Alright people, Czechia isn't just a ‘couple’ of beautiful cities that are filled with (a lot of) tourists. It's about time someone talked about that. I’ve already narrowed down the castles, bridges, old towns and all the camera-roll-filling stuff in our recent article on the popular things to do in the Czech Republic.. But the country also has a wonderfully fun side that rarely makes the front cover.
So, if you're looking for some unique things to do in the Czech Republic, or hoping to add more local experiences into your Czech Republic tour package, here are ten of my favourite experiences to choose from…
Visit a Church Decorated With 40,000 Human Skeletons
Who looked at a room full of forty thousand human skeletons and thought, "You know what we could use these for? Interior decoration." Apparently someone in Kutná Hora did.
The Sedlec Ossuary, often called the Church of Bones, is one of the most unusual religious sites in Europe. This small Gothic chapel contains the remains of approximately 40,000 people, arranged into elaborate artistic displays. There are skull pyramids, decorative garlands and even a giant chandelier made almost entirely from human bones.
The story dates back to the 14th century, when the cemetery became one of the most desirable burial sites in Europe. Eventually there simply wasn't enough room, leading to the remains being moved and later incorporated into the chapel's design.
Go Looking For Prague's Strangest Statues
For this one, much of the credit goes to David Černý, the Czech artist whose sculptures have become almost as famous as some of Prague's landmarks. You might stumble across giant faceless babies crawling up a television tower. Or discover a huge metallic head of Franz Kafka rotating piece by piece near Quadrio Shopping Centre. There are several more scattered throughout the city, each stranger than the last.
The fun part is that nobody really plans an entire day around them. You simply keep finding them. If you're interested, this accidental treasure hunt is easily one of the many fun things to do in Prague!
Rent a Bike and Spend a Weekend Like a Czech
If you really want one of the most authentic local experiences in the Czech Republic, one thing to do is to do what the locals do all the time. Czechs are famously outdoorsy. A typical weekend often involves some combination of cycling, hiking, skiing and eventually finding a good pub. It's a lifestyle I'm fully prepared to support!!!
One of the easiest ways to experience this side of the country is by renting a bike in Prague and following the cycling trails that run alongside the Vltava River. Even if you're not particularly comfortable cycling through cities, Prague makes it easy. Large sections of the route are separated from traffic and, thanks to the city's compact size, it doesn't take long before the urban scenery gives way to forests, open countryside and riverside paths.
The Rekola bike-sharing system makes it particularly easy. Download the app, find a nearby bicycle and start exploring.
Discover Your Hidden Talent for Axe Throwing
It’s safe people, don't worry. Over the past few years, it has become one of Prague's more unusual attractions, with venues such as House of Axes giving visitors the chance to test their accuracy in a surprisingly competitive environment.
The concept is simple. You're given your own lane, a target, a quick lesson and a collection of axes that, ideally, end up embedded in the wooden board rather than the floor. The funny thing is that athletic ability seems to have very little to do with success. Every group usually discovers that one person who somehow becomes an axe-throwing prodigy within ten minutes.
And because this is Prague, there's a good chance you'll be sipping Czech beer or a warm cup of svařák (traditional Czech mulled wine) between rounds. Not exactly a traditional sightseeing activity, but definitely one of the more memorable and quirky things to do in Prague.
Have a Drink Above Prague at the Dancing House
At some point, Prague looked at centuries of Gothic towers, Baroque churches and medieval architecture and decided it needed a building that appeared to be dancing. I'm very glad it did.
Designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, the famous Dancing House is one of the city's most recognisable modern landmarks. Its flowing curves create the illusion of two dancers moving together, which is how it earned its nickname in the first place.
The exterior photographs beautifully as the city lights begin to appear, and once you've admired the architecture, head up to the rooftop terrace for a drink. The views stretch across Prague's rooftops all the way towards Prague Castle, making it one of the most underrated viewpoints in the city.
And honestly, sipping a drink while watching the evening settle over Prague really does take you back a couple of hundreds of years.
Visit Prague's Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
TORTURE, whoa I must calm down, sorry!
Human beings have come up with some wonderfully terrible ideas throughout history. If you're curious about just how creative our ancestors was when it came to making each other's lives miserable, Prague's Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments is... quite enlightening I would say.
Located near Charles Bridge, this museum spans three floors filled with devices that were once used for punishment, interrogation and public humiliation. Some you'll recognise from history books, such as the Iron Maiden and the Rack. The exhibits offer a fascinating, if slightly uncomfortable, glimpse into medieval justice and the lengths people once went to in the name of discipline and punishment.
Want to experience a different side of Czechia? Connect with our experts and start planning your journey.
Explore The Underground World Beneath Brno
Beneath the city of Brno lies an entire underground network that many visitors never realise exists. The Brno Underground includes a labyrinth beneath the historic Cabbage Market, ancient storage tunnels, wine cellars and the Capuchin Crypt, where naturally mummified monks still rest centuries after their deaths.
NATURALLY mummified! The combination of airflow and environmental conditions preserved the bodies remarkably well.
Ride A Never-Ending Elevator
The Paternoster is a vintage elevator system made up of continuously moving open compartments that travel in an endless loop. You simply step on as it moves and step off when you reach your floor. Several of these historic elevators still operate in locations such as Prague City Hall and the Czech Technical University.
Just remember to get off before it reaches the very top. Among the more unusual traditional things to do in the Czech Republic, this is certainly one of the rarest.
Explore more of Europe and find the destinations that deserve a place on your itinerary along with Czechia today!
Soak In A Beer Spa
It can be said that somebody looked at Czech beer and decided drinking it wasn't enough. “Hmm, let me bathe in beer…”
One of the country's most famous wellness experiences involves relaxing in large wooden tubs filled with the natural ingredients used in brewing beer. Hops, malt, yeast and warm mineral water come together to create a surprisingly relaxing soak. Many spas, including Prague's Original Beer Spa, also include unlimited beer while you bathe.
I'm not saying this is peak Czech culture, but I'm also not saying it isn't. Either way, it's one of the most entertaining local experiences in the Czech Republic you'll come across.
Take A Boat Through An Underground River
In the Moravian Karst region, you'll find the spectacular Punkva Caves, one of the country's most impressive natural attractions. A guided tour takes visitors through enormous cave chambers before continuing onto a boat that travels along an underground river in near darkness.
The highlight is the Macocha Abyss, a sinkhole more than 130 metres deep that opens above the cave system. For travellers looking beyond cities and castles, this is easily one of the most unique things to do in the Czech Republic.
While You're At It, Try Something Weird On The Menu Too
No list of authentic local experiences in the Czech Republic would be complete without mentioning the food. Most travellers have heard about Czech beer. Far fewer know about some of the country's more unusual culinary specialties.
Nakládaný Hermelín (Pickled Cheese) might be the best example. The cheese is marinated in oil, onions, chillies and spices for weeks before being served. Every restaurant has its own version, which means two plates never taste the same.
Then there's Dukátové Buchtičky, small fluffy sweet buns served with warm vanilla sauce. And if you happen to visit between August and November, keep an eye out for Burčák, a young partially fermented wine that's lightly fizzy, slightly sweet and only available for a short period each year.
If you’re interested in learning more about the culinary side of Czechia, read our latest blog on the foods to try in the Czech Republic!!
Many of our Czech Republic culture tour packages introduce travellers to Prague as part of a larger Central European journey. For those who want to explore beyond the highlights and discover more unusual corners of the country, our tailor-made holidays offer the flexibility to travel deeper and experience Czechia in a far more personal way.
