tourist tips for prague

Prague Travel Tips: 15 Things to Know As a First Time Visitor

Prague welcomes over 8 million travelers a year, making it the 5th most visited city in Europe. If a trip to Czech Republic’s Golden City is in your future, there are a few things you should know to keep to make the most of your trip. Keep reading to discover 15 Prague travel tips, including how to save money, how much to tip, how to get from Prague Airport to city center and more.

15 PRAGUE TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

1. get up early.

One of my favorite memories in Prague was the morning that we explored Old Town at sunrise. Standing on Charles Bridge alone was a sharp contrast to the day before when we were packed together, shoulder to shoulder with other tourists.

I understand that waking up at sunrise is not what most people want to do while on vacation, but if you can make it out during at least one of your mornings, you will see a completely different side of Prague.

RELATED POST: PRAGUE WITH NO PEOPLE – WAKING UP BEFORE THE CROWDS

2. Skip the Astronomical Clock Show

Every hour on the hour, hundreds of people flock to Prague’s Astronomical Clock to watch the infamous “show.” It is a highly anticipated event, with a pretty subpar payoff. During the show, you will watch the little figurines to the side of the clock do a short dance, then the skeleton turns his hourglass over, and a bird pops out of the top. The movements are so subtle, I didn’t even know what I was watching.

The only amusing part of this experience was listening to the disappointed commentary around us. Everyone was questioning what had just happened before finally realizing it was over and slowly dispersing back into the city.

If you find yourself near the Clock Tower at the top of the hour, go ahead and check it out. If not, I would not recommend the taking time out of your day to make a special trip to watch the show.

3. Prauge Money Tips : Avoid Unnecessary Added Conversion

My favorite way to exchange US Dollars for local currency is by withdrawing money from an ATM (vs visiting an exchange). It’s easy and convenient, and ATMs have some of the most competitive exchange rates in the city. If you plan on using an ATM while in Prague, I recommend opting for bank owned ATMs to avoid unnecessary fees. Euronet ATMs in particular should be avoided as their fees are outrageous and their conversion rates are horrible.

If you find yourself at an ATM, and the machine asks you if you would like to withdrawal with or without conversion, choose without conversion. You are going to receive local currency either way – what you are actually choosing is whether you would like your bank to do the conversion, or the ATM. It’s a sneaky way for them to charge you higher rates. Check out this post for a better explanation (and video) of how this works.

On a similar note, if you are ever paying by credit card and the merchant asks if you would like to pay in Czech Crowns or your home currency, always choose Crowns. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion and while it may seem convenient to have your card charged in your local currency, you will be paying an extra conversion fee which always winds up being more money.

4. Prague Public Transportation Tips

Buy a long term travel ticket.

Prague has an excellent public transportation system which offers multiple ways to travel about the city. If you know you will be taking public transportation more than two times in a 24 hour period, save money by purchasing a 24 or 72 hour transportation ticket. These tickets are good for unlimited travel on all public transportation within the city, including trams, metros, and busses.

WHERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Tickets are available for sale all over the city. Look for the yellow machines at almost every public transportation stop. To buy a ticket from these machines, you must have exact change and they do not accept any bills.

Alternatively, you can download the “ PID Lítačka” app from the Google Play or Apple Store to purchase tickets online. You can also buy tickets from information centers, newspaper shops and even onboard the trams.

MAKE SURE TO VALIDATE YOUR TICKET

If you have a paper ticket, make sure to get it validated before getting on the metro, or as soon as you board the bus or tram . The validation machines timestamp your ticket, making it valid for your journey. If you have not validated your ticket, you risk a large fine if a ticket inspector happens to come on board.

You can find yellow validations machines on the busses and trams, and before you get on the metro.

YOU MIGHT NEED A TICKET FOR YOUR LUGGAGE

If you are coming to or from the airport on public transportation, you might need to buy an extra ticket for your luggage if your bag is over 25×45×70 cm (9.8×17.7×27.5 inches). If you find yourself needing a ticket for your luggage, choose the discounted ticket rate of 16CZK (.74 cents USD).

5. Climb the Charles Bridge Tower for a Quiet View of the City

While the Old Town Hall Tower has a never ending line that wraps around the corner, the tower at Charles Bridge sits almost completely empty. The doorway to enter is very inconspicuous, which maybe be the reason for the lack of visitors.

To access the tower, you have to climb 137 steps to the top and there is a small entry price of 150CZK ($7USD), but the view is well worth the cost of admission.

6. Be Wary of Pickpockets

Prague is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and unfortunately wherever large groups of tourists gather, there are bound to be those looking to take advantage of the unsuspecting visitors.

In general, Prague is a very safe city but petty theft does happen, so just be aware of your belongings while you’re traveling. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep your camera and/or your purse secure by wearing it crossbody. If you’re sitting down at a restaurant, wrap your purse around your leg or your arm, so it can’t be snatched away. The same with your phone or camera – don’t leave them sitting openly on the table.

Most theft happens when people are distracted. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in highly populated areas such as around the Astronomical Clock, the Charles Bridge and Tram 22.

7. Take a Break from Beer and Try a Cocktail (or Absinthe)

The Czech Republic drinks more beer per capita than any other country in the world. There is no shortage of places to grab a pint, but if you’re looking for a break from beer… Prague also happens to be known for its absinthe bars. Absintherie Jílská, Green Devil’s Absinthe Bar and Absinthe Time are some of the most popular.

Also check out Hemingway Bar , a small speakeasy style cocktail bar on Karoliny Světlé, serving an endless list of absinthe, rum, whiskey, and champagne. The menu is creative, the presentations are incredible and the bartender really seems to care about making a drink that you will love.

Hemingway Bar is very small so there is usually a wait, especially if you don’t have a reservation. We initially visited for their absinthe but the rest of the menu was way more appealing. I ordered the “Chocolate Factory” cocktail which was made with ghee butter infused Becherovka (herbal liquor), Pedro Ximénez Sherry, Nutella and macadamia nut syrup.

Nick had “Hemingway’s Gasoline” which was basically the house version of an old fashioned, but way better. It was made with Whiskey, Campari, Punt e Mes and walnut bitters. We also tried their “BBQ Mary,” which was made with mezcal, lemon juice, bbq sauce, tomato juice, herbs and dijon mustard. It was the best version of a Bloody Mary I’ve ever had.

HEMINGWAY BAR ADDRESS  Karoliny Světlé 279/26, 110 00

8. Avoid Taxis and Opt for Uber Instead

If you do any amount of research on Prague, chances are you’ve come across a handful of taxi horror stories. From overcharging to rigged meters, Prague taxi drivers do not have the best reputation. There are several ways to reduce your risk of a taxi scam such as calling for a taxi vs. hailing one, asking for their rate before getting in the car etc..

But why not avoid the hassle all together and call an Uber instead. Uber is available in Prague and they quote you the rate upfront. You can also look into Liftago, the Czech Republic’s version of Uber.

9. Tipping in Prague

RESTAURANTS Within the city, it is customary to tip 10% of the bill (15% if the service is excellent) . If you’re dining in a more touristy area of Prague, make sure that the bill does not already include a service fee before you tip. If they do, there is no need to tip anymore. Do not tip bad service.

HOW TO TIP AT A RESTAURANT As is common with many European cities, when the waiter brings you your bill they will present it to you and then expect you to pay on the spot, including however much you would like to add for the tip.

The first time we experienced this, we were not prepared and had to quickly do the math in our head so that we could let them know how much change was needed. If you are paying with a credit card, you will need to calculate the tip and tell them how much to charge your card. There is nowhere on the receipt to add a tip, and leaving change on the table is also not a common practice.

BARS Round the bill up. If your beer is 45CZK, give 50CZK.

TAXI If you haven’t agreed on a fixed amount for the ride, take the fare and round up . For example: if the meter says 280CZK, round up and tip 300CZK. If you have agreed on a fixed amount, there is no need to tip on top of it.

HOTELS For hotel porters, tip 20-25CZK per bag . For housekeepers, there has been an ongoing online debate about whether or not to tip housekeeping in Europe, and I still get confused. Some argue that it is not customary while others recommend leaving a small tip at the end of your stay. I would base it on your own circumstances taking into consideration the length of your stay, the type of hotel you’re in, how much of a mess you’ve left etc.

TOUR GUIDES Tip your tour guides $15-20 per person. $10-15 for free walking tours.

10. Buy Your Old Town Hall Tower Tickets Online to Save Money and Skip the Line

Lines to access the Tower viewing area in the Old Town Hall can take hours, especially during peak season. Buy your ticket online so that you can skip the line and save a little money. Standard admission is 250 CZK ($11.64 USD) but if you purchase them online you can save 40CZK ($1.86 USD).

If you are an early riser, plan on making your visit to the tower within the first hour of opening and they will give you 50% off the admission price.

11. Visit Prague During Off Season

Visually, Prague is one of the most beautiful European cities I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately the mass crowds of people prevented me from falling in love with it. We visited during the middle of peak season and it felt like a trip to Disneyland, not a European vacation.

My vision of strolling down Charles Bridge at sunset was replaced with a reality that included shuffling shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other tourists. Even stopping to take a photo was nearly impossible because everyone behind you starts piling up. When we were in Old Town, the crowds never let up and it got old very fast.

While Prague is busy year round, I highly recommend booking your trip for the off season (Spring and early Fall). You will not only beat some of the crowds, but you will get better room rates too.

12. Explore The Road Less Traveled

The majority of tourists will start and end their trip to Prague in Old Town but if you want to beat the crowds and see a different side of the city, I highly recommend venturing beyond Staré Město.

We booked an AirBnb in Vinorhady, which is located 3 miles (4.8 km) from Old Town. It was so nice to leave the chaos each night, and we discovered a handful of hidden gems on our way to and from the city center. We found an open air market with delicious street food, an amazing local Czech restaurant and one of the best bakeries I’ve ever been to.

You don’t have to travel far to see the quieter side of Prague. Even some of the alleys that run parallel to the main streets in Old Town were significantly more quiet. You never know what you’re going to find if you step off the beaten path. Like the day we stumbled upon swing dancers in Letna Park, and a 17th century monastery brewery near the Petřín Lookout Tower.

RELATED POST: LETNA BEER GARDEN – CZECH BEER AND THE BEST VIEWS IN PRAGUE

13. The Metro Shuts Down at Midnight

I expected a party city like Prague to have public transportation available 24 hours a day, but we learned the hard way that this is not the case. One night after staying out longer than usual, we were heading home and discovered that the metro had been boarded up. During our trip, we had been taking the metro to and from our hotel and we didn’t know of any other way to get back. We also couldn’t find wifi as everything was already closed, so we had to flag down a taxi and pay much more than we should’ve to get back to our hotel.

