Prague is famous for its Gothic skyline, cobblestone lanes, and fairy-tale charm — but beyond the iconic Charles Bridge and Old Town Square lies a different city entirely. A more mysterious, creative, and surprising Prague waits in hidden courtyards, underground passageways, and quirky local traditions that many travelers never discover — even those who take a classic boat tour Prague experience.
If you want to go beyond the classic highlights, here are unusual and lesser-known things to do in Prague that reveal the city’s more authentic, unexpected side.
Most visitors explore the streets below Prague Castle, but few know about the Baroque terraced gardens tucked between the palaces. The Vrtba Garden, Ledebour Garden, and several others form a secret network of staircases, statues, and viewpoints over the red rooftops. They remain peaceful even in peak season — a perfect retreat from the crowds.
While Prague Castle gets most of the attention, Vyšehrad offers an equally impressive, far quieter experience. According to legend, this clifftop fortress is the city’s true birthplace. Wander the medieval walls, peek into the underground casemates, and visit the cemetery where famous Czech writers, composers, and artists are buried. The views of the river are some of the best in Prague.
Prague has a long association with alchemy, mysticism, and royal experiments. The Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague, located in a 16th-century house, recreates labs used during the reign of Emperor Rudolf II — a monarch obsessed with the occult. Expect secret staircases, bizarre relics, and a wonderfully theatrical atmosphere.
Skip the big tourist ferries and take a small wooden boat through the narrow, medieval Čertovka (Devil’s Channel). You’ll drift past old watermills, hidden courtyards, and bridges that most tourists only see from above. Many locals call this the “Prague Venice,” and it truly feels like stepping into another century.
Prague’s modern art scene is surprising, bold, and often strange. Don’t miss:
These installations offer a humorous, rebellious contrast to the city’s historical elegance.
The Žižkov Television Tower is Prague’s most controversial building, but also one of its coolest hidden experiences. Few tourists venture inside, yet it houses:
It’s weird, wonderful, and unmistakably Prague.
Prague once had streets and houses at a completely different level than today. Due to medieval floods and reconstruction, many older rooms and passages ended up underground. You can tour these hidden spaces beneath the Old Town Hall and other historical buildings to see cellars, wells, and preserved medieval architecture.
Most travelers rush through Prague’s Main Railway Station, never realizing that one of the entrances hides a spectacular Art Nouveau hall from 1909. Restored to perfection, it features stained glass, sculptures, and ornate details — a stunning and unexpected place for a coffee.
Beer is a cornerstone of Czech culture — so why not bathe in it? Prague’s beer spas offer hot baths filled with hops, malt, and brewer’s yeast, said to be great for the skin and relaxation. You also get unlimited beer on tap beside your tub. It’s quirky, indulgent, and thoroughly Czech.
The Lennon Wall is famous, but almost always packed. Come at sunrise and you’ll find a completely different atmosphere — quiet, reflective, and full of new artwork (it changes constantly). The surrounding Kampa Island area is magical early in the morning.
Prague is the only city in the world with Cubist architecture. Most visitors miss these extraordinary buildings entirely. Look for:
They are geometric, sharp, and incredibly photogenic.
Puppetry has been a beloved Czech art for centuries. The National Marionette Theatre and several small workshops around the city present performances ranging from classical operas to quirky modern shows. It’s both cultural and surprisingly charming.
For a dose of local life beyond the tourist zone:
These districts offer authentic, everyday Prague.
Prague is a city of hidden layers — mystical, artistic, romantic, and endlessly surprising. When you step off the beaten path, you discover a different kind of magic: quiet gardens, strange museums, underground tunnels, and local neighborhoods full of character.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, exploring these unusual experiences will help you see a side of Prague most tourists never do.
