12 Unmissable Things To Do In Prague At Night
Ever since it opened up to the West in 1989, Prague has been working on its reputation as one of the nighttime capitals of Europe. After all, the Czech Republic and Bohemia are practically synonymous with beer, with many of the world's most popular varieties having been invented here. Plus, while Prague isn't the bargain for budget travelers it used to be, it remains a relatively cheap place to party. That's why it's become a mecca for bachelor and bachelorette parties from around the world.
But in a city with a rich history like Prague, there's more to do than drink beer — even though you'll probably be doing plenty of that. The city offers tons of live music, fascinating history, and stunning tourist attractions. Plus, Prague Old Town is worth exploring at night just to see the city lit up and at its most beautiful. Don't miss out on these top Prague night attractions.
When visiting Prague at night, the last thing you want is to be weighed down by heavy bags. That's where Bounce comes in. By partnering with local businesses in Prague and around the world, Bounce provides you with convenient Prague luggage storage wherever you are. Drop off your bags and immerse yourself in Prague's nightlife — you'll be glad you did.
Dinner river cruise
Prague is in many ways defined by the Vltava River that flows through the heart of the city. With the Old Town on one side of the river and impressive edifice of Prague Castle on the other, the river is one of the best places to sightsee in the city. And there's no better time to do that than at night.
As you sail under the Charles Bridge, you'll get unforgettable views of Prague Castle, the Petrin Tower, and the gorgeous old buildings that line the banks of the river. Plus, a sunset cruise will often let you sample traditional Czech dishes while you relax and watch the scenery sail on by. There are few better or more relaxing ways to see the city than this.
Czech National Theatre
If you are a fan of the performing arts, the Czech National Theatre is based in Prague and is one of the best ways to spend an evening. The National Theatre is located in a majestic building on the banks of the Vltava River and hosts the best in opera, ballet, and dramatic performances. In fact, the National Theatre operates several different locations through the city, including the State Opera and the Estates Theatre. Whichever venue you go to, you'll see some of the best performers not only in the Czech Republic, but in the entire world.
Prague Zoo
The zoo can be a great place to bring kids while visiting Prague. However, you may not have considered it as a place to spend the evening. But Prague Zoo offers night tours on Friday and Saturday nights at both 5:30 PM and 6 PM. The 5:30 tours are geared more toward little ones, but there's plenty for adults to enjoy. Touring Prague Zoo at night lets you peer into the lives of the nocturnal animals who are just starting their day when the sun goes down. You'll see some truly exotic creatures going about their lives and get to experience nature in a way you normally never would.
Prague Zoo is located a little way north of Old Town Square and the other popular attractions of the medieval city. For more on the different areas of the city you need to know about, check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Prague.
Zizkov Television Tower
Keen photographers know all about the Golden Hour, the periods at dawn and dusk when the sunlight has a uniquely photogenic quality. If you're not an early riser, your best chance to see Prague during this magical hour is at sunset. And there are few better places in the city do that than at the Zizkov Television Tower.
This 93 m tall transmitting tower is hardly the most beautiful in Prague. In fact, one of its main claims to fame is that CBC radio declared it the second ugliest building in the world - after the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, in case you were wondering. But what it offers is a stunning view of the city. There's even a bar next to the tower where you can enjoy a drink while you watch the sun go down.
On the subject of iconic Prague Towers, a better-looking building is the well-known Petrin Tower, situated on a hill close to Prague Castle and modeled after the Eiffel Tower. The tower and the park it fits in are popular places to watch the sunset for tourists and locals alike, and the views of the glittering Charles Bridge and stunning Old Town Prague make the trek to the tower well worth the effort.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world and one of the city's top tourist destinations. It's not hard to see why. This has been a seat of Czech power for centuries, and the castle is also home to the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral.
At night, the incredible Gothic architecture of this ancient part of the city may be even more impressive than it is during the day. Take one of the special night tours of Prague Castle, and you'll see this stunning location in a whole new light. Knowledgeable guides will explain the history and importance of the area, and you'll come away with a better understanding of the city as well as some truly stunning photos.
