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Home » Europe » Prague

PRAGUE Itinerary • MUST READ Guide! (2024)

The ‘city of a hundred spires’, this is a magical place. Prague has a rich history that is both fascinating and awe-inspiring. 

During your visit to Prague, you’ll get the chance to explore colourful baroque style buildings, Gothic churches, and Medieval structures. And I’m here to help you experience the best Prague itinerary possible!

If you’re a lover of all things historical, it’s the perfect destination: you have great places to visit! Museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, and historical exhibits await you on your wonderful trip to Prague.

During your vacation, you can expect warm summers and cool winters, but there is no wrong time to visit this gorgeous city. With so many Prague points of interest, your vacation is sure to be filled with fun activities and epic adventures!

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Prague Itinerary

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Prague is a delightful place, packed to the brim with fascinating culture, tasty food, and a plethora of unique things to do. You can be sure that your visit to this enchanting city will leave you spellbound whether you’re backpacking around Eastern Europe or you’re having a casual weekend in Prague.

There’s a good reason why Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Europe, it’s jam-packed with imposing Gothic architecture and enchanting culture. You’ll never run out of things to do in Prague.

If you want to see all of the important landmarks, you could fit highlights into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress. So do yourself a favour and set more time aside.

So it’s important that you plan out your time properly, especially if you’re on a shorter trip. You’ll need 2 or 3 full days to explore the city.

I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there, and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot. Of course, you can add your own spots, swap things around, or even skip some places. Use this Prague itinerary as inspiration, not fixed plan!

3-Day Prague Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Old Town Square | The Astronomical Clock | Charles Bridge | The Jewish Ghetto | Prague Castle | Medieval Dinner
• Day 2: The Golden Lane | St Vitus Cathedral | KGB Museum | Seven Foot Sigmund Freud | Lennon Wall | Black Light Theater Show
• Day 3: Vysehrad Castle Tour | Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour | Prague River Sightseeing Cruise

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You’re going to need to know when to visit Prague , so you can make the most of the weather you prefer!

Summer (June- August) is Prague’s busiest season. The weather is warm and sunny, but the crowds come in hordes. This is generally when prices tend to shoot up, and accommodation, as well as attractions, can get pricey. Find out how affordable Prague is throughout the year.

During springtime (March-May), you can expect mild weather and a lack of crowds, which makes it a great time to travel to Prague!

Autumn (September-October) is also a great time to spend a weekend in Prague, although the weather is a little colder, it’s not too icy and you’ll avoid a good portion of the crowds. It’s still a good idea to book in advance because during this time a few of the holiday-makers linger around.

During winter (November-February), Prague can get very cold! If you’re able to brave the sometimes below freezing temperatures, there will be plenty of perks waiting for you! It’s a great European winter destination . Things come down in price as the mercury drops, accommodation becomes far more affordable, and you can completely avoid the crowds!

Here’s what you can expect month-to-month, so you can plan a trip to Prague!

What’s the Weather like in Prague?

We all know that the weather is going to make a difference. The best time to visit Europe will really depend on what kind of experience you want to make.

There are so many wonderful places to stay in Prague that it can become challenging to make a decision.

One of our favourite neighbourhoods in Prague is Old Town. It’s filled with enticing things to see and incredible medieval history to learn about! At its centre, you’ll find the historic Old Town Square, which draws over six million tourists every year.

This is the perfect place to stay if you’re a history-lover and like to be close to all the action. You may encounter crowds during peak season, however, during the quiet season, it’s a magical place!

New Town is a great neighbourhood and is far less tourist-focused. It’s filled with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops! The prices in New Town tend to be a lot easier on the pockets, making it a great place to stay if you’re on a budget or backpacking around the Czech Republic .

Now that you know some of the best areas to stay in Prague, it’s time to look at which hotels or hostels best suit your needs! There are so many things to do in Prague, you’re going to want to stay somewhere awesome!

Best Hostel in Prague  – Czech Inn

The Czech Inn is located in the perfect place, close to all the major tourist attractions, but outside of the busy areas. You can also take part in daily Prague walking tours that depart from the reception area!

The staff are friendly and there are a host of accommodation options to suit your travelling needs. If your heart is set on a hostel, there are plenty more hostels in Prague !

The Best Airbnb in Prague – Back to the Past

Start exploring in the heart of Prague while still on your budget. This is easily one of the best Airbnbs in Prague ! The location for solo and couple travellers is central and exciting.

This open-plan studio apartment is bright and airy while still being still charming. The cosy studio offers a well-designed space that includes a double king size bed and a sofa bed, so you can camp out in front of the TV or have a 3rd guest (best for a child). There’s also air conditioning for the warm summer months.

And if it’s summer, the owner may even offer to take you paddle boarding. On the nights you aren’t at the Dlouha, well known for its restaurants, bars, clubs, and nightlife, there’s a selection of books you can choose from to read while you are snuggling up in the loft bedroom overlooking the city.

Best Budget Hotel in Prague – Bed&Books

Hotel Inos offers spacious rooms located 10 minutes away from the Old Town by tram and right on the Vltava River. Each room features a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and a free wifi connection. Some rooms also have a balcony. In the morning, a buffet breakfast with traditional Czech items is served to guests.

Free wifi is offered in every room which makes staying connected to family and friends or digital nomading really easy while you’re on the road.

With a Prague City Pass , you can experience the best of Prague at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

When touring Prague, it’s important to know how you’re going to get around, so you can plan your trip in the most effective way possible.

Boarding a metro is by far the fastest way to get around Prague. There are three different lines that cover the city centre and the outskirts of the city.

If you’re travelling short distances within the city centre, taking a tram is generally the most effective way to get around.

If you like to get a bit of exercise during your travels, renting a bicycle is a great way to see a more authentic side of the city, and it’s a nippy way of getting from place to place! There are plenty of bicycle lanes that make cycling through Prague pain-free.

If you prefer to travel on foot, that’s also an effective way of navigating Prague and it’s by far the cheapest way to travel! Walking gives you a chance to get to know the delightful locals, who are always ready to lend a helping hand to travellers looking for directions.

Be careful about taking taxis around the city, they tend to be a lot more expensive than public transport and can escalate their prices during the busy season. They also have a knack for ripping off tourists, so be careful if you decide to travel this way.

Now that you know the most effective way to navigate the city, let’s look at what to do in Prague , and what you should be adding to your Prague trip itinerary!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

If you’re spending one day in Prague, you’re going to need to fill it with all the best things to do, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out! You’ll spend your day exploring the most significant historical sites in Prague and learning about the city’s rich history.

9am – Stroll Through the Old Town Square

Walk the cobbled streets of this area and be transported back in time! This area is swarming with tourists in the busy season but makes a very pleasant excursion at any other time of the year.

Take some time to admire the incredible architecture of the buildings that surround the square, or merely enjoy the street performers, musicians, and merchants that frequent the area. Despite the throngs of people, seeing these performances is an absolute treat!

You’ll find merchants selling all kinds of touristy trinkets, so be sure to take some cash along for the trip! If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, some of the best restaurants in Prague are around this area, so you really can’t go wrong! See our recommendation above if you’re looking for the perfect place to stop for a bite.

• Cost – Free!
• Getting there – It’s right in the centre of town, you can’t miss it!
• How long should you stay – 1.5 hrs

11:30am – Watch the Astronomical Clock

This absolutely beautiful mechanical clock is the pride of Prague! Built in the 15th century, it is thought to be the best-preserved medieval mechanical clock in the world!

It has been damaged and repaired over the years but remains fully intact. The show that takes place on the hour never fails to disappoint on-looking tourists.

The clock is located on the south side of Old Town Hall, making it easy to find and wonderful to watch. Be sure to be there as the clock strikes on the hour, so you don’t miss the spectacular sight!

• Getting there – It’s located in the Old Town Square, so you won’t have to relocate after your last activity (cutting down on transportation cost is a great plus while traveling abroad).
• How long should you stay – 30 mins

12:00am – Walk Across the Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge was commissioned to be built by King Charles IV in 1357 to replace an older bridge that had been damaged, as parts of it washed away in a flood.

The bridge only came to completion in 1390, and only in the 19th century did the bridge come to take his name.

Statues were added to the bridge in the 17th-century, most of them in baroque style. Although none of the originals are left, replicas have been made in place of the damaged statues. These statues are incredibly intricate and make for a very interesting sight!

The bridge connects Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town, two very important Prague landmarks! If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, this is a must-do activity on your Prague itinerary.

You’ll also find that this is one of the more unique places in Prague, so be sure to visit before your trip is over!

• Getting there – You can walk from the clock

1pm – Visit the Old Jewish Ghetto

During the 13th century, Jewish people living in Prague were forced to vacate their homes and live in an area between Old Town and the Vltava River. The houses were smaller and families were forced to live in apartment-style buildings.

The Jewish Ghetto, also known as the Jewish Quarter was where Jewish people in Prague were forced to stay right up until the 19th century when the town was remodelled.

Many of the buildings were destroyed, however, there are still a few to explore, and there are many synagogues still standing!

Be sure to check out this historically significant area on the first day of your Prague itinerary!

• Cost – Free to visit!
• Getting there – It’s a 5 min walk.
• How long should you stay – 2.5 hrs

4:00pm – Explore Prague Castle

They have three summer terraces and a winter garden, which all provide exquisite views. However, if you’d prefer to be seated inside, they have a beautiful inside dining area too! Enjoy incredible views of Charles Bridge while you dine on fine cuisine.

Prague Castle can be visited for free, but we recommend taking a guided tour, which enables you to learn a lot more while you’re exploring the castle.

It was built way back in the 9th century, holding many years’ worth of history in its walls. It is also the largest ancient castle in the world, taking up 70,000 square meters!

The Bohemian Crown Jewels are kept in a hidden room within the castle. Although you won’t get to see them, knowing they are there is enough to enthral you.

The Prague castle draws over 1.8 million tourists every year, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague.

The castle has always been the dwelling place of the ruler of the Czech Republic. This means that many kings have stayed there throughout the years! It is now the official office of the current president of the Czech Republic.

With so much history and grandeur, this is by far one of the best Prague activities you can take part in!

• Cost – USD $19 for a guided tour.
• Getting there – There are several tram stops nearby (Královský letohrádek, Pražský hrad, Poho?elec) and also two metro stations (Malostranská, Hrad?anská).
• How long should you stay – 2 hrs

7:00pm – Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks

This three-hour activity takes place in a tavern that will transport you back to medieval times.

Spend the evening right in the heart of Prague enjoying a five-course medieval dinner. You’ll be able to choose from six different menus, so there’s sure to be something for you!

Plus, you’ll get the chance to enjoy unlimited drinks, which always makes the evening a little better! These include wines, beer, and soft drinks.

You’ll be entertained by medieval-themed performances while you indulge in your meal. Performances range from swordsmen and jugglers to belly dancers- all accompanied by wonderful music!

This is a truly entertaining and unique way to spend the evening. Be sure not to miss out on this wonderful and spooky experience in the heart of Prague!

This evening is sure to satisfy your palate and leave you enthused and enthralled by the exciting entertainment. Be sure to book in advance to guarantee your spot at this incredible dinner table! You’ll need to order off the menu ahead of time, so the tavern can prepare the perfect meal just for you.

• Cost – USD $55
• Getting there – Kr?ma U Pavouka restaurant is right in the centre of the Old Town
• How long should you stay – 3-hour tour with unlimited drinks

If you’re spending two days in Prague, you’re going to need a few extra activities to add to your Prague itinerary. Make sure you have some comfy shoes on your packing list , you’re going to need them! You’ll spend the day exploring some of the more unique things to do in Prague. Here are a few of the best things to add.

9am – Walk Along Golden Lane

Golden Lane gets its name from the story that is told throughout Prague. It is said that alchemists used to stay in the houses along Golden Lane, and they were commissioned to find a chemical reaction that would turn ordinary objects into gold!

It’s debatable whether this is true or not, but one thing is not up for debate. If alchemists ever stayed there, they didn’t succeed in turning ordinary objects into gold.

The Czech writer, Franz Kafka, stayed in one of the houses along Golden Lane for around two years. He is said to have found it very peaceful, the perfect place to work on his writing!

Each house along the lane is a different colour, making it look like a scene out of a movie. This is a great place to come and take some touristy photos during your trip, and the perfect place to visit in Prague.

• Getting there – It’s close to Prague Castle.

11am – Visit St. Vitus Cathedral

The Cathedral is hundreds of years old and is one of the largest cathedrals in the country. It’s a Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. St Vitus Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture, and is widely thought of as the most important cathedral in the country!

The Cathedral contains the tombs of many Bohemian kings and Roman Emperors. If you’re an architecture fan or a lover of history, this is a must-visit during your time in Prague!

