Secrets in Prague: Discovering Prague’s hidden gems.
Prague is a beautiful city with more than enough to keep you busy as a tourist. If you have ticked the main sights off your list or you want to do something a bit different how about discovering the best-kept secrets in Prague? You may know about some of these, but they are not high up on most people’s “to-do” list or you may stumble across them by accident or pass them by completely without realising that they were there.
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The best-kept secrets in Prague
1. Explore Prague’s underground world
Did you know that beneath the city of Prague is a hidden Prague? In the 13th century, Prague was much lower than it is now. The new city was built on its foundations. In many cases what you think of as the ground floor is actually the first floor. Visiting the world beneath the streets is one of the best hidden things to do in Prague.
As you stand admiring the astronomical clock there is another world beneath your feet connected by a series of underground tunnels. The entrance is through a locked door under the clock. Underneath the building, many of the catacombs and chambers have been restored. These include a courtroom, a dungeon which was mostly used for prisoners whose religious beliefs were not acceptable at the time and an alchemist’s laboratory.
🤩 Recommended: Old Town, Medieval Underground & Dungeon Tour
2. Have a drink at the Dancing House
The Dancing House lies on the banks of the Vltava River. It was inspired by the iconic 30’s – 40’s dance partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The stone tower symbolises Fred while the glass tower represents Ginger. The bits sticking out of the top of Fred’s tower are meant to be his hair. The designers coined the term “New Baroque” to describe its style. The dancing shape is held up by 99 unique concrete panels. It has a restaurant in the building with a terrace offering a fantastic 360-degree view of Prague.
Top tip: There is no entrance fee to wander into the building or go to the bar at the top but there is a charge for going out onto the terrace. You can, however, admire the views just for the price of a drink at the bar.
Did you know there is a hotel in the building as well? It is one of the hidden gems in Prague. The Dancing House building was awarded the Design of the Year global award from Time magazine.
✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability at Dancing House OR check out how amazing the rooms are.
3. See the Prague Yellow Penguins
This is a fun piece of art with a much deeper meaning. The Cracking Art Group is a group made up of 6 international artists. It is one of Prague’s secret places hidden in plain sight. Their mission is to send a message to the world about the dangers of climate change and the urgency for positive action to protect the environment that we live in.
The 34 penguins can be found, standing in a line, on the banks of the Vltava River near Kampa Park and light up at night. They are marching in protest of what is happening to their home in the Antarctic due to global warming. They are made from recycled water bottles recovered from landfill sites. Not only does this send a message, but something beautiful has been made from recycled waste.
4. Devil’s Stream (Certovka)
Another hidden gem in Prague is the Devil’s Stream about a 3-minute walk from the Prague Yellow Penguins. The steam is a small branch of the Vltava River. It separates Kampa Island from the pretty streets of Malá Strana.
As you cross the pedestrian bridge near the John Lennon wall peer through the side of the bridge and look for the water goblin statuey yet another of the hidden gems in Prague You will know that you have arrived at the Devil’s Stream when you see a 600-year-old mill waterwheel and pretty pastel-coloured houses. You will soon see why this is called the Venice of Prague and is one of the interesting places in Prague that’s worth looking for.
5. Visit an absinthe bar
Absinthe is a popular drink in Prague with entire bars dedicated to the spirit. It has a strong liquorice flavour. Absinthe has also been said to evoke a hallucinogenic effect which comes from the addition of wormwood. The actual chemical is thujone and it is illegal in many countries.
Absinthe is made in 2 different ways in the Czech Republic. The inexpensive way is to blend flavouring essences and artificial colouring in commercial alcohol, while the more expensive version is distilled.
A more common name for Absinthe is ” The Green Fairy”. There is even a bar with the same name in Prague which sells every type of spirit you can imagine. You can even enjoy an absinthe ice cream.
6. Eat local food
Being a foodie I just had to include this. La Dégustation Bohême Bourgeoise in the old town offers a tasting menu dedicated only to Czech food. Its inspiration comes from a 19th-century recipe book that was found in a junk shop. It is an interesting concept and a taste of the real McCoy.
If you don’t have the time for a leisurely meal then as you wander through the lanes of the old town be on the lookout for goulash, a thick, hearty stew flavoured with loads of spicy paprika rather than the milder sweet paprika used in the Hungarian version. Why the difference? Well, naturally because the spice is better suited to the Czech beer. Don’t be surprised when you are served a whole load of bread, scooped out, with the stew inside it.
Book an evening out: What fun to be entrained with a special medieval performance, in a show that includes swordsmen, jugglers and belly dancers, all accompanied by music. With 6 different menus to choose from this Medieval dinner comes with unlimited drinks. Click here to book your feast.
7. Walk through the narrowest street in Prague
Another hidden place in Prague is across the Charles Bridge in the Mala Strana or Lesser Town. The main square has been the heart of this district since the 10th century carefully guarded by the St. Nicholas church. Most visitors skip this part of town, but there is so much to see that you could happily spend a day just wandering around the pretty cobbled squares and exploring the hidden lanes.
Would you believe that the narrowest street in Prague is just 50 cm wide? It’s so small that it has a traffic light installed to stop people from colliding in the middle. It’s called Vinarna Certovka if you want to search for it, look in this part of the city. How’s that for one of the best-kept secrets in Prague?
8. Visit the Žižkov TV Tower
The Žižkov Tower was once voted the second ugliest building in the world in an online poll conducted by the website Virtual Tourist. In a bid to improve its appearance ten fibreglass babies crawling up the tower were added by the controversial Czech artist David Cerny. It is quite a bizarre installation in my opinion, but you will have to visit to see for yourself. You can also climb to the top of the tower for some stunning views of Prague.
The Žižkov neighbourhood also has the highest concentration of bars per capita in case you’re thirsty after your climb.
One of the standout aspects of the Tower and the best secrets of Prague is its vertigo-inducing glass-bottomed observation deck. Suspended hundreds of feet above ground level, this exhilarating platform allows adrenaline-seekers to experience.
🤩 Recommended: Žižkov TV Tower Observatory Entry Ticket
9. Don’t miss the Golden Lane
When you visit the castle be sure that you buy a ticket that includes a visit to the Golden Lane. It is without a doubt one of the hidden gems of Prague. There are 11 houses that have been restored to show what life was like for the artisans who lived here from the late 15th century until the 1900s. I was astounded at just how small they were.
Rudolf II built these colourful houses originally for the marksmen who protected the castle. According to legend, Rudolf housed some of his alchemists here who were tasked with changing base metals into gold. This might be the origin of the name “Golden Lane”. By the end of the 18th century, most of the residents were craftsmen and goldsmiths. The oldest house in the street is no 20 which looks exactly the same as it did in the 16th century.
🤩 Recommended: Skip-the-line Castle Ticket and Optional Audio Guide
10. Love Locks
I am sure that you know why there are locks on bridges around the world especially on many of the bridges in Paris, so I am not going to bore you with an explanation. These can be found at the Čertovka pedestrian bridge next to the John Lennon Wall. I also noticed a few springing up on the railings to the right of the Charles Bridge. Check them out. They are great if you are looking for a colourful photo for Instagram. However, they become heavy and can cause damage to the railings so please do not add to them.
11. The Airship Gulliver
The DOX Centre wanted something that was a stark contrast to its modern architecture. Martin Rajniš, a famous architect, spent more than 2 years, along with experts on wooden structures creating the Airship Gulliver.
The airship shape symbolises the eternal human desire to fly as well as certain Utopian ideals. It was opened in 2016. Look at the roof of the DOX Centre and you won’t miss it. It’s a Prague secret that you can explore and can go inside and see the structure. Check the website for events and opening times.
12. See The Metamorphosis sculpture of Franz Kafka
Before seeing this hidden gem in Prague I had never heard of Franz Kafka. I am still not much the wiser, but those in the know say his novels are dark and often confusing. His work may be read for its commentary on historical and social events and is about the reflections of a German Jew living in Czech Prague, a city under Austrian influence. Far too complex for me to read if I am honest. I prefer something lighter.
It was built under the guidance of artist David Černý in 2014. It is made up of several rotating panels that when properly aligned represent the famous novelist’s head.
13. Look for the upside-down horse sculpture
The Prague post office commissioned the famous artist David Černý to create a statue that represented Czech patriotism during the communist era. Černý, however, was not known for his support of the Communist party and created the statue of King Wenceslas riding an upside-down, dead horse.
The post office refused to showcase the work. It now hangs from the ceiling of the Art Nouveau Lucerna Palace in Prague. You may wonder how it is possible that a glass roof can support the weight. One of the best kept secrets is that it is made out of polystyrene.
14. Find Freud hanging around
Something that I always remember to do is look up. It’s amazing what you can find! Like the one of the secrets of Prague, The Man Hanging Out. It is a statue that depicts the famous Sigmund Freud hanging onto a plank for his dear life. Should Freud hold on or not?
I always enjoy exploring a new town with a walking tour. The guides are a wealth of local information and can point you in the direction of good places to eat, pubs and so much more. It is a great way of finding secret spots that only the locals know about.
🤩 Recommended: Alternative Prague Walking Tour and the Ghosts and Legends tour. As you go through the creepy streets at night hear the stories of old legends, mysteries, and ghosts. Beware of the Headless Horseman!
15 Náplavka: Riverside Revelry
For a taste of local life, head to Náplavka, Prague’s vibrant riverside promenade. Lined with bustling farmers’ markets, quirky food stalls, and lively beer gardens, this hidden gem is a favorite hangout spot for locals in the know. Grab a cold beer, sample some street food delicacies, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere as the sun sets over the river.
Where to stay in Prague
Looking for a unique and unforgettable stay in the heart of Prague? Look no further than Hotel Metamorphis! Nestled in the historic Old Town, this charming boutique hotel offers an experience like no other. With its prime location steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, you’ll be immersed in this magical city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
- To book, check prices or availability Hotel Metamorphis!
The Ventana Hotel offers 5-star luxury right in the heart of the old town, next to the Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. The art nouveau building reminds me of a frosted cake it is so pretty while the interior is stylish and comfortable. It is a perfect location to base yourself to explore Prague’s main sights, which can be easily reached with a short walk. Oh, and did I mention the rooms are gorgeous?
- To book, check prices or availability Ventana Hotel Prague
This Renaissance-style building that is home to the Golden Well Hotel once belonged to Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612). It is right next to the castle with beautiful rooms that are full of character. The décor features antiques and gold chandeliers and, in some rooms, stunning exposed wooden beams. The rooms, however, are fitted with all the mod cons you need for your stay and the view from the fourth-floor terrace will take your breath away. The hotel is small and highly rated so book early.
- To book, check prices or availability Golden Well Prague
🤩 Recommended: 50-Minute Sightseeing Evening Cruise
Prague is not only famous for its iconic landmarks and bustling tourist spots but also fora secret Prague that offers a unique and authentic experience. From the charming streets of Vinohrady to the serene atmosphere of Vysehrad, there is so much more to discover in this enchanting city. So next time you find yourself in Prague, be sure to venture off the beaten path and explore secret Prague. You never know what hidden treasures you may stumble upon!
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