Prague on rainy days

Museums and galleries will not disappoint you

Visiting museums and galleries is a tried and tested answer to bad weather. Of the dozens to be found in Prague, the National Museum at the top of Wenceslas Square is particularly noteworthy. It houses the Czech Republic’s largest museum collections, displaying items from all areas of human activity. A considerable amount of money has been invested in refurbishing the National Museum, so you’ll see its valuable collections in a state-of-the-art setting, and can also visit the renovated dome, from where there are some breathtaking views of the very centre of Prague, including the promenade on Wenceslas Square. You’ll have no shortage of Instagram-worthy pics!

Directly opposite you’ll find the recently opened Children's Museum in the New National Museum Building. This unique concept is designed to awaken children's imagination and uses interactive exhibitions to enable them to discover the world around them. Visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time.

However, you can also explore the collections at the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures on Betlémské náměstí, the Bedřich Smetana Museum at Novotného lávka, or the Antonín Dvořák Museum on Ke Karlovu. Are you a fan of technology of all kinds? If so, don’t miss the chance to visit the National Technical Museum at Letná. While the raindrops are drumming on the windows, you can stroll through treasures mapping the development of science and technology in the Czech lands, including unique historical planes and the first Czech automobiles.

For a great experience for the whole family, visit the Railway Kingdom with its interactive model of Prague. One particularly lovely place to relax, which also has a café and an exhibition space, is CAMP - the Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning.

From Art Nouveau to modernity

If galleries are your thing, it’s well worth visiting the Veletržní Palace, which was one of Prague’s first Functionalist buildings and houses collections of 20th and 21st century art. Meanwhile, the place to go for original works, provocative exhibitions and the blending of individual artistic fields is the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Holešovice. In the short period since it opened, DOX has built a reputation as a fresh, creative spot on the cultural map of the capital.

Contemporary art is the focus of the exhibition at the Kampa Museum, located right on the bank of the Vltava River and within sight of Charles Bridge; you can admire the beauty of Czech design at the Museum of Decorative Arts and follow in the footsteps of Czechia’s patron, Saint Agnes, with a visit to the Convent of St. Agnes. This is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Prague.

Underground in the footsteps of the French army

While the raindrops are falling, you can also check out the mysterious underground mystical residence of the first Czech rulers. Vyšehrad is an interesting place in its own right where you can spend long hours exploring. Directly beneath it, however, it’s possible to descend into a labyrinth of underground corridors and rooms that were created in the 17th century so the French army could carry out activities unobserved.

Up into the clouds and even higher!

Anyone who loves being high up definitely go up one of Prague’s towers, which offer some unique views of the heart of old Prague. Get in shape with a walk up the steps in the Malá Strana Bridge Tower, the Old Town Bridge Tower or the New Town Hall, and you really shouldn’t miss Petřín, the Powder Tower, the Prague TV Tower or the Great South Tower of St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. An unusual experience can also be found in the New Mill Water Tower or at the bistro in the Dancing House.

A world of magic

Why not end a rainy day with something genuinely special? Visit a performance of black theatre, a form that was born right here in Prague. Succumb to a unique world of colours, effects and optical illusions at some of Prague’s numerous black theatres, such as Jiří Srnec Theatre, WOW or Ta Fantastika.

A bottomless well and a swim in the rocks

And finally, three unorthodox tips. Another popular attraction is the ‘bottomless well’ in the City Library in the centre of Prague. It’s made out of hundreds of books and two mirrors, creating a magical visual illusion.

You can also take a ride through Prague on a tram, nice and easy from one side to the other. Just hop onto tram number 22 and you’ll see some of Prague’s best sights while staying cosy and dry. The ticket costs a few crowns, and you can feel proud that you’re keeping your carbon footprint down.

If you fancy a bit of sport and aren’t afraid of water, check out the Podolí Swimming Stadium. This is a unique experience in itself, as you’ll meet the local "regulars" swimming in a lovely, almost cinematic setting amidst the rocks. And, it’s worth pointing out that in the cooler months, one of the outdoor pools is actually heated. So don't forget your swimsuit!