Prague’s metro runs from around 4:45am to midnigh t. Trams and buses do remain in operation so if you only know how to reach your hotel via metro, research an alternative way of getting back if you know you’ll be out late.

14. Take a Day Trip

If you’re looking for a change of scenery and want get out of the city for a little while, there are dozens of interesting destinations just a short train ride away.

CESKY KRUMLOV is only two hours from Prague and this magical little town looks like it was ripped from the pages of a fairytale. Like Prague, it is also packed with tourists, so I recommend staying one night if you can. Once the day trippers go home, you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

RELATED POST: CESKY KRUMLOV – THINGS TO DO, WHERE TO STAY & HOW TO GET THERE.

BRNO is located two hours from Prague and it is the second largest city in the Czech Republic. I spent a few days here and really fell in love with it. It’s much less touristy and it is a beautiful place to spend some time. Click below to read some of my posts about Brno including things to do, the best bars , photos and more.

RELATED POSTS : BRNO : EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRAGUE’S SISTER CITY

PILSEN is only 1 hour from Prague and is the perfect day trip for Czech beer fans. Visit the Pilsen Urquell Brewery where you will tour the factory and even taste some unfiltered beer straight from the barrel.

TEREZIN is located 45 minutes from Prague and was where Terezin Concentration Camp and the Jewish Ghetto were located. During WWII over 150,000 Jews were sent here, and while thousands died at Terezin, it was mainly used as a transit camp before sending people to death camps such as Auschwitz. It was also used as a “model” ghetto to trick the rest of the world into thinking that the Jewish people were being treated fairly.

RELATED POST: TOURING AUSCHWITZ – BIRKENAU – WHAT TO EXPECT

15. Read Up on Some Common Tourist Scams

As with any large city that caters to tourists, there are bound to be a few tourist traps and scams. I recommend reading up on the most common ones so that you can be prepared, and hopefully save yourself some money and avoid getting taken advantage of.

RESTAURANT ADD ONS A common scam in Prague restaurants (mostly in the tourist areas of town) is charging for extras. If you sit down to eat and find bread or pretzels on the table, they are not complimentary. If you don’t plan on eating them, ask the waiter to take it way, or you will find it on your bill later.

PAY BY WEIGHT In some of the markets you will see vendors selling various grab and go food options such as pork knuckles or ham. The price advertised in large font may seem like a good deal, until you read the fine print. If you see /100g anywhere on the sign, know that you will be paying that rate per 100g. It ends up costing much more than you expected, for a lot less food.

For a list of other common scams within Prague, click here .

PRAGUE TRAVEL TIPS : THE BASICS

What currency do they use in prague.

Despite being a member of the European Union, Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic still use their own currency, Czech Koruna (Crowns).  

1 Czech Koruna (CZ) Equals:  .047 USD .039 EURO .033 Pounds Stirling .057 Canadian Dollar .060 Australian Dollar For a full list of currencies, click here.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN PRAGUE?

Czech is the official language of Prague.

WHAT ADAPTER DO I NEED IN PRAGUE? POWER SOCKETS & VOLTAGE 

Prague’s most widely used plug types are C and E , the standard European two pin socket. Their voltage is 230V / 50Hz AC .

If you are traveling from North America, you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter. North American voltage is 110V and you can easily ruin your appliances by plugging it into an outlet supplying double the voltage. If you are traveling with an iPhone or MAC, it’s good to know that Apple products are dual voltage.

HOW TO GET FROM PRAGUE AIRPORT TO CITY CENTER 

If you will be flying into Prague, you will arrive at the Václav Havel Airport, located 9.3 miles (15km) from the city center. Depending on which mode of transportation you take (and the current traffic), the journey takes about 25-45 minutes.

AIRPORT EXPRESS BUS

The Airport Express Bus is the easiest way to get from the Prague airport to city center. The bus stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 and will drop you off in the city center at the Main Train Station (Praha hlavní nádraží) on Wilsonova Street

The AE Bus runs every 30 minutes between 6:30am-10pm going from the airport to the city center. You can purchase tickets directly from the bus driver (with correct change) or from the information centers within the airport. Tickets cost 60 CZK for adults ($2.79 USD), 30CZK ($1.40) USD for ages 6-15. Children under 6 are free.

Public bus is the cheapest way to get to the city center, but it’s not a non-stop journey. The bus will take you to the metro, which will then take you to the city center.

The most common public bus that travelers take is bus 119. It will take you to the metro stop Nádraží Veleslavín where you will hop on the green line toward the center (centrum). You can get off at Staromestska, Mustek or Muzeum , depending on where your hotel is located.

Purchase your bus tickets from the yellow ticket machines right outside of the airport. Opt for the 90 minute ticket, which will be good for both the bus and the metro. A standard 90 minute ticket costs 32CZK ($1.49 USD).

Uber is available in Prague and is usually a better deal than taxis. Expect to pay between $15-30 USD.

Is Prague Accessible? Prague Tips for people with Limited Mobility and/or Disabilities

Prague is moderately accessible with some definite limitations . A majority of streets are cobblestone which might be difficult for some travelers. The public transportation system is a work in progress, but with enough options to access the city.

Check out WheelChairTravel.com , a fantastic resource with many Prague travel tips for those with limited mobility and/or disabilities. They cover all aspects of accessibility in Prague, from the airport to the public transportation. AccessiblePrague.com is a travel agency for travelers with special needs. They arrange transportation, accommodation, equipment rentals tours and more. Lastly, check out the city’s public transportation page for updated information about their barrier free metro stops and other accessible travel options.

Did I miss anything? Share your best Prague travel tips in the comments below!

Pin it: prague tips for first timers – the ultimate travel guide.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

3 thoughts on “Prague Travel Tips: 15 Things to Know As a First Time Visitor”

Prague is such a cute place and I will definitely go back. Just remember, to change your money. Also, watch out for the taxis at the train station. We got ripped off big time our driver. A lot of people don’t like Uber, but it saved us a lot of money in Prague.

Prague is my dream city, I wish to visit there soon.

Your travel guide is really awesome and informative.

Thanks for sharing and photos are really awesome.

Hi Amanda! Thanks so much, I hope you travel there soon 🙂

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Prague Travel Tips – 21 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting the Czech Capital

by Drifter Planet | Aug 22, 2018 | Czech Republic , Most Popular Blog Posts

Prague travel tips to help you have a good time in this lovely city.

Is Prague the prettiest city in Europe?

Paris had claimed title many decades back, but many say this medieval seat of Bohemian kings is even prettier. With ancient bridges, pastel houses, Vltava River, historical squares, look out towers, and one of the largest castles in the world – Prague is definitely bejeweled.

Beautiful Prague at Night – Charles Bridge – cc0 via Pixabay

By the way, Prague is called “ Praha ” in the Czech Republic and is also called the City of a Hundred Spires . There are many other nicknames too but my favorite is “ the heart of Europe ” because it is in Central Europe. Funnily enough, there are 4 different cities in the USA that are called Prague or Praha.

Prague Travel Tips – Important things you need to know before visiting Prague

If you’re visiting Europe then you should definitely include the loveliest city of the continent in your itinerary. Here are some essential Prague travel tips that will help you plan your trip:

Travel Tips for Prague

Currency in the czech republic.

Czech Currency Coins – Prague Travel Tips

No, the currency of the Czech Republic isn’t Euro but is Czech Crown. Yes, it is basic info but I was surprised to see so many travelers who didn’t know when they arrived here. – haha. The locals mostly say “Koruna” instead of “Crowns”. The abbreviation is CZK or Kč. 1 Euro is currently 25 Czech Crowns but check the latest currency rates.

The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 denominations, while the notes are in 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000. Why am I telling you this? You will know the answer in the next point.

Currency Exchange Scams in Prague

There are a few exchange offices that claim “0% commission” but charge an exorbitant “exchange fee” when you exchange with them. Make sure you not only ask the exchange rate but the final amount that you will get for your money.

Another horrible currency exchange scam in Prague is that many touts walk around exchange offices and catch a hold of tourists. They offer a rate that’s too good to be true but give out old currency that’s not accepted anywhere. Check Czech National Bank website to see which notes are currently in circulation.

There are some really good currency exchange offices that actually charge no commission, so I recommend you head to a few of them, ask and then exchange. A few locals recommended I visit eXchange in Kaprova . Normally I prefer withdrawing directly from an ATM but I got a horrible rate when I did. Avoid EuroNet ATMs because they charge a fee.

Traveler SIM Card in Prague

If you’re coming to Prague from another European Union country, you don’t need a local SIM card in Prague. My German SIM worked very well here.

If you’re looking to buy, then I will give you a few options. Vodafone offers a 10 GB data SIM card for visitors for 800 CZK, which is valid for 30 days. There is not much price difference between the 4 GB and 8 GB one. Vodafone SIM cards are available at the airport and many supermarkets.

Prague Weather and Best Time to Visit

Sunrise in Prague – it looks even better in Spring and Autumn – cc0 via Pixabay

Prague is good to visit throughout the year and you can enjoy all the seasons. Winters are cold but the city looks charming under the magic of snow. Spring and autumn are the best months to visit because Prague looks very colorful, the weather is not too cold and the city is not extremely crowded.

Like most of the European cities, Prague tends to get extremely crowded in the summer months. I visited Prague in summer and it was warmer than usual because of the unexpected European heat wave.

By the way, if you have a thing for castles, then you should check out Germany’s Burg Eltz and Heidelberg .

Public Transport in Prague – Metro and Trams

Prague Metro – Travel Tips for Prague – CC0 via Pixabay

Prague metro is well spread out and will get you just about anywhere you want in the city. The metro system is not confusing at all and most likely you won’t need to take any other mode of transport at all. There are just 3 metro lines in Prague – A (Green), B (Yellow) and C (red).

The best part is that you can get a combined ticket for the metro train, tram, and even buses. A 30-minute ticket is for 24 CZK and a 90-minute one is for 32 CZK. You won’t need the 90 minute one in 90% of the cases. A full day ticket is for 110, which only makes sense if you’re making more than 4 journeys.

The metro ticket machines in Prague CAN BE confusing and will ONLY accept coins. On the left are the normal fares and on the right are child fares. The first button is for a 30-minute ride and you need to put coins after pressing the button so that you can get your ticket.

