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Prague is a great walking city. Many of its attractions are located close to one another and within walking distance. When I’m in a new city, I like exploring on foot and checking out all the free things as much as possible. Despite my indifference to the city, Prague was no different. While many attractions cost money to go inside, you can still get a sense of the city and its history from appreciating it on the outside. Here are 7 free things to do in Prague: 
1. Watch the Astronomical Clock
The Astronomical Clock located in Prague’s Old Town Square is mounted on the Old Town City hall. There are three main components: the astronomical dial, dating back to 1410, that represents the sun and the moon; the calendar dial that represents the months; and the most famous: the Walk of the Apostles that features figures of the Apostles.
Those windows at the very top with the stars on them is where the magic happens.
It is the last dial that draws much of the crowds to this clock. Hourly, from 9 am to 11pm, you can watch the apostles move through the windows of the clock. Don’t expect much, it is probably the biggest let down on this list, but if you don’t see it you’ll always been wondering about it. Regardless, stop and marvel at this beautiful clock. For a small fee, you can climb the clock tower as well and get a great view of the Old Town Square below. Location: Staroměstské náměstí 1, 110 00 Praha 1
2. Walk Across the Charles Bridge
The famous 516 meter long Charles Bridge, or Karluv Most, connects the Old Town with the Lesser Town, or Malá Strana, over the Vltana River. Take a wander over the bridge and admire all the statues along the way, each telling its own stories. The statues date back to the 17th or 18th centuries and epict saints and patron saints. Today, the originals have been removed to protect them from the weather so these are replicas.
A relatively empty Charles bridge on an October morning
Try going in the early hours of the day for a crowd free visit. Plus you get a beautiful view of the bridge as the sun rises. Otherwise, the bridge is full of tourists and locals alike out for a walk. There are often street musicians and artists showing their wares as well. Location: Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1
3. Explore the grounds of the Prague Castle
Prague Castle (Pražský Hrad) is the official residence and office of the President of the Czech Republic. Dating back to the 9th century, it is the largest medieval castles in Europe. The Guinness Book of Records even lists Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world with an area of almost 18 acres. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
You can explore the castle gardens and much of the grounds for free. At the centre of the castle lies St. Vitus’ Cathedral – it’s tall spires easily seen from across the city. Parts of the St. Vitus’ Cathedral is free to visit, but there is an entry fee to see the rest of the cathedral. 
You can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the front gates on the hour every hour from 7 am – 8 pm in the summer and 7 am – 6 pm in the winter months. The one at noon also includes a fanfare and banner exchange. Location: Pražský hrad, 119 08 Praha 1
4. See History in the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, is a small area surrounded by the Old Town of Prague. Dating back to the 13th century, this cramped area was home to the entire Jewish population in the city. Today, six synagogue, the Jewish Town Hall and the Old Jewish Cemetery still remain, offering a glimpse into the past.
The Old New Synagogue
The Old-New Synagogue is the oldest preserved synagogue in Central Europe. Entering any of these buildings involve a fee, but you can still appreciate them from the outside.
The Old Jewish Cemetary
While exploring the Old Jewish Cemetery requires you to pay an entrance fee, you can take a peek inside through its fence. Forbidden to expand their cemetery, the Jewish people were forced to bury their dead on top of the dead resulting in an estimated 100,000 burials in all. The only drawback of this area is the mass amount of tourists and tacky souvenir shops that you will encounter. It’s a bit disjarring and disappointing especially considering the history of the streets.
5. Feel Hope at the John Lennon Wall
After all the despair of the Jewish Quarter, be sure to visit the John Lennon Wall for a complete change of heart. Reminiscent of the Berlin Wall, the John Lennon Wall offers graffitied messages of love and peace. In the 1980s, frustrated by Communist rule, Czech youths would share their frustrations on the wall. 
Much of the graffiti is inspired by John Lennon, seen as a pacifist hero for many in the Czech Republic, and the lyrics from various Beatles songs. Today the wall stands as a reminder of free speech and the non violent rebellion of Czech youth in difficult times. This is the only thing I haven’t done on this list, but I really wish I had made the effort to go and check it out. I was lazy. Don’t be like me.
