart Concert & Dinner


Prague is often referred to as the Mecca of classical music, so when visiting this gorgeous city, experiencing its thriving music scene is a must. 


During our vacation, we joined the Mozart Concert & Dinner experience, and it was one of the most magical evenings of our trip. Held in the elegant Boccaccio Ballroom, the evening combined a 3-course Czech and Austrian dinner with live arias and duets from The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni. 


For our anniversary, we splurged on a private balcony table, and it made the night feel extra special. If that’s not in your budget, at least go for a table for two, and definitely add the all-inclusive drink package (we happily finished two bottles of wine!).


Other Things to Do


Check Out the Petřín Lookout Tower

Want to get out of your comfort zone? The climb up the Petřín Lookout tower, which is 63.5 metres tall, can be challenging (it takes about half an hour to walk up the hill), but you’ll be rewarded by the most beautiful views over Prague, Strahov Monastery, the Prague Castle, and sometimes even the northern mountains. Of course, you can always take the elevator. too!


Visit Museum Kampa

The Kampa Island park is lovely for picnics, but there are plenty of other options to keep you entertained, including the Museum Kampa, which features an impressive collection of Central European modern art, particularly works by Czech artists. 


Come here in the morning to avoid the peak tourist rush.


Admire the Prague Castle Church

If there’s only one place in your Prague itinerary, it should be the Prague Castle. The largest ancient castle in the world (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country. In fact, the castle occupies an area that’s about 750,000 square feet! 


Our tip: Take tram 22 to avoid the stairs.


Shop Along Paris Street

Stroll down Pařížská – Prague’s most glamorous boulevard – where you’ll find luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier. Even if you’re not buying, taking a peek into these elegant showrooms and admiring the architecture is worth your time. 


Visit the Jewish Synagogue & Museum

The Jewish Museum in Prague weaves together six historic sites – synagogues like the Maisel, Pinkas, and Spanish, along with the Old-New Synagogue, Ceremonial Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery – each with its own story and architecture. If you’re interested in history, the museum is a must-see!


See the Monastery Library

Inside the Strahov Monastery, you’ll find one of Prague’s most breathtaking hidden gems – the Monastery Library. Made up of two ornate Baroque halls, it holds more than 200,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and centuries-old prints. With its frescoed ceilings and hushed atmosphere, the library feels almost otherworldly.


Join the Monastery Church Service

If you’re in the mood for something more than sightseeing, attend the Sunday service in the Strahov Monastery church. It’s a beautiful, serene way to experience the local spiritual side of Prague. Plus, you might even catch liturgical music echoing through the ancient stone walls.


Learn More About Prague at the National Museum

The largest museum in the Czech Republic should definitely be part of your itinerary, even just for the fact that it’s housed in one of the city’s most breathtaking buildings (in Prague, that really means something). Climb the stairs to its rooftop terrace for a panoramic view!


Where to Eat and Drink: Prague Travel Guide

One of the best bits about Prague’s food scene is the fact that it's both satisfying and affordable. Here are some of my favorite eateries and bars we managed to try:


Lokal: One of Prague’s most iconic beer halls – lively, bustling, and the place to go for a proper pint of fresh Czech lager.

Vin de Marie: A cozy wine bar pouring mainly young Czech wines. Don’t expect aged vintages!

Kantyna: A temple for carnivores. Their legendary meatloaf sandwich is held together by a “secret ingredient” – 40% fat – making it juicy, rich, and unforgettable.

Cestr: Known for taking meat seriously (they even use a sauna to prep it). Go for the beef in dill sauce or the chicken roll with paprika sauce.

Myšák: A beloved local bakery where families bring kids to celebrate good grades and milestones. Delicious pastries!

San Carlo Mala Strana: Craving Italian? This is the spot for delicious pizza and pasta in a charming setting.

Kampa Park Restaurant: A Michelin Guide favorite with unbeatable views of Charles Bridge. The halibut and steak were highlights, however, the restaurant is worth visiting for the setting alone.

Deer Restaurant: Perfect for venison lovers.

CottoCrudo: Inside the Four Seasons, this sleek Italian spot is great for ordering a fresh cocktail and soaking up the river views.

Fat Cat: When only a burger will do, this is the place to go – hearty, indulgent, and satisfying.

Plny Pekac: A proper Czech restaurant – go straight for the duck with dumplings, a local favorite that doesn’t disappoint.

Anonymous Bar: A hidden cocktail gem inspired by V for Vendetta. Drinks are creative, the vibe is cool, and reservations are a must (we almost didn’t get in!).

Baráčnická Rychta: A traditional Czech tavern where you can try hearty classics like pork knuckle, svíčková, and goulash.


Final Thoughts

Trip to Prague

Sprawling parks, impressive historical landmarks, charming microbreweries – Prague is definitely one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. In fact, even a random street here can feel like the most picturesque. So, if you’re craving an adventure that’s filled with stunning architecture, plenty of culture, and hearty food, this is the city to be in. Prague really is an urban fairy tale!



Dreaming of exploring one of the best cities in Central Europe? From fairy-tale castles and Gothic cathedrals to cozy beer halls and hidden courtyards, we know all the insider spots that make Prague unforgettable. Let us help you create your most magical adventure yet!


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