Prague history and bohemian culture tour

Explore Prague on a 4-hour Czech history and bohemian culture tour! Led by a friendly local guide, the tour showcases Prague’s bohemian- and communist-era history, while introducing you to a combination of quirky sites and top Prague attractions like Charles Bridge. Ride in a 1920’s open-door ‘paternoster’ elevator, see the old communist secret police headquarters and explore neighborhoods like Prague Old Town and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov). Get to know Prague’s culture, too, and sample beer, a communist-era snack and every Czech’s favorite potent liquor – absinthe!

Meet your guide in Wenceslas Square, and then set off on your walking tour to discover Prague’s bohemian history and culture. Pass the statue of King Wenceslas I and learn about his time in the early Kingdom of Bohemia, an era that roughly spanned the 10th to 20th century.

While hearing how the city's bohemian history has influenced its culture, visit one of the city’s 1920 paternosters; hop inside and take a ride! Then, head outside and enjoy your food sample – smazeny syr. Take your portion of fried Czech cheese from a street food vendor, and hear tales of Prague’s communist days when the treat was at the height of its popularity.

Stroll past the oldest pub in Prague on your way to a former communist building where Czechoslovak communist secret police based their headquarters. After learning about surveillance techniques used by the feared organization, head into Prague Old Town to explore its enchanting cluster of streets.

As you walk, listen to tales of King Charles IV, one of the most influential monarchs in the country’s history, and hear of his tour-appropriate nickname, the ‘Father of Bohemia.’ In his day, the 80 percent-proof absinthe drink was popular, so visit an old absinthe shop to see it prepared to a traditional Bohemian method involving sugar cubes and fire. Sample a shot of the potent liquor, and then continue exploring.

Amble across Charles Bridge to Prague’s Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and admire quirky sights like the statue of Franz Kafka, a famous Prague novelist. Hear old folklore about Golem, a mystical creation of Prague’s Rabi Löw, and then visit a bohemian pub to sample a glass of Pilsner Urquell, a popular Czech beer.

Your tour finishes at the start point, and as you head back, your guide will point out more quirky Prague sights. See the Museum of Alchemy, a shop selling communist-era toys and Municipal House – decorated by the legendary Czech artist Alfons Mucha.