All my validated metro tickets in Prague – Travel Tips for Prague

Wait, it doesn’t end here. You HAVE to stamp and validate your ticket before entering the platform. The ticket validator machines are generally yellow or orange in color. You may just miss them because the locals don’t stop there since they have a monthly or annual pass. If you get caught traveling in the metro without stamping your ticket then you will have to pay an expensive fine.

Liftago, Uber and Local Taxies in Prague

Even though the metro in Prague can get you literally everywhere, you may need to take a taxi if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. Also, if you’re more than 2 people then taxis are more economical. App-based taxi services in Prague are super comfortable!

The Czech version of Uber is called Liftago and I used it a few times. You just need to put your pick up and drop locations, and the drivers send you the best prices that you can pick. On the other hand, the locals warned me that if I hail a taxi from the street directly, they would overcharge me or scam me. Thankfully, never experienced this.

Typical Travel Costs in Prague

Prague – the bejeweled heart of Europe is an affordable destination – Prague Travel Tips – cc0 via Pixabay

Prague isn’t as expensive as most of the European cities and you can do a lot here even on a shoestring budget.

A room in a five star will cost you around €200 and a mid-range room can be from €50 to €150. You won’t end up spending more than €10 per person in a good restaurant if you eat well. The cost of attractions is not high.

If you’re on a backpacker budget, then a hostel in Prague can cost you 15 – 20 euros. One time metro ticket is 1 euro. Food from the street (hot dog) can be as low as 1 euro too. Food in a decent restaurant will be for around 5 euros. Beer is cheap and is really good. You can easily do your day in less than 50 euros if you want to.

Avoiding Crowds in Prague – Charles Bridge and Old Town

Extremely Crowded Old Town Square in Prague – Essential Travel Tips

Do you know what are the most popular things to do in Prague? Visiting the Charles Bridge and the Old Town! That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit these places at all but get there before the others do. 

If you’re thinking of heading to the Charles Bridge for Sunset Photography, forget it because you will only capture people. Instead, wake up super early and get there before the sunrise. The same is the case with the Old Town too. I even wrote a guide about how to experience Prague in 2 days and have mentioned touristy spots during early hours. 

• Prague Castle : Skip the line entry ticket and transfers
• Old Town Hall & Astronomical Clock Tower Ticket : This ticket costs EUR 10 in 2022 and has the best of the old town. See Prague’s oldest town hall. Visit the Gothic chapel and the staterooms, see at the inner mechanism of the astronomical clock, and view into the extensive underground space below the Old Town Hall building. 

The Lesser Town (Mala Strana) in Prague wasn’t crowded as the Old Town when I visited. In fact, I even found a few empty streets to myself. And hey, I found the Lesser Town area to be very beautiful. I spent most of my time in Jiřího z Poděbrad area because it wasn’t crowded.

Sunset Spots in Prague

View from Riegrovy Sady Sunset Spot in Prague – travel tips for Prague

As mentioned in the last point, avoid the Charles Bridge and the Old Town at sunset time. Instead, I will give you two options that are actually public parks – Letna Park or Riegrovy Sady . Hanavský Pavilion in at Letná Park is a good spot.

I enjoyed Riegrovy Sady so much that I went there on two occasions to watch the sunset. The view from here is definitely one of the top sights in Prague . You can carry something to eat and drink and put your mat on the garden to watch the sunset in Riegrovy Sady.

Alternatively, the city has a few lookout towers . Head to Petřín Tower , it is Prague’s “ mini Eiffel Tower ”. The line outside it tends to get long at sunset time, so check below for a special “skip the line” ticket.

You can also go on top of the Žižkov Television Tower for the sunset view. I personally did not go (even though I was staying pretty close to it), but I have heard it is great.

To see all the places I love in Prague, check out this diary I’ve created with Wowanders . Wowanders is a travel diary app that both lets you easily save the details of all the places you visit on your travels, while also making it easy to share your recommendations with others.

Get Out of the Centre

Most of the travelers get stuck in Prague’s center and don’t end up exploring anything beyond the Old Town and the Charles Bridge. Prague is a beautiful city and even the lesser-known areas are amazing.

I spent most of my time in and around Jiřího z Poděbrad Square because I really enjoyed the chilled out vibe there. Moreover, the restaurants were definitely cheaper here. The streets were NOT full of souvenir shops and I actually saw some lovely boutiques.

Trdelník is not a Czech Dessert

Trdelník – Round Pastry in Prague – NOT a local delicacy – Prague travel tips – cc0 via Pixabay

Yes, it looks pretty and you will see an insane amount of vendors selling Trdelník in the touristy areas but it is not a local delicacy. It has kind of become one of the most popular Instagram accessories for photos in Prague. It actually originated in a town called Skalica in Slovakia.

…And Neither Are These Russian Dolls

Matryoshkas – these are Russian Dolls but sold in Prague’s souvenir shops – cco via Pixabay

Somehow a lot of souvenir shops in Prague (and other European cities) sell Matryoshkas dolls, which have nothing to do with Prague or the Czech culture. Many travelers get fooled into thinking that they’re buying something local. Would you buy a saree when you’re visiting Germany?

Instead, Buy These Local Souvenirs in Prague

Buy puppets in Prague – Prague Travel Tips

If you want a locally made souvenir, then you should buy crystals, Moser glass, blue onion patterned porcelain or my favorite – Czech puppets. While glass or porcelain souvenirs are fragile to carry, marionettes and puppets are easy to carry.

Czech Dumplings Are Not What You Think

Czech Dumplings – Prague Travel Tips – cc0 via Pixabay

I’m from Asia and dumplings are very different from where I come. There’s usually a dough coating with a filling inside. If you are from Asia and order dumplings in the Czech Republic, then you’re in for a shock. You will receive a plate with pieces of bread and meat.

 Absinthe in Prague.. or Slivovice?

A lot of travelers buy Absinthe in Prague, which is actually from Switzerland. Absinthe – the Green Fairy is highly regulated in most of the countries and is sold without thujone there. However, in the Absinthe in the Czech Republic has thujone so it is near its true form. But the Czech Absinthe doesn’t have anise or herbs , so it is better to buy it from France or Switzerland. Buy it in Prague only if you’re not visiting France or Switzerland. Keep it mind that many shops in Prague sell overprized Absinthe.

I’d recommend you to try Slivovice and consider buying it instead. Slivovice is a locally produced brew that you can buy in the Czech Republic. It enjoys a status of Moravian national drink. It is very strong and the alcohol content is 50%. It is mostly served in shot glasses.

Prague Neighborhoods

Prague’s neighborhoods have both names and numbers. However, confusingly an entire neighborhood can be two numbers and one number can be more than 2 neighborhoods.

The numbers start from Praha 1 to Praha 10 but to make things even more confusing, there is an old number system too and some buildings display that instead.

Most of the travelers visit the Praha 1, which is the Old Town (Staré město), Jewish Town (Josefov), some part of the Prague Castle (Hradčany), some parts of the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) and some parts of the New town (Nové město) too.

It is easier to understand the neighborhoods by just looking at the names: Praha North, Praha East, Praha West, Praha South, Castle (Hradčany), Lesser Town (Malá Strana), Old Town (Staré město), New town (Nové město), Jewish Town (Josefov), and Vyšehrad.

Spas in Prague – They’re Very Naked!

I have been to spas before but Czech spas have a different level of nakedness . You can’t get inside with your clothes but you will be given the flimsiest towel to wrap around you, which is basically just a piece of cloth. No, there aren’t robes.

You can wrap them around your waist because they are not big enough to wear as full body sarongs. No, the Czech spas are not usually gender segregated.

Don’t misunderstand me – I don’t have anything against human body or nudity. However, these are the things I like to know before visiting and I bet some of you do so too.

Get out of Prague – Regiojet is Awesome

Yes, it is lovely but don’t spend all your time in the capital city. Instead, head out to the quitter towns such as Pardubice or National Parks such as the Bohemian Switzerland.

The best way to travel out of Prague is by RegioJet train. I traveled to Ostrava by the government-run České dráhy but booked the privately run RegioJet when I visited Pardubice. I was so amazed at the difference in service and comfort.

Living in Germany, the trains are extremely expensive and the service standards are not at all like Czech trains. The cost of my train rides in the Czech Republic was a fraction of German train tickets AND there was a hight-speed free Wifi, free tea/coffee / water, and even a porter service. Every seat had a plug point.

Day Trips from Prague

The Czech Republic is not so massive geographically, so you won’t spend much time when you travel from Prague to another destination in the country. In any case, I have handpicked a few day trips from Prague to the nearby areas. Check them out:

• Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Full-Day Tour from Prague – Saxon Switzerland National Park, historic Bastei Bridge over the River Elbe, Kamenice Gorge.
• Bohemian Switzerland National Park – Hiking Tour from Prague – Pravcicka Gate, Bastei Bridge, etc, in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
• Bohemian Paradise UNESCO Geopark : Prachov rocks city, Kost Castle, Bohemian Paradise Geopark.
• Český Krumlov and České Budějovice Day Trip from Prague – Cesky Krumlov Castle and the famous Black Tower of Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia + lunch
• Karlovy Vary Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Prague – historic Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary, Hot Spring Colonnade + 3 course lunch.
• Kutna Hora and Bone Chapel Tour – historic buildings of the Kutna Hora, macabre Bone Chapel, Hrádek Castle + More

All these day trips include transportation to and back from Prague but I highly recommend you check all the details before booking, in case the terms have changed.

Prague Main Train Station

Praha hlavní nádraží – Main Train Station in Prague – CC0 via Pixabay

If you’re getting out of Prague, then most likely your train will depart from Praha hlavní nádraží. (Hlavní nádraží. means “the main railway station” by the way.)

Here’s the thing – the platform number where your train will depart from, will NOT be displayed on your ticket. It will ONLY be displayed around 30 minutes before your journey in the main station. It gets even more confusing because the platform numbers are alphanumeric.

From what I learned, don’t look for exact directions but just follow the signs that say “all platforms” and look for your number. Once you’re there, then ask for the alphabet part of your platform. A girl from Brno helped me because she said the platform numbers are super confusing!

I’m used to German trains where I don’t have a fixed seat but I can get into most of the coaches and sit anywhere. That’s not how it works with Czech trains. You need to find your coach and your seat.

Where to stay in Prague ?

If you want to stay right next to the Old Town, then check out Hotel Residence Agnes – it is a 4-star hotel that’s the highest ranked by other travelers in Prague. You can read the reviews about this hotel on TripAdvisor before booking.

