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11 Unusual Things to Do in Prague: Weird & Hidden Gems (2025)

Discover 11 unusual things to do in Prague. Explore hidden bunkers, ride 'dangerous' elevators, and find the weirdest local art. Plan your offbeat trip now.

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11 Unusual Things to Do in Prague: Weird & Hidden Gems (2025)
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Guide to Unusual Things to Do in Prague: Beyond the Bridge

Prague is famous for medieval charm, but it also has a strange side. You can find weird art, dark history, and odd museums here. This list moves beyond the typical castle tours. We explore the unusual things to do in Prague that most tourists miss.

You will find climbing babies, rooms made of bones, and elevators that never stop. These spots reveal the Czech capital's unique sense of humor. Prepare for a trip into the quirky and the macabre.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sedlec Ossuary is the ultimate 'weird' day trip.
  • David Cerny's statues offer free, funny sightseeing.
  • Use the Paternoster elevator for a unique thrill.
  • Book Nuclear Bunker tours ahead of time.

Surreal Art & David Cerny Sculptures

Prague is an open-air gallery for controversial artist David Cerny. His sculptures appear in random corners of the city. They often satirie politics or history. Finding them is a great way to explore different neighborhoods.

We have selected three specific works you must see. They are all free to view. Locals love them for their irreverent humor. See our map of David Cerny statues for more locations.

  • Name: Žižkov Television Tower (Babies) Type: Viewpoint / Art Installation Why go: Giant fiberglass babies crawl up this futuristic tower. It is a bizarre contrast to the historic skyline. Best for: Photographers and sci-fi fans. Where: Žižkov district (Mahlerovy sady). Time: 1 hour (longer if you go up). Cost: Viewing outside is free; observatory has a fee. Getting there: Metro A to Jiřího z Poděbrad. Tip: Visit the observation deck at sunset for incredible city views.
  • Name: The Pissing Statue (Proud) Type: Kinetic Sculpture Why go: Two bronze men urinate into a pool shaped like the Czech Republic. Hips and penises move mechanically. It is hilarious and technically impressive. Best for: A quick laugh and funny photos. Where: Malá Strana (Franz Kafka Museum courtyard). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Charles Bridge towards the Kafka Museum. Tip: Send an SMS to the number near the statue. The figures will "write" your message with water.
  • Name: Hanging Man (Sigmund Freud) Type: Street Art Why go: A statue of Freud hangs by one hand from a rooftop pole. It looks incredibly realistic from below. Tourists often call emergency services thinking it is a real person. Best for: Spotting hidden details. Where: Old Town (Husova Street). Time: 5 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Look up immediately when you enter Husova Street or you might miss it.

Hidden Interiors & Quirky Spaces

Some of the strangest sights are hidden indoors. You often walk past these buildings without knowing what lies inside. These locations offer great photo opportunities away from the crowds. They also provide shelter on rainy days.

Be respectful when visiting, as some are located in functioning public buildings. Quiet observation is the rule here. Check opening hours before you go, as they can change.

  • Name: Paternoster Elevator Type: Vintage Mechanics Why go: Ride a "doorless" elevator that never stops moving. You hop on and off while the cabin is in motion. It feels risky but is generally safe if you are careful. Best for: Thrill-seekers and engineering geeks. Where: Lucerna Passage or YMCA Palace. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Just off Wenceslas Square. Tip: Read our guide on how to ride Paternoster elevators safely first.
  • Name: Idiom Book Tower Type: Art Installation Why go: A cylindrical tower made of 8,000 books stands in the Municipal Library. Mirrors inside create an illusion of an infinite hole. It represents the endlessness of knowledge. Best for: Instagram photos. Where: Prague Municipal Library (lobby). Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near Old Town Square metro stop Staroměstská. Tip: Check current visitor rules; sometimes lines form on weekends.
  • Name: The Magical Cavern Type: Art Gallery Why go: An artist transformed a house into a psychedelic cave. The walls are covered in fantasy paintings and sculptures. It feels like stepping into a fairytale dreamland. Best for: Art lovers and daydreamers. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate entry fee (~100 CZK). Getting there: Take the funicular up Petřín Hill. Tip: Combine this with a walk through the surrounding rose gardens.

