Auburn Scallon is a travel writer based in Prague. She has written for The Independent, Time Out, Cosmopolitan and more about travel, arts, food and lifestyle.

Auburn Scallon

Auburn Scallon

Follow Auburn Scallon:

Articles (16)

The 29 best things to do in Prague

The 29 best things to do in Prague

From its cultural offerings to its drinking scene, Prague is a very special place. This city is bursting with character (and very good places to drink beer). But mostly character.  Here you’ll find everything from beautiful parks to a very trendy sauna, but make sure you leave some time to stroll Prague’s curious backstreets and admire its ancient buildings. From markets and restaurants to the magnificent Charles Bridge, here are the best things to do in Prague, picked by local writers.   RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Prague🪩 The best nightlife spots in Prague🏨 The best hotels in Prague 🛏 The best Airbnbs in Prague⭐ The best attractions in Prague This guide was updated by Yaren Fadiloglulari, a writer based in Prague. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 
The 10 very best museums in Prague

The 10 very best museums in Prague

Prague is quite literally bursting with culture. After all, this has been the home of some of the world’s most famous names, from Franz Kafka to Mozart and Einstein, so it will come as no surprise that the museums in this fabulous city are about as top-notch as it gets. From hyper-niche exhibitions to incredible Baroque architecture, museums all about communism and museums dedicated exclusively to Kafka himself, there is something here for every single interest. The only downside? You might not have time to see them all. Ready to give it a try? Here are Prague’s top museums right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Prague 🍽️ The best restaurants in Prague🏛️ Unmissable attractions in Prague🎨 Things to do with kids in Prague🛍️ Best places to go shopping in Prague This guide was updated by Yaren Fadiloglulari, a writer based in Prague. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The 11 best clubs in Prague

The 11 best clubs in Prague

Make no mistake, Prague is a seriously fun place. Here you’ll find a load of brilliant bars for your pre-drinks, and a load of brilliant places to carry on your night afterwards too.  The clubbing scene in Prague is an all-night affair, covering everything from EDM bangers to dingy clubs and dancefloors hidden behind Asian restaurants. Whatever you’ve got planned for your night out, you’ll find it in Prague. Here are the best clubs in the city.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best nightlife spots in Prague🍴 The best restaurants in Prague📍 The best things to do in Prague🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Prague Auburn Scallon is a writer based in Prague. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The 19 best restaurants in Prague

The 19 best restaurants in Prague

It should come to the surprise of absolutely no one that Prague, a city overspilling with fascinating history, endless culture and an unrivalled drinking scene, is also a marvellous destination for all kinds of foodie. In fact, an increasingly diverse population is transforming Prague into a thriving and exciting food city. Here you’ll find traditional Czech cuisine sitting alongside international innovation and a bunch of estabs catering to a vast variety of dietary requirements. It’s time to add gastronomic excellence to the many, many existing reasons to visit this city. Here are the best restaurants in Prague right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Prague🪩 The best nightlife spots in Prague🛏 Where to stay in Prague This guide was last updated by Prague-based writer Auburn Scallon. Original photos by Prague-based Lenka Kudlackova. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The 14 best bars in Prague

The 14 best bars in Prague

Drinking beer is a bit of a right of passage in Prague. They love it here, and you will too, and there’s plenty of places to sample it. But fear not – beer head or not, you’ll find a bar you love in Prague. That’s a guarantee.  Here, the possibilities are endless. Fancy sipping rosé at an outdoor film screening? Sure. Cocktails in a swanky bar full of chandeliers and stained glass windows? You got it. The magic of this city’s nightlife is there’s something for absolutely everyone, whether you’re a lover of beer, chicken wings or hidden speakeasies. Read on for the best bars in Prague.  RECOMMENDED:🪩 The best nightlife spots in Prague🍴 The best restaurants in Prague📍 The best things to do in Prague🏨 The best hotels in Prague🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Prague This guide was last updated by Lani Seelinger, a writer based in Prague. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
The 11 best places to go shopping in Prague

The 11 best places to go shopping in Prague

Ready to splash some kuna? You’re in the right place. When it comes to shopping, Prague is a bit of a haven, stuffed full of designer stores, indie boutiques and quirky bookshops. There’s something for everyone ​​– so long as you know where to look.  So after spending your days sampling Prague’s best cultural attractions and things to do, make sure you check out its shopping hotspots for something to remember it by. For trinkets, fashion and vintage threads, here’s exactly where to shop in Prague.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Prague😋 The best restaurants in Prague🏡 The best Airbnbs in Prague🏨 The best hotels in Prague Auburn Scallon is a writer based in Prague. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 
Where to stay in Prague: the city’s best areas