The Old Town gets a little crowded but I really liked the Lesser Town where I was able to find a few empty streets. I highly recommend Hotel Pod Věží in this area that is also a 4-star. This hotel has an extremely charming balcony that overlooks the Charles Bridge. Go check out the reviews by other travelers who stayed here .

For mid-range, check out Miss Sophie’s boutique hotel in New Town. It is affordable, pretty and the location is super chill. You can see the reviews about this hotel on TripAdvisor .

If you’re backpacking, then check out Sophie’s Hostel in New Town – a super luxurious and clean hostel. You can read reviews about this place on Tripadvisor .

Watch Honest Guide for Prague

The BEST thing that you can watch before reaching Prague is Honest Guide’s Prague Playlist. Their videos are entertaining and will give you a lot of important information about Prague. From where to eat, what to do and where to party in Prague, their massive playlist has info about ALL the things to know before visiting Prague.

Prague Travel Tips – things you need to know before visiting Prague

PS: Drifter Planet  contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission  at no extra cost to you . These commissions help us reduce the costs of keeping this site active. Thanks for reading!

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20 Comments

This is so detailed and perfect for those who are new to Prague. It’s funny how you just don’t know what you don’t know until you run into a problem.

I totally second watching the Honest Guide, they are epic!

Great post! My grandmother visited Prague in the 70s and she always talks about how amazing it was. I’ love to go, I hear there are some amazing libraries here!

Amazing post, Sonal! I like the tips on which souvenirs to get which not to:)

Haha, yes – I kind of regret not buying Czech puppets but I had no more space left in my bag. I’d love to go back to Prague and get them.

This is a truly impressive post! So much great detail. I’ve been to Prague and made all those first timer mistakes. I love your detailed advice on how to have a more local experience. Thanks for sharing.

Hey Chris, thank you! Glad you like our travel tips for Prague and it is so easy to make those first timer mistakes when you’re visiting Prague for the first time. 🙂

What a fun place guys. A friend of mine lived there for a minute; raves about it. Tweeted for you.

Thank you Ryan 🙂 glad you like our post about Prague. Yes it is a fun place and we’d love to live there too for a while.

Just read your post as my family and I are going next May. Very informative and I’m even more excited to see Prague now!

CommentVery well written, thanks for the tips! Indeed, the Czech Republic has come a long way since the fall of communism in 1989 and is today one of the most enjoyable countries in Europe.

However, in this beautiful land also lie tourist-targeting scammers and petty crime. Do be wary of overcharging restaurants, fake monks, taxi rigged meter, fake metro ticket inspector, fake police, rogue money exchanges and many more!

I just love the way you explained it, am travelling tonight to Prague for 2 months in business visa. Many thanks for solving the queries before raising it. Bit scared to touch Europe on very first time. One small question, how about shopping clothes in Prague, bcoz I didn’t take any winter wears with me. And any chances ll get Indian foods?

I had really good Indian food in Prague in a place called “Indian by Nature”. The staff is actually from India and it felt I was eating in Delhi. It was the BEST Indian meal that I had outside India. For shopping, try the Bohemian village – mentioned in “Vinohrady & Vršovice” section in my post about Prague’s neighborhoods. .

Very useful! Thank you!

Prague is my dream city, I wish to visit there soon.

Your travel guide is really awesome and informative.

Thanks for sharing and photos are really awesome.

Thank you for sharing your amazing photos and information, I love Prague and looking forward to backing again to this city.

Hi Olga, thank you, glad you enjoyed these travel tips for Prague. 🙂

Hi, A couple of friends and I are going to visit Prague for a weekend and are staying at an Airbnb. The host asked us to share some personal information like passport numbers, she says its according to police regulations and share a link with us, but I cant find another source saying that we have to provide such information. Do you know anything about it?

Yes, you do have to share your passport details for Air BnBs and hotels in Prague.

Thanks for this tips. I visited prague couple of days ago in my vacation following your ideas. I could not implement all the ideas but I was aware of currency exchange scamming. The crowds on charles bridge is always huge. About ticket, the best ideas was to take 4 euro 24 hour ticket. One of my friend’s passport bag was stolen from another bag. So always be aware of your materials because the crowd is massive and you won’t know what happens within few seconds.

HEY……Thanks for sharing this blog its very useful for me I just love to visit Prague….amazing view beautiful pics….

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Drifter Planet

10 Incredibly Useful Prague Tips for First-Time Visitors

I recently came back from my first ever solo adventure to the Czech Republic and I cannot begin to tell you how incredible Prague truly is. To make sure you have the time of your life, here are my top Prague tips that will make your journey a smooth sailing one.

Don’t have time to read everything now? Pin this travel guide for Prague for later!

Table of Contents

Prague Tips for First-Time Visitors

In addition to being the country’s capital, Prague is also the largest city in the Czech Republic.

It is known for its rich history, Gothic churches, cobblestoned alleyways, and colorful Baroque buildings just to name a few. With over 2 to 8 million visitors per year, it is the number one most visited tourist destination in Czechia.

But enough on that because you’re obviously not here for a statistics class. Here’s what to know about Prague if you have never been before.

Note: Since the majority of my readers are Americans/Canadians , I will not be going over visa requirements, as both countries are visa-exemp t for up to 90 days . If you are visiting from elsewhere, I recommend familiarizing yourself with Czech Republic’s entry regulations.

Best Time to Visit Prague

In order to plan your itinerary, you need to first determine the optimal time for visiting Prague.

If you’re looking for warm weather and longer days , July and August are your best bet.

However, we all know that summer is peak season when it comes to travelling. If you wish to avoid crowds , opt for spring or fall months, such as April and May or September and October .

My trip took place around mid-September. While iconic sights like Charles Bridge were still pretty busy (thanks to revenge travel resulting from the pandemic), I was able to enjoy the majority of them all to myself early in the morning.

Now weather was unfortunately a hit or miss. A few days were nice and sunny. Others were cloudy and rainy. Luckily, the rain in Prague doesn’t last long this time of year. It usually drizzles for a bit then stops. Not to mention, the average rainfall is 6 to 7 days in September. As usual, I simply landed on the unlucky side of things with weather.

How Many Days to Spend in Prague

What’s great about Prague is that most attraction sights are lumped together in the Prague 1 neighborhood.

That said, 3 days is more than plenty – in my opinion. If you prefer slow travel or want to explore beyond typical guidebook recommendations, plan to spend 5 to 6 days for a more leisurely trip.

Is There a Language Barrier

The official language of Czech Republic is, of course, Czech. Nonetheless, English is commonly taught in schools.

I had no trouble communicating with my hotel concierge, waiters, ticket booth sales, or security guards at Prague Castle. Regardless, a simple please and thank you can go a long way.

Here are a few basic phrases to keep in your back pocket:

• Dobre rano ( dobreh rahno ) – good morning
• Dobry den (dobree den) – good day/how do you do
• You can use this when ordering. _____ (dish you want) prosim.
• You will also hear waiters say this when you tell them thank you. In this case, it means you’re welcome/please enjoy.
• Dekuji (dyekuyi) – thank you
• Ano (ano) – yes
• Ne (neh) – no
• Mluvite anglicky? (Mluveete anglitsky?) – Do you speak English?

Currency Used

Despite being a European Union member, the Czech Republic uses  Czech crowns (korunas), not  euros.

For reference, a meal in Prague typically costs around 2-300 CZK, which is no more than $15 USD/$20 CAD. You can use this determine how much cash to exchange for. Alternatively, most establishments take cards too as well as Apple Pay.

How to Get Around

Again, Prague’s main attractions are all located within Prague 1. Everything is relatively close or within walking distance. And if you’ve ever been anywhere in Europe, you’ll know that a 30-minute walk is considered “close.”

With that in mind, the cheapest way to explore Prague is by foot. (I walked as much as 32,268 steps one day, which was probably more than what I walked in a year during the pandemic lol!)

Public transportation is also easily accessible and affordable. I suggest downloading PID Lítačka  on your phone. You can purchase transit tickets online and not have to worry about losing a physical ticket. (More on this in the “Other Mistakes to Avoid in Prague” section below.)

Uber is another fantastic option, as taxis aren’t as reliable unless ordered by your hotel. I paid as little as $10 CAD for a 10-minute ride from my hotel to the bus station. Unless you are commuting to/from the airport, or catching an early train or night bus, you really don’t need to ride-share.

Where to Stay in Prague

We’ve already established that Prague 1 is where all the action is. Naturally, you’ll want to stay in this area.

I highly recommend Asten Hotels . They have a collection of luxury boutique hotels all across the Czech Republic with three being conveniently located right in central Prague.

I split my time in the city between Hotel Golden Key and Rezidence Dvořák. The former is situated right beneath Prague Castle, whereas the latter is adjacent to Charles Bridge.

Hotel Golden Key offers free airport transfers in addition to complimentary daily breakfasts. On the contrary, Rezidence Dvořák’s suites are brand new and perfect for families or if you’re travelling in a group of 3-4 friends.

The third Asten Hotels property in Prague is Old Town’s  Hotel Klárov . I haven’t stayed there, but I can say that my experiences with the other two have been nothing short of amazing. You really can’t beat their locations, and they’re great value for the money.

Other Mistakes to Avoid in Prague

1. wear comfortable walking shoes..

This is perhaps one of the most important Prague tips.

Streets in Prague are lined in cobblestones and as stated above, walking is the best way to get around the city.

You can expect to be on your feet lots, which is why a pair of well-fitting walking shoes is a must. Leave the stilettos at home and pack comfy sneakers instead.

2. Don’t assume you have the right of way.

This may come as a culture shock, but even if you are at a pedestrian crosswalk, trams always have the right of way .

You are expected to let them go first, and it’s your responsibility to move if a stopped tram is suddenly in motion and headed towards you.

Pst! They are super quiet and can thus sneak up on ya so be careful!

3. Remember to validate your ticket(s) for public transportation.

Public transit in Prague is fairly cheap compared to other capital cities in the world. However, the fines are hefty if you are caught without a properly validated ticket.

If you purchased your ticket from a ticket machine, the tourist information center, on the bus, or at a shop, you need to validate it before/upon boarding. (Look for a yellow machine on the tram or at the metro station. Put your ticket inside the ticket slot and the machine will stamp it to validate your ride.)

If you purchased your ticket from PID Lítačka, you have the option of activating (validating) your ticket immediately after purchase, at a set time, or later manually on your own.

4. Skip the chimney cakes!

You’ll see chimney cakes all over Old Town, but guess what? They are not traditional Czech desserts! They are technically Hungarian and are a massive tourist trap.

If you’re craving something sweet, treat yourself to a gingerbread cookie instead!

