Prague Unlocked: Castles, Cafés & Cobblestones

Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral: Explore the sprawling castle complex and its stunning Gothic cathedral, with sweeping views over the city.

• Fun tip: You can see Warhol and Dalí artwork in the gallery below.

Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock: See Prague’s famous medieval clock in action, then linger in the square surrounded by colorful historic buildings. Better yet, arrive 45 minutes before the clock goes off and take a seat at a nearby outdoor cafe for a Pilsner Urquell and snacks. Happy hour and a show.

Wenceslas Square: Enjoy a drink at an outdoor café, people-watch, and take in the energy of this lively central boulevard. You can do a little shopping for an extra T-shirt or stock up on cosmetics here, too.

Jewish Quarter & Cemetery: I always love visiting cemeteries when I travel, and Prague has one that can't be missed. Step into centuries of history in this moving and beautifully preserved cemetery and surrounding neighborhood.

Charles Bridge at sunrise: Beat the crowds (they can be numerous in this popular city) and watch the morning light over the Vltava River from Prague’s most iconic landmark.

Strahov Monastery Library: Marvel at baroque reading rooms that look straight out of a storybook.

• Know before you go: Booking reservations in advance is a must. Also, this tour involves a long, steep stair climb to the top. There are no elevators or wheelchair accessibility.

Vltava River Cruise: See Prague from a different perspective while floating past castles, spires, and bridges.

• I recommend doing this at sunset. There are also smaller private boats that offer wine and cheese while you cruise.

Shopping the side streets: Wander the charming cobblestone alleys lined with boutique shops and galleries. The perfect place for souvenir shopping without feeling too touristy.

Kantýna: This is a restaurant for carnivores. Just two blocks from Wenceslas Square, Kantýna is a casual stand-up or sit-down café devoted to meat in all its forms. Beef carpaccio, rich buttery bone marrow, Přeštice bacon, home-made charcuterie... it’s all here. You order meats and beer using a "punch card" and then pay by the weight on your way out the door.

Oh Deer Bakery: Treat yourself to a coffee and one of their famous cronuts while watching the city go by. Seriously, this will be the best cronut you've ever eaten. Admittedly, I am here most mornings when staying in Prague. It's my pre-breakfast ritual.

Bockem: A true gem in the city’s food scene. Located in Smíchov, this restuarant is charming and cozy, seating only about 20 diners. The chef creates locally grown, seasonal dishes and proudly shares his love of food and wine after each course. A fun interactive experience to be shared with friends and family.

Old Hanoi: Czechia’s historic communist ties have led to a large Vietnamese population, making bánh mì, pho, and bun cha easy to find. When you're looking for a meal that's not eastern European and a bit off the beaten track, few do Vietnamese food better than Old Hanoi, where vintage street signs and a three-wheeled rickshaw set the scene. The star is the crystal-clear pho broth, fragrant with herbs and served with sliced garlic and chili on the side.

Manifesto: For a taste of modern Prague, head to Manifesto, the city’s first contemporary food hall. Set on the edge of the Anděl business district, this partially covered open-air space draws office workers and locals daily. Vendors to check out include the Korean concept Bab Rýže; Favela, which serves Brazilian street food; and El Bodegón, an Argentine spot with crave-worthy empanadas and churros.