This could be considered one of the more unique things to do in Prague as not as many tourists visit the cathedral. Its many spires and turrets are picture perfect and look like they belong on a postcard!

• Cost – USD $8
• Getting there – St. Vitus Cathedral is located in the castle grounds, near to Golden Lane, which means travel costs are not an issue!
• How long should you stay – 1 hr

1pm – Investigate the KGB Museum

For the first time in history, the historic objects that belonged to the first persons of the Soviet state and the senior functionaries of the Soviet State security are all collected in one place!

Because it’s a private collection, you can only see the museum by a private tour which should be arranged prior to arrival.

The museum holds some very unusual pieces, like the death mask of Lenin, Trotsky’s murder weapon, and the radio from Beria’s cabinet. You can also find equipment from the KGB laboratories, as well as many other weird and wonderful things!

You can also take a look at the KGB photo collection, which depicts KGB soldiers on the streets of Prague!

The aim of the museum is not to depict violence, racism, and other forms of hate, but rather to remember a previous time in Prague history, through the eyes of the KGB.

• Cost – USD $21 for a guided tour
• Getting there – It’s a 10 min walk from the Castle
• How long should you stay – 1.5hrs

3pm – See the Hanging Sculpture of Sigmund Freud

Above a cobbled street in Stare Mesto, hangs a 7-foot statue of the famous psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. The artwork has been so popular that it’s been replicated in Chicago, London, and Berlin!

If you are unaware that the statue is there, it can easily be missed, so make sure you make the effort to find it during your time in Prague. Although a glance is all it takes to see the statue, the meaning it holds is a crucial one. “Lookup” is its message, and we think it’s quite powerful!

• Getting there – The statue can be found in the Stare Mesto area of Old Town, hanging from a pole on top of a building.
• How long should you stay – 15mins

3:30pm – See the Lennon Wall

The Lennon wall has been covered in Beatles-themed graffiti, Beatles lyrics, and quotations since the 1980s! It’s very popular amongst tourists as well as fans wanting to pay homage to the group.

The wall is located in a small secluded area, just across from the French Embassy. The wall started after the assassination of John Lennon when an artist daubed a single painting of the legend. Since then, others have added their own pieces to the wall to pay their respects to the famed musician!

The wall is continuously changing, in fact, the original painting of Lennon is long lost under layers and layers of paint!

At one point, authorities painted over the wall, but by the next morning, it was filled with art again. This goes to show just how much Beatles fans respect and love these musicians!

This activity is one of the most fun things to do in Prague, and is great for getting the perfect touristy photo!

• Getting there – It’s a 5 min walk from Charles Bridge on Velkop?evorské nám
• How long should you stay – 30mins

5pm – Black Light Theatre Show Experience

This incredible spectacle will grab your attention from the very beginning. The lights, the intricate artworks that make up the show and the exciting entertainment are all you need to have an incredible evening!

The performance is the tale of a man who is searching for his true self, and the only thing standing in his way is deep fear. He manages to defeat his fear with the help of magical beings.

If you’re a fan of performance art or love conceptualizing new ideas, this is the perfect show for you. The drama is gripping and the artistic sets are awe-inspiring!

Various different stories unfold on stage in front of your eyes, each a little more enthralling than the last. This is a great show to come to for both children and adults alike. It showcases the incredible talent that Prague has to offer and its culturally diverse performance capabilities!

You’re sure to love the beautiful music, the 4D effects, and the interesting insights the show provides into the human mind!

The theatre claims that the show is a story about each and every one of us! They’ve created a story that anyone can relate to, making it a very exciting experience.

If you’re wondering what to do with your evening in Prague, why not check out this enthralling, inspiring and artistic show!

• Cost – USD $27
• Getting there – 7 minute walk from the Astronomical Clock on Na P?íkop?
• How long should you stay – 65-minute show

The Czech Inn is located in the perfect place, close to all the major tourist attractions, but outside of the busy areas.

• 24 Hour Reception
• 24 Hour Security

If you’re spending three days backpacking through Prague or more, you’ll need to add a few more of our favourite activities to your  Prague itinerary.

9am – Vysehrad Castle E-scooter Tour

Before your three-hour E-scooter tour, you’ll get a brief introduction to the E-scooter by your knowledgeable guide. They’re fairly easy to use, so making your way around town on them shouldn’t prove to be any trouble!

Your tour will begin with a trip through town to the beautiful Vysehrad Castle. You’ll spend some time touring around the castle grounds and learning about its rich history! Your professional guide will give you great insight into what life was like for the nobles that stayed in the castle, before hopping back on your E-scooters for some more sightseeing!

After your tour of Vysehrad Castle, you’ll head to the Vltava River Bank, where you’ll see monuments and important historical sites. You’ll also be able to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Prague city!

Along the way, you can expect to see Wenceslas Square, Jungman’s Square, the church of Saint Lady Snow, Palace Adria, and the iconic statue of Franz Kafka’s head.

All these sights have a historical significance and along the way, you’ll become incredibly knowledgeable about the city of Prague and its great history. Be sure to take a good travel camera along for this tour as there’ll be plenty to photograph along the way!

If you’re a fan of history, architecture or simply want to learn a little more about the city you’re visiting, this is a great tour for you!

• Getting there – Take the tram to Bílá labut’
• How long should you stay – 3-hour E-scooter tour

1pm – Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour

On this Prague walking tour, you’ll uncover some of the best myths and legends in the area and be baffled by unsolved mysteries!

This alternative tour will allow you to see a completely different side of Prague than the one you see in the day. You’ll hear myths that have been lingering in the city throughout the ages and hear stories about its ever-changing cultural landscape!

Learn Prague’s hidden secrets and ghost stories that may or may not be true. If you love a spooky tale, this tour is sure to give you goosebumps!

It’s said that on this tour, you could come face to face with the famed Prague headless horseman or a phantom that’s roamed the streets of Prague for centuries!

You’ll stroll quietly through the darkened cobbled streets and learn the secret behind the skeleton of the Astronomical clock. You’ll hear tales of the elves that live in the Burgrave’s house and get up to mischief in the Prague castle complex.

Learn why a dishonest shopkeeper was drowned, and if you’re not too lucky, you’ll get a glimpse of the bloody headman’s sword!

If all these spooky activities sound right up your alley, this is the perfect tour to send shivers down your spine and keep you up at night!

• Cost – USD $18
• Getting there – Meet your guide by the statue of King Charles IV on K?ižovnické nám?stí 191/3
• How long should you stay – 1.5-hour tour

5pm – Prague River Sightseeing Cruise

What better way to see a city than from the waters of its famous river. On this hour-long cruise down the Vltava River, you’ll take in incredible views of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

From the boat, you’ll get the chance to see the Charles Bridge, the famous Prague Castle and many other interesting sights along the way.

Cruising down the Vltava River might be the most relaxing way to spend the afternoon! Sipping on tea and nibbling on delicious cake while you enjoy the wonderful views.

The boat is made for comfort! With air-conditioning and a shaded sundeck, you’ll feel like you’re living large while cruising down the river. Audio guide commentary is available in multiple different languages, making it easy for you to gain knowledge about this beautiful city along the way!

If you like to travel in style while enjoying beautiful sights and smells, this is the perfect tour for you!

Be sure to take your camera along for this trip, as you’ll want to immortalize every moment of it. A touristy photo of you travelling down the Vltava River with Prague Castle in the background is sure to make all your friends jealous!

• Cost – USD $17
• Getting there – Pier 3, Dvo?ákovo Náb?eží (embankment), under the ?ech?v Bridge and Hotel InterContinental
• How long should you stay – 1-hour cruise

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Generally, Prague is safe , and there aren’t many dangers to watch out for. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry! It’s always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled during your Prague trip.

Always be on the lookout for pickpockets when you’re in touristy areas. These places are hotspots for pickpockets, so it’s best to keep your personal belongings hidden.

There are certain buildings in the city where photography is not allowed. Check before you enter as there is usually a sign that indicates whether or not photography is allowed. If you’re taking photos in a church, be sure to turn your flash off so that you don’t disturb worshipers.

Be sure to validate your public transport ticket each time before you catch a ride. If you’re caught on public transport with an unvalidated ticket you will face a hefty fine.

Be aware of money exchange scams, or stick to ATMs. Some money exchange stations will take advantage of unsuspecting tourists with hidden charges, or simply shortchange you.

These are just a few things to be aware of during your time in Prague, but for the most part, it is very safe but it’s best to be cautious anyway.

Find out what people want to know when planning a Prague itinerary.

How many days do you need in Prague?

2-3 days is more than enough time to explore Prague’s highlights – thanks to the city’s efficient public transport network. It’s not a big place.

What should you include on a 3 day Prague itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these Prague highlights: – Visit the Old Town Square – Walk over Charles Bridge – Stroll down Golden Lane – See the Lennon Wall

What are the coolest things to see in Prague?

Prague’s most unique attractions include the Astronomical Clock, the KGB Museum, the Hanging Sculpture of Freud, and the Old Jewish Ghetto.

Is Prague worth visiting?

Yes! Prague is one of the coolest destinations in Europe and 100% worth a visit. Here, you’ll find some of the most exquisite architecture in the Czech Republic.

Now that you know what to add to your 3-day itinerary in Prague, be sure to book all our activities and day trips in advance! You don’t want to risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime!

With so many wonderful things to offer, Prague really does have it all! Incredible architecture, wonderful natural beauty, historical sites, and sunsets that will take your breath away.

Whether you’re a history fanatic or just a lover of beautiful things, Prague will blow you away! This Prague itinerary will make sure that you’ve added all the very best places to visit in Prague to your to-do list.

There’s nothing better than a getaway to one of the most picturesque cities in the world! So what are you waiting for? Get booking a vacation to your dream destination and have an incredible holiday in Prague!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Agness and Cez

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Pocket Rough Guide Prague

This compact, practical and entertaining travel guide to Prague will help you discover the best of the destination. Our slim, trim treasure trove of trustworthy travel information is ideal for travellers on short trips. It covers all the key sights such as the Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars, plus inspired ideas for day-trips, with honest independent recommendations from expert authors. This Prague guide book has been fully updated post-COVID-19 and it comes with a free ebook.

The Pocket Rough Guide Prague covers: Prague Castle, Hradčany, Malá Strana, Staré Město, Josefov, Wenceslas Square and northern Nové Město, Národní třída and southern Nové Město, Vyšehrad, Vinohrady, Žižkov and Holešovice.

Inside this guide book to Prague you will find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to Prague, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in Vyšehrad to family activities in child-friendly places, like Prague Castle, or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Malá Strana.

INCISIVE AREA-BY-AREA OVERVIEWS

Covering  Hradčany, Wenceslas Square, Staré Město, and more, the practical Places section of this Prague travel guide provides all you need to know about must-see sights and the best places to eat, drink, sleep and shop.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

The routes suggested by Rough Guides’ expert writers cover top attractions like Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, as well as hidden gems like Petřín and Obecní dům.

Venture further afield to Vyšehrad or Žižkov. This travel guide to Prague tells you why to go, how to get there, and what to see when you arrive.

HONEST INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our expert writers will help you make the most of your trip to Prague.

COMPACT FORMAT

Packed with pertinent practical information, this Prague guide book is a convenient companion when you’re out and about exploring Golden Lane, St Vitus Cathedral and Old Town Square.

HANDY PULL-OUT MAP

With every major sight and listing highlighted, the pull-out map of our Prague travel guide makes on-the-ground navigation easy.

ATTRACTIVE USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN

Features fresh magazine-style layout, inspirational colour photography and colour-coded maps throughout.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS

Includes invaluable background information on how to get to Prague, getting around, health guidance, tourist information, festivals and events, plus an A–Z directory and a handy language section and glossary.

FREE EBOOK 

Free eBook download with every purchase of this guide book to Prague to access all the content from your phone or tablet for on-the-road exploration.

Description

Book details.

This title is a part of Pocket Rough Guides

Pictorial, compact travel guides series to countries, cities and regions with a pull-out map and factual travel tips perfect for short trips and travellers seeking concise travel information and practical listings.

Concise practical travel information includes getting there, getting around, climate and safety tips, accommodation, food & drink advice and shopping essentials 

Things Not to Miss at the beginning of each guide

Colour-coded places chapters with key coverage of places and sights in points-of-interest structure

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Best of Prague: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Top Things to Do

Welcome to Prague, the golden city ! Anyone who has taken a stroll at dawn over Charles Bridge (possibly the most famous sight in Prague) can guess why Prague has been given this name.

Prague’s old town is an absolute masterpiece . Baroque palaces, gothic churches, picturesque alleyways and, of course, not to forget the great location of the city at the foot of the Vltava River – all of this makes Prague so special.