A local favorite is Perníkový panáček near Park Cihelná. They can get a little pricey with some costing as much as an actual meal, but understandable given their intricate designs.

And there you have it! My complete guide to Prague.

I didn’t know a lot of these prior to my trip. I’m hoping that I can help relieve your travel anxiety because I know how it feels to get the jitters when you visit a new country.

If you enjoyed this Prague travel guide, don’t forget to save these tips in Prague to your bookmarks!

I’m a Taiwanese Canadian gal from Vancouver, Canada. I love documenting my experiences through photography, and I can’t wait to share my adventures with you. Follow me around the world for the best intel on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do!

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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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12 Things To Do in Prague in 3 Days

Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic , and home to one of the largest castles in the world! Nicknamed ‘city of a hundred spires’, although, in reality, the skyline has thousands, typical of the city’s gothic architecture. There are so many things to do in Prague, that you can spend at least 3 days here discovering its history, wandering the charming cobblestone streets, eating delicious food, and admiring the fairytale architecture.

Day 1 – The Old and the New 

Spend your first day enjoying the beautiful contrasts of Prague. From the ancient old town, with its traditional atmosphere, to the modern and abstract ‘Dancing House’. Good to know: Everything on this day is within walking distance of each other!

1. Old Town (Stare Mesto)

The old town of Prague is the heart and soul of the city. Not least, because of its history and preservation, which have made it a world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site . Over a thousand years of history has been preserved here through religious buildings, monuments, and houses.

The main old town square is beautiful at all times of the year, but it’s particularly impressive in December. At this time, the square fills up with festive Christmas markets!

Also visit: Charming Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic

Astronomical Clock

Surprisingly, the top thing to do in the old town is to pay a visit to the unique astronomical clock. Every hour, on the hour, the clock chimes, and mechanical figures march out. The legend goes that the Prague councilors were so proud of this clock that they burnt the clockmaker’s eyes out to prevent another being created elsewhere. Despite this, there is now an exact replica in Seoul, South Korea!

2. Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

Unlike many other Jewish neighborhoods in Europe , the Jewish Quarter in Prague was not destroyed in the war. This is because Hitler aimed to eliminate the Jews and then later retire to Prague and make the district a museum.

Here are all your hotel options in Prague.

Thankfully, Hitler failed, and the area is now a UNESCO-protected site. Not only because it was the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe but also because of the Jewish Museum that is located here. During the holocaust, when all Jewish residents were sent to concentration camps, their belongings were stored here.

In the Jewish Quarter, visit the museum, the cemetery, the Jubilee, and the stunning Spanish synagogue with a Moorish interior!

Discover more: Moorish architecture in Valencia, Spain

3. Tunnel of Books

Head to the municipal library, located in the Jewish Quarter, to see the vortex of books! This tunnel of never-ending books is an illusion created by artist Matej Kren.

Opening times : The library is open from 10 AM – 2 PM and 3 PM – 8 PM. Note that on Sunday, the library is closed.

4. River Vltava

London has the Thames, Paris the Seine, and Prague the River Vltava! It is the longest river in the country and also passes through the wonderful city of Cesky Krumlov . Join a boat tour or go kayaking on the river to have the best view of the city.

Browse all boat tours on the Vlatna River

Tip: If passing over the legion bridge, take the stairs down below to Strelecky Island. The small island sitting between the banks of the river is a beautiful green space of trees to enjoy a picnic and some peace away from the buzz of the city.

5. Dancing House

Arguably, the most eye-catching building is this weird, twisted building named the Dancing House, a collaboration between a Czech and Canadian architect. It symbolizes yin and yang; in this situation, the coming together of communism and democracy.

Day 2 – Fairytale Castles & Palaces

Spend day 2 on the opposite side of the river, exploring the huge Prague Castle, its gardens, and the romantic Mala Strana district.

6. Mala Strana (The Little Quarter)

Mala Strana, a charming hilly district that sits on the river banks, is the must-visit neighborhood in Prague. Here, visitors can discover luxurious, brightly colored townhouses and elegant gardens as a result of its position beneath the castle.

Visit the stunning Waldstein Garden (free) and the Gardens below Prague Castle (~ 2 EUR) that offer a view over the city.

Additionally, the Lennon Wall is a wall covered in graffiti in honor of John Lennon and his pacifism. Now, it is home to political art and slogans that aim to spread love and peace.

Tip: On your way to the castle, pass through Thunovsky street; a spectacularly well preserved medieval street with three intricately painted arches.

7. Prague Castle

Delve into one of the world’s largest castles! Prague Castle made it into the Guinness World Book of Records for its size, and you can visit the following sites inside:

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was built in 1135 and used by Czech Princesses, Kings, and Queens throughout the ages.

St. Vitus Cathedra l

Vitus Cathedral is iconic to Prague, with its twin gothic spires, detailed carvings, and impressive gargoyles. The cathedral has influences of many different architectural styles as it took nearly 600 years to complete! 

Golden Lane

North-east of the castle grounds is the medieval street ‘Golden Lane’, named this way because the brightly colored houses were lived in by goldsmiths.

Opening Times & Entrance Fees Prague Castle

The castle grounds are open from 6 AM to 10 PM every day and can be entered for free. However, to visit the monuments, a ticket is required. Skip lines and book your tickets online .

The monuments open at 9 am but arrive on time as there will be a queue at the ticket office. Visitors can choose from circuits A, B, or C, depending on the monuments they want to see. We did Circuit B (the most popular tour at the price of 250 CZK or 9.5 EUR), which includes St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, George’s Basilica, and the Old Royal Palace. Book a tour and ticket online .

Note: Please check opening times on the official castle website, as opening times vary by monument and season.

8. Charles Bridge

Right before sunset, cross over the famous Charles Bridge: a charming cobbled, pedestrians-only gateway from the old town across to Mala Strana and the castle. Built in 1357, the Charles Bridge features 30 statues that represent saints from Czech history. Nowadays, it is occupied by artists and musicians and is simply fantastic for a stroll.

Close by the bridge is the narrowest street in Prague, measuring in at only 50cm wide! It even has its own traffic light to prevent people from walking into each other.

Day 3 – Outside Prague

The countryside around Prague is spectacular! Explore lakes, canyons, and castles with all the things to do on day 3.

Czech Republic

9. Saturday Farmers Market

Start your day off right by visiting the Naplavka farmers market! The market is located here and is a great thing to do in Prague on a Saturday morning. Wander along the riverbanks, discovering all the stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as delicious bread, pastries, and coffee. Delicious! Note: Only on Saturdays.

10. Karlstejn Castle

Just 40 minutes driving from Prague is the spectacular Karlstejn Castle, one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic ! The gothic castle sits nestled in the forest-covered hills above the charming village below.

Book a day trip to the castle online

How to get there: If you are doing the Czech road trip by car, then you can drive to the castle in 40 minutes from Prague. You can also reach the town by the castle in about an hour by train. Once in the village of Karlstejn, it is a 20-minute uphill walk to the castle.

We recommend to rent a car in Czech Republic through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

11. Great Quarry America

From Karlstejn, definitely take a hike or ride to the great quarry of America. ‘Velka Amerika’ is its name in Czech; however, it is widely known as the Czech Grand Canyon. Walk amongst the countryside for 45 minutes from Karlstejn Castle before arriving at this incredible limestone canyon with an 18-meter deep lake at the base. 

Also visit:  Karlovy Vary, the Spa town of the Czech Republic

12. A day trip to Cesky Krumlov

As an alternative, do a day trip to the medieval town Cesky Krumlov . The picturesque setting of Cesky Krumlov, with a huge ‘Disney style’ castle and horseshoe bend river, is what Cesky Krumlov is famous for.

Book a day trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov

Where to Stay in Prague

Prague offers accommodation for every kind of budget, with the best area being Prague 1 . Alternatively, see all hotels in Prague. We stayed in the Mosaic Design Hotel , one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in!

Hotels in Prague 😴

How to Visit Prague

Prague is well-connected via the Václav Havel International Airport to many other destinations in Europe and beyond.

There are also some great train connections to Prague from other European cities like Vienna, Budapest , and many more! ( Find all train connections to Prague here ). Alternatively, you can also rent a car and drive to the city yourself. This is a great option as it offers lots of flexibility in your pace and schedule when traveling through the Czech Republic.

Getting Around

Prague has a good, affordable transit network that spreads through the entire city. Take the metro, tram, or bus to anywhere in Prague. Tickets need to be purchased according to the length of your journey. A 30-minute ticket costs 24 CZK (0.90 EUR), and a 3-day ticket 310 CZK (11.50 EUR).

Alternatively, ride-sharing scooters like Lime are everywhere in Prague and are a fun way to see this city in a different way. Get your first ride unlocked for free here .

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Prague

• Maitrea restaurace (incredible vegetarian food)
• Da Antonio Dittrichova pizzeria (Best pizza in town)
• Bistro Monk (cute lunch spot)
• Crème de la Crème (Delicous Gelato)
• Forky’s (Vegan fast food)

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10 Things to do in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Brno, czech republic: 7 best things to do, 9 best things to do in cesky krumlov.

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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.

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Grand Cafe Orient

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Astronomical Clock

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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 –…

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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

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Franz Kafka Museum

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Prague and beyond

Prague Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Your First Visit

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 2nd August 2023

Categories Czech Republic

Last Updated on 2nd August 2023 by Antoine

Czechia is famed for its wealth of stunning architecture and sheer number of castles dotted across the land-locked country. Situated in Eastern Europe, the capital of the Czech Republic is that of Prague (or Praha as it is so-called in Czech) , an ideal weekend break with a plethora of museums to visit and delectable foodie experiences to be had. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best of Prague travel tips you need to know before your first visit!

For even more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend one perfect day in Prague .

#1 Prague is perfect for a weekend break

#2 prague is a great destination for vegans, #3 avoid eating in prague city centre, #4 don’t try and see everything in one visit, #5 wear comfortable shoes, #6 book your accommodation well in advance, #7 the currency in prague is the czech crown, #8 watch out for common tourist scams, #9 be way of atm fees and bad exchange rates, #10 be wary of pickpockets, #11 when is the best time to visit prague, #12 prague has plenty of epic viewpoints, #13 you can stay in the prague dancing house, #14 be sure to explore prague off the beaten path, #15 pack a universal travel adapter, #16 take a day trip from prague at least once, #26 don’t rent a car in prague, enjoyed reading the best prague travel tips to know before your visit visit to czechia pin this article now, read it again later:.

