Free Things to Do in Prague

Old Town Square

Old Town Square, located in Prague's Old Town, is the ultimate free attraction in Prague. Not only is it home to some of Prague's most famous buildings, it is also the location of seasonal festivities like Prague's Easter market and its Christmas market. Year round, visitors can listen to buskers, take a rest on one of the benches around the statue of Jan Hus, and get some great photos of the buildings on the square.

Prague's astronomical clock draws crowds year-round ​and is a great free activity for kids. On the hourly strike, watch the clock's curious characters parade past.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is another great free Prague attraction. Lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants, Wenceslas Square is the heart of New Town. Seasonal markets are set up on this square for special holidays. The National Museum, which is free the first Monday of every month, stands on one end of the square, and historic hotels make their presence felt. Well-lit at night, Wenceslas Square is an ideal location for people watching.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge connects Old Town with Mala Strana. If you're looking for something free to do in Prague, traverse Charles Bridge and examine its statues, all of which are significant in their own way.

While on Charles Bridge, you can also listen to musicians and admire the artwork. Take your turn making a wish at the statue of St. Jan.

For a small fee, you can walk up the stairs to the Charles Bridge tower. There you will find yourself confronted with sweeping views of Mala Strana, Prague Castle, and parts of Old Town.

Prague Castle Grounds

It's free to enter the Prague Castle Grounds, even though you'll have to purchase tickets to see any part of Prague Castle's interior. At Prague Castle, you can watch the the changing of the guard or visit the Prague Castle gardens for free. 

St. Vitus Cathedral, the Czech Republic's most important religious structure, is free to enter. Visitors should prepare for long lines - St. Vitus is one of Prague's most popular sights!

Josefov

Josefov, Prague's Jewish Quarter, is free to tour. Identify synagogues, take a peek at the Old Jewish Cemetery, and find the monument to Franz Kafka. You can also walk down Maisalova Street and catch glimpses of the Ceremonial Hall and the Jewish Town Hall.

Prague Seasonal Activities

Annual festivals and holidays often offer free entertainment and the possibility to experience local culture. The Procession of the Three Kings typically takes place on January 5th every year and ends at Prague's Loreto, where a live nativity scene can be viewed. Prague's Carnival is a time for costumes and parades, and a party is held on Old Town Square for anyone who wants to participate. On the Night of St. Nicholas (December 5th), actors dressed as the saint and his companions wander the streets of the city and pass out candy to children. On New Year's Eve, fireworks displays light up the night sky, and these can be seen from various vantage points around the Czech capital.

Free Cultural Nights

Prague's Night of Churches in May and the Prague Night of Museums in June are both free events. The Night of Churches is an opportunity to enjoy Prague's religious structures - some which are not typically open to the public. Concerts, performances, lectures, and tours are arranged at participating museums for Prague Museum Night.

Prague Monuments

Prague's monuments, scattered throughout the city, offer insight into Prague's culture and history. Taking note of monuments creates an opportunity to learn about what is important to the Czech people. Monuments around Prague include political monuments - like those that commemorate movements against injustices, monuments to important historical figures, and monuments to those whose creativity have contributed to the lively artistic, musical, and literary culture of Prague.

Window Shopping

Window shopping is always free in Prague, and for the most dedicated window shoppers, Prague will not disappoint. From antique shops and jewelry shops to clothing stores and stores selling crystal, Prague's shops are as varied in what they sell as they are in the prices they ask for their goods. Examine Czech-made treasures at stores like Botanicus and Manufaktura. Explore room after room of crystal and porcelain at Moser (in New Town), or window shop for Czech garnets or marionettes in Old Town. You will also find Soviet memorabilia, military surplus, and artwork in Prague's shops.

Gardens and Parks

Most gardens in Prague are free to enter. These gardens and parks include the Wallenstein Gardens, Prague Castle Gardens, Kampa Park, and the gardens on Petrin Hill. Most gardens are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Kampa Park and Petrin Park, in particular, are good places for picnics if the weather is nice.

Churches in Prague

Prague has beautiful churches of all architectural styles. The Church of St. Nicholas on Old Town Square, as well as the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Mala Strana, is free to enter. On Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn requires no entry fee, and mass is still held there.