Although: This beauty has its price. Prague is an unbelievably touristy travel destination . (Just as a small warning in advance.) But that shouldn’t in any way stop you from taking a city trip to Prague.

We have put together a detailed Prague travel guide with all our tips for the best sights , so that you can perfectly plan and prepare for your holiday. Of course, as always, we have also included a few great culinary recommendations and our hotel tip in this travel guide.

1. Prague FAQs: Overview of Initial Travel Tips

2. our hotel tip for prague, 3. prague travel guide: the best things to do and see, 4. prague from above: the most beautiful viewpoints, 5. eating & drinking in prague: our culinary tips, 6. don’ts in prague: just no, 7. practical travel tips for getting there & transport while there, 8. map: overview of all sights & travel tips.

Interesting facts & useful info about Prague

• Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and has 1.3 million inhabitants. However, the centre is quite compact and almost all the sights can be reached on foot.
• The historic centre of Prague has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.
• Prague’s city landscape is characterised by Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles. You can also find some Art Nouveau buildings. For us personally, Prague reminds us a lot of Vienna – perhaps that is why we like Prague so much.
• Prague is really very (!) touristy . You will notice it at the latest when you make your way over Charles Bridge. Of course, we reveal our tips for avoiding the crowds throughout the course of this travel guide.

Prague bucket list: What can I experience in Prague?

Before we introduce Prague’s main sights later in this travel guide, we would like to give you a short overview of what awaits you in Prague. Here is our small but mighty bucket list for your trip:

• Wake up early to marvel at the sunrise from Charles Bridge.
• Peer down into the depths from the town hall tower.
• Observe the astronomical clock on the hour.
• Walk up to Prague Castle and enjoy the view from there.
• Drink a freshly poured tap beer. (Be aware of the excessive prices in tourist areas – beer in the Czech Republic is very cheap.)
• Enjoy Czech sweet treats in the city’s cafés.

How many days should I plan for Prague?

If you stay two nights (and have a few hours on the arrival and departure days), then you can discover the main attractions in Prague without a problem. The city is comparatively compact, so you can easily visit the main highlights in about 48 hours.

Although: You won’t have much time for relaxing strolls. So, if you like to take it a little easier, then we would recommend staying three to four nights .

When is the best time to travel to Prague?

Of course, it is nicest to discover a city like Prague in the warm seasons. We can especially recommend spring and Autumn .

Because Prague is really unbelievably touristy, we would also recommend avoiding the summer holidays, public holidays and weekends . It is the busiest at these times – and believe us, that is not enjoyable.

We ourselves were in Prague during the middle of the week in March and it was the best decision. Generally, we would definitely recommend taking a trip in the low season for Prague.

Before we get to Prague’s main attractions and reveal the best things to do, we would like to let you in on our hotel tip. Because the perfect city visit goes hand in hand with the perfect accommodation – and we’ve found just that.

The BoHo Hotel Prague is a stylish boutique hotel directly in Prague’s old town. We can warmly recommend this feel-good hotel.

The rooms are a surprisingly generous size and incredibly comfortably furnished. From the coffee machine to the bath robes, nothing is missing here. The bed is an absolute highlight – you will have an incredible sleep here.

Breakfast (which is served until 11am) is the next highlight. The opportunity of a hotel of this size in the city really surprised us. There is really almost no wish left unfulfilled here.

The location couldn’t get any better: Prague’s old town is practically right at your doorstep. You can walk to the Old Town Square in less than ten minutes. Parking is also very convenient thanks to the hotel’s own parking service.

The wellness area is the cherry on top, especially the hot tub, which we would have a nice relaxing time in each day after sightseeing in the city. Our conclusion about the hotel: Highly recommendable! We will definitely be back.

You can book the hotel here: BoHo Hotel Prague

Charles Bridge

Unwritten rule: You aren’t allowed to leave Prague without having taken a stroll over Charles Bridge (“Karlův most”). The historicstone bridge crosses over the Vltava River and connects Prague’s old town with the city districts of Malá Strana and Hradčany (where the Prague Castle is enthroned).

Charles Bridge (together with the castle) is the main attraction in Prague and the city’s landmark. So it’s no wonder that there is a frenzy like no other during the day here. You don’t see a lot of the bridge in the afternoon during the main season, instead you are practically pushed through. Oof.

Important note: Pickpockets have it easy in crowds. Please keep extra good care of your valuables around here. 

Our tip: If you would like to experience the magic of Charles Bridge, we definitely recommend you pull yourself out of bed and come before sunrise. At dawn, when the first sunbeams bathe the city in a golden light, the backdrop has an entirely different feel. Absolutely recommend!

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is boldly enthroned on an approximate 70-metre-high hill over the Vltava River . Taking a walk around the Hradčany district is an absolute must on any trip to Prague.

Don’t worry: The ascent is not as difficult as you think. For example, you can opt to take the path via the old castle stairs (“Staré zámecké schody”). There you will also be rewarded with a beautiful view back towards the city.

Once you reach the top, the largest enclosed castle grounds in the world awaits you. Prague Castle has several attractions . 

• St. Vitus Cathedral: This Gothic masterpiece is the main church in Prague and the largest in the Czech Republic. The view from the St. Vitus Cathedral clock tower is a highlight.
• Golden Lane: Franz Kafka once lived in this picturesque alley (house number 22). The appearance of the Golden Lane with its low houses, which originates in the 16th century, is rather special.
• Old Royal Palace: If you are interested in history, a visit to the Old Royal Palace may be of interest to you. The Old Royal Palace was the scene of the Prague defenestration. The heart of the palace is the 60-metre-long Vladislav Hall.
• St. George’s Basilica: This Basilica originates in the 10 th century and is therefore one of the oldest parts of the Prague Castle.

To enter into the Prague Castle grounds, you need to pass through a security check . Some areas (e.g. the entrance way to the St. Vitus Cathedral or some courtyards) are free to visit, but you will need a ticket for many of the sights (including the Golden Lane).

More info about opening times and prices: Prague Castle (official website)

Old Town Square: Old Town Hall & the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Now we move to the other side of the Vltava River, in Prague’s old town . The main square far and wide is the Old Town Square. When you walk through Prague’s curvy alleyways, you will eventually end up here at some point.

The Old Town Square is a true work of art : Each row of houses is more beautiful than the last. Several of Prague’s main attractions are also nestled in the Old Town Square, including, above all, the Old Town Hall and the striking Church of Our Lady before Týn.

Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock

One of the main attractions in Prague is the Old Town Hall, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance . You will always (especially on the hour) find a crowd of people in front of its south wall. You will find the world famous astronomical clock there.

The clock originates in the 15 th century and has always been developed or restored throughout the centuries. Every hour on the hour (between 9am and 10pm) a kind of glockenspiel chimes here. Then figures of the twelve apostles appear, then a rooster crows. Our conclusion: The clock itself is the bigger spectacle in our eyes.

Our tip: Definitely do not miss the view from the town hall’s tower. We reveal more info about this viewpoint for you further down in this travel guide.

Jewish District: Jewish cemetery & Synagogues

In the northern part of Prague’s old town, around a five-minute walk away from the Old Town Square, you will come to the Jewish district. There are several sights to explore here within close proximity.

• Old Jewish Cemetery: Probably the highlight of the Jewish district. Around 12,000 gravestones are crowded next to each other here. You can take a tour around the area.
• Spanish Synagogue: In our eyes, the most impressive synagogue in the Jewish district. It was erected in Moorish style and the interior took us quite by surprise.
• Old New Synagogue: Europe’s oldest synagogue and one of the earliest Gothic buildings in Prague.
• Maisel Synagogue: A rather plain synagogue from within, which houses an exhibition about Jewish history in Bohemia.
• Pinkas Synagogue: Here you can find a memorial for the victims of the holocaust.
• Klausen Synagogue: A rather simple synagogue in Baroque style.

There are combo tickets available for the Jewish district, which include different sights (depending on whether you would also like to visit the Old New Synagogue).

Our tip: We recommend you concentrate on the old Jewish cemetery and two synagogues, otherwise you will have quite the information and experience overload. If you allow around two hours , you can discover quite a lot because the sights are all located just a stone’s throw away from one another.

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is more relevant from a political standpoint than a tourist standpoint. The square has been the scene of many historical events , such as when the student Jan Palach set himself on fire as a sign of protest against the suppression of the Prague Spring.

Wenceslas Square is more of a wide boulevard than a square. It’s no wonder – after all, Wenceslas Square is 750 metres long. It is lined with turn of the century buildings.

Unfortunately, the flair is a little clouded by the traffic and the countless international brand stores (and the numerous architectural mistakes which come along with it).

Further things to do in Prague if you have more time

Even though you will have already discovered a lot of highlights from the sights listed above, that is of course not nearly all of them. Therefore, we would like to briefly familiarise you with a few more sights that are also worthwhile.

Klementinum Library: WOW! Klementium, the Baroque library of the former Jesuit colleges is simply, without a doubt, the most impressive library that we have ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, there are two downsides: One is that you can only view it while on a tour, the other is that you are not allowed to enter the library, only take a look inside from the side. Such a shame.

Franz Kafka Statue: The sculptures by the Czech artist David Černý can be found all over Prague, including the futuristic-looking head of Franz Kafka next to the Quadrio shopping mall.

John Lennon Wall: This wall of street art pays homage to John Lennon. We personally found it a little overrated, but you could certainly stop by here if you are in the area.

Dancing House: One of the most well-known modern architectural buildings in Prague is the Dancing House, which was built in 1996 on the banks of the Vltava River. Not really a must-see of Prague, in our opinion, but if you come by, then it is worth a short photo stop at this really unusual sight.

Wallenstein Garden: This Baroque garden is located below Prague Castle. Perfect for a short break from sightseeing.

Tower of the Old Town Hall

The most iconic view of Prague from a birds-eye-view can be enjoyed from the tower of the Old Town Hall. The way up is quite intriguing: You don’t go up a classic staircase (other than at the beginning and end). Instead, you take a spiral staircase up.

Once you reach the top, a view out in all directions awaits you. We personally found the view over to the Old Town Square to be especially beautiful. The Church of Our Lady before Týn is also very impressive from this perspective.

Our tip: We came before sunset and found this to be fantastic timing in terms of lighting. However, we fear the crowds are particularly large during the high season at this time.

A visit to the historic rooms of the town hall is also included in the ticket price. We only took a short walk through. The real highlight in our eyes is the view over Prague.

Entrance: 250 CZK per person

Old Town Bridge Tower

Probably the best view of Charles Bridge you can get is from the Old Town Bridge Tower. This Gothic gate tower (city gate and tower in one) is located right at the entrance to the bridge and is hard to miss.

Once you conquer the 138 steps , you can look forward to a grand 360-degree view. The viewing platform at the top is very narrow and crooked, so you actually need to hunch over a little the whole time. The view – especially towards Charles Bridge – is fabulous.

We decided to visit shortly before sunset . Because we were there in the shoulder season, it was surprisingly not very busy. Otherwise, you need to be prepared for a few visitors.

Entrance: 150 CZK per person

Letna Park is a free viewpoint , which is also very popular with many locals. It is located on a hill north of Prague’s Old Town and is a beloved day trip destination for jogging or walks.

You have a beautiful view over Prague from Letna Park, including the bridges. (Too bad Charles Bridge isn’t the most prominent, but okay – you can’t have everything.)

You can walk to the park from Charles Bridge in around 20 minutes. You will get a good view from the historic Hanavský pavilion (a café is also located here) or about 100 metres east of the viewpoint.

Klementinum Lookout Tower

A beautiful central view over Prague can be enjoyed from the lookout tower of the Klementinum, a former Jesuit college. Astronomical measurements were once carried out in the tower – that is why it is also known as the Astronomical Tower.

Small downside: The Klementinum (and also the lookout tower) can only be entered while on a tour . Therefore, the time up the tower is limited (around 10 minutes). The rest of the time you will learn a lot about the (astronomical) history of the Klementinum and can get a peek inside the (very spectacular) Baroque library. 

Even though the view is fantastic, we found the price was a bit high for the (rather mediocre) tour. But if you have enough time, then you could definitely stop by here.

Entrance: 300 CZK per person

There are numerous points around the grounds of the Prague Castle where you can always enjoy a wonderful view down towards the city. We will briefly introduce the most well-known to you.

• East of the castle, at the end of the old town stairs (“Staré zámecké schody”). This is where we took our photo.
• West of the castle, at the end of the castle stairs (“Zámecké schody”) next to Starbucks. Not so impressive, but still worth seeing.  
• Last but not least, from the 99-metre-high tower of St. Vitus Cathedral. You can reach this viewing platform after climbing up 287 steps.

Prague Specialties

The Bohemian kitchen is one thing above all: Meat-heavy. And hearty. But we can reassure you: There are now also unbelievably great, modern-inspired restaurants of the highest quality. In any case, we had excellent (vegetarian) food in Prague. 