If you’re looking for somewhere with stunning architecture, a wonderful foodie scene, and plenty of cultural institutions worth frequenting, then know that Prague is easy to reach and perfect to explore over the course of several days, making it one of the best weekend breaks in Europe .

And with fantastic transport links to the rest of Europe and beyond (including an international airport and train connections) , Praha can easily be reached within a few hours from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and many other top destinations.

Something which particularly surprised me during our visit to Prague was the sheer number of meat-free options dotted across the city. From vegan junk food bars serving the likes of no fish fish and chips and plant-based burgers to more formal, sit-down menus, there’s something for every veggie diet. For more recommendations, check out my vegan’s guide to Prague .

Like many touristic cities across Europe, Amsterdam and Venice to name but a few, when visiting Prague be sure to avoid eating in the city centre, and particularly avoid any places which have plenty of photos on the menu with the words translated into five languages. Instead, you can head just a few streets back and expect to find much better quality food at significantly lower prices.

On this note, it’s also worth noting that many of the open-air cafés and bars along the banks of the Vltava will also charge you to sit and drink a beer. Though this is likely worth it if you’re planning to soak up the sunset views while drinking your beer,

With so much to see and do when it comes to exploring Prague, it can be hard to prioritise and decide what to visit on each day of your vacation. With this being said, if you try to see everything, then you will surely be disappointed and feel consistently rushed.

Instead, opt to focus on a few areas/ districts of the city and take the time to thoroughly get to know them. By not seeing everything, you’ll also have an excuse to return to Prague at a later date!

Prague is an inherently walkable city, perhaps one of the easiest in Europe to explore on foot. As such, comfortable footwear is an absolute must. Though high heels may be pretty, then don’t go well with cobbled lanes! This past summer, I brought a pair of sandals like these ones which pair well with summer dresses. Otherwise, check out some chic boots like these ones .

Over the past few years in particular, Prague has been an increasingly popular tourist destination and as a result the best accommodation always sells out fast. As such, I highly recommend booking your place to stay in Prague well ahead of time.

During a recent visit to the city with friends, we stayed in the Old Town district of the city and were close to many of the city’s main attractions, meaning that we only used public transportation a handful of times. if you’re currently looking for a place to stay, then this boutique hotel is über luxe, while this budget option is well-located and well-reviewed.

Though the city is often referred to as the ‘heart of Europe,’ the currency of Prague (and indeed the entirety of Czechia) is not the euro, but instead the Czech Crown. With this being said, as the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, it is legally obligated to adopt the euro at some point in the future.

Though the euro is accepted in some more touristic venues, the exchange rate is often not favourable and so it’s better to use the crown. Many places accept card, though it’s always useful to have some cash on you to purchase smaller ticket items such as snacks and drinks on the go.

Of all the Prague mistakes you could make, falling for one (or more) of the most common tourist scams would be it. With increasing visitors numbers, there has unsurprisingly also been a rise in the number of tourist scams directed at visitors to Prague over the past few years.

One of the top tourist scams in Prague includes being overcharged by taxi drivers. Where possible take public transportation and be sure to agree on a price before you take any cab rides.

Another of the top tourist scams is that of ‘Prague ham’. When walking past vendors, ham will be advertised at seemingly low prices. However, hidden in the fine print is that this is actually the ‘price per 100g’.

Although I’ve already covered some of the more common tourist scams in Prague in detail, the number one scam deserves a special note in of itself. Throughout the city, there are exchange offices which offer ‘0% commission’. Of course, as is usual with travelling, these scams seem too good to be true… And indeed they are.

The actual exchange rates are terrible, meaning that any commission money you might have saved will be lost in a bad currency exchange rate. Just as commonly, scammers mill about close to exchange offices and will tout tourists, offering seemingly good exchange rates but then instead giving out no longer valid currency.

Last but not least, whenever you withdraw money from an ATM, be sure to check both the exchange rate in advance, as well as to whether or not you’ll be charged a fee for withdrawing cash. Machines will often encourage you to withdraw a much higher amount than you need, thus further depleting your funds. Avoid EuroNet machines at all costs.

Though Prague is generally a safe city to visit for tourists (and typically as safe as your hometown) , petty crime such as pickpocketing is pretty rife, particularly in the more touristic areas of the city.

Areas where you need to watch your belongings closely include Prague Castle and the Old Town area of the city. As is usually the case with Europe, I recommend wearing a cross body bag like these ones as opposed to a backpack!

If you’re looking to experience the best of Prague in terms of attractions and weather, it’s worth noting that the city is pretty magical to explore all year ’round. From snow-topped roofs in the winter months to wandering around fountain-filled parks in the summer, there’s something new to explore with every season.

With this being said, the winter can be particularly cold while the summer months often have temperatures ranging in the 30 degree plus range, meaning that lots of water and rest is a must. As such, if you’re looking for the best of the weather, as well as the best prices, then the shoulder months are hands down the best time to visit Prague.

Whether you’re into photography or just love to enjoy a wonderful bird’s eye view of above the city, Prague has a multitude of fantastic viewpoints from which to spy the city from above. Some of the best viewpoints in Prague include from the top of the Old Town Hall Tower and from Prague Castle itself.

If you’re looking to see one of the best photo spots in Prague, then you simply must set aside the time to head out to see the Dancing House . What’s more is that the quirky modern architectural-focused building is now a hotel where you can book to stay! Get the full details here.

Whether you’re in search of secret churches which few visitors know about, or alternatively some lesser-known museums or quiet parks, Prague has all this to offer and more.

Some of the best-kept secrets of the city include a statue of Wenceslas riding an upside down horse and the remains of the oldest church in Prague, which are to be found within the walls of Prague Castle.

If you’re travelling from outside of mainland Europe, then no doubt you’ll need to bring along a universal travel adapter like this one to keep all your electronics charged on the go. This is particularly important as you’ll likely want to snap plenty of photos on your phone/ camera since the city is just so pretty!

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wish to discover what else Prague has to offer, then you may well consider taking a day trip from Prague at least once. Some of the top day excursions from the Czech Republic include Český Krumlov and Kutna Hora.

If you’re planning a trip to prag ue, then be sure to not rent a car (unless it’s to take day trips from the city) . Public transport in Prague is generally safe (be mindful of pickpockets), convenient, efficient, and very affordable.

Lots of Prague can easily be explored on foot, and to get to further away parts of the city you can get a bus, tram, or the underground. Renting a car will only incur costs, be expensive to park, and is generally not a good idea for getting around the city.

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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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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36 Hours in Prague

By Evan Rail Updated Aug. 10, 2023

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Prague, the Czech capital, is finding a new balance between preserving its past and embracing the future, improving many of its important historic sites while making striking additions to its skyline. A reset on tourism during the pandemic has left the city feeling more focused on local residents , with many new parks, bike trails, pedestrian bridges and other amenities showing up outside the historic center. The best new cafes, bars and restaurants, as well, are often found outside Old Town, in neighborhoods like Dejvice, Vinohrady, Holesovice, Karlin and New Town. Stop by for a coffee, hit up one of the many great new bakeries or visit a charismatic old beer hall as you explore a city that is clearly entering its prime.

Recommendations

• The area around Masaryk Railway Station is undergoing a major transformation, with several landmark buildings by Zaha Hadid Architects complementing the 19th-century train hall.
• The trendy Karlin and Holesovice neighborhoods are now connected by a new footbridge that also leads to Stvanice, an island in the Vltava River.
• The Southern Gardens and the recently reopened Stag Moat at the must-see Prague Castle offer quiet and calm away from the crowds.
• The Kunsthalle museum, which opened in 2022, showcases contemporary and modern art over three sprawling floors. On Sundays, the gallery’s bistro offers a two-part brunch to fuel a day of viewing art.
• Masarycka is a restaurant that combines the neoclassical décor of the Masaryk Railway Station with a contemporary beer hall atmosphere.
• Bohemia Goose is the newest brewery in a city that truly loves beer.
• Sodo is an intimate bistro with excellent coffee and a menu featuring locally uncommon ingredients.
• Misto is one of the best places for coffee and breakfast in a neighborhood filled with many great contenders.
• Automat Matuska serves Texas-style barbecue and craft beer to a mostly young crowd.
• Alma serves funky fermentations from its “lab” as well as clever updates to Central European fare.
• The Vysehrad fortress has cave-like chambers and tunnels to explore.
• Baden Baden Stvanice , a century-old public bathing area where artistic locals cool off, drink and tan, has reopened after a long closure.
• The Clam-Gallas Palace , which was recently restored, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture with ballrooms and grand staircases to gawk at.
• Boho sells fashion and jewelry from local artisans at its all-day cafe.
• The Czechdesign shop sells souvenirs from local designers like Prague-themed socks, and porcelain bowls shaped like the Czech Republic.
• Andaz Prague , part of a small boutique chain owned by Hyatt, opened in 2022 in the Cukrovarnicky Palac, or Sugar Palace, a 1916 industrial building close to the Jerusalem Synagogue. Doubles from around 370 euros (Czech hotels tend to list prices in euros, not the local koruna), about $405.
• Falkensteiner Hotel Prague , a branch of an upscale Austrian resort chain, offers recently refurbished rooms with bold color schemes not far from Prague’s main train station and Wenceslas Square. Doubles from around €199.
• Hotel Cube offers ultra-modern design in a quiet area south of Narodni Boulevard, not far from Alma and the Czechdesign shop. Doubles from around €135.
• For short-term rentals , look in Vinohrady, Dejvice or Karlin, all of which have plenty of amenities, as well as good access to public transportation.
• The best way to get around Prague is via tram or the metro , either using individual tickets or the Prague Visitor Pass , which offers unlimited rides, as well as free entry to many museums. Much of the historic center is best explored on foot . Avoid taking cabs off the street because of scams. Uber is available, though ride-hailing apps are rarely used by residents.

An earlier version of this article misstated the location of Czechdesign, a shop, in relation to Vysehrad. It is north, not south.