Location: Velkopřevorské náměstí, 118 00 Praha
6. Admire the beautiful architecture
Walking around the Old Town, be sure to look up at all the beautiful buildings around you. So many of them are elaborate works of art full of intricate paintings and artwork. You can see all different styles of architecture from the Gothic styled Old Town Hall, to the neo-Renaissance National Theater to the Art-Nouveau friezes on so many buildings. 
Make sure you include a visit to the Dancing House, a modern building designed in the deconstructionist style. When it was first unveiled it caused quite the controversy – the building stands out dramatically from rest of the the city. It is nicknamed “Fred and Ginger” for the way the building mimics the forms of the dancing couple.
7. Have a beer!
Na zdraví! Cheers!
Okay, technically not free, but beer is so cheap it might as well be free. Czechs drink the most beer out of any nation with 132 litres per capita every year! The Czech Republic has a long history of beer, with it first being brewed in 993 AD at the Břevnov Monastery. Typical Czech beers are pale lagers of pilsner types, with the most famous and readily available beers being the Pilsner Urquell and the Budweiser Budvar (of no relation to the American Budweiser). Gambrinus is another popular beer in the city.
Where to Stay
Prague’s centre is very walkable. Staying within this area means saving time and money on transit and gives you a great opportunity to just walk around and soak in the city. Please consider booking your Prague accommodation through the included link. There is no additional costs for you and it helps support this website. Here are my top picks for where to stay:
- Motel One Prague (Na porichi 1048/30, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic) – This budget hotel chain can be found all across Europe and is known for its comfort and design at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Book early to avoid disappointment. Check out reviews and book your stay at Booking.com or Tripadvisor.com.
- Hostel Mango (Mishenska 68/8, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic) – Located on the other side of the river from Prague’s Old Town, Hostel Mango is great for the solo traveler. Grab a drink at their basement bar or head out on a pub crawl with new friends. Your booking also comes with an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Check out reviews and book your stay at Booking.com or Tripadvisor.com.
What free things have you done in Prague?
P.S. The Diverse Architecture of Prague & The Christmas Markets of Central Europe
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I always love checking out the architecture in a new town that I am visiting. Prague looks like it is full of beautiful buildings!
Yes! There are so many beautiful buildings and gorgeous architecture throughout the whole city.
Thanx for these great tips! Prague is gorgious isn’t it?
Found you through SundayTraveler!
Esther.
Definitely a beautiful city!
I had no idea there was a John Lennon Wall. Got to swing back by and check it out.
Yup, seems like the John Lennon Wall is a bit of a hidden secret. So many people haven’t see it.
Prague is a great walking city and you’re right that so many things can be enjoyed for free. I lived there in the 1980s and last went there in 2001 so I think it’s changed a lot! It’s a shame to hear about the tacky souvenir shops around the Jewish cemetary.
Oh wow, yes I think Prague has definitely changed a lot since your last visit. Between my first and second visits was 3 years and it had definitely changed.
Free is good. Prague certainly has lots of interesting buildings to look at on a city walk. I think I’d pay to see more of that cathedral since it looks so Gothic on the outside that I’d want to see the interior as well. Thanks for the tip on the clock. I think I’d still like to see it but won’t raise my expectations too high.
Yup exactly on point with the clock. It’s worth seeing once, but don’t have high expectations. One thing that would be cool to see in the Cathedral are the crown jewels. I don’t know if they’re open to the public but their in there.
I’ve totally just saved this page as what I’m going to do when I have a free day at the end of my trip in Prague 🙂
I really hope I start to like the city after walking around it for a day.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy Prague 🙂
Fantastic reading! I am new to your link up and am so excited to find so many wonderful destinations to learn and dream about. Thankyou, Bron
Thanks Bron! Welcome to the #SundayTraveler 🙂 Looking forward to following on your adventures.
I love Prague, it’s so beautiful, and so close to us so I have been many many times. Hadn’t heard about the John Lennon wall though… 🙂
Sounds like another visit should be in store for you 🙂
Adelina, I am absolutely on the same page with you and when I visited Prague, I also tried to do all the things that didn’t cost any entrance fees. I only couldn’t resist climbing up that tower behind the magic clock to enjoy some views over the old town and it was well worth it. From all your other free suggestions I only missed the John Lennon Wall, but it seems you also didn’t quite make it there. I guess we both have a good reason to go back then… 🙂
I embarrassingly enough had no idea you could climb the clock tower. I would have done that too for a great birds eye view of the square. I only found out about it a couple weeks ago when I read it on someone’s blog. I need to start taking my own advice and start planning more before I go places!
