Visiting the Czech capital on a budget? Discover the best free things to do in Prague, including museums, sightseeing and street art.
Prague has a reputation of being a stalwart for the cheap and cheerful weekend city break. But in recent history, as the amount of visitors to this charming city has skyrocketed, prices have crept up. While you can still find affordable accommodation and cheap places to eat and drink, most attractions and museums in Prague will charge entrance fees. However, a visit still doesn’t have to break the bank, with plenty of free activities and attractions to ‘Czech’ out (sorry…).
Whether you’re spending a day, week or weekend in Prague, I’ve shared the best things to do that won’t cost you a penny (along with some sneaky suggestions of activities that are worth the splurge!)
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Free things to do in Prague
From grandiose historic buildings to quirky works of art, discover the coolest free things to do in Prague:
Walk through history in Prague Castle’s complex & gardens
The city’s spectacular castle is an absolute essential – even if you’re spending just one day in Prague, make sure you tick this one off. Entry to most of the attractions is on a paid-for basis, but entry to the complex itself is completely free.
Even if you’re not paying for any sights, it’s absolutely worth doing, as you’ll be able to see the towering St. Vitus Cathedral, the medieval Old Royal Palace, and the striking St. George Basilica up close.
The colourful passage of Golden Lane is free to visit after 5pm in the summer and after 4pm in the winter – although access to go inside most of the former dwellings and attractions will be closed.
Prague Castle’s Royal Gardens are also completely free to access. Across tiered levels, you can stroll alongside manicured lawns and vibrant flowerbeds, climbing decorative staircases to charming terraces with impressive Old Town and river views.
Want to splash some cash? Book skip-the-line access to Prague Castle’s main circuit buildings
See the changing of the guards
Add a touch of fanfare to your Prague trip with this daily tradition at Prague Castle! The ceremony takes place at noon every day, in the first courtyard area, which is free to access. The guards do rotate regularly throughout the day, but the noon changeover is accompanied by music from the military band. The replacement troops make their way through the castle gates, marching to their new positions.
Walk across Charles Bridge
Stretching 500m across the Vltava river, Charles Bridge is Europe’s oldest stone bridge and a major tourist attraction in Prague. Along the bridge, you’ll see 30 baroque statues, depicting well-known Czech historical figures, including King Charles of Bohemia, St. Vitius, and St John of Nepumuk.
The bridge is free to walk across, but often very busy at most times of the day – so it’s worth getting to as early as possible to beat the crowds somewhat!
Want to splash some cash? Visit the Charles Bridge towers
Soak up the atmosphere in Prague’s Old Town Square
The vast town square at the centre of Prague’s old town is the bustling, beating heart of the quarter. Lined with baroque and renaissance buildings, the square dates back to the 10th century, when it was founded as the city’s central marketplace. Within the square, you’ll find the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn and St Nicholas’ Church – three of Prague’s most notable buildings.
During Easter and Christmas, the square fills up with seasonal markets, selling homemade goods, delicious treats and pints of Czech beer.
Watch the hourly display at the Astronomical Clock
Prague’s Old Town Hall sits in the town square, and was originally built to serve as the centre for the city’s administration. Established in 1338, the intricate blue and gold Astronomical Clock on the side of the building was added in 1410. Every hour, on the hour, the clock comes to life in a mechanical display to the assembled crowds in the square around it. The actual display is perhaps a little underwhelming, but a great free thing to do in Prague for a few minutes to tick it off the bucket list!
Climb Petřín Hill
For spectacular city views and abundant green space, Petřín Hill is absolutely worth the climb. One of the largest urban parks in Prague, pathways weave up and down the hill, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling Old Town. If you’re eating on a budget in Prague, it’s the perfect place to take a picnic lunch!
If you’re not able to make the climb, there’s a furnicular to the top of the hill that costs 60 CZK.
See Prague’s most iconic street art piece – the John Lennon Wall
The most famous mural in the city is completely free to view, and a must for fans of the Beatles or street art lovers. Artistic tributes began to appear on this wall after John Lennon’s death in 1980, becoming a symbol of peace. Over the years, artists have added to the walls, rendering it an ever-changing community art piece.