Where to stay in Prague: the city’s best areas

It might seem like an obvious thing to say, but Prague is Prague. That is true, but the various districts that make up the Czech capital (22 in total, from Staré Město to Uhříněves) are every bit as distinctive as towns around the country. The old world pomp and circumstance of Prague 1 is a different world to the gritty industrial charms of Prague 5, while a night out in Prague 7 is a different proposition to one in Prague 2. That’s the sort of place the Czech capital is. Luckily for us, Prague has one of the best public transport networks on the continent, so crossing the city is as easy as sitting on a train. That opens up all sorts of options for accommodation, allowing visitors to stay outside the centre while still having easy access to the major sights and sounds of the city. Of course, you can stay in the centre as well as there is no shortage of options. Choosing where to stay in Prague is a joy when faced with all the excellent districts, and we’re here to help you decide which one is right for you. RECOMMENDED: 🛏 Full guide to the best hotels in Prague💃 The best nightlife spots in Prague🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Prague
The 5 best day trips from Prague

The 5 best day trips from Prague

The capital city of Prague sits comfortably in the center of Bohemia (the name for the western half of the country), and the Czech borders also include Moravia to the east and the small Selisian area running along the northeastern border with Poland. This rich region of historical importance is filled with plenty of sights, sounds and spa towns to give visitors a well-rounded look at the diversity of Czech culture outside of the city centre's main attractions, museums and things to do. A well-connected network of trains and comfortable bus services make it easy to navigate your journey without the necessity of renting a car. Kutna Hora to the east and Karlštejn Castle to the west offer interesting sights and an escape from the crowds of the capital with accessibility that could get you home in time to make dinner reservations. The birthplace of beer attracts a lively crowd south to Pilsen, while Karlovy Vary’s quiet streets to the west are designed for relaxation. The less famous town of Liberec to the north gives families and independent travelers an option for everyday fun in a more residential setting. Read on for the details on the multi-faceted character of Czech life outside the capital city. RECOMMENDED: The 12 best attractions in Prague
Six awesome (and affordable) day trips from Seattle

Six awesome (and affordable) day trips from Seattle

The ability to get from downtown Seattle to the natural beauty of lakes, islands, forests, and the mountains is a big part of the local appeal. Day trips tend to focus on enjoying life outdoors and an undeniably artistic spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Jump in your car or hop on a ferry to see a little more of local life beyond Seattle’s city limits. 
Seven things you didn’t know about Seattle

Seven things you didn’t know about Seattle

Seattle has a bit of an underdog spirit, a lesser-known city in the Pacific Northwest. Some may know as a tech hub, the birthplace of grunge music, or the backdrop for Grey’s Anatomy. For others. it’s the coffee-loving home of Starbucks where it “rains a lot” (though maybe less than you think), or the home base of football fans so loud they once created an earthquake. The largest city in Washington State is full of surprises.   
Things to do in Vinohrady Right Now

Things to do in Vinohrady Right Now

Straddling the divide between Prague 2 and Prague 3 (Prague 10 and a little bit of Prague 1 too, but let’s not muddy the waters too much), Vinohrady has long been the most desirable address in the city for locals and expats alike. The district grew out of the old royal vineyards (hence the name), and the wine still flows today in the neighbourhood’s abundance of classy bars and restaurants. Beer remains king (this is still Prague, after all), but the atmosphere in Vinohrady is a little more refined than in neighbouring Žižkov and Vršovice. Vinohrady is all green spaces, theatre history and elegant churches, often within spitting distance of each other. The neighbourhood also happens to be home to the longest escalator in the European Union, if you’re into that sort of thing, but we’ll stick to the charming cafes and vibrant nightlife. These are the best things to do in Vinohrady, Prague. What to doIf the sun’s shining, the lawns of Riegrovy Sady are sure to be packed with picnickers, partiers and families of all ages, all admiring (or awaiting) the sunset view over the city. This sprawling park also boasts one of the city’s most popular beer gardens, which is packed throughout the long summer months. Jiřího z Poděbrad Square boasts one of Prague's most iconic churches, the Art Nouveau Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, which boasts the largest clock-face in Czechia.  Where to eatCover your table in tapas at Kofein. Indulge in high-end vegetarian at Etnosvět or casua
What to do in Nové Město, Prague’s coolest neighbourhood