The Czech sweet treats are an absolute highlight, which are of course very reminiscent of the Austrian classics, including curd dumplings, pancakes, buchtel or golatschen (Danish pastry stuffed with e.g. curd cheese).

Available on almost every corner, but definitely not a Czech specialty, is Trdelník . This pastry is originally from Slovakia. But it still tastes delicious.

In terms of drinks, Czech beer is of course the number one specialty. No wonder, the Czech Republic is always the beer world champion – nowhere else do they drink as much beer as here. Although, you need to be careful in the tourist areas. They often like to hike up the prices there.

Our tips for cafés & restaurants in Prague

Café Café: One of our favourite cafés in Prague’s Old Town. Here you are seated in a very nice setting and there are the most delicious cakes and slices. Very recommendable.

Ema Espresso Bar: This hip coffee bar, which is extremely popular with young people, has amazing coffee. Perfect for a short coffee break.

The Eatery: By far (!) our favourite culinary discover in Prague. We hadn’t eaten as well as we did in this stylish, industrial style restaurant in a long time. The menu is small but great and includes something for all tastes (meat, fish, vegetarian). The restaurant has been awarded by Michelin for its fantastic value for money. We can only agree. The food was poetry. Very highly recommend!

Bistro Monk: This hip bistro is located right by the Old Town Square, which is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. The prices are rather high for what is on offer, but we really enjoyed our meal here. On the menu they have avocado toast, salad or sandwiches/burgers.

Maitrea: The most well-known vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Prague is located right in the centre. They have meals from around the world on the menu. A little spirit was lacking for us personally, but the restaurant is still recommendable.

• Don’t ever shop in the countless candy stores in the historic old town. The quality is bad, and the prices are terrible – an absolute rip off. If you want to buy Czech sweets, then you can stock up on them in any supermarket.
• Always keep a close eye on your valuables – otherwise the pickpockets will have an easy time. Unfortunately, Prague doesn’t have the best reputation in this regard. That especially goes for the well-frequented tourist spots such as Charles Bridge or in the metro.
• You should never ever exchange your money on the street . Unfortunately, that is a well-known scam in Prague. They will try to sell you notes worth next to nothing. If you need to exchange your money, then definitely do it in the bank. However, you can quite comfortably withdraw money from ATMs or simply pay by card.
• Watch out for the excessive prices around the Town Square. You will lose your money here faster than you would like.

Getting there: How do I get to Prague?

Arriving by car.

Prague is just a few hours’ drive away from many Austrian and German cities – it’s around 4 hours from Berlin , Munich and Vienna . Given this, arriving by car is naturally a good idea.

The disadvantage: A car is pretty useless once you get there and needs to be parked somewhere. The parking fees in the centre of Prague are not to be underestimated. If you want to keep your car in a parking garage (which we would recommend), you need to allow around 25 to 35 euros per day.

Important tip: You need a vignette to use the motorway in the Czech Republic, which is now only available as a digital e-vignette . You can buy it before the border. (Watch out for the excessive prices and dubious stalls.)

Arriving by train

The Prague train station is located quite close to Prague’s old town. (For example, it was about a 10-minute walk to our hotel, the BoHo Hotel Prague .) In this respect, arriving by train is an option worth considering.

Arriving by plane

Arriving by plane is a little unusual, but possible. Prague’s airport is located about 45 minutes outside of the inner city on public transport. You can use Google Maps to easily find fastest connection. We like to search for cheap flights using Skyscanner .

Transport while there: Getting from A to B in Prague

Almost all of the sight sin Prague are located very close together, so you can reach them on foot . For example, we covered (almost) all of the routes on foot.

For the further distances, there is a well-developed public transport system (subway, trams & buses). You will find ticket info and a route planner on the official website, the Prague Public Transit Company .

Unfortunately, taking a taxi in Prague is not the best call at the moment. Clueless tourists are often charged exorbitant prices. We ourselves had good experiences getting Ubers in Prague.

For better orientation, you will find an overview of all the main sights and best things to do and see in Prague marked on this map. What’s the optimal way to use the map? Our tip: Simply click on the top right corner to open the map in the Google Maps App on your smartphone. That way you can easily navigate your way from A to B in Prague.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something via the links, we will receive a small commission. This will not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us! 

Have you already been to Prague? Which sights and things to do and see impressed you the most? Do you have some additional tips that you would like to share? We look forward to you tips below this travel guide.

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Prague & Czech Republic Best Travel Books and Travel Guides

• Post author: Avoid Crowds
• Post published: December 7, 2020
• Post category: General
• Post comments: 0 Comments

If you’re planning a trip to Prague , it’s important to properly prepare and make the most of your visit. With so many options and the potential for crowds, it can be overwhelming to navigate this beautiful city. That’s where travel guides and books come in handy. In this post, we’ve hand-picked a selection of the best travel guides and books to help you plan your trip to Prague. From finding the quiet, off-the-beaten-path spots to navigating the hustle and bustle of the city, these resources will be invaluable as you prepare for your visit.

Please note that this post includes affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps us keep our site running. We only recommend products and services that we personally use and believe in, so you can trust that these recommendations are genuine. As always, we appreciate your support.

Updated: March 12, 2024. This post contains affiliate links.

Loneley Planet Pocket Prague

“Lonely Planet Pocket Prague 7” by Mark Baker and Marc Di Duca is a highly recommended travel guide for anyone planning a quick trip to Prague. This pocket-sized powerhouse is brimming with the city’s best experiences, guiding you through Prague’s neighborhoods with ease and efficiency. Whether it’s sipping coffee in the historic Old Town Square, admiring the majestic Prague Castle from the Charles Bridge, or exploring the solemn beauty of the Old Jewish Cemetery, this guide ensures you experience the essence of Prague. It features full-color maps, vibrant travel photography, and itineraries that cater to a variety of interests and needs.

The guide offers insider tips to help you navigate the city like a local, avoiding crowds and saving both time and money. Essential information, including operation hours, contact details, and transit tips, is readily available, along with honest reviews for all budgets covering dining, sightseeing, nightlife, and shopping. A convenient pull-out map enhances your ability to explore on the go, complemented by over 13 detailed neighborhood maps. Whether you’re drawn to the historical ambiance of Hradčany, the charm of Malá Strana, or the vibrant streets of Nové Město, “Lonely Planet Pocket Prague” is your key to discovering the best of Prague in a short period.

Perfect for:

• 🌍 Travelers seeking a concise, yet comprehensive guide for a brief visit to Prague.
• 🚶‍♂️Explorers who appreciate having a wealth of local knowledge in their pocket, enabling spontaneous and informed decisions.
• 🛍️Visitors interested in a blend of historical sights and modern Czech life, including the best places for eating, shopping, and leisure.

This guide not only equips you with everything you need for an unforgettable Prague adventure but also fits comfortably in your pocket, ensuring you’re always one step ahead on your journey.

Lonely Planet Prague & the Czech Republic

“Lonely Planet Pocket Prague 7” is the ultimate compact travel guide for those aiming to explore the best of Prague within a limited timeframe. Authored by Mark Baker and Marc Di Duca, this guide encapsulates the essence of Prague, offering an insightful exploration of the city, neighborhood by neighborhood. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee in the Old Town Square, marveling at the view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge, or wandering through the old Jewish Cemetery, this guide ensures you won’t miss out on any of Prague’s top experiences. It’s packed with full-color maps, travel photography, tailored itineraries, and insider tips to help you navigate the city like a local, avoid the crowds, and save both time and money. The guide provides honest reviews across all budgets for dining, sightseeing, going out, and shopping, including the hidden gems that other guidebooks might overlook. With its user-friendly layout, convenient pull-out map, and detailed neighborhood maps, “Lonely Planet Pocket Prague” is an indispensable travel companion for those looking to experience the heart of Prague efficiently and enjoyably.

Who should buy this book and why:

• 🕰️ Short-term visitors: Perfect for travelers who have just a few days to explore Prague and want to make the most of their visit.
• 🧳 Minimalist travelers: With its pocket-sized format, this guide is ideal for those who prefer to travel light without missing out on essential information.
• 🚶‍♂️ Explorers: For those who love discovering new neighborhoods and hidden corners beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.

Prague Walks (On Foot Guides)

“Prague Walks” by Frank Kuznik is a brilliantly crafted guide designed for those eager to explore Prague by foot. This illustrated guide stands out with its full-color, aerial-view maps and vibrant photographs, offering a unique perspective on navigating the city’s streets. The thoughtfully planned routes bridge the gaps between neighborhoods, parks, and key sights, enabling travelers to immerse themselves in Prague’s beauty at a comfortable pace. Kuznik’s engaging and informative text not only provides essential background information on must-visit areas but also enriches the journey with personal insights, practical advice, and recommendations for dining, drinking, and shopping. Whether you’re a first-time visitor aiming to soak in the city’s historic charm or a returning traveler seeking to uncover more of Prague’s hidden gems, “Prague Walks” offers an intimate and enriching way to experience one of Europe’s most enchanting cities on foot.

• 🚶‍♂️ Walking enthusiasts: Perfect for those who prefer to explore cities at a walking pace, offering detailed routes and insights.
• 📸 Photography lovers: With its full-color photographs and unique aerial-view maps, this guide is ideal for capturing Prague’s picturesque landscapes.
• 🍽️ Culinary adventurers: The guide includes recommendations on where to eat and drink, making it great for those looking to taste their way through the city.

Rick Steves Prague & The Czech Republic

Rick Steves Prague & the Czech Republic” is a travel guide that encapsulates the essence of Czech charm and beauty, tailored for those looking to immerse themselves in the country’s rich history, culture, and natural landscapes. Authored by Rick Steves and Honza Vihan, this guide offers comprehensive coverage for travelers planning an extended visit to Prague and beyond. It is filled with strategic advice on maximizing both time and money, showcasing top sights alongside hidden gems such as cozy neighborhood bars, stunning Old Town Square, and the majestic Prague Castle.

The guide encourages connecting with local culture through unique experiences like enjoying a wine-cellar serenade, exploring medieval Bohemian villages, or relaxing in freshwater peat spas. Steves’ candid insights help travelers beat the crowds and experience the best local dining, accommodations, and places to unwind with a pint of Pilsner. With self-guided walking tours, detailed maps (including a fold-out map for on-the-go exploration), and resources like a packing list and Czech phrasebook, this guide ensures a well-rounded and enriching travel experience.

• 🏰 History and culture aficionados: Dive deep into the Czech Republic’s rich tapestry of history and culture with expert recommendations.
• 🍺 Beer enthusiasts: Discover the best local spots to enjoy a pint of the Czech Republic’s world-renowned Pilsner.
• 🚶‍♂️ Independent travelers: With self-guided walking tours and detailed maps, it’s perfect for those who love exploring at their own pace.

Fodor's Prague

“Fodor’s Prague: with the Best of the Czech Republic” travel guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to explore the historic city of Prague and the scenic beauty of the Czech Republic. This guide has been crafted by local experts, ensuring that you have the most accurate and insightful information at your fingertips. From marveling at the grandeur of Prague Castle to taking a leisurely walk across the iconic Charles Bridge or enjoying the world-renowned Czech beer, this book covers it all. The guide is packed with maps, beautifully curated recommendations, and stunning color photos to inspire your travels. It features an illustrated guide to the ultimate experiences, multiple itineraries to optimize your visit, and detailed maps to navigate the city confidently. Local insights on dining, accommodations, nightlife, and shopping, along with special features on the best breweries, castles, and spa experiences, provide a comprehensive look at what the Czech Republic has to offer. Additionally, practical travel tips, historical and cultural insights, and a Czech language primer equip travelers with all the necessary tools for a memorable journey. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to delve deeper into the Czech Republic’s charms, this guide is your key to discovering the best of this enchanting country.

• 🏰 History and architecture enthusiasts: Discover the Czech Republic’s rich history through its castles, mansions, and historic cities.
• 🍺 Beer lovers: Dive into the beer capital of the world with guides to the best breweries and beer experiences.
• 🌍 Travelers seeking authentic experiences: Get local recommendations and find the under-the-radar gems that only locals know about.

Prague in Black and Gold: The History of a City

“Prague in Black and Gold: The History of a City” by Peter Demetz offers readers an immersive dive into the rich tapestry of Prague’s history. Spanning from the dramatic Velvet Revolution back to the haunting narratives of Franz Kafka, and through the turmoil of the Thirty Years War to the refined musical compositions of Mozart and Dvorak, this book encapsulates the essence of Prague. Demetz intricately weaves the city’s architectural beauty, cultural depth, and historical complexities into a narrative that brings to life the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Through a detailed examination of Prague’s symbolic sites and landmarks, readers are invited to peel back the layers of history, uncovering the soul of a city that has stood as a witness to centuries of European history. This exceptional work, praised for its reliability and depth, serves not only as a history book but also as a guide to understanding the significant people and pivotal events that have shaped the Czech lands and their capital. For anyone looking to grasp the spirit of Prague and its place in the broader context of European history, “Prague in Black and Gold” offers an essential and captivating journey.