The area around the castle is popular with tourists, and so you'll find plenty of places to eat authentic Czech cuisine. However, if you prefer to eat on the run, check out our guide to the best street food in Prague.
Ghost Tours
Prague's history goes back millennia. And this city in the heart of central Europe has been the scene of countless conflicts, revolutions, and other major historical events. Prague has seen more history in the 20th century alone than many other cities do in their entire existence. So it may not come as much of a surprise to hear that Prague has its share of ghosts.
Many companies offer various tours sharing the spooky stories of the city. Ghost tours are a fun and quirky way to learn more about Prague's history, whether you believe in the supernatural or not. As you explore the Old Town Hall Tower with its cursed astronomical clock or wander through the cobbled streets surrounding Wenceslas Square, you'll hear blood-chilling tales of the darker side of Prague's history. Even the most skeptical nonbeliever could be forgiven for feeling a little chill in these haunted yet beautiful streets.
Municipal House
Prague is known for its architecture, whether medieval, Gothic, or modern. One of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the city can be found at the Municipal House, which dates back to 1912. But there's much more to enjoy here than just the architecture. The building is home to two restaurants, one French and the other serving authentic Czech cuisine. It's also the home of what's believed to be the oldest bar in Prague, which in a city with so many bars to choose from is really saying something.
As if that wasn't enough, Municipal House also offers classical performances in the beautiful Smetana Hall. Dinner, a show, and some exquisite architecture followed by a few drinks in a historic pub — what's not to like about an evening at Municipal House?
Underground Tunnels Tour
Prague's long history has left it with dozens of hidden secrets for intrepid visitors to explore. For instance, Prague is riddled with underground tunnels that date back to the 12th and 13th century. These tunnels were often the site of murders, executions, and other dramatic events from the city's history. And you can learn all the crazy stories of the city from a knowledgeable guide as you tour the tunnels.
Adults and older kids will love exploring the tunnels and cellars of Old Town. And thanks to the engaging guides, you'll leave Prague feeling like you've seen a side of the city most people never do.
Black Light Theatre
Black light theatre offers a truly unique experience while visiting Prague at night. The eponymous Black Light Theater has been in business in the city since 1959, and is located not far outside Old Town Prague. However, you'll also find other theaters in the city that will give you a chance to experience this unique performance style. Black light theater combines black light technology and nonverbal acting to create unforgettable audiovisual shows. And because no words are spoken, it doesn't matter what language you speak, you'll still get something out of these performances. Blacklight was invented in Prague, so it's a genuinely authentic way to enjoy a great night in the city.
Jazz Dock
Fans of jazz music will find plenty to keep them busy while they explore Prague at night. Prague has its fair share of jazz clubs, but one of the most impressive is Jazz Dock, a floating club on the Vltava River. The club is operated by Prague's largest English-language bookstore, so you can spend the day shopping for books and the night enjoying the talents of some of the best jazz musicians in town. Plus, the views of Old Town Prague from this location are almost worth the price of admission themselves.
Pub Crawl
Many people come to Prague solely for the pub scene. We may have left it to the end of this guide, but rest assured, you won't have any trouble finding lively and fun places to drink in Prague.
In fact, the hardest thing about a night of drinking in Prague is choosing where to go. That's where one of the city's many pub crawls can help you out. Fun and knowledgeable guides will take you to all the best nightlife spots in the city, including legendary locations like the Hemingway Bar. While the Czech Republic is best known for its beer, the Hemingway Bar is one of the best places in the city to taste absinthe prepared in the traditional way. A good pub crawl guide can teach you more about this controversial spirit and the drinking culture of Prague while you make new friends and enjoy the night.
Prague Beer Museum
This is no ordinary museum. The Prague Beer Museum is perhaps the best place to learn more about the history of brewing in the country and its importance to Czech culture. The 90 minute tour will teach you all you need to know about Bohemian beer culture. However, you may have trouble remembering what you learn once you start tasting some of the 30 micro-brewed beers they have on tap. Located right in the heart of Old Town, this museum is also one of the city's most entertaining bars, and is a fantastic place to drink the night away and even enjoy some great meals. Plus, it's a museum, so you can always claim it's educational.