Prague’s best sights are not all behind ticket desks. Its bridges, squares, gardens and viewpoints cost nothing, and you can see the castle, the cathedral front and the Astronomical Clock without spending a koruna. Here are the best free things to do in the city, with the times that matter.

Walk across Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is free and open at all hours. Built between 1357 and 1402 and lined with 30 statues of saints, it is best early in the morning, before about 8am, or late in the evening when the lamps are lit. Only the bridge towers charge admission.

Explore the Prague Castle grounds

The courtyards and grounds of Prague Castle are open every day from 6am to 10pm at no charge. You can walk through all three courtyards, see the west front of St Vitus Cathedral, and look in from the entrance area at the back of the nave without a ticket. Guards change at the main gates on the hour between 9am and 6pm, with the full ceremony and fanfare in the first courtyard at noon. The views from the ramparts over Malá Strana are among the best in the city.

Watch the Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall can be seen free from Old Town Square. On the hour, the apostles appear in the windows above the dials. Arrive a few minutes early to find a spot, and look around the square at Týn Church, the Jan Hus memorial and the Baroque St Nicholas Church.

Climb to Vyšehrad

The fortress of Vyšehrad is open all year and free to enter. Walk the ramparts for views up the river to the castle, visit the cemetery where Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana and Alfons Mucha are buried, and see the Slavín tomb and the Romanesque Rotunda of St Martin. Only the casemate tours, exhibitions and the basilica charge.

Walk on Petřín Hill

Petřín Hill is the largest green space in the centre, with orchards, a rose garden and woodland paths. Walking up from Malá Strana is free; the funicular costs 100 CZK one way unless you hold a 24 or 72-hour public transport ticket, which covers it. The lookout tower charges admission, but the paths along the ridge to Strahov Monastery have fine views of their own.

Take in the view from Letná

Letná Park, on the plateau across the river from the Old Town, has one of the classic panoramas of Prague’s bridges. Walk to the giant metronome above the river, which stands where a huge Stalin monument once stood, and on to the beer garden area in warmer months. In winter, Letná has an outdoor ice rink from 14 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 (skating is paid).

Wander Malá Strana and Kampa

The lanes of Malá Strana are a free open-air museum of Baroque palaces and churches. Walk up Nerudova Street, looking for the old house signs, then down to Kampa Island and the little Čertovka channel, and past the colourful John Lennon Wall.

See the Municipal House and Wenceslas Square

You need a tour ticket for the halls of the Municipal House, but its Art Nouveau facade, entrance and ground-floor café can be admired without one. From there, walk down Na Příkopě to Wenceslas Square, scene of the great demonstrations of 1989, and up to the statue of St Wenceslas in front of the National Museum.

Browse the Christmas markets

From 28 November 2026 to 6 January 2027 the Christmas markets on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are open daily from 10am to 10pm, free to wander, with carols and a tree on Old Town Square. Neighbourhood markets at náměstí Míru, náměstí Republiky and Tylovo náměstí run until 24 December.

Free with children

Children under 15 enter the National Museum free with an adult, and under 6s go free at most sights. Many official attractions are half price in their first hour after opening, which helps families on a budget.

Tips

  • The castle grounds open at 6am; come at sunrise for empty courtyards.
  • Walking is the best free transport; the centre is compact but hilly.
  • Churches may hold services; visit quietly and respect any closures.