• 📚 History enthusiasts: For those captivated by European history and the intricate past of one of its most fascinating cities.
• 🖋 Literature and music lovers: Readers interested in the cultural contributions of Prague through figures like Kafka, Mozart, and Dvorak will find this book enriching.
• 🏰 Travelers and scholars: Individuals planning to visit Prague, or scholars studying the city’s history, will gain valuable insights from this comprehensive guide.

DK Eyewitness Prague

“DK Eyewitness Top 10 Prague” serves as an essential pocket guide for anyone looking to explore the enchanting city of Prague, known for its picturesque architecture, scenic river views, and a vibrant blend of museums, galleries, and bars. This guide simplifies your travel planning with easy-to-navigate lists of the top 10 attractions, ensuring you experience the best of what Prague has to offer. The guide is designed to be light and portable, making it an ideal companion as you wander through the City of a Thousand Spires. It features up-to-date information with insider tips for safe travel, comprehensive lists of must-see sights, the best areas for sightseeing, dining, and shopping, as well as themed lists to suit every interest. Whether you’re in Prague for a day, a weekend, or a week, this guide offers structured itineraries to help you make the most of your visit. Additionally, it comes equipped with a durable laminated pull-out map and several full-color area maps, providing valuable navigation tools as you explore this historic city.

• 🏰 History and culture enthusiasts: For those captivated by Prague’s rich history and cultural tapestry, this guide offers a deep dive into the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
• 🍴 Foodies and nightlife seekers: With recommendations for the best dining and quirky bars, this guide is perfect for explorers looking to taste the city’s culinary delights and experience its vibrant nightlife.
• 🎨 Art and museum lovers: Offering curated lists of eccentric museums and cool art galleries, this guide appeals to art aficionados and anyone interested in Prague’s artistic offerings.

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Prague is the equal of Paris in terms of beauty. Its history goes back a millennium. And the beer? The best in Europe.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

St Vitus Cathedral

Built over a time span of almost 600 years, St Vitus is one of the most richly endowed cathedrals in central Europe. It is pivotal to the religious and…

Charles Bridge

Malá Strana

Strolling across Charles Bridge is everybody’s favourite Prague activity. However, by 9am it’s a 500m-long fairground, with an army of tourists squeezing…

Prague Castle

Prague’s most popular attraction. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers and palaces dominate the city centre like a…

Prague Jewish Museum

Staré Město

This museum consists of six Jewish monuments clustered together in Josefov: the Maisel Synagogue; the Pinkas Synagogue; the Spanish Synagogue; the Klaus…

Strahov Library

Strahov Library is the largest monastic library in the country, with two magnificent baroque halls dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. You can peek…

Municipal House

Prague’s most exuberantly art-nouveau building is a labour of love, with every detail of its design and decoration carefully considered, and every…

National Monument

While this monument's massive functionalist structure has all the elegance of a nuclear power station, the interior is a spectacular extravaganza of…

Wenceslas Square

More a broad boulevard than a typical European city square, Wenceslas Square has witnessed a great deal of Czech history – a giant Mass was held here…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 quintessential prague experiences.

Kavárna Slavia

The Slavia is the most famous of Prague’s old cafes, a cherrywood-and-onyx shrine to art-deco elegance, with polished limestone-topped tables and big…

Náplavka Farmers Market

Stretching along the embankment from Trojická to Výtoň, this weekly market makes the most of its riverside setting with live music and outdoor tables…

Grand Cafe Orient

There's food here, but most come to Prague’s only cubist cafe to sip a brew as an excuse to admire the unique styling, which includes everything from…

Astronomical Clock

Every hour, on the hour, crowds gather beneath the Old Town Hall Tower to watch the Astronomical Clock in action. Despite a slightly underwhelming…

Museum of Czech Cubism

Though dating from 1912, Josef Gočár’s House of the Black Madonna (Dům U černé Matky Boží) – Prague’s first and finest example of cubist architecture –…

Riegrovy sady

Vinohrady’s largest and prettiest park was designed as a classic English garden in the 19th century, and it’s still a good place to put down a blanket and…

Take a classic Czech beer hall (albeit with cool retro-modern styling), excellent tankové pivo (tanked Pilsner Urquell), a daily-changing menu of…

Divoká Šárka

The valley of the Šárecký potok (Šárka Creek), in the far western end of the city, is one of Prague’s best-known and most popular nature parks. People…

Café Imperial

First opened in 1914, and given a complete facelift in 2007, the Imperial is a tour de force of art-nouveau tiling – the walls and ceiling are covered in…

Vyšehrad Citadel

The Vyšehrad Citadel refers to the complex of buildings and structures atop Vyšehrad Hill that have played an important role in Czech history for over…

Golden Lane

This picturesque alley runs along the northern wall of the castle. Its tiny, colourful cottages were built in the 16th century for the sharpshooters of…

Letná Gardens

Lovely Letná Gardens occupies a bluff over the Vltava River, north of the Old Town, and has postcard-perfect views out over the city, river, and bridges…

12 of the best free things to do in Prague: Czech out our budget favorites

Petřín Funicular Railway

First opened in 1891, Prague’s funicular railway now uses modern coaches that trundle back and forth on 510m of track, saving visitors a climb up Petřín…

Vyšehrad Cemetery

Vyšehrad Cemetery is a major attraction for many visitors, being the final resting place for dozens of Czech luminaries, including Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich…

Church of Sts Peter & Paul

There's been a church on this site for around 1000 years, though the distinctive twin steeples, a feature of the Vyšehrad skyline, were added only in 1903…

Powder Gate

Construction of the 65m-tall Powder Gate began in 1475 on the site of one of Staré Město’s 13 original city gates. It remained unfinished until the great…

Franz Kafka Museum

This much-hyped and slightly overpriced exhibition on the life and work of Prague’s most famous literary son, entitled ‘City of K’, explores the intimate…

Prague’s tallest landmark – and depending on your tastes, either its ugliest or its most futuristic feature – is the 216m-tall TV Tower, erected between…

K (David Černý Sculpture)

Located in the courtyard of the upmarket Quadrio shopping centre above Národní třída metro station, David Černý's giant rotating bust of Franz Kafka is…

Stromovka Park

Just west of Výstaviště, Stromovka is central Prague’s largest park. In the Middle Ages it was a royal hunting preserve, which is why it’s sometimes…

This 318m-high hill is one of Prague’s largest green spaces. It’s great for quiet, tree-shaded walks and fine views over the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’…

Museum of the Infant Jesus of Prague

The rather plain-looking Church of Our Lady Victorious (kostel Panny Marie Vítězné), built in 1613, has on its central altar a 47cm-tall waxwork figure of…

Kůň (David Černý Sculpture)

David Černý's wryly amusing counterpart to the equestrian statue of St Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square hangs in the middle of the Lucerna Palace shopping…

The most tranquil part of Prague city centre, Kampa is an ‘island’ bounded by the Vltava and Čertovka (the Devil’s Stream). It was once farmland (the name…

Nový Svět Quarter

In the 16th century, houses were built for castle staff in an enclave of curving cobblestone streets down the slope north of the Loreta. Today these…

Church of Our Lady Before Týn

Its distinctive twin Gothic spires make the Týn Church an unmistakable Old Town landmark. Like something out of a 15th-century – and probably slightly…

Wallenstein Garden

This huge, free, baroque garden is an oasis of peace amid the bustle of Malá Strana's streets. Created for Duke Albrecht of Wallenstein in the 17th…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

These top tips on health, safety and etiquette can help you plan for your trip to the Czech capital.

Best Neighborhoods

Get to know Prague through its characterful districts with this guide to the city's neighborhoods.

After you've checked off the major sights in Prague, head out of town to escape the city crowds.

Money and Costs

Experience Prague on a budget with these top money-saving tips.

Transportation

Prague's excellent public transportation system can take you to all the key neighborhoods in this historic city. Here's how to get around.

Free Things to Do

Prague isn't the low-cost destination it once was, but there are still some amazing things to do for free. Here's our pick of the best.

Traveling with Kids

From fairytale castles to parks along the Vltava River, Prague has a host of family-friendly activities to enjoy.

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Historical, whimsical, hedonistic and cynical, Prague bewilders its visitors and charms them. Since the Iron Curtain fell in 1989, tourism and investment has poured in, turning the previously ramshackle Communist capital into a buzzing Western metropolis.

Brief history

Basilica of st george, best time to visit, charles bridge, dox centre for contemporary art, drinking and nightlife, entertainment, franz kafka, golden lane, hradčanské náměstí, mucha museum, museum of communism, museum of decorative arts, old royal palace, places to visit, prague castle, the royal gardens, staroměstské náměstí, st vitus’ cathedral, things to do, #01 staromestske namesti (old town square), #03 mala strana’s palace gardens, #04 josefov, #05 obecni dum, #07 veletrzni palac (trade fair palace), #08 sv mikulas, #10 prazsky hrad (prague castle), #11 pasaze shopping, #12 karluv most (charles bridge), #13 vysehrad, #14 karlstejn castle, #15 nightlife, #16 cafe society, #17 views from the astronomicka vez, #19 river cruises, veletržní palác: the museum of modern art, wenceslas square.

Flowing from the east towards Germany, the Vltava divides Prague in the centre. Hradčany and Malá Strana, once home to the Austro-Hungarian elite, sit primly on the left bank, faced by the noisier commercial quarters, Staré Město, Josefov and Nové Město. Hradčany, which houses the castle and St Vitus’ Cathedral , tumbles into Malá Strana (Little Quarter), a maze of cobbles, carved doorhandles and stickleback roofs. Over the river is Staré Město (Old Town), a delicate web of alleys and passages running towards Staroměstské náměstí , the old market square. Within Staré Město is the old Jewish quarter, Josefov , which now encloses a luxury shopping district. Nové Město (New Town), the most central part of the modern city, spans the largest area of old Prague, with blocks stretching south and east of the old town in long strides.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Czech Republic, created by local experts

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Capitals of Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and more

This trip is ideal for all city & culture lovers: the Reichstag in Berlin, the castle in Prague, historical Cesky Krumlov, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the fortress above Salzburg and Schloss Neuschwanstein near Munich - these are just some of the highlights of this incredible roundup trip.

11 days  / from 4173 USD

Castles across Austria and Czechia

Austria and Czechia are home to some of the world's most beautiful architecture and culture gems, such as Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna, Prague castle, the fortress above Salzburg and many more. Finish your tour with a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein before flying out of Munich.

8 days  / from 2087 USD

Fairytale Czech Republic and Hungary

Visit 3 countries at once: Czechia with the beautiful cities of Prague, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora. Afterwards, visit Bratislava in Slovakia before continuing to Budapest. Hungary's capital is full of interesting activities and wonder.

Prince Bořivoj, an early Christian, founded the first Czech dynasty in 870, and his grandson, Prince Václav (the Good King Wenceslas of the song), became the Czech patron saint before being offed by his younger brother Boleslav I. Prague experienced a golden age under the urbane emperor, Charles IV, a polylingual patron of the arts whose court was the heart of fourteenth-century Europe. Charles founded the university and as well as an entire new quarter, Nové Město, built the Charles Bridge and St Vitus’ Cathedral. A long period of Austro-Hungarian rule gave Prague its Teutonic facades and high-minded coffeehouses, while the National Revival reasserted the Slavic identity of the city and the onion dome rose again. The short-lived First Republic, modelled on American democracy, crashed when Nazi troops marched into Czechoslovakia, and President Beneš’s decision to accept German “protection” was a dark moment in the nation‘s history, but saved the city from decimation. In 1948 Communism arrived in a wave of stained concrete, bringing a few architectural pearls along with the swine. The period since ’89 has seen rapid construction, but with a few exceptions, such as Jean Nouvel’s Golden Angel mall and the playful Dancing House, it’s been conservative and timid. Not so the restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs, which have re-awoken Prague’s slumbering decadence.

Prague has hundreds of hotels and hostels, and prices are similar to any other European capital. The central hotels are located in Staré Město, Nové Město and Malá strana, or you can go further out to pay less. Vinohrady is picturesque, with great wine bars and restaurants, Žižkov is down at heel but lively at night, Vyšehrad is pretty and sedate. There are plenty of travel agencies, but it’s cheaper to book direct. You can find apartments and rooms on w www.prague-city-apartments.cz , w www.happyhouserentals.com and w www.city-info.cz . The Charles University offers student rooms over the summer; contact the booking office at Voršilská 1, Nové Město (Mon–Fri only; t 224 930 010; beds July to mid-Sept; from 350Kč).