Squeeze down the narrowest street in Prague
Less of a ‘street’ and more of an alleyway – at its narrowest point, Vinarna Certovka is just 50cm wide. The street is so narrow only one person can pass through at a time. Pedestrian traffic lights control the flow, as it’s impossible to pass another person headed in the opposite direction.
Tour David Černý’s public sculptures
David Černý is a Czech sculptor, born in Prague, whose work focuses on social commentary and civil disobedience. Often outspoken and provocative, his pieces can be found around the streets of Prague.
There are even more of Černý’s pieces residing in suburban areas of Prague, but these are the key installations that can be found within the Old Town, New Town and Castle District:
- Horse: A parody of the city’s St. Wenceslas on horseback statue, with a knight riding a dead horse hanging upside down from the ceiling of Lucerna Passage (Vodičkova 704/36, Nové Město)
- The Head of Franz Kafka: An 11m high sculpture of the writer Franz Kafka comprised of 42 reflective rotating discs (Charvátova, Staré Město)
- Hanging Man: A statue of Sigmund Freud hanging by one hand from a pole. This piece of art has caused concern with passers-by mistaking the installation for a real person. (Husova, Staré Město)
- Embryo: Easily missed on a drainpipe above the street, this lesser-known Černý installation of an embryo lights up at dusk. (Anenské nám. 209, Staré Město)
- Piss: A strangely fascinating installation of two men urinating into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic (Cihelná, Malá Strana)
- Quo Vadis: A small sculpture of a Trabant car on four legs, depicting the arrival of asylum seekers from East Germany in 1989. (Vlašská 347, 118 00 Malá Strana)
- Crawling Babies: Ten statues of barcode-faced babies were installed on the Zizkov television tower in 2000. If you’re not heading out that far, you can see three of them next to the Kampa Museum (U Sovových mlýnů 2, Malá Strana, Czechia)
Want to splash some cash? Visit the Kampa Museum of Modern Art (350 CZK), or take a guided tour of Černý’s works to learn more about their history and messages.
Pay your respects at Žižkov’s cemeteries
If you’re interested in the dark/macabre side of travel, the Žižkov district is home to multiple impressive cemeteries, which are free to visit. Olšany Cemetery is the largest in Prague, with fascinating art noveau monuments.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is a site of great significance, established in 1680 as a plague burial ground. Over 40,000 people have been buried here, including rabbis, Jewish scholars and entrepreneurs.
Want to splash some cash? Take a trip to the nearby Kutna Hora to see one of Europe’s most impressive ossuaries.
Shop with the locals at Farmer’s Market Náplavka
Open on Saturdays from 8am-2pm, is the perfect place to soak up weekend vibes as locals shop for produce and groceries. Tuck into baked goods as you take in the colourful fruit and veg displays beside the river.
Other street markets in Prague include: Holešovice Market (weekdays until 5pm, Saturdays until 2pm); Kulaťák Market (Saturdays 8am-2pm); Jiřák Farmer’s Market (Wed-Sat); Sapa Vietnamese Market (daily 8am-6pm)
Letná Park
Another large park with great city views, Letná’s elevation overlooks the Vltava River and it’s spectacular bridges. The Letná Lookout beer garden is a popular summertime spot with locals, enjoying Czech Pilsner in the sun while taking in the view.
Free attractions in Prague
Whilst most attractions in Prague have taken advantage of the city’s popularity with tourist and charge entrance fees, there are still some free museums and exhibits in Prague to visit.
Museum of the Infant Jesus in Prague
The early baroque style Church of Our Lady Victorious is best known for its statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague, visited by thousands of pilgrims annually. Visitors have claimed healing and miracles after visiting the small statue, the clothing and crowns of which are changed throughout the year according to tradition. A small museum within the church displays the robes and crowns of the Infant, alongside other religious artefacts.
