To find out where the Czechs go for fun, install a chat with locals app, where you can check reels about exciting things to do in Prague and ask for recommendations from local people. By doing this, you can have authentic Czech experiences - instead of the manicured, touristy ones - meet local people, and immerse yourself in Czech culture. Here are some examples of where and how to do it!
Start With a Brunch at a Local Cafe
Prague has a huge coffee culture. Locals, from politicians to students, meet for coffee with any excuse, for breakfast, to discuss academics or politics, or to enjoy the conversation. For a local favourite, go to Žižkavárna, away from the touristy centre. If you go in the morning, order the brunch with sourdough bread. If you don’t mind the tourists and want a slice of history with your coffee and cake, go to Cafe Louvre, where Einstein and Kafka used to sit and drink coffee.Go to a Farmer’s Market
As with any European city, farmer’s markets are scattered. Some open only a day a week, like the Farmer’s Saturday market on the promenade overlooking the Vitaba. Others open daily. You can find fresh produce, locally produced cheeses, artisan leather, and wood products. Tip: Try the fresh fruit cups.
Explore the Islands on the Vltava River
The Vltava River crosses Prague and extends far into the Czech countryside. One of the main characteristics of Prague is the sheer number of green spaces. Czechs love their parks, and there are even parks on the islands on the river. Some islands are home to members-only sports clubs, while others can be visited. Two of our favourites are:Dětský Ostrov
One of our favourite Prague districts is Prague 5, and Dětský Ostrov is one of the best parts of it. Known as the children’s island, it is easy to reach by foot from Janáčkovo nábřeží, or you can take the tram and get down at Arbesovo náměstí. The island is lush green, so you can picnic, play sports on a sunny afternoon, or use one of the many playgrounds. There is a Mediterranean restaurant at the entry to the island where you can sit outdoors, weather permitting, and enjoy a meal and a beer from the tap. Families with kids will find a playground for each age, from a magical-inspired one for small kids to a football pitch and a basketball court.
Císařská louka
This large island, 1.7 km long, is like a small town inside the Vitaba. You can access the northern side by ferry. There is a place to rent paddle boards and canoes and places to picnic and appreciate the view over the Vysehrad Castle. You can rent small volleyball and clay tennis courts online in advance, and a Czech cuisine restaurant is nearby. You can even camp in the island’s campground, rent a caravan or set up your tent.
Go to The Most Beautiful Library in Europe
While this may seem like a tourist attraction, it doesn’t seem to attract crowds of tourists. Strahov Monastery is a huge complex holding a vineyard, a monastery, and one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe. Locals go to the vineyard in summer to relax while enjoying an amazing view of Prague Castle and the Mala Strana neighbourhood.As soon as you enter, you can see an exhibition gallery showcasing period paintings, most of them by Czech artists. The collections rotate, and you often see Czech families visiting the expositions. When you exit the gallery to the left, you will find a closed garden with a pond and fountain in the centre of the Monastery's main building. A steep stair to the right will show you to the library floor.
The entire floor holds a series of library rooms. Entering the rooms is not allowed to protect the valuable manuscripts and tomes, but you can peer into them from the doors. All the halls are decorated with paintings on the ceiling, but the most famous and astonishing is the Theological Hall. The ornate ceiling depicts scenes from the Bible, and inside, you can see antique globes and copy desks used by the monks to copy manuscripts.
Hike in Divoka Sarka
Right on the outskirts of the city, about five minutes from the airport. There is a large natural reserve, ideal for a day in nature. The Divoka Sarka park is easily accessible by public transportation. Just take the tram number 20 from the centre (left bank of the river) or the number 26 from Namesty Republiky or the Prague main train station.Locals flock to the park during the summer to enjoy water activities in the central lake, hike, and relax. At the lake, you can swim, rent canoes and paddle boards or sunbathe. The park also has a swimming pool and sports complex on the northern side.
There are many hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The easiest one goes to the right from the entrance, walking along the length of the lake and going around in a loop, where a well-signposted walking trail takes you the long way around to the lake. A more challenging path goes from the same starting point at Liboc, in the entrance to the park, but goes straight ahead surrounding the hills.
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