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18 Prague travel tips & hacks | First-timers guide

Things to do in Prague Prague Travel Guide Prague Travel Tips

A hotspot of culture, traditions, architecture and old-world charm, Prague is among the most visited cities in Central Europe. With its rich heritage and a confluence of different styles of architecture - from the Bohemian to Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance, there's a lot to learn about the city's glorious past by simply strolling by its cobbled alleys. Home to plenty of museums, churches, theatres, galleries, and other monuments of historical importance, a trip to Prague will set your heart racing to the beat of your favorite romantic song! Here are some handy Prague travel tips to help you plan the holiday of a lifetime:

Prague Essentials

Language Czech

Time zone GMT+2

Country Code +420

Socket Type E

Currency Czech Koruna(Kč)

Best Time To Visit Prague

Spring (Mid-April to May) and Early Fall (September to mid-October)

The 'City of a Hundred Spires' can delight tourists all year round, but if you're yet to book tickets, then I'd suggest you work out your travel dates during Spring (Mid-April to May) or Early Fall (September to mid-October). Warm days and breezy weather in Spring make it ideal for sightseeing, and it helps that the crowds are thinner. Early autumn is also an excellent season to visit Prague as the landscape makes for a pretty picture with plenty of brown leaves and pleasant ambiance all around, plus it's the mushroom picking season for the locals, and you'll get to see a different side of this illustrious city!

Prague Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Czech Crown Reigns Here

The beautiful Bohemian city of Prague uses Czech Crowns (CZK) or 'Koruna', not Euros in the city. While Euros may be accepted among the bigger shops, most establishments only accept the CZK. You can avail banknotes for 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 CZK coins. Be wary of locals walking around in tourist areas who claim to charge no commission on exchange rates, as they may end up swindling you. It's best to get the exchange formalities sorted at your home country, or you can get them directly from ATMs in Prague.

#2 Use Debit/Credit Cards To Your Heart’s Content!

You'll be relieved to know that unlike in some European nations, the Czech people are fairly advanced when it comes to using cards for transactions. Even small commercial establishments allow you to pay by credit or debit cards even for smaller transactions. While it's usually better to have enough spare change in the local currency, you can use your favorite, reward-points generating cards with ease while in Prague!

#3 The Bread Isn’t Complimentary!

While it's natural to discover a plate of refreshing-looking pretzels or flavored bread on your table after you're seated in a restaurant, you'd be wise to remember that these are not complimentary! It's a common practice in many European countries to offer bread as an appetizer, but these will be charged in your bill! So if you really don't want to have this baked goodness or pay for them, ensure you ask the waiter to take it away well in advance.

#4 Don't Wait for the Cuckoo's Call

The Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square is among the most famous landmarks in Prague, and many brochures and travel companies insist on you seeing the cuckoo that pops out every hour. While it's a much advertised even and an engineering feat considering how ancient it is, I would recommend planning your day around this unless you happened to be in the vicinity as you won't be missing out on much!

#5 Instant Payment & Tips are Appreciated!

If you're dining in a restaurant or cafe in Prague, and are just given the bill, don't be surprised to see the waiters hovering around your table. Out here, the waiters expect to be paid right after the bill is presented to you - and this includes the tip as well. So you may want to take a moment after your meal to do the mental math before calling for the bill. Depending on the service, people usually leave a tip of up to 5 to 10% of the total amount of the bill.

A guide to the best river cruises in Prague

#6 a vltava river cruise is a must.

River Vltava meanders through Prague and is one of the best way to get a different perspective of the city. Be it a romantic sun down river cruise or dinner cruise with friends, a river cruise in Prague gives you an opportunity to view the different attractions in a new light. What makes this experience even better is the narration that keeps you gripped throughout the tour. Indulge in the sights and sounds of Prague as you float by some of the most remarkable bridges around the city.

Here's all that you must know before choosing a Vltava Cruise for your Prague vacation.

Top Recommended Vltava Cruises

#7 witness sunsets at offbeat points.

If you want to bask in the glorious view of the sunset in Prague, ditch the usual favorites - the iconic Charles Bridge and the Old Town. Instead, head over to Letna Park or Riegrovy Sady for a tranquil and debatably more beautiful sunset! These are public parks that allow you to make a picnic out of watching the sunset. Another exciting option for a sunset viewpoint is to climb atop Prague’s Mini Eiffel Tower - the Petřín Tower, or on top of the Žižkov Television Tower. Just ensure that purchase tickets online in advance, or the queues will ensure you’ll reach atop after the sunset!

#8 Good Wi-Fi Networks Throughout!

If you don't want to lose touch with your social-media family, fret not! The quaint and historic Prague has plenty of free Wi-Fi spots through the city with easy access in most cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotel rooms. A lot of cafes encourage you to sit and work on your laptop - so this is ideal for the digital nomad in you! On the network front, you will find decent 4G connectivity in the city on most international networks.

#9 Ever Seen the Book Tunnel in Prague?

One of the most instagrammed spots in Prague, the Městská knihovna v Praze (Municipal Library) located bang in the city center deserves a visit for all the right reason. Right at the entrance you'll find a unique vertical "tunnel" made of books where you'll see a neverending hole of books- unlike any other you've seen before. It is little bit difficult to describe it as the best way how to understand the whole priciple is to see it on your very eyes! Definitely worth a fun photo opportunity stop. Pro Tip: The library is closed on Sunday and Monday.

#10 The Early Bird Gets The View

Prague's most iconic destination - The Charles Bridge is usually supremely crowded during the days regardless of when you're visiting. If you are keen to experience a moment of solitude at this picturesque locale, then rise early and take a walk down here as early as 6 AM. The pleasant sunrise and quiet setting will be a visual treat for your eyes and might just make it the best moment of your trip here!

#11 Trdelník is not Czech

While you'll see plenty of vendors selling Trdelník (spit cake/chimney cake), know that this is not a local delicacy. While it has become one of the most popular Instagram accessories in Prague, this dessert is a native of a town called Skalica in Slovakia. That said, Trdelník's don't taste bad in Prague; however, if you're looking for an authentic dessert, go for the Makový koláček.

#12 Visit the John Lennon Wall

In Mala Strana, near the French Embassy you’ll see the John Lennon Wall. At first glance this wall may look like any other graffiti-covered wall you see around the world. Safe to say, this is Prague's equivalent of the Berlin Wall. The John Lennon Peace Wall is not only a memorial to John Lennon and his ideas for peace, but also a monument to free speech and the non-violent rebellion of Czech youth against the regime. This historical wall oozes vibes of love & peace and adding to charm are street performers tuning to songs of the Beatles. PS: Squint your eyes for the original portrait of Lennon under the layers of new paints and you'll find tributes to Lennon and a yellow submarine!

#13 Be Walking Ready!

Prague’s fusion of art and architecture will strike you in the smallest ways when you take a walk in the Old Town area. Wear comfortable footwear and a bottle of water to go with you as you embark on an adventure to explore the beauty of the city. Nothing helps you absorb the culture of a city than a good walk, pleasant conversation with the locals, and streetside food to fill you up! Embark on free walking tours in Prague to see the heritage structures through Old Town, New Town, Prague Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. While these are marketed as free, you are welcome to contribute towards the end based on how much you enjoyed your trip!

#14 Get Out of the Old Town and Explore!

Famous for its cobbled lanes and pretty sights, Old Town, is the most crowded destination in Prague, and most tourists can’t seem to get enough of it. But there’s more to Prague than this crowded city center, and to enjoy the authentic charm of the city, you ought to take a detour and explore the other quaint areas surrounding Old Town for interesting bars, bakeries, open-air markets, and friendly faces.

Checkout 10 epic things you must do in Old Town before you stray off the beaten path!

#15 Be Wary of ‘Classical Concerts’

Given Prague's rich musical history, you may come across several event companies trying to sell you tickets to genuine classical concerts. While it may seem like a good idea to attend to these, you ought to know that they're basically staged for tourists and are far from the experts set about in revamped halls and not historic venues, so if you want to save your money and give these a skip!

#16 Always Opt for Skip the Line Tickets!

Prague gets insanely crowded, especially during summers and if you don't buy skip the line tickets for the prime attractions in the city -you'll spend you holiday hopping from queue to the other! Trust me when I say this. What’s more, with Skip The Line tickets purchased online, you're likely to score a few discounts and cashbacks.

Grab discounted Skip the Line tickets to the Prague Castle today!

#17 Get Local Souvenirs - Avoid the Russian Dolls!

Getting a bunch of souvenirs is a great idea, especially if you like to keep a memento of your travel experiences. You'll see a whole lot of Russian Dolls for sale but avoid these because they're not in the least Czech. Instead, opt for locally made, skillful puppets or Marionettes. The locals believe that you don't choose the puppet, and the puppet chooses you. (So much for picking puppets like wands, eh?) Other souvenirs that make for great gifts include Bohemian Glass or Garnet jewelry pieces.

Top 5 day trip destinations from Prague

#18 leave prague to explore the bohemian countryside.

The Czech Republic has more to offer than just Prague. The nearby towns like Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov, Karlstejn and Karlovy Vary offer make for a quick day trip from Prague, something you should consider if you're in the city for over 2 days.

Best Rated Day Trips From Prague:

Tips for saving money on transportation in prague.

Prague has a well-developed transport system which is not only efficient but easy on the pockets as well! With metro, trams, buses, and taxis, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on your travel options. Here are a few transportation tips in Prague to see you through safe and sound:

• If you want to use the Prague public transport, you need a single ticket for metros, trams or buses and you can conveniently switch from either of these.
• If you're flying into the Prague Airport, you can either take a taxi to the city or hop into a bus because there's no metro facility from there. If you have a lot of luggage, you're better off with a taxi. But if you're backpacking, then the bus which takes about an hour is a decent option as well!
• The taxi drivers in the city are known to overcharge. So be a little wary about hailing taxis that are not app-based.
• The major part of the commute is figuring out how to reach the city and check into your hotel. Once you have checked in, you're in for a feast, for you'll discover that everything is reasonably close by, and you can walk around most of the city center.
• It helps to purchase tickets before boarding the metros or buses, and you can always combine this with day-long passes, either 1-Day or 3-Days. Just ensure that you tend the exact fare amount at Public Transport Information centers or the colored ticket machines at major tram and bus stops for otherwise you may be stranded.
• The ticket-vending machine can be slightly tricky on your first attempt and it only accepts coins, so feel free to ask around if you need help! It's also important to remember that the fares mentioned to the left-side of the machine are for adults, and the ones to the right are for kids.
• Make sure your tickets are stamped before getting onto the platforms or you'll be charged a hefty fine, if caught.
• Prague has three metro lines that cover most of the city and is your best bet if you want to travel the length and breadth of the town. However, metros stop at midnight, so plan your late-night travel accordingly
• Trams are among the most popular modes of transport in Prague and add to the charm of the historic city. Two of the most popular pictursque routes are from Wenceslas Square to the National Theatre, then over the river to the Lesser Town or up to the Prague Castle.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In Prague

While Prague is synonymous to art, architecture, and beer, the Czech cuisine is something that you have to taste to admire - for it's delicious, comforting and calorie high count! Here are some Prague travel tips to keep you ready for the culinary treats that come your way!