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm; Sun 1-6pm
Municipal Library of Prague
One of Prague’s largest libraries houses the ‘Infinity Tower’, an impressive installation for book lovers. In the entrance hall of the Municipal Library of Prague, you’ll find a tower built from 8000 books, with mirrors at the top and bottom that create a magical ‘infinity’ effect. The installation symbolises the infinite knowledge that can be gained from reading.
Opening Times: Mon 1-8pm; Tue-Fri 9am-8pm
Want to splash some cash? Tour the Klementinum Library in Prague, including its astronomical tower.
Wallenstien Palace
A 17th century baroque palace that houses the Senate of the Czech Republic, Wallenstein Palace is one of the most popular free attractions in Prague. Originally built between 1624 and 1630 for wealthy nobleman Albrecht von Wallenstein, the vast complex includes a main wing, audience chamber and a richly-decorated two story palace chapel.
Opening Times: Selected areas of the palace are open to the public every Saturday from 9am to 4pm, with free admission. The expansive Waldstein Garden is open daily, also free.
The Army Museum Žižkov
The Army Museum Žižkov chronicles Czech military history, housing over 7000 exhibits including uniforms and weaponry. The permanent exhibitions are divided by historical period, spanning from the beginnings of the Czech territory through to more recent history during WW1, WW2 and the present day.
Located on Vítkov Hill, next to the museum you’ll also be able to view the National Liberation Memorial – featuring the world’s tallest equestrian statue.
Opening Times: 10am-6pm (closed Mondays)
Hunt Kastner Gallery
Opened in 2005, the Hunt Kastner Gallery aims to showcase the work of contemporary Czech artists of all ages. Located in the lively Žižkov district, the gallery was opened by an American-Canadian duo, with a view to strengthen relationships with the global art world. Works on display include painting, sculpture, photography and video.
Opening Times: Tue-Fri 1-6pm; Sat 2-6pm
Free attractions in Prague’s outer districts
Vyšehrad
A mid-10th century settlement and fort, Vysehrad is steeped in history and mystery. According to legend, it was the home of Czech princes, including the mythical ruler Krok. The fortification walls encircle the whole complex, with entrance via the Taborska and Cihelna gates. Two imposing towers belonging to Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul dominate the fortress, and notable sculptures can be found scattered within the expansive park grounds.
Opening Times: 10am-6pm
Botanical Garden of the City Prague
A relaxing green oasis. Over 15,000 species of plant life can be found within the outdoor space and greenhouses, spread across 4.5 hectares. The Japanese garden is inspired by mountain landscapes, with bonsai and cherry trees.
Opening Times: May-Sep, 9am-8pm daily
Kbely Aviation Museum
One of Europe’s largest aviation museums, Kbely has four buildings of primarily military aircraft. The collection totals 275 planes and helicopters, around 100 of which are on display at any one time. Highlights include an extensive World War I and II collection, and several Soviet-designed airliners.
Opening Times: 10am-6pm (closed Mondays)
Free museum days in Prague
Although most of Prague’s museums charge entry fees, . Some websites list museums as having free entry on certain days of the month (e.g the Czech Music Museum) – however, from reading TripAdvisor reviews from visitors who’ve tried, this information may well be outdated. I’d always check with official museum websites before planning free visits to any of Prague’s museums.
There are certain days throughout the year where many Prague museums will have free entry, including International Museum Day (next upcoming date: Sun 18 May 2025). Museums with free entry on IMD include The National Museum, The National Gallery and the National Museum of Agriculture.
‘Free’ walking tours in Prague
Okay, so free walking tours are never usually actually free – they’re tip-based, but they’re a popular low-cost way to learn more about the city. Explore the Old Town, learn more about Prague Castle or delve into more recent history on a New Town free walking tour. The choice is yours!
More things to do in Prague:
Prague Beer Spa Experience – yep, it’s a spa. With beer.
Speculum Alchemaie Museum – tour an underground 16th century alchemy lab!
Nightmare Horror Bar – if you like scary movies and metal music, this is the bar for you.
Lehká Hlava Restaurant – eat at the best vegetarian restaurant in Central Prague.