Awesome suggestions. I’m so looking forward to seeing the Prague Castle. It looks so pretty. I didn’t know it’s the largest ancient castle in the world, so now I’m even more excited!
I was pretty surprised by that too. It doesn’t look that big, but since it’s mixed into the rest of the city it can be a bit deceiving how big it actually is.
I absolutely adored Prague and would go back in a heartbeat.
I hope you get a chance to go back one day!
Lovely! I love Prague so much, maybe because that’s where I got engaged… one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This is a great list, my personal favourite is Charles Bridge. Exploring Prague at night is another favourite activity of mine!
Oh wow, what a perfect place to get engaged! I can definitely see why you would love the city so much. I think I would too if I were in your position. I really liked Charles Bridge with all its interesting statues.
These are awesome things to do in Prague! I loved watching the crowds pointing their cameras at the clock and cheering and clapping at the end! Magical moments!
Haha so true! And its such an anticlimactic event too. You feel almost silly when it is over, but everyone is so into it.
Can’t believe I missed the John Lennon wall when I was in Prague! I guess that means I have to go back soon. Thanks for this write-up, Adelina – for those of us who like to wander around cities, it is of great help.
Thanks Dave! It seems a lot of people missed the John Lennon wall. Definitely a reason to go back one day 🙂
Adelina! I always learn something from your posts which I love. I love Prague, but have never been to the Jewish Quarter. I will have to check that out next time!
Oh thanks so much Tamika! I love random bits of trivia so I try to insert them everywhere I can without boring people 🙂 I hope you get a chance to go back to Prague one day – there is so much history in the Jewish Quarter.
Great recommendations Adelina! We did all of these and had an absolutely fantastic time in Prague. There is so much to see and do there, it really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Travis! Sounds like you guys had a great time in Prague then.
All great suggestions, such a beautiful city, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by Andrew!
Nice list, I haven’t been to Prague yet but I’d love to check it out. The architecture looks very beautiful at some of the older churches…would enjoy simply walking around the town! 🙂
Thanks Ron. Prague is definitely a walking city and the best way to explore is on foot. Hopefully you get a chance to see it one day!
I love all the things you mention above. What time of day/year were you on the bridge with hardly anyone there? It’s always so crowded…and yes! The Beer!
That photo was during my first visit to Prague in 2008 which from memory seemed like the city had significantly less tourists than Prague gets now. It was October and ridiculously early in the morning. I want to say it was a Sunday too. Everything was closed still except for a couple of coffee shops.
I can’t believe there are so many fun things to do for free there! I’m loving the history and the architecture of this city. That clock is so cool! Looks like a great city to explore.
There were 2 major things I was super excited to see when I got to Prague and one of them was the clock (the other was Charles Bridge). I had seen so many photos of it and I was so looking forward to taking it in with my own eyes.
We did all those except the Lennon wall; we were in the area but never walked down to it. Maybe it was laziness on our part, too. Great post!
Haha, lazy travelers unite!
Prague’s architecture is definitely special and worth checking out – we wandered for hours just chasing the next beautiful building down the street. Although you haven’t fallen under Prague’s spell this is a great list in a touristy city – I like your point about beer being so cheap it’s free 🙂
That whole saying about beer being cheaper than water is definitely true in Prague. Not that I’m complaining. It’s tasty too.
Missed the John Lennon wall, that I would definitely be sure to see. And my husband would be sure to have a beer! Love these kinds of “free things” posts.
Thanks Lisa. It seems like a lot of people missed out on the John Lennon wall so we’re not the only ones. Next time!
One of the things I most enjoyed about Prague was how walkable it was. I spent a week there with my Mom and we walked every inch of it over and again. I don’t think we took public transportation even once! We were there during the spring music festival and encountered free entertainment, such as parades through the old town and music literally everywhere!
I agree! Once I got into the city centre there was no need to take public transport at all. Everything was within walking distance. Sounds like the spring music festival was a blast. I’ll have to check it out if I ever go again.
One of the things I really enjoyed doing was sitting near the Vltava and reading or just watching the river go by. I was there in July so the breeze in the trees near the Charles Bridge was delightful! Thank you for a great post!
Ohh, that sounds lovely. I didn’t get a chance to explore along the river.