What to do in Nové Město, Prague’s coolest neighbourhood

What’s the deal with Nové Město? You’d be forgiven for thinking, ‘Ugh, New Town, isn’t that super-touristy?’, but trust us, it’s worth a closer look. Stretching from riverfront to riverfront around the Old Town, the cobblestones quickly smooth into boardwalks, with surrounding parkland offering much-needed inner-city tranquillity. A recent wave of cultural openings show a city refusing to cede its city centre to tourist traps – you can thank a globally-minded, iPhone-wielding younger generation and progressive leadership from the Pirate political party (yes, really) for fighting to maintain Nové Město’s quaint and distinctly local character. Anniversaries and patriotic holidays such as October 28 and November 17 fill Václavské Náměstí (Wenceslas Square) with huge crowds. These demonstrations show a community dedicated to remembering their past while remaining fiercely optimistic about their future as a Central – not ‘Eastern’ – European capital. Communism may be part of the neighbourhood’s history, but life in former Czechoslovakia is three decades in the Czech Republic’s past. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world If you only do one thing... Photograph: MaxPixel Wander along the Náplavka riverbank, known for its waterside bars and ample swan-spotting opportunities. Following a 2019 renovation, a café and various galleries are now set up within Náplavka’s walls. Go on a Saturday morning and grab a brew from Mama Coffee before browsing the city

Listings and reviews (75)

SmetanaQ

SmetanaQ

What’s the vibe? This three-story, renovated hub for young designers, located next door to Prague’s academy for the performing arts, attracts the latest in young artistic talent. The bright, third-floor gallery space hosts rotating exhibitions and is available to rent for private group events. Local fashion and jewelry designers congregate in the second-floor Bottega space, offering a common space to share inspiration and ideas. What should I order? The street-level café & bistro makes homemade cakes and latte art on par with the designs housed above, plus light meals. If you’re brave enough to transport a fragile souvenir, stop into the Deelive design shop for glass trinkets and household decorations and bring a piece of modern Prague style into your home.  Time Out tip Prague is generally a city of early risers, but late sleepers can get brunch at the café & bistro until 2pm on weekends. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Prague
U Pinkasu

U Pinkasu

What’s the vibe? If you don’t find a seat at first glance inside this massive Czech pub, keep looking – every area serves a separate function. The Lawrence Kitchen offers quick, affordable meals (largely to locals) in the 40-seat dining room. Also on the ground floor, the Lower House boasts an unchanged atmosphere from its days frequented by politicians and pub goers for over a century. The Upper House holds additional seating and private events spaces for large groups. The ideal summer spot is in the shade of the narrow Gothic Summer Garden squeezed into the interior courtyard. What should I order? Of course, you could order something other than beer, but a fresh glass of Pilsner is likely to grace almost every table in the place.  What are the prices like? Old Prague specialities hover around the 299 CZK range, and a large beer costs 79 CZK. Time Out tip Make a reservation to (hopefully) guarantee the area of the pub you want to experience – with 100+ years of word-of-mouth marketing, these seats fill up quickly. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Prague
Klub Vzorkovna

Klub Vzorkovna

What’s the vibe? You never know what you’ll stumble upon from one room to the next in this undefined bar and meeting space. The open, multi-room maze reminiscent of a starving artist’s loft or Budapest ruin bar, was created for musicians and creative types to make their own experience. Random pieces of furniture move about the rooms to meet the needs of that night’s crowd, milling among two available pianos and a foosball table. What should I order? All depends on your tipple of choice, of course. This being Prague, the beer is predictably fantastic. What are the prices like? Payment for drinks and bar food requires loading money onto an electronic bracelet at the door as you enter, with a non-refundable deposit of 250 CZK if you don’t manage to spend it all. You can do this online at the official website if you don’t want to wait in the inevitable queues. You can’t pay with cash or personal card once inside the place. Time Out tip Keep an eye out for the giant shaggy canine wandering around, who inspired the local habit of referring to this place as “the dog bar.” This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best bars in Prague
Palac Lucerna