Dark History & Underground Sites

Prague has a long and sometimes dark history. Beneath the cobblestones lie secrets from medieval times and the Cold War. Exploring these areas gives you a deeper understanding of the city's past. Explore the official city portal via Prague.eu for general historical context.

  1. Name: Jalta Hotel Nuclear Bunker Type: Historical Site Why go: This hidden shelter was built for communist leaders during the Cold War. It remains preserved with original equipment. You can see how the elite planned to survive a nuclear attack. Best for: History buffs. Where: Wenceslas Square (Hotel Jalta basement). Time: 1 hour. Cost: Ticket required for guided tour. Getting there: Metro stop Muzeum. Tip: Book hidden Cold War bunker tours in advance.
  2. Name: Speculum Alchemiae Type: Museum / Underground Lab Why go: Discover an authentic alchemy laboratory discovered during 2002 floods. See glass elixirs and drying herbs in underground tunnels. It connects to the legends of Emperor Rudolf II. Best for: Lovers of magic and mystery. Where: Jewish Quarter (Haštalská Street). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Ticket required. Getting there: Walking distance from Old Town Square. Tip: Visit the Museum of Alchemists nearby for more context.
  3. Name: Vyšehrad Casemates & Gorlice Type: Fortress Tunnels Why go: Walk through dark, narrow brick tunnels inside the fortress walls. The tour ends in a huge hall housing original statues from Charles Bridge. It is eerie, cool, and quiet. Best for: Escaping the crowds. Where: Vyšehrad Fortress. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Metro C to Vyšehrad. Tip: Read about touring the Casemates to time your visit right.

Weird Wellness & Day Trips

Czech culture includes unique relaxation methods and fascinating nearby towns. These activities are perfect if you want to verify local traditions. They range from indulgent baths to chilling historical chapels.

Prague's connection to beer is legendary, and so is its gothic architecture. You can experience both in intimate settings. These final picks are iconic "unusual" experiences.

  • Name: Beer Spa Type: Wellness Activity Why go: Use the city's famous export for skincare. You soak in a tub of warm water, hops, and yeast. Most spas offer unlimited drinking beer while you bathe. Best for: Couples or stag/hen groups. Where: Various locations in Old Town. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: pricey (expect 2000+ CZK). Getting there: Central locations. Tip: Compare packages for Prague beer spa experiences to find the best value.
  • Name: Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) Type: Day Trip / Religious Site Why go: This chapel is decorated with the bones of 40,000 to 70,000 people. You will see a chandelier made of every bone in the human body. It is a UNESCO-recognized area of incredible atmosphere. Best for: Dark tourism enthusiasts. Where: Kutná Hora (1 hour train from Prague). Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Train ticket + Entry fee. Getting there: Train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Plan your Sedlec Ossuary day trip for a weekday to avoid crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weirdest thing to see in Prague?

Most visitors find the Sedlec Ossuary the strangest sight. It is a chapel decorated entirely with human bones. Within the city, the Pissing Statue by David Cerny is the most bizarre public art piece.

Are there catacombs in Prague?

Yes, but many are not open to the public. The best accessible options are the Casemates at Vyšehrad fortress. You can also explore cellars under the Old Town Hall or the Speculum Alchemiae underground labs.

What are non touristy things to do in Prague?

Visit the quiet fortress of Vyšehrad or explore the hip district of Holešovice. Walking through the Olšany Cemeteries is also atmospheric and quiet. Riding the Paternoster elevator is a unique local experience few tourists find.

Is the hanging man statue real?

No, the Hanging Man is a fiberglass sculpture of Sigmund Freud. It was created by artist David Cerny. It hangs from a beam high above Husova Street in Old Town.

Prague offers far more than just the Charles Bridge and cheap pilsner. By adding these unusual things to do in Prague to your itinerary, you will see the city's true character. From bone churches to infinite book towers, the Czech capital rewards the curious traveler.

Remember to book specific tours for bunkers or spas in advance. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. Enjoy exploring the weird and wonderful side of this historic city.

Official resources

Use these sources for official schedules, tickets, routes, and updates.