Great list! I love visiting the historic portions of a city. I love the architecture! The Castle looks fabulous. A must see one day. I have to be honest, I have to pass on #7. Not a beer drinker, but definitely checking out a historic pub for atmosphere would be on my list. 😉 Thanks for sharing! #SundayTraveler
Thanks Nancie! I’m not a big beer drinker either, but visiting the pubs are definitely interesting.
I’m a big Beatle fan so I’d love to see the John Lennon wall! Beautiful pictures of the architecture. Prague looks a little gloomy though from them. Is it generally like that there or was the weather just not cooperating while you were there?
I think I just had bad luck with the weather. I’ve gone in July, October and December. I think I had one sunny day in that whole time 🙁 In sunlight it’s gorgeous though!
We loved Prague and did 6 of the attractions here except for the Lennon Wall. It is such a great city to explore and get lost. We weren’t too impressed with the Astronomical Clock too. My kids were like ‘That’s it?’ 🙂 Love all that architecture though. We highly recommend climbing up St. Vitus’ clock tower on a clear day. The views are fabulous!
Haha that is an appropriate reaction I think 🙂 Someone had warned me before I went, so I didn’t have too high hopes for it.
Great list, Adelina, but the “problem” is you stop at seven. 😉
Haha, I’m sure there are more. Maybe I’ll need to do another 7 the next time I go 😉
I have pointer for a bar in Prague where customers decide if and how much they want to pay. The name is Big Lebowski and this is the only place in Prague where you could drink FREE BEER.. just beware that the hangover of beer for free might be brutal, so rather leave a tip for your consumption 😉
Nice tip! Thanks – I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in Prague. Though the sound of it does seem a little suspicious 😛
Oh, I love Prague so much. I had great time on every visit to this city. Great round-up of the free things to do. I haven’t visited John Lennon wall, though. Something to do on the next visit.
There is definitely more to discover in a city every time you visit. Makes travel so magical.
I missed the John Lennon wall when I was there! Bummer. But these are all great tips for free things to do in Prague! I also did a free walking tour, which was a nice way to get to know the city.
I did one of the free walking tours too. It’s a great way to get acquainted with where everything is in a city.
The bridge is definitely my top pick! We saw so many epic performers on that bridge (and a horde of dancing German lads in breeches). Also stumbled across the Lennon wall while wandering around, which was a treat, and there were a couple of buskers there at the time.
It seems like every time I cross the bridge there is a different entertainment group set up. A lot of fun!
I haven’t been to Prague YET. Lots of places left to see. My husband would love the beer. He doesn’t do anything without a beer. Oh and I can get him to do anything if I promise him a beer.
Have a great week.
Patricia from Mojito and Me
a fellow Sunday Traveler
Thanks Patricia! Haha, beer bribery. I think that would work on my boyfriend as well. Good thing is that beer in Prague is yummy so even more incentive to get what you want 😛
Great list, lusting now over Prague!
Thanks Angelica. Prague is awesome 🙂
Walking on the Charles Bridge is one of the best thing is my life. What I love about Prague is, the tourist attractions are close to each other, so, we don’t have to bother to just walk from place to place.
Greetings from Czech 🙂
hanisamanina.com
Yes agreed! The Charles Bridge is beautiful and walking around Prague is so easy.
Hello! Just wanted to thank you for the lovely post:-) I’m hopefully going on a birthday trip to Prague for one of my dear friends next year! This was a great read! Found it on Pinterest…now I’ll be checking out more of your travel content as well:-)
Happy Travels!
Hi Andele! Thanks for your lovely comment and for checking out my blog. I hope you have a great time in Prague! Do let me know if you have any questions 🙂
You can e.g. watch airplanes in the airport. There are several watching terraces prepared for airplane lovers so you can be close to the runway. Or you can visit Wallenstein gardens. It’s in Mala Strana and they are really wonderful. 🙂
Great tip on the Wallenstein gardens. I haven’t been. Definitely for next time!
I will go to Prague next week. I will note them all. Thank you for all these great tips.
Thanks Kadir! I hope you have a great time in Prague 🙂
Excellent, I enjoyed this and will keep your seven handy.
All are great things to do when in Prague! 🙂 I love this city and I try to return once a year. Another great thing to do is to sunbathe in one of the many parks. It’s also a great way to get in touch with the locals. My favorite thing to do is watch the sunset somewhere along the river (preferably a little off center).