The Basilica of St George (Bazilika sv Jiří), with its beautiful Romanesque interior, was originally built in 1173. Concerts are often held here. The nearby Convent of Saint George houses a collection of sixteenth- to eighteenth-century Czech art.

Lying at the heart of central Europe, Prague has a continental climate: winters can be bitterly cold, summers correspondingly baking. The best time to visit Prague, in terms of weather, is either late spring and early autumn.

Summer in the city can be stifling, but the real reason for avoiding the peak season is that it can get uncomfortably crowded in the centre – finding a place to eat in the evening, let alone securing a room, can become a trial.

If you’re looking for good weather, April is the earliest you can guarantee at least some sunny days, and October is the last warm month.

The city looks beautiful under winter’s snowy blanket, though it does get very cold, and it can also fall prey to “inversions”, which smother the city in a hazy grey smog for a week or sometimes more.

Linking Malá Strana to Staré Město is Prague’s most celebrated landmark, the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), built in 1357. At the centre is Czech patron saint John of Nepomuk, thrown off the bridge by Wenceslas IV for refusing to divulge the queen’s confessions. It’s best seen at dawn, or late at night, when the crowds are gone.

Dox showcases modern painting, sculpture, architecture, design and photography. Though still a newcomer, it’s hosted the likes of Andy Warhol and Damian Hirst, as well as Czechs like sculptor David Černý and émigré architect Jan Kaplický.

Prague is renowned for its pubs and bars though things can get hectic at weekends as stag dos descend on the city. Pub crawls are a good way to cover a lot of ground – the best is Prague Underground ( w www.pragueunderground.com ), which meets at the Astronomical Clock at 9pm Mon–Sat, or try market leader Prague Pub Crawl ( w www.pubcrawl.cz ). Pubs close between 11pm and 2am, so for late-night drinking head to the city centre’s bars and clubs. All-night bars with gambling ( herna ) are dotted around Prague, but are grubby and unsafe.

There was a time when Prague food was limited to meat and dumplings, but now you can find anything from French to Korean to Mexican. Restaurants are affordable, especially at lunchtime (11.30am–1.30pm) when pubs and bistros run cheap daily offers. Prices soar in the tourist district but quality lags behind. Prague has a thriving café culture, and watching the city slip by from an old-fashioned coffeehouse, with a slice of strudel or honey cake and a book, is one of the city’s great pleasures.

You can find full entertainment listings on the Prague Events Calendar ( w www.pragueeventscalendar.cz), Prague Experience ( w www.pragueexperience.cz ), or in the Day&Night section of the rather overpriced English-language paper the Prague Post (sold in the kiosks on Wenceslas Square). Small classical concerts are held in churches in the tourist district every night – you’ll be pelted with fliers as you walk through town, or you can find listings online.

Franz Kafka was born in 1883 to middle-class Czech Jewish parents who ran a haberdashery in Old Town. His ambivalent relationship with Prague is reflected in his trademark tone of anxious claustrophobia – “A cage went in search of a bird”, he once jotted in a notebook. You can see the building where he slaved away as a clerk at na poříčí 7 , and his homes on Golden Lane (no. 22) and Old Town Square (Oppelt building). Kafka went to fortnightly meetings at Café Louvre and also frequented Café Savoy in Malá Strana, where he first met the actor Isaac Lowy, who re-awakened his interest in Jewish culture. At the Kafka Museum at Cihelna 2b you can see first editions and manuscripts, personal letters, diaries and drawings – a peephole into one of the most intriguing minds of the twentieth century.

Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička), round the corner from the basilica, is a street of toy-sized tradesmens’ cottages, as bright and compact as a watercolour box. Franz Kafka briefly lived at no. 22, his sister’s house, during World War I.

Aristocratic palaces lie across Hradčanské náměstí like a pod of beached whales. A passage down the side of the Archbishop’s Palace leads to Šternberg Palace , home to a European art collection that contains pieces by Rubens, Cranch and El Greco. At Jiřská 3 is Lobkowicz Palace , full of aristocratic bric-a-brac. A passage at Pohořelec 8 leads to Strahov Monastery (Strahovský klášter) with its exquisite Baroque library, which displays peculiar and sublime artifacts from illuminated manuscripts to dried whale penises.

Northwest of Old Town Square is Josefov , a mixture of narrow cobbled streets – the remains of the old Jewish ghetto, and wide Art Nouveau boulevards – the legacy of 1890s slum clearance.

The Old Jewish Cemetery is a poignant reminder of the ghetto, its inhabitants overcrowded even in death. To the south is the Pinkas Synagogue , inscribed with the names of 80,000 Czechoslovak Jews killed by the Nazis. The Old–New Synagogue , Europe’s oldest synagogue, is the heart of Prague’s Jewish community. Opposite is the Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice), with its distinctive anticlockwise clock. East of Pařížská is the gorgeous neo-Byzantine Spanish Synagogue (Španělská synagoga), which hosts classical concerts.

The Mucha Museum , at Panská 7, is dedicated to the Czech Art Nouveau designer and painter Alfons Mucha.

Situated, with delicious irony, above McDonalds , the Museum of Communism at Na Přikopě 10 draws a detailed picture of life behind the Iron Curtain in all its grim monotony, from propaganda and labour camps to shopping and TV.

The Museum of Decorative Arts , a neo-Renaissance palace opposite the Rudolfinum, shows a splendid collection of glass, clothes, pottery, clocks, dresses and other ephemera of daily life spanning a thousand years.

Squatting ponderously on one edge of náměstí Republiky is Obecní dům (the Municipal House), a delightful example of Czech Art Nouveau containing a concert hall, restaurant, café and frescoes by Mucha. You can get in by taking the overpriced guided tour , or drink tea in the gilded café for rather less.

The Old Royal Palace (Starý královský palác), across the courtyard from the south door of the cathedral, was home to Bohemian royalty from the eleventh to the seventeenth centuries. The massive Vladislav Hall (Vladislavský sál) where the early Bohemian kings were elected, is now used for swearing Czech presidents into office.

Head south down Karmelitská and you will see Petřín hill rising above, a bucolic spot ideal for a picnic. Above the funicular railway is Eiffel Tower lookalike Petřín Tower , which you can climb or ascend by lift.

With a population of just one and a quarter million, Prague (Praha to the Czechs) is relatively small as capital cities go. It originally developed as four separate self-governing towns and a Jewish ghetto, whose individual identities and medieval street plans have been preserved, to a greater or lesser extent, to this day.

Almost everything of any historical interest and many of the best places to visit in Prague lie within these compact central districts, the majority of which are easy to explore quickly on foot. Only in the last hundred years has Prague spread beyond its ancient perimeter, and its suburbs now stretch across the hills for miles on every side.

Prague is divided into two unequal halves by the River Vltava. The steeply inclined left bank is dominated by the castle district of Hradčany, which contains the city’s most obvious sight: Pražský Hrad or Prague Castle (known simply as the Hrad in Czech), home to the city’s cathedral, and the old royal palace and gardens, as well as a host of museums and galleries.

Squeezed between the castle hill and the river are the picturesque Baroque palaces and houses of Malá Strana – a neighbourhood of twisting cobbled lanes and secret walled gardens – home to the Czech parliament and some of the city’s embassies, and dominated by the green dome and tower of the church of Sv Mikuláš .

At the southern end of Malá Strana, a funicular railway carries you away from the cramped streets to the top of Petřín hill , the city’s most central leafy escape, with a wonderful view across the river and historical centre.

The city’s labyrinth of twisting streets is at its most bamboozling in the original medieval hub of the city, Staré Město – literally, the “Old Town” – on the right bank of the Vltava. Karlův most, or Charles Bridge , its main link with the opposite bank, is easily the most popular historical monument, and the best place from which to view Prague Castle. Staré Město’s other great showpiece is its main square, Staroměstské naměstí (Old Town Square), where you can view Prague’s famous astronomical clock and its lively hourly show.

Enclosed within the boundaries of Staré Město is the former Jewish quarter, or Josefov . The ghetto walls have long since gone and the whole area was remodelled at the turn of the twentieth century, but various synagogues, a medieval cemetery and a town hall survive as powerful reminders of a community that has existed here for more than a millennium.

South and east of the Old Town is the large sprawling district of Nové Město, whose main arteries make up the city’s commercial and business centre. The heart of Nové Město is Václavské naměstí (Wenceslas Square) , focus of the political upheavals of the modern-day republic.

Further afield lie various suburbs, most of which were developed only in the last hundred years or so. One exception is Vyšehrad, which was among the original fortress settlements of the newly arrived Slavs more than a thousand years ago and is now the final resting-place of leading Czech artists of the modern age, including composers Smetana and Dvořák.

To the east is the eminently desirable residential suburb of Vinohrady, peppered with gentrified parks and squares, and neighbouring Žižkov, whose two landmarks – the Žižkov monument and the futuristic TV tower – are visible from far and wide.

Nineteenth-century suburbs also sprang up to the north of the city centre in Holešovice, now home to Prague’s main modern art museum, Veletržní palác . The area boasts two huge swathes of greenery: the Letná plain, overlooking the city, and the Stromovka park, beyond which lie the chateau of Troja and the zoo. Further west, leafy interwar suburbs like Dejvice and Střešovice, dotted with modernist family villas, give an entirely different angle on Prague.

Prague’s outer suburbs, where most of the population lives, are more typical of the old Eastern Bloc, dominated by bleak high-rise housing estates known locally as paneláky . However, once you’re clear of the city limits, the traditional, provincial feel of Bohemia (Čechy) makes itself felt.

Many locals own a chata , or country cottage, somewhere in these rural backwaters, and every weekend the roads are jammed with folk heading for the hills. Few places are more than an hour from the city by public transport, however, making day-trips relatively easy.

The most popular places to visit are the castles of Karlštejn and Konopiště, both surrounded by beautiful wooded countryside. Alternatively you can head north, away from the hills and the crowds, to the wine town of Mělník, perched high above the confluence of the Vltava and Labe (Elbe) rivers.

Further north is Terezín, the wartime Jewish ghetto that is a living testament to the Holocaust. One of the most popular day-trips is to the medieval silver-mining town of Kutná Hora, 60km to the east, which boasts a glorious Gothic cathedral and a macabre ossuary.

Once the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, Prague Castle is home to the Czech president and crown jewels. Wandering is free, but to enter the buildings you need to buy a ticket at the Castle Information Centre, opposite the cathedral entrance.

North of the castle walls, you can cross the Powder Bridge (Prašný most) to reach the Royal Gardens (Královská zahrada), and enjoy the view over Little Quarter surrounded by fountains, sloping lawns and almond trees.

Staroměstské Náměstí (Old Town Square) has been the city’s main marketplace since the eleventh century. On the west side is the medieval astronomical clock (Pražský orloj), which gives a mechanical show featuring saints, deadly sins and Jesus every hour 9am–9pm. Opposite are the dour Gothic steeples of Týn Church ; if you look closely one steeple is slightly bigger – they represent Adam and Eve. In the centre of the square is the Jan Hus Monument , built in 1915 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformer’s execution.

Medieval St Vitus’ Cathedral , which broods over the Prague skyline, is scarcely visible close up; the Third Courtyard surrounds it too tightly. The Chapel of sv Václav , by the south door, was built in the fourteenth century to commemorate the Czech prince Saint Wenceslas (Václav), murdered by his brother Boleslav I. A door in the south wall leads to the coronation chamber, which houses the crown jewels .

Malostranské náměstí , the main square in Malá Strana, forms a ring around the flamboyant church sv Mikuláš , a triumph of Baroque whimsy.

Prague’s busy showpiece square, dominated by the Old Town Hall, and best known for its astronomical clock.

Take the funicular up the wooded hill of Petrin, home to a mirror maze, an observatory and a miniature Eiffel Tower, as well as spectacular views across Prague.

Hidden behind the palaces of Mala Strana, these terraced gardens are the perfect inner-city escape.

Six synagogues, a town hall and a medieval cemetery survive from the city’s fascinating former Jewish ghetto.

The largest and most impressive Art Nouveau building in Prague houses a cafe, a bar, two restaurants, exhibition spaces and a concert hall.

© Pyty/Shutterstock

With the best beer in the world on tap, Prague’s pubs are unmissable.

The city’s main modern art gallery is housed in a functionalist masterpiece.

Experience the theatre of the high Baroque in this Mala Strana landmark.

photoshooter2015/Shutterstock

Stylish applied art museum highlighting the country’s cultural heyday.

© Anamaria Mejia/Shutterstock

The city’s most spectacular landmark, home to the cathedral, royal palace and a host of museums and galleries.

© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Enjoy window-shopping in the covered malls, or Pasaze, on and around Wenceslas Square.

Wenceslas Square © Intrepix/Shutterstock

Prague’s exquisite Medieval stone bridge, lined with Baroque statuary.

© DaLiu/Shutterstock

Leafy, riverside fortress boasting an important cemetery and cubist architecture.

© matejknezevic/Shutterstock

Fabulous treasure trove built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

© Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

From DJs to Dvorak, Prague boasts a surprisingly varied nightlife.

Sip your coffee in one of the city’s grandiose cafes, and be swept back to the turn of the twentieth century.

© Matthew Dixon/Shutterstock

The central tower here provides the best viewing gallery in the Stare Mesto.

No visit to the city is complete without a ride on one of its cute, efficient red-and-cream trams.

Relax and watch the city’s main sights float by aboard a lazy paddle steamer on the slow-flowing River Vltava.

Take tram #12 from outside Malostranska to Veletržní palác , a stately piece of 1920s functionalism housing works by Klimt, Picasso and the French Impressionists.

The greasy axle of modern Prague is Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), a mass of shabby gift shops and strip clubs. It was here that protesters gathered to topple Communism in the Velvet Revolution. At the top end is a statue of St Wenceslas on his horse. Below is a small memorial to 21-year-old student Jan Palach , who burnt himself to death in protest against the Russian invasion of ’68, becoming a symbol of Czech resistance.

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Your Unforgettable Prague City Break Starts Here

Are you planning to spend a couple of days in Prague and looking for little help with planning? Congratulations! You are in the right place. Here you will find answers to the most common questions: main attractions and useful tips, top things to do and places to visit in Prague, dishes to taste and beer to drink, information on how to use public transport and how to avoid scams.

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Prague Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Over the last decade, Prague has become one of the most visited destinations in Europe . When I first visited in 2006, it was popular but still “off the beaten path.” Today, it’s a huge tourist destination and, now, a big spot for people to move to thanks to its growing digital nomad scene.

Despite the crowds, I can’t help but fall in love with Prague every time I visit — the city, the parks, the history, the cheap beer, and the wonderful people. It’s all wonderful! Just try to visit outside the peak summer months or you’ll risk wall-to-wall tourists clogging the ancient city’s arteries.

This travel guide to Prague will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this beautiful and historic city.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Prague

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Prague

1. Visit Prague Castle

Built around 870 CE by Prince Borivoj, Prague Castle dominates the city skyline. Once the seat of Czech Kings, here you can explore the castle gardens and much of the grounds for free. The St. Vitus Cathedral is the most famous building here and is home to the tombs of saints and rulers in Czech history. Today, the castle remains the official residence of the Czech President. During your visit, you can view the Czech crown jewels along with precious historic artifacts from the Bohemian kings who once ruled the region. Tickets are 250 CZK while in-depth guided tours (including admission) are 846 CZK.

2. Stroll through the Old Town Square

This square is home to historic churches, the astronomical clock, cafes, tourist shops, and the occasional football (soccer) game. The area was once a bustling marketplace and an important crossroads on European trade routes. You can enjoy centuries worth of architecture, such as the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn or the Baroque St. Nicholas Church. An astronomical clock is perched on the Old Town Hall. Originally installed in 1410, it is the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world. Despite being the biggest tourist area of Prague, Old Town square has virtually remained untouched since the 10th century and remains the historical center of Prague.

3. Cross the Charles Bridge

Originally constructed in 1357 by King Charles IV, this is one of the oldest standing bridges in the world. For hundreds of years, until the 1840s, the bridge that connects the Castle District to Old Town was the only way to cross the Vltava River. Along the bridge, you’ll find street artists, musicians, dancers, and other entertainers. Take in the incredible statues that line the bridge, including the bronze statue of John Nepomuk. Locals believe that touching the statue brings good luck. There’s almost always a sea of people here so if you want to beat the crowds get there early in the morning or late at night.

4. See the John Lennon Wall

Since John Lennon’s death in 1980, his face (and lyrics and political graffiti) has been painted on the plain wall opposite the French Embassy. Created by the Czech youth, the wall represented freedom of speech and non-violent resistance in what was then communist Czechoslovakia. Although it was painted over a number of times, the art was always re-posted and so they have “let it be.” It’s now the only place in the city where graffiti is legal, and you can often catch street performers singing Beatles songs nearby. The wall serves as both a memorial for John Lennon as well as an iconic symbol of love and peace.

5. Peruse the National Museum

This museum was founded in 1818 and houses over 2,000 exhibits and 14 million items relating to natural history, art, music, and librarianship. Located in Wenceslas Square, the main building, a 19th-century Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, reopened in 2019 after an 8-year reconstruction. Tickets are 260 CZK for the main museum. In addition to the main building, there are exhibitions scattered amongst over a dozen other buildings in Prague, each with its own admission (50–170 CZK per person).

Other Things to See and Do in Prague

1. see the astronomical clock.

Built in the 15th century, this intricate clock in the main square is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Every hour, on the hour, people gather in front of the clock to watch the Procession of the Twelve Apostles. It’s a bit anticlimactic and I wouldn’t go out of the way to see it but since you’ll probably pass through the square often you might as well check it out since it’s free.

2. Relax at a Beer Garden

Spend an afternoon at a beer garden — any beer garden! Drink cheap local beer, meet some locals, and have an awesome time soaking in the city. I like Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden. Stop by for food, meet some locals, then sit on the nearby hill for a spectacular view of Prague during sunset. If you’d rather do a guided craft beer tasting, visit the Czech Beer Museum for a tasting. It’s just 415 CZK.

3. Visit the Josefov (the Jewish Quarter)

Located in the Old Town, this small area dates back to the 10th century. It was the birthplace of Franz Kafka and is home to some of the city’s less-visited attractions such as the Old Jewish Cemetery and the synagogue. Today, 6 synagogues and a historical Jewish cemetery remain and are worth checking out. You can purchase a ticket that will give you access to all the synagogues for 200 CZK.

4. Ride a boat on the Vltava River

The Vltava River is the main river that runs through Prague. There are several activities that you can do on the river such as riding a paddle boat, taking a river cruise, or going on a nightly booze cruise. Prices vary, but a two-hour cruise costs around 465 CZK. It’s touristy but a nice way to have fun and see the city from a new perspective. Paddle boats rentals cost around 300 CZK per hour.

5. Shop in Wenceslas Square

This is the main shopping area and the center of business and cultural communities. Many bars, hotels, stores, offices, shops, and delicious fast-food vendors are located here. Over the years, the square has been the setting for many protests and demonstrations, which means all kinds of historical events have taken place here (specifically during the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which helped transform the country from a one-party system to a parliamentary republic).

6. Climb Petrin Hill

This 327-meter hill lies along the Vltava River and is one of the greenest places in Prague. There are always people here chilling with their friends, drinking beers, or having a picnic. This is where you can visit Prague’s iconic Petrin Tower (which looks like a mini Eiffel Tower). Also, the Church of St. Michael, a 17th-century wooden building (relocated to Prague from a village in Ukraine), is located on this hill.

7. Visit Kutna Hora

Located a few miles outside of Prague is “the bone church,” a Roman Catholic chapel home to over 40,000 bones. There are strings of skulls and bones hanging from the ceiling, a skull candelabra, and a display case showing skulls with wounds inflicted by various medieval weapons. Admission is 200 CZK. Children enter free…though I don’t know if this is really a place for kids! You can read about my visit here .

8. See Powder Tower

Be sure to check out this Gothic medieval tower, one of the original 13 city gates. Construction began in 1475 and, during the 17th century, the tower was used to store gunpowder. It was heavily damaged in 1757 during the Seven Years’ War (a conflict involving most of Europe’s powers) and most of the sculptures on it were replaced in 1876. Inside, you’ll find a small museum with information about the tower as well as a spiral staircase offering spectacular views over the city. Admission is 150 CZK.

9. Explore Vyšehrad Castle

While Prague Castle gets all the love, Vyšehrad, located in the southern part of the city, was also one of the original castles of the kings of Prague. It was built around the 10th century and contains Prague’s oldest surviving building, the Rotunda of St Martin. It offers picturesque views of the city from the hill. General admission to the castle is free, but you need to pay if you want to visit some of the rooms inside the castle: The Old Burgrave’s Residence is 60 CZK, Vysehrad Gallery is 20 CZK, The Brick Gate and Casemate is 60 CZK, and The Gothic Celler is 50 CZK. Guided tours cost 850 CZK.

10. Take the underground tour

Located 5 stories under Prague, this museum is full of Cold War paraphernalia. The bunker was designed to house civilians during a nuclear attack, after which they would then flee into the countryside. You’ll learn about life behind the Iron Curtain and get to explore the bunker yourself. Tours with Prague Underground Tours last about two hours and cost 750 CZK.

11. Enjoy a classical show

Prague is famous for its classical performances. Whether you’re interested in ballet, opera, or classical music you’ll be able to find something to your liking in Prague. Prices vary but expect to pay anywhere from 100-1,000 CZK per performance. Check out venues like the Karlin Music Theatre, the National Theatre, and the Black Light Theatre Srnec.

12. Visit the Franz Kafka Museum

If you’re a fan of Kafka, this is an obvious place to stop. And if you’re not familiar with his work, a visit is a must. Born in Prague in 1883, he is regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20th century. The museum displays the first editions of some of his most famous short stories (such as The Metamorphosis ), photos, diary entries, and drawings. The museum also includes audiovisual pieces as well as a soundtrack composed especially for the exhibit. Admission is 240 CZK.

13. Take an Alternative Prague Tour

This fun tour is one of the best guided tours in the city. It’s organized by artists and musicians who take you to Prague’s non-touristy neighborhoods. You’ll discover famous local contemporary art, hidden street art and graffiti, cool markets, crypto houses, and beer gardens. Tours start at 650 CZK.

Prague Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms start at 350 CZK per night for a 6-8-bed dorm. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels have kitchens. A couple of hostels in the city also include free breakfast. For a private room, expect to pay at least 1,400 CZK per night.

Camping is available outside the city with basic plots without electricity costing around 130 CZK per night. Expect to pay double that for a plot with electricity. Wild camping is illegal so you’ll need to stick to official campgrounds.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels start at 930 CZK per night for a basic double room. Expect standard amenities like TV, AC, and a tea/coffee maker. Many budget hotels also include free breakfast. Prices are higher in the summer (and availability is slim) so be sure to book early if you’re visiting then.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option available around the city with private rooms starting at 550 CZK per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,000 CZK per night.

Food – Czech cuisine is hearty and heavily influenced by neighboring Poland and Germany. Expect a lot of soups/stews, sauerkraut, potatoes, breaded meats, and dumplings. One of the most famous dishes is goulash, a pork stew flavored mainly with paprika and served with knedliky (bread dumplings). Be sure to try buchty , a sweet bun, if you’ve got a sweet tooth.

For an inexpensive meal of traditional cuisine, expect to pay at least 265 CZK. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs closer to 174 CZK. For Indian food, expect to pay around 300 CZK for a main dish and for pizza, expect to pay around 325 CZK for a large.

A three-course meal of traditional cuisine costs around 800 CZK, including a drink. Expect to pay around 50 CZK for a beer or 64 CZK for a latte/cappuccino.

If you’re looking to eat out, some of my favorite places in the city are Vinograf (wine bar), Country Life (vegetarian), Prague Beer Museum (beer/traditional food), and Pivovar U Medvídku (traditional cuisine). For good cocktails, check out Hemmingway Bar.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 600-900 CZK for basic staples like bread, cheese, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Prague Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend at least 1,000 CZK per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, do free hikes, take free walking tours, and cook most of your meals. If you plan to go out and drink more, expect to spend closer to 1,150 CZK per day.

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend around 1,900 CZK per day. On this budget, you can stay in an Airbnb or private room at a hostel, take the occasional taxi or Uber to get around, do some larger activities like a wine tour or rafting, eat out for most meals and restaurants, and enjoy a few drinks.

On a “luxury” budget of around 4,700 CZK per day you can stay in a hotel, do any activities you want, eat out anywhere you want, go out for drinks, take a booze cruise, and rent a car for some day trips. This is just the ground floor for luxury though — the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CZK.