• Most dishes in Prague are made of wheat flour, so if you're allergic to gluten, you'll have to be extra careful while ordering.
• Restaurants in Central European countries usually prefer that you call ahead and reserve your table because they tend to fill up fast, and it's a bummer to have to wait in a long queue during meal times.
• If you are looking forward to indulging in the many variants of beer without burning a large hole in your pocket, head to the Prague Beer Museum - a pub that's dedicated to bringing the many flavors of Czech Beer to the world!
• Not many know this, but the Czech people have perfected the art of their winemaking, and you can savor a few sips of these at the umpteen wine bars in the city.

More Tips to Save Money In Prague

• If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, it’s a good idea to stay in the Old Town area - where all the action is. However, if you’re keen on a budget stay, then the New Town area has a lot more options and is a hit among backpackers.
• While Prague is a center of celebrated art and culture, it is also home to many museums that offer discounted admission tickets during different days of the week!
• The Prague Castle Picture Gallery has a free entry every Monday while the Museum of Decorative Arts allows visitors in for free on Tuesday afternoons. Besides these, a lot of galleries in Prague offer family discounts on tickets, and you may use these in addition to senior citizens or student groups to save on entrance fees.
• If you’re an art lover, you must check out The Dvorak Sec Contemporary Gallery - a private collection that celebrates the work of local as well as international contemporary masterpieces. Another place that should be on your to-do list is the Futura Gallery of Contemporary Art .
• Several other museums in Prague do not charge admission fees - the Wallenstein Palace , Army Museum , MeetFactory and Museum of the Infant Jesus of Prague .  
• If you’re in Prague over the weekend - give the conventional sightseeing a miss within the city to avoid the crowds. Instead, embark on a half-day trip to Kutna Hora and marvel at the heritage city and the Sedlec Ossuary - the latter will give you the chills as you witness a chandelier made of human bones!
• The Terezin Concentration Camp is another day trip that you can embark upon for an educational experience but one that will leave you touched.
• For a leisurely trip in Prague, do experience the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat sightseeing in Prague along with a cruise on the serene Vlata River regardless of which season you’re visiting in!

Comparing the Prague Card and the Prague City Pass

Top things to do in prague.

I'm sure you have your itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in Rome. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Prague Castle

The biggest castle complex in the world, Prague Castle is 600 meters long. It's more than a castle; it's like a tiny city with various constructions and paths encircled by an embattled wall. The fact that this fortress has a combination of architectural styles is one of its most stunning and noticeable features.

2 Vltava Cruise

3 Old Town and Charles Bridge

The Old Town of Prague is one of the most well-preserved historic city centers in Europe. It is full of beautiful architecture, including many ancient churches and palaces. The area has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, and its rich history is evident in every corner.

4 Spanish Synagogue

5 St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral is the largest and most important church in Prague. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and has been the burial ground for Czech kings since the 10th century. The cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture and has some beautiful stained glass windows. It is also home to the Czech Crown Jewels.

6 Vyšehrad Castle

Vyšehrad Castle is a historic fort in Prague, dating back to the 10th century. Explore its fascinating attractions, such as Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Rotunda of St. Martin, Libuše's bath and more.

7 Prague Astronomical Clock

The Prague astronomical clock, or Prague Orloj, is a medieval astronomical clock located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working. It is also considered to be one of the most complicated mechanical clocks.

8 Prague National Museum

The Prague National Museum is one of the Czech Republic's most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1818, it now houses over 14 million items from the country's history, art and natural history. The museum's collections range from prehistoric times to the present day, and include such famous pieces as the Crown Jewels of Bohemia and the Codex Gigas.

9 Hot-Air Balloon Adventure

10 Ghost Tours

Browse through our collection of Ghost Tours to explore the city after dark and learn about the legends and stories of ghosts in this region. Walk along famous landmarks such as Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and St. George’s Basilica, and Prague Castle with an expert tour guide who will regale you with fascinating stories.

Ready to explore Prague?

Here are a few more guides that should help you plan your visit.

How long should I stay in Prague to make the best of my visit?

To really get a feel for Prague, you should spend at least four days in the city. That will allow you to discover all of the major attractions and experience the city's culture.

What are the things I should avoid doing in Prague?

In Prague, you must completely avoid exchanging money on the street and saying the wrong name of the country (Czech Republic).

Can I drink the tap water in Prague?

Yes, tap water is fine to consume in Prague and throughout Czechia. The Czech Republic's government officials monitor the quality of tap water numerous times a day and keep an eye on it carefully.

Is there anyway I can budget my Prague trip?

You can foresee the average costs for your Prague trip by using the budgetyourtrip tool.

Is Prague safe for solo female travellers?

Prague is a fantastic destination for single female tourists, as one of the safest cities in Europe. Although crime rates are low, there's always the danger of minor theft, so be cautious with your belongings, especially on public transportation.

Does Prague have a good nightlife?

Prague's nightlife is quite diversified, with clubbers, drinkers, and music fans all having plenty of options. The city has a good selection of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, as well as some live music venues.

What's the best area to stay in Prague?

Old Town, sometimes called Stare Mesto (Old Town), is the historical heart of Prague. This is where most tourists stay for their first time in Prague since it contains many historic sights and restaurants, making it the ideal area to visit for newcomers.

What's the best time to visit Prague?

The best seasons to go to Prague are the spring and early fall, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer people. Because of the city's generally chilly climate, the peak tourist season is the summer months, which means higher hotel costs.

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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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.

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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 2067 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.

Tailor-made trips for   Czech Republic

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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Six tips for visiting Prague

Samantha Tatro

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Stay: Lazenska N°4 for beautiful apartments in the Lesser Town

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Planning a trip to Prague? This beautiful and historic city, located in the heart of Europe, draws millions of visitors each year.

The heart of Prague has ancient sights and historical wonders, but travel a little outside the city, and you’ll find stunning viewpoints, sprawling green space, and local bakeries and beer halls.

No matter what brings you to Prague, it’s important to know what to expect - and what not to do - before visiting.

1. Prague is a safe city 

One of the most common questions I get when people visit the Czech Republic is, “Is Prague safe?” It’s a fair question. Most people want to know whether they will be able to walk around Prague during the day and during the night without worrying or looking over their shoulders. 

My answer: Yes! Prague is one of the safest cities in Europe. I have personally never felt unsafe while walking around Prague, both day and night. In fact, the Czech Republic is known for their low crime rates and its overall safety. Of course, the country still struggles with some minor crime (mostly pickpocketing), but otherwise, it’s perfectly safe.

2. Don’t be afraid to head off the beaten path

When most tourists arrive in Prague , they tend to stick to the well-worn parts of the city: Old Town and the surrounding areas. Prague is so much bigger than the touristy parts of the city, though, and many of the best parts of Prague are often found off the beaten path.

For example, the city’s zoo is situated on the outskirts of Prague and some of the city’s most beautiful parks (and best restaurants!) are not located right downtown. The good news: public transit is cheap and easy to access, and you can head outside of the prime tourist spots with little effort. 

3. Be careful with exchange rates

Prague is full of places to exchange money, especially in the center of town. I always tell visitors to steer clear of these currency exchange businesses, which often promise too-good-to-be-true deals and pack in hidden fees. Instead, take money directly from a bank’s ATM (check out Raffeisen, for example, or Česká spořitelna). Their exchange rate is often much better.

If you do insist on using one of these currency exchanges, make sure to ask for the final amount in writing before handing over cash. In addition, insist on a receipt. If you have been given a bad deal, you have three hours to turn around and cancel the transaction.

4. Try Czech food (especially the pastries!)

When you walk through Prague’s most touristy areas, you’ll encounter the chimney-shaped cake called trdelník. These baked goods call themselves Czech, but the truth is that they aren’t Czech… they’re actually Hungarian. There’s no shame in devouring one of these tasty treats (who can dislike dough and cinnamon sugar?!), but you should really make an effort to try some of Czech Republic’s traditional food . 

Czech baked goods are not as sweet as traditional American foods, but they’re equally as delicious. One of my favorites? The classic koláč, a palm-sized disk covered with a creamy topping and lots of seasonal fruits. If you want to try the best Czech bakeries in Prague, check out Eska or Kus Koláče (but expect to wait in line a little).

5. You don’t need to tip - just round up

It’s the age-old question when traveling: to tip, or not to tip. In Czech Republic, tipping is not the norm - at least, not the way it is in the U.S. In the U.S., you might tip 15% or 20% to your servers. In the Czech Republic, it’s far more common to round up the bill. For example, if the bill comes out to 375 CZK, I would round up to 400 CZK. 

In Prague, most restaurants will try and convince foreigners that it’s common to tip, like in the U.S. However, it’s not - and local Czechs would never tip 15% or 20% on the bill. When I’m in the countryside and I tip that much, the servers are genuinely confused. So when you visit, try and remember to round up the bill. 

6. Avoid calling Czech Republic “Czechoslovakia” 

Local Czechs have one big pet peeve: when people use “Czechoslovakia.” Try and avoid calling the country Czechoslovakia, especially around Czechs. The state ceased to exist in 1993, when the Czech Republic and Slovakia were formed.

The use of “Czechoslovakia” brings up memories of the immediate times post-communism, and demonstrates a general lack of awareness about the country. 

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Author - Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started her blog, Undiscovered Path Home, to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.

Last Updated 28 August 2023

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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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Prague.eu The Official Tourist Website for Prague

Tourist Information Centres

Do you need to find your way around Prague? To arrange a sightseeing tour, or tickets for cultural events? Then stop by one of our Information Centres. We provide tourist information and arrange for all kinds of diverse and high-quality tourist services. You can also get some original gifts to bring back, from our Prague arts and crafts people's limited editions, which you can buy at the TICs downtown. But you're always welcome just to pop in and tell us how you like Prague...

Where to find us

Prague visitor centre - na můstku.

Official tourist information centre of the City of Prague, so called Visitor Centre, run by Prague City Tourism. The latest tourist centre is located in the very centre of the city, at the crossroads of Na Můstku and Rytířská streets. It also includes an exchange office with clear exchange rates and fees, a small rest area for visitors and free Wi-Fi access.

Prague Visitor Centre - Staroměstská radnice (Old Town Hall)

Official tourist information centre of the City of Prague run by Prague City Tourism. Located in the historical Old Town Hall it is available for tourists 365 days a year.

Prague Visitor Centre – Prague Castle

The official Tourist Information Centre for the City of Prague is operated by Prague City Tourism. It is open to local and foreign visitors and Prague citