Layers of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture stack up along the banks of Prague's broad Vltava river. It’s a thousand years of European history in microcosm, and it’s even more beautiful in the evening, as the daylight fades and the storied streets of the Golden City are bathed in that fairytale atmospheric glow. Read on for our pick of the best things to do in Prague at night, including:
- River cruises
- Ghost tours
- Prague Castle
- Medieval banquets
- Live music and theater
- Beer!
Prague Castle
The eye-popping architecture of Prague’s ancient castle district is even more extraordinary by night, when lighting casts long shadows and displays those terrific turrets and spectacular spires in all their grand gothic glory. This is also a great way to dodge the hordes of sightseeing tourists (particularly in summer) and enjoy an informative (and occasionally spooky) tour with a knowledgeable castle guide. Or go it alone and explore the darkest nooks and crannies of this 9th-century fortress, many of which stay open until as late as 10PM. And there’s no need to call it a night after that: the atmospheric lanes surrounding the castle are filled with interesting authentic Czech restaurants, so you can enjoy illuminated castle views over a traditional goulash and pilsner beer. Perfect.
Check out our complete guide to Prague Castle here.
Charles Bridge
This swoonsome medieval stone arch bridge has been a feature of central Prague for well over 600 years now -– just imagine how many feet have passed over it, en route from the Old Town to Malá Strana (and vice versa) down the centuries. Add yours to the mix on a romantic nighttime wander along its 516-meter length, admiring the lamplit baroque statues, time-worn cobbles and sweeping Vltava views as you stroll, and pausing to enjoy the street entertainment: singers, jugglers and caricaturists among them.
Žižkov Television Tower
A brutalist landmark of Prague’s hip Žižkov district, the Žižkov Television Tower has been dividing global opinion since its construction in the late 1980s. At 216 meters, it is Prague’s tallest building, a futuristic space rocket with 10 giant babies sculpted by Czech artist David Černý crawling up its side. Whatever you think of the tower itself, the views from its observation cabins 93 meters up are some of the best in town, and particularly spectacular at night, as Prague lights up beneath your feet. There’s even a sky high bar and restaurant, should you be in the market for dinner with a (frankly sensational) view.
Top tip: the Žižkov observation platform, as well as several other Prague tours and attractions, including river cruises, walking tours, and entry to Prague Castle and the Pilsner Urquell Experience are included with a Prague pass from Go City, which can save you up to 50% on regular prices. Find out more and bag your pass here.
Ghost Tours
Nighttime activities in Prague don’t come much more spook-tacular than a grisly ghost tour of the medieval Old Town. Join your guide for a spine-chilling spin through the centuries, taking in the conflicts, killings and curses that have plagued Prague since time immemorial. Of course, a city as old as Prague has many tales to tell, meaning there are several ghost tours you can choose from, but most will take in the cursed astronomical clock and the dark, cobbled lanes that spread web-like from Wenceslas Square. But beware, some of these bloodcurdling tales are not for the faint of heart!
Medieval Banquets
Banqueting is a great idea at any time of day. But it really comes into its own at Prague’s nighttime medieval events, in which cavernous subterranean halls come alive with the sound of traditional Eastern European music, clashing swords and raucous laughter. To step beneath the streets of the Old Town into those great candlelit caverns is to time-travel to a bygone era. Sure, this one is strictly for the tourists, but boy is it great fun. And you won’t leave hungry (or thirsty) either: you can expect up to five courses of Prague favorites like pork knuckle, deer carpaccio and sweet, fruit-filled pancakes, accompanied by great goblets of Czech wine and beer. There are dozens of medieval dinner shows to choose from, but U Pavouka and U Krále Brabantského are among the very best.
River Cruises
An evening cruise of the Vltava river is a fine way to enjoy the city sights without lifting a finger (or a foot). Sail right through the city’s ancient center, taking in views of all those soaring spires against golden sunset skies. Pretty much every single Prague cruise will take you beneath the stone arches of Charles Bridge, affording excellent riverside views of Prague Castle, Petřín Tower and all those other architectural marvels that line the Vltava’s banks. Choose a basic sightseeing trip or upgrade to the full dinner cruise experience. After all, there’s surely no better way to experience nighttime Prague than gliding past its many attractions with a glass of prosecco in hand.
Take in a Show
The Czech National Theatre provides a range of evening entertainment across its many venues, so there’s a little something for everyone to choose from every night. Go for epic dramatic theater at the flagship building on the banks of the Vltava, or catch world-class opera and ballet at the majestic State Opera. Or, for something a little more modern, hit up the Black Light Theatre, where black light technology (invented right here in Prague, fact fans) is used to create eye-popping fluorescent spectacles and illusions and where – because these shows are largely silent – language need not be a barrier to your enjoyment. The same can be said for Jazz Dock, a floating club on the Vltava where lounge lizards and cool cats can vibe to the live music and enjoy views overlooking the Old Town, and the O2 Arena, which has welcomed global megastars including Lady Gaga, Elton John and Metallica.
Beer!
Prague is so into its beer that you can even go to beer spas here! We’re not even kidding: just picture a private room with a malt-and-hops-infused oak hot tub and unlimited beer on tap and you’ll be halfway there. Start your evening relaxing in one of these (you’ll find several in and around the old town), before taking a tasting tour at the famous Pilsner Urquell Experience or heading for one of the Old Town’s quite excellent bars. Not a museum at all, but rather one of the best-stocked local bars, Prague Beer Museum boasts some 30 varieties of the good stuff from breweries across Czechia. Still standing? Nearby Bar Hemingway is where it’s at for a palate-cleansing absinthe nightcap. Na zdraví!
Save on Things to do in Prague at Night
Save money on Prague attractions, tours and activities with a pass from Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