Prague Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While Prague has become incredibly popular in recent years, it’s still pretty affordable. Nothing is too overpriced and restaurants and beer remain pretty inexpensive compared to neighboring destinations. That said, it never hurts to save a little extra when you can. Here are some tips to help you save money when you visit:

• Don’t eat near the Charles Bridge – Restaurants near the Charles Bridge are considerably more expensive than spots further afield. Ask around, see where the locals dine and enjoy a cheap meal for a fraction of the price. You’ll need to walk a few blocks but you’ll save a ton and the food will be better.
• Take a free walking tour – Explore Prague’s many winding streets and breathtaking architecture as part of a free tour. You’ll find a plethora of walking tours in the city, such as Free Walking Tour Prague. Their tours cover all the highlights and give you a solid intro to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Visit the free parks and churches – There are lots of beautiful parks, gardens, and churches that you can explore for free. The Wallenstein Gardens in Valdštejnský palace are gardens lined with fountains, trees, and numerous bronze statues. There are also many free concerts and performances taking place here so make sure to check out the schedule. Saint Vitus Cathedral, Saint Nicholas’ Church, and The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn are beautiful free churches to visit.
• Eat cheap – If you want to save money on your food you can take the tram to the city outskirts to find restaurants. Prices here are significantly cheaper than in the city. Otherwise, stick to outdoor vendors in the city for cheap eats.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle so you can save money and lower your reliance on single-use plastic. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe!
• Stay with a local – Prague has an active Couchsurfing community so if you’re on a budget and love meeting locals, stay with one to save money and get insider tips! Just be sure to send your requests in advance since it is a popular destination.

Where to Stay in Prague

Prague has a lot of hostels. They’re all pretty comfortable but there are a few standouts that I love the best. These are some of my favorite places to stay in the city:

• Miss Sophie’s
• Little Quarter Hostel
• PLUS Prague
• MadHouse Prague
• Sir Toby’s

How to Get Around Prague

Public transportation – Metro fares are based on time and tickets range from 30 minutes (30 CZK), 90 minutes (40 CZK), 1 day pass (120 CZK) or 3-day pass (330 CZK). There are 4 lines (A, B, C, and D) that run from 4:45am until a little after midnight.

The bus lines in Prague operate in areas not reachable by the metro, but if you are at a bus station marked with an “M” it means you can exit the bus and continue your trip on the metro.

Tickets work the same way as the metro and buses run every 6-8 minutes during peak hours and every 10-20 minutes during off-peak hours. The wait time for buses is a little longer on the weekends, around 15-30 minutes. There are also night buses that run from midnight until 4:30am.

Bicycle – Biking is a fun way to see the city also while getting some exercise. There are lots of different bike rentals in Prague. Places like Okolo, in the heart of Prague’s Old Town neighborhood, offer accessories like helmets and bike locks for no extra charge with your rental. Prices start at 200 CZK for 1 hour while a full 24 hours is 400 CZK.

Taxis – The starting fare for taxis in Prague is 40 CZK, with an additional 24 CZK per kilometer. Skip the taxis if you’re on a budget. The city is walkable and the trams go everywhere.

Rideshare – For a cheaper alternative to taxis, use Uber.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for around 450 CZK per day. However, I would only suggest renting one if you’re heading outside the city for a day trip. You don’t need one to get around Prague. Drivers need to be 21 or older to rent a vehicle.

When to Go to Prague

Prague has four distinct seasons. The summers are warm and dry while the winters are cold and snowy and can also get pretty windy too. Temperatures hover around freezing so dress appropriately.

The most popular time to visit Prague is from May to September, but this is also peak tourist season. If you visit in the summer, expect highs in August to be around 25°C (77°F). June and July aren’t as hot, with temps averaging to 21°C (70°F).

If you can, avoid visiting in July and August; that’s when the city is overflowing with tourists. Prices are higher and accommodation is scarce. There are wall-to-wall tourists in the Old Town during this time as well.

During the shoulder seasons, you’ll avoid both the heat and the crowds. The best months to visit are between March-May and September-October, especially if you’re hiking. You’ll have cooler temperatures and, in the fall, you’ll get to see the leaves change. Expect temperatures around 14°C (59°F).

How to Stay Safe in Prague

Violent crime against tourists in Prague is virtually nonexistent. Petty crimes like theft and pick-pocketing occur pretty often, especially in high-traffic areas. Pickpockets tend to target tourists on big walking tours so always be aware of your surroundings and keep your guard up when in large crowds. Keep your valuables safely tucked away when in public just to be safe.

With so many visitors, scams against tourists can occur. Keep an eye out for people with fake petitions who will demand money, as well as taxi drivers that won’t use the meter. For other scams, here’s a list of the most common travel scams to avoid .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. The standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific safety tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs in the city.

If you experience an emergency, dial 150 for the fire department, 155 for an ambulance, and 158 for the police.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Prague Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Prague Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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Free printed guidebooks can also be picked up from some hotel receptions or tourist information centres. The only problem is that most of those free good books do not include much valuable information but are full of advertisements.

If you are planning on heading away from Prague to other cities or staying in Prague longer, or you need more detailed information about Prague, it can be a good idea to buy a professional guidebook too. After all, one money-saving tip in one of these books can often repay the amount that you paid for it in the first place! There are some good options, with the best listed below:

Lonely Planet

The Lonely Planet Guide to the Czech Republic and the Guide to the Slovak Republics and Prague are all excellent and feature lots of useful information and maps. They are all written by English researchers and can buy from most good bookstores, either online or offline.

Time Out Guide “Prague”

This is a good guide to all of the hotels and restaurants in Prague and entertainment options. It is not as well written as Lonely Planet and is also more expensive; I’d only recommend it to people looking to socialise a lot when they visit the Czech Republic’s capital.

This is a guide more for older travellers and for people looking to live a high life. This is because there are not many money-saving tips found in the pages of this guide – definitely not for those on a budget.

Michelin Guides

These green books are small and therefore great for carrying around with you. They feature great maps and all important information, although they are written in a not particularly entertaining style. For a bit more of an in-depth read, try the blue guides instead.

Rough Guide to Prague

This is a really in-depth guide and perfect for those who want to know all about the city, not just where to stay and where to eat. You’ll find out all about the politics and history of the city, but there are also practical elements, such as some excellent maps.

The Eyewitness guides are huge but actually don’t tell you too much information. This is because they are filled with loads and loads of photos and other graphics. Don’t bother buying one, but have a glimpse through one if you get the chance.

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A food guide to Prague

Slow-roasted meats and fluffy dumplings are being reimagined by a new generation of Czech chefs.

For decades, Czechs saw their cuisine in one light — hearty, simple food made to keep you full, with ingredients that could be bought (or grown) during trying times. Meals were made for big families gathered on Sundays — classics like cumin-roasted pork, wild rabbit or the creamy dill sauce, koprová omáčka, were never found in fine dining establishments. But now, you’ll see them plated on elegant crystal at the Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, a restaurant that books out months in advance.

Prague’s best places to eat draw upon the many chefs, educated both here and abroad, who return to the city determined to rebrand their cuisine, combining traditional recipes and flavours with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and diverse techniques.

At Výčep, chef Jiří Hrachový and his team sit at the forefront of modern Czech gastronomy, putting their own spin on classic pub food. Thick sauces and flavour-packed broths beautifully underscore its fish, venison and rabbit dishes. Meanwhile, the revamped Štangl uses innovative ways to highlight select ingredients and let them shine, making stars of raw materials like foraged mushrooms, roasted duck and buckwheat.  

Then there’s the Ze Mě project, a farm-to-table pop-up that often includes game meat and foraged ingredients, such as blueberries, mushrooms and edible flowers. And the recently opened Šodó bistro puts emphasis on seasonal produce to elevate dishes like yeasted buns in vanilla sauce and fruit-filled dumplings.  

Despite an abundance of spots experimenting with regional cuisine in the capital, the city hasn’t lost its passion for casual, communal places to eat. The centrepiece of Prague’s food scene remains the traditional hospoda (pub) and pilsner. After all, beer is famously often cheaper than water here, and most days you’ll find locals gathered to grab a drink at Automat Matuška in Dejvice, Lokál U Bílé Kuželky with its tall glasses of Kozel beer, or at U Zlatého Tygra in the Old Town, where beer cheese dip is served alongside the brews.  

Tourists have long flocked to Prague for its storied history and atmospheric cobblestone streets, lined with rows of pastel-coloured buildings. Considered by many to be one of the Europe’s most beautiful cities, until recently the Czech capital had never attracted food-focused travellers. Now, however, the city is evolving into a destination for those seeking a rich blend of history alongside a vibrant, experimental food scene.

How to spend a day in Holešovice & Letná

Twenty years ago, Prague’s Holešovice neighbourhood was a suburb with not much going on. Today, you’ll find small boutiques, minimalist new restaurants and cafes serving speciality coffee.  

To the east, Holešovice Farmers’ Market remains a permanent fixture with fresh pastries and local produce. Start with breakfast at Café Letka , on the border of Holešovice and Letná, for seasonal dishes from across Europe; don’t skip the pastries or espresso, as they’re some of the best this side of the city. Prefer a quick bite? Try Format Coffee for coffee and cake.  

Wander over to the National Technical Museum , a tribute to Czech Republic’s little-known yet groundbreaking automotive, train and plane inventions over the last 100 years. Next door, the National Museum of Agriculture is a fun stop, with interactive exhibits on farming and gastronomy.  

Pause for a pint at Letná Beer Garden (cash only), for sweeping views of Prague and classic pilsner beer or speciality brews. Then lunch at Sandwich Rodeo , Tomáš Oujezdský’s newly opened upscale diner, which serves creative takes on classic American sandwiches, with local brews and homemade lemonades. Try the crispy fried chicken and chopped cheese.

Walk it off at the National Gallery Prague with works from Picasso and Monet, and Czech artists including art nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha. Or stroll through Stromovka Royal Game Reserve , a former royal game park with ornamental ponds and hiking trails.  

The Eatery , a Prague food scene staple, has a menu of creative Czech dishes that use locally sourced ingredients, such as wild boar with rosehip sauce, paired with small-production wine from Bohemia, Moravia as well as wider Europe. Round off the day with a seat at the counter to see the team in action.

How to spend a day in Nové Město and Staré Město

With gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture, Prague’s historic city centre draws tourists from near and far. Nové Město and Staré Město — New Town and Old Town — have traditionally offered visitors some of Prague’s least impressive cuisine.

Nowadays, though, a growing number of upscale restaurants and cosy cafes make it a destination that food-lovers should seek out. Start at EMA Espresso Bar , a hip, minimalist affair known for its killer coffee and simple baked goods. The real gem here is the koláče, a sweet pastry made by beloved local bakery Alf & Bet , which tastes like the sort of traditional home-bake a Czech grandma might make.  

Walking is the best way to experience central Prague. From Prašná brána (one of the city’s gates) head down the winding streets to Old Town Square . Wait to see the Twelve Apostles appear on the over 600-year-old astronomical clock.  

From here, cobblestone paths lead to the beautiful Charles Bridge . For the best upscale lunch spot, head to elegant Café Louvre , a 120-year-old staple once frequented by the likes of Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Its small menu offers traditional tasty dishes like goulash and pork shoulder.  

Alternatively, if you’ve had your fill of Czech food, visit QQ Asian Kitchen , where chefs Nyoman Purnata and Lee Chang blend family-style pan-Asian cuisine with inventive fine dining. Or, for a lighter meal, try   Palo Verde Bistro , an innovative restaurant with plant-based dishes ranging from mushroom tortellini to crispy non-chicken burger.

Rent a paddleboat at Slovanka Boat Rentals to spend a couple of hours paddling along the Vltava River. Afterwards, follow Náplavka riverbank walkway, stopping at the renovated kobky   — former waterside dungeons that now house bars, cafes and art exhibits.  

End the day at U Kalendů , just south of the Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić-designed Dancing House. This modern Czech restaurant puts a fresh spin on traditional food. Expect fried carp, homemade pâté and flavourful beef tartare paired with soft homemade bread and local brews.

The best spots to try Svíčková

Don’t leave Prague without trying svíčková, the meaty sauce-covered heart and soul of Czech food, and arguably the country’s most beloved dish. Most Czechs have an opinion on what (and who) makes the best svíčková and, in almost all cases, this comprises tender roasted beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce that’s a sweet-savoury blend of roasted carrot, parsley root, celery, onion and spices. Classic iterations are finished with a dollop of cranberry compote or cream.

1. Lokál Dlouhááá A must-try version of svíčková can be found at the modern pub-like Lokál Dlouhááá in central Prague, where the menu focuses on traditional Czech meals done well. Its svíčková highlights the vegetables in the sauce (rather than swamps them in cream, as variations of this dish often do), with pull-apart tender beef.

2. Havelská Koruna Havelská Koruna near the Old Town has a no-frills take on the classic. This self-service spot draws in both locals and visitors with its creamy sauce and generously plump dumplings.  

3. Kuchyň Wander up to Prague Castle for one of the best restaurants in the city, Kuchyň. Chef Marek Janouch serves elevated svíčková with the fluffiest dumplings. As Kuchyň’s menu is seasonal, the dish is most often found in autumn or winter, and pairs well with the venue’s tank beer.

Related Topics

• FINE CUISINE
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES
• FOOD CULTURE

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