All cities have them – free activities; but they might be difficult to find. Not anymore.
We’ve already covered some of the world’s most beloved cities: London, Paris, New York, Rio, just to name a few. Now we’re taking on the Czech capital.
You’ve booked your flight to Prague and found the perfect hotel – now the fun part can start. Have a look at our tips on what to do in Prague for free (or ridiculously cheap), directly from our local expert.
Free art museums and galleries in Prague
Prague’s National Gallery offers free admission to all their exhibitions on specific days
If you’re looking for an art fix, the city offers plenty of opportunities for a no-cost art experience. The National Gallery, which includes a number of permanent exhibition spaces under its umbrella, offers several free admission days throughout the year. Check out their schedule. More of an experimental art lover? Head to Meet Factory, an international centre for contemporary art (as well a music and theatre venue) founded by Czech enfant terrible David Černý, where admission is often voluntary.
Other places with free admission include the Czech Centre Gallery, the Hall of Architects at the Old Town Hall and the Prague Gallery of Czech Glass.
Extra Tip: if you’re in Prague during summer, don’t miss out on Prague’s Annual Museum Night, where hundreds of art spaces around the city open their doors for free.
Free concerts in Prague
A beloved annual music event: United Islands of Prague hosts multiple concerts, all free of charge
Looking for some classical music to stir your soul or some beats to get you tapping? No worries, Prague offers a number of free music opportunities, both indoors and outdoors.
At the Czech Museum of Music, you’ll find various offerings – from local choir concerts to orchestra performances. The Czech Philharmonic offers a free open-air concert in Hradčany Square by the Prague Castle at the end of each season.
One of the highlights of the year, United Islands of Prague is an annual, multi-genre music festival that brings acts from around the world to the city. With several stages, the event takes its name from the unique location on the islands of the Vltava River. The festival usually takes place over the course of three to four days in late-June and admission is completely free. You might have missed it this year, but make sure to book your trip to Prague around mid-June next year and enjoy all the free concerts.
Read more: Best music cities around the world
Discover Prague’s peculiar outdoor sculptures
David Černý’s impressive kinetic sculpture of Franz Kafka
Outdoorsy type? Well, you’re in luck: Prague has plenty of sculptures and artworks throughout the city.
Famous for his provocative art works, David Černý has a number of controversial sculptures around Prague’s historic spots. Some are peculiar, like the bronze babies crawling up the legs of the TV tower in Žižkov; some are amusing creations such as the urinating men in Mala Strana; and some transpire political criticism, for instance the hanging sculpture of King Wenceslas riding an upside down horse.
One of Prague’s most famous former residents, Franz Kafka, has, not one, but two sculptures dedicated to him, and both of them are distinctive in their own way. Just by the Spanish Synagogue you’ll find Jaroslav Róna’s Kafka sitting on the shoulders of a headless man. Located across city hall, David Černý’s mechanical statue featuring a 42-layer sculpture of Kafka’s head is something to marvel at.
Prague is also the only place in the world where you’ll be able to see a cubist lamppost, tucked away in a corner in Wenceslas Square.
Finally, inside Prague’s metros you’ll find over a 100 works from important 20th century Czech artists.
Cuisine, art and spontaneous parties at Náplavka
Relax on the Náplavka riverbank
On Saturdays locals flock to the Náplavka riverside to stock up on cheese, fresh-baked bread, fruit and veggies, and many other local goodies, in one of the city’s most popular farmers’ markets.
But Náplavka is so much more than just a weekend market. It’s a unique public space along the Vltava River that has been transformed into a vibrant hotspot where Prague’s residents gather throughout the week to enjoy the lively vibe and the panoramic view of the city.
Hop aboard the (A)Void Floating Gallery for a complete art experience featuring live music, poetry readings, film screenings and exhibitions, both above and below the deck. At Bajkazyl – a bar/bike rental/cultural space – you can pick and choose between swing lessons (every Tuesday), circus workshops, open-air concerts and spontaneous dance parties, all with a voluntary admission fee.
Free yoga sessions in the park
The serene surroundings of Letná Park are the perfect spot for yoga
If you feel the need for a breather, getting your Zen on in the city’s parks is an excellent option. Every Thursday evening between April and October there are free yoga sessions in Vyšehrad and Letná Park.
Read more: Peaceful yoga retreats around the world
Free guided walking tours
Go on a guided walking tour and admire the view from The Charles Bridge
Packed with architecture, history and culture, Prague is a city best explored on foot. Discover every nook and cranny on a free walking tour.
Running from two to three hours and covering all the major sights, there are a number of options to choose from. Discover Prague on these all-encompassing tours: Royal Walk Free Tour (2.5 hours), Sandemans New Europe tour (3 hours) and White Umbrella’s Old Town Free Tour (3 hours).
Since these tours are popular, remember to reserve ahead. And remember: yes, the tours are free, but don’t forget to tip your trusty guide if you enjoyed the tour!
Cultural offerings in the public square
Art has moved to the streets: the public square by Nová Scéna hosts various art performances
BMXers parade their tricks and skaters glide along, while groups of people continuously pass through. The piazzetta in-between Prague’s Nová Scéna (New Scene) theatre and the National Theatre has turned into a cultural epicentre over the last couple of years, where you can experience dance performances, art exhibitions, musical performances and other cultural events.
Hang around for a while and let yourself be surprised!
Cultural centre and open bar in Letná Park
Containall Stalin, seen here below Stalin’s statue recreated for a film
Prague is home to many cool spaces. One of the latest is Containall Stalin, a cultural centre and bar that hosts movie nights, live music and other cultural events – all for the price of a song!
Located in Letná Park, just below the huge metronome that towers above the city, the venue takes its name from the massive memorial of Stalin that once stood there. Although many of the events are free, it’s the view of the city that’s truly priceless.
Free Mondays at Roxy
A techno night at Prague’s famous Roxy club
Opened in the early 1990s, Roxy is an iconic place on the Czech club scene. Rough around the edges, the legendary music hall has hosted world renowned DJs, such as Grooverider and Luke Slater, as well as diverse acts from around the world.
Free Mondays has been a longstanding tradition. Open yourself up to whatever the offering is – metal, indie, dub – and expect the house to be packed.