Palac Lucerna

What is it? Arcade-style passages started popping up around the centre of Prague in the late 1800s, and Palac Lucerna is undoubtedly one of the most impressive. Is it worth visiting? Palac Lucerna (aka “Lantern Palace”) also boasts a strong connection to a famous local name – it was originally owned by the grandfather of Vaclav Havel, the first president of the independent Czech Republic. One of the most photographed sights hangs beneath the domed ceiling – a sculpture of St. Wenceslas riding an upside-down horse, created by local artist and provocateur David Černý – while stained-glass windows add splashes of colour to the walls. As the sun starts to fade, families and couples head to Kino Lucerna for independent films while Lucerna Music Bar keeps the party going late into the night with live music and retro dance parties.   Ticketing info Palac Lucerna is free to enter throughout the day and night, but you will need tickets for the specific shows, concerts, performances and exhibitions that take place in the Grand Hall, Music Bar, cinema, and gallery. Time Out tip Try Kavarna Lucerna for old-world elegance under chandeliers. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Devil’s Stream

Devil’s Stream

What is it? A small canal that takes its leave from the mighty Vltava before joining back up with the river after 740 metres. Is it worth visiting? This narrow channel, called “Čertovka” in Czech, runs past a variety of worthwhile sights. Start with an easy stroll from the Charles Bridge towards the John Lennon Wall, a living monument of Beatles-inspired graffiti that started as an act of artistic rebellion when Western music was banned under Communist rule. Then, while crossing the pedestrian bridge, take a peek upstream at the 15th-century Grand Priory Mill. You’ll need a good zoom lens or a guided riverboat tour to get a good shot of the water goblin statue hanging off its dock. Continue downstream to sprawl out on the grassy lawn of Park Kampa (not to be confused with Kampa Park, a high-end restaurant nearby). Time Out tip Skip the trend of hanging “love locks” on any of the pedestrian bridges (unless you don’t want your relationship to last) – the city removes them regularly to maintain structural integrity. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Vrtba Gardens

Vrtba Gardens

What is it? This UNESCO-listed landscape, made up of manicured hedges, curved staircases, and statues of Roman gods, is a popular spot for both weddings and engagement photos. Is it worth visiting? Calling all fashionistas and photographers: get your poses and your lenses ready. The lookout point offers visitors a sprawling panorama of Prague’s quintessential red rooftops, with the silhouette of the Prague Castle and St Nicholas church on your left and the faint outline of the Žižkov TV Tower dominating the distant skyline on your right. Don’t forget to look up as you enter or exit the gardens to admire the arched, frescoed ceilings of the Sala Terrena building.  Ticketing info Entrance to these gorgeous gardens costs 130 Kč for adults, 100 Kč for students and children, and 380 Kč for families. A season ticket will set you back 850 Kč. Time Out tip Ignore any GPS directions that tell you to enter from nearby Petřín park – the main gate, which looks more like a driveway, is actually on Karmelitská street closer to Malostranské náměstí.  This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Vyšehrad

Vyšehrad

What is it? A stunning fort on the east bank of the Vltava River, Vyšehrad is considered by many to be the true birthplace of Prague. Is it worth visiting? This former royal seat of the King of Bohemia is much less crowded and offers far more green space than its famous counterpart across the Vltava River. Get an inside look at the intricate paintings lining the walls of the neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. Stroll around the ornate gravestones of the Slavin Cemetery, including the final resting places of Art Nouveau painter Alfons Mucha, poet Karel Hynek Mácha, and composers Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák. Snap a panoramic picture of the city and the river from one of the many lookout points. Vyšehrad is as much a local space for relaxation as it is a typical tourist destination. Ticketing info The castle and its grounds are free to enter, although you’ll need to pay a fee to see the exhibitions or join a tour to explore some of the structures. Admission to the exhibition in the Gothic Cellar is 120 Kč (80 Kč reduced fare), and a Sunday afternoon theatre ticket for the Burgrave’s House costs 130 Kč. A guided tour of the Casemates costs 170 Kč and tour commentary is available in Czech and English). A full guided tour of everything on offer costs 240 Kč (170 Kč reduced) and must be booked one week in advance. Time Out tip If you want a more leisurely route to this hilltop destination, take the red Metro line to the Vyšehrad stop. Nearby trams may appear close
Rudolfinum

Rudolfinum

What is it? In a city renowned for spectacular architecture, the charms of this 19th-century Neo-Renaissance symphony hall still manage to stand out. Is it worth visiting? This historic building is designed to be admired from all sides. Sculptures of renowned composers stand guard over the columned façade out front. The rounded walls of Dvořák Hall provide the perfect acoustics for the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The smaller Suk Hall hosts more intimate concerts, private events, and occasional film screenings under a sparkling chandelier. On the bottom floor, contemporary artists decorate the walls of the free-to-enter Galerie Rudolfinum alongside a family-friendly, interactive Artpark. Top off your exploration of the building with a light snack and espresso in the spacious Café Rudolfinum, also on the lower level. Ticketing info Tickets for shows and concerts are available either from the Rudolfinum’s box office (open 10am - 6pm weekdays) or the official website. The cafe is free to enter (10am - 6pm, Thursday 10am - 8pm, closed Monday), and many of the gallery’s exhibitions are also free to check out. There is also a small shop for souvenirs, soaps, and other special Rudolinum creations. Time Out tip  Classical music fans should plan a visit around the Prague Spring Festival (usually May-June) for a full calendar of international performances. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Speculum Alchemiae

Speculum Alchemiae

What is it? Prague’s history is often intertwined with hints of magic, and this museum is where the two fully aligned. After heavy flooding in the early 2000s led to renovations beneath one the oldest buildings in town, the Museum of Alchemy uncovered secret tunnels and a preserved potion master’s laboratory. Today, a guided tour offers a glimpse into that underground world while explaining some of the connections between elixirs boasting love, increased memory, and eternal youth and our modern-day scientific ideas. Is it worth visiting? That will depend on your mileage for magic, but it is another worthy addition to Prague’s otherworldly resort of mysteries. Suspend your disbelief for an afternoon to imagine early experiments searching for ways to understand and improve upon human existence. Ticketing info Adults 200 CZK, students and seniors 150 CZK, children (14 and under) 70 CZK. Family ticket (two adults and two children) 500 CZK. Time Out tip Groups of eight or more mystery lovers can also arrange a guided tour that connects the legends of Prague’s historic buildings in Dan Brown style. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Františkánská Zahrada

Františkánská Zahrada

What is it? Life slows down when you step into this somewhat secret pathway connecting Wenceslas Square to Jungmannovo náměstí. Surrounded by roses woven through white arches and gates, the air in this carefully manicured square is quieter, and the vibe is pure relaxation – these bench-lined paths are made for a slower pace of life. A small children’s playground sits below the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow, whose rows of tall, slender windows act as a wall to the outside world. As you casually stroll through the garden (remember, slowly is the mantra around here), playful sculptures dance beside you atop cement columns. Say it with me, ahhhhhh. Is it worth visiting? If an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city sounds like your kind of thing, Prague’s Franciscan Gardens is a must-visit. Ticketing info The gardens are free to enter. From the middle of April until the middle of September, opening hours are 7am to 10pm. Mid-September to mid-October sees the gardens open from 7am to 8pm, while opening hours from mid-October to mid-April are 8am to 7pm. Time Out tip Grab some ice cream from the Světozor Passage upon entering for the perfect excuse to stop and slurp on a park bench.  This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Main Post Office

Main Post Office

What is it? You don’t have to spend a cent on postage to enjoy the view in this grand hall of bureaucratic activity. The walls above the functional counter level alternate between tall paned windows and swirling floral frescoes. The vaulted skylights lining the ceiling add a hushed echo to the room as locals routinely take a number to pay bills and post packages while surrounded by architectural beauty. The long window of operation makes sending last-minute wishes to relatives a possibility no matter what time you finally remember to look up their address, and a stationary shop in the corner sells packing materials to protect any fragile souvenirs.  Is it worth visiting? One of the most fascinating post offices in Europe, it is yet another string in Prague’s curious bow. Whether you need to send something or not, it deserves a visit. Ticketing info As a living, working post office, you don’t need a ticket to enter. Don’t loiter too long, of course. The opening hours aren’t as wacky as they once were, but not many post offices on the planet are open long after the sun has gone down. Time Out tip Unfortunately, enjoyment is restricted to the eyes only – photography is not allowed inside the post office. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague
Vaclav Havel Square

Vaclav Havel Square

What is it? Prague’s cultural powerhouses cast shadows over this small cement patio, which acts as a gathering space for audience members of the surrounding theatres in the hours before shows. In 2016, the rededication of the square in honour of Vaclav Havel saw the addition of a glowing red heart resting on the ground below his signature on the far wall. It’s also, unsurprisingly, a popular location for both organized and impromptu art events, from hosting one of Prague’s free pianos on the street to a sculptural garden installation of 100+ potted plants to massive open classes by the Czech National Ballet to mark International Dance Day.  Is it worth visiting? If you are going to a show in any of the surrounding theatres, then you’ll be passing through regardless. The square is another in a long line of charming Prague plazas. Time Out tip The square often includes an installation as part of the Prague Signal Festival, a free outdoor light show that draws international crowds each October. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Prague