Why Explore Prague's Quirky Side?

Prague has always been a hub for the mysterious. During the Renaissance, Emperor Rudolf II invited alchemists and astronomers to his court. This legacy of magic and science still lingers in the city streets today. Visitors often stick to the National Museum or the main square. While those are great, the smaller galleries reveal the city's true character.

Many of these weirdest museums to visit in Prague are tucked away in old basements. Others are located in quiet residential neighborhoods. Visiting them allows you to see historic buildings from the inside. You will learn about local legends and bizarre historical facts. It is a great way to escape the rain or the summer heat.

These sites are perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling. Each museum focuses on a very specific, often strange, niche. Whether you like dark history or vintage gadgets, there is something for everyone. This guide will help you find the best oddities in the city.

10 Weirdest Museums to Visit in Prague

Prague offers a wide range of eccentric experiences. Here are the top picks for your next visit. These locations are ranked by their uniqueness and historical interest. Check the Visit Czechia website for seasonal events in the city.

• Best for history: Speculum Alchemiae
• Best for families: Museum of Fantastic Illusions
• Best for dark history: Medieval Torture Museum
• Best free option: Looking for free things to do in Prague can lead to outdoor art like the David Černý sculptures.

1. Name: Speculum Alchemiae Type: Sight/Experience Why go: Explore a hidden 16th-century alchemy lab found after a flood. Best for: History buffs and mystery lovers. Where: Haštalská street, Old Town. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Moderate (approx. 200-300 CZK). Getting there: Walk from Old Town Square. Tip: Book the tour in advance as groups are small.
2. Name: Museum of Historical Chamber Pots and Toilets Type: Museum Why go: See over 2,000 items related to human hygiene through the ages. Best for: Those with a sense of humor. Where: Near Vyšehrad. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low (approx. 150 CZK). Getting there: Take tram 17 to Výtoň. Tip: Look for the royal portable toilets used by famous emperors.
3. Name: Sex Machines Museum Type: Museum Why go: It is the only museum in the world dedicated to mechanical erotic devices. Best for: Adults only (18+). Where: Near Old Town Square. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Short walk from Můstek metro station. Tip: The vintage erotic films in the small cinema are quite fascinating.
4. Name: Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague Type: Experience Why go: Learn about Edward Kelley and the legends of the Faust House. Best for: Fans of ghost stories and magic. Where: Malá Strana. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Malostranské náměstí. Tip: Visit the "Kellyxír" bar downstairs for a potion-themed drink.
5. Name: KGB Museum Type: Museum Why go: A private collection of Soviet-era spy gear and weapons. Best for: Cold War history enthusiasts. Where: Near the US Embassy in Malá Strana. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the Charles Bridge. Tip: The owner often gives very enthusiastic and eccentric guided tours.
6. Name: Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments Type: Museum Why go: View a grim collection of devices used for punishment in the Middle Ages. Best for: Dark history fans. Where: Near Charles Bridge. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low to Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Staroměstská metro. Tip: This museum can be quite graphic for younger children.
7. Name: Nuclear Bunker Museum Type: Day Trip/Sight Why go: Descend into a massive Cold War shelter built for the elite. Best for: History lovers and urban explorers. Where: Žižkov district. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro line A to Flora. Tip: Wear a jacket as it is cold underground even in summer.
8. Name: Museum of Fantastic Illusions Type: Activity Why go: Interactive optical illusions that are perfect for photos. Best for: Families and social media fans. Where: Vodičkova street, near Wenceslas Square. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk from Můstek metro. Tip: This is one of the best things to do in Prague with kids.
9. Name: The Magical Cavern Type: Art Gallery Why go: A house turned into a fantasy cave filled with psychedelic art. Best for: Art lovers and dreamers. Where: Petřín Hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Low (includes a drink). Getting there: Take the Petřín funicular. Tip: It is a great stop after visiting the Petřín Lookout Tower.
10. Name: Kingdom of Railways Type: Experience Why go: One of the largest model railway layouts in Europe. Best for: Hobbyists and families. Where: Smíchov. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Metro line B to Anděl. Tip: Look for the tiny moving cars and day/night lighting cycles.

Planning Your Unusual Prague Itinerary

Most of these museums are centrally located. You can easily visit two or three in a single day. Start your morning in the Old Town for alchemy. Then, cross the bridge to Malá Strana for the KGB museum. This saves you time on public transport.

Prague is a very walkable city. However, some spots like the Nuclear Bunker require a short tram ride. Using the local PID Lítačka app helps with tickets. You can buy a 24-hour pass for easy travel. This is the most cost-effective way to get around.

Check the opening hours before you go. Some smaller museums close on Mondays. Others might have limited hours during the winter season. Most staff speak English, so communication is rarely an issue. Always carry some cash for smaller entrance fees.