Prague

Prague, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, stands as one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Known as the 'City of a Hundred Spires,' Prague captivates visitors with its fairy-tale architecture, Gothic churches, baroque palaces, and the iconic Prague spanning the Vltava River. The city's Prague, dominated by the Prague and Týn Church, creates an atmosphere that feels frozen in time, while the imposing Prague Castle complex overlooks the city from its hilltop perch. Beyond its architectural marvels, Prague offers a rich cultural scene with world-class museums, traditional beer halls, and a thriving arts community. The city easyly blends its medieval charm with modern amenities, offering visitors everything from classical concerts in historic venues to contemporary galleries and innovative restaurants. With its relatively affordable prices compared to other European capitals, excellent beer culture, and walkable city center, Prague provides an unforgettable experience that combines history, culture, and authentic Central European hospitality.

Top Prague

Prague Castle and Lesser Town

Visit the largest ancient castle complex in the world, featuring Prague, Old Royal Palace, and impressive gardens. The castle offers impressive views over the city and houses centuries of Czech history. Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Lesser Town below, filled with baroque architecture and cozy cafes.

Booking Tip: Book skip-the-line tickets online for €15-25 to avoid crowds, especially in summer. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer tourists. Audio guides cost extra €5 but provide valuable historical context.

Walk Across Charles Bridge and Old Town Square

Stroll across the iconic 14th-century Prague, lined with baroque statues and street artists, connecting Bratislava with Lesser Town. Continue to Prague to witness the famous Prague's hourly show and admire the Gothic Týn Church and baroque St. Nicholas Church.

Booking Tip: Free to walk, but consider a guided walking tour for €15-20 to learn the fascinating stories behind the statues and buildings. Visit at sunrise or sunset for magical lighting and fewer crowds.

Traditional Czech Beer Culture

Discover Prague's legendary beer scene in historic beer halls and modern craft breweries. Visit traditional establishments like U Fleků, a 500-year-old brewery, or explore the city's growing craft beer movement. Learn about Czech brewing traditions while sampling world-renowned Pilsner and other local varieties.

Booking Tip: Beer hall meals cost €8-15 per person including beer. Book brewery tours in advance for €20-30, which often include tastings. Many beer halls don't take reservations, so arrive early during peak times.

Take a Vltava River Cruise

See Prague's impressive skyline from the water on a relaxing river cruise along the Vltava. Pass under Prague, admire the castle from below, and enjoy unique perspectives of the city's spires and historic buildings. Evening cruises offer romantic views of the illuminated city.

Booking Tip: Basic cruises start at €12-15 for 1 hour, dinner cruises cost €40-60. Book online for discounts and guaranteed seats. Choose boats with open decks for better photo opportunities and fresh air.

Jewish Quarter and Synagogues

Explore the historic Jewish Quarter (Josefov) with its remarkable collection of synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum. This area tells the poignant story of Prague's Jewish community spanning over 1,000 years, including the tragic events of World War II.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets for all Jewish sites cost €15-20 and are valid for one week. Purchase online or at any participating site. Allow 3-4 hours to see everything properly, and consider an audio guide for deeper understanding.

Getting There

Prague is easily accessible by air through Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), located 17km from the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and some intercontinental destinations. The Airport Express bus connects to the city center in 35 minutes for €2, while taxis cost €20-25. Prague is also well-connected by train from other European cities, with the main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží) located in the city center. Bus services from companies like FlixBus offer budget-friendly connections to neighboring countries, arriving at the central bus station Florenc.

Getting Around

Prague's city center is highly walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The efficient public transportation system includes metro, trams, and buses, with day passes costing €5.50 and providing unlimited travel. The metro has three lines (A, B, C) connecting major areas, while trams are perfect for scenic routes through the historic center. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available, though walking or public transport is usually faster in the compact city center. Many areas are pedestrian-only, making walking the most enjoyable way to explore.

Where to Stay

Bratislava (Staré Město)

Lesser Town (Malá Strana)

Prague (Nové Město)

Vinohrady

Karlín

Smíchov

Food & Dining

Prague's dining scene beautifully combines traditional Czech cuisine with international flavors and modern culinary innovation. Traditional dishes like goulash, schnitzel, and roasted duck with sauerkraut can be enjoyed in historic beer halls and restaurants, typically costing €8-15 per meal. The city has embraced fine dining with several Michelin-recommended restaurants offering creative takes on Czech and international cuisine. For budget-friendly options, try traditional pubs (hospoda), street food markets like Manifesto Market, or the many bakeries selling fresh pastries and sandwiches. Don't miss trying trdelník (chimney cake), a popular sweet treat, though locals consider it more of a tourist novelty than authentic Czech cuisine.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Prague is during late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and the city looks impressive with seasonal colors. Summer (June-August) brings warm weather and long days but also peak tourist crowds and higher prices. Winter can be magical with Christmas markets and snow-covered architecture, though temperatures drop below freezing and daylight hours are short. Spring offers blooming gardens and mild weather, while fall provides beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures for walking. Avoid major holidays and weekends if possible, as the city can become quite crowded with both international tourists and domestic visitors.

Insider Tips

Many restaurants add a 'bread charge' to your bill automatically - you can refuse the bread to avoid this €1-2 fee

Prague's public restrooms often charge €0.50-1, so use facilities in restaurants, hotels, or major attractions when possible

The Prague show happens every hour but is quite brief - position yourself early for a good view and don't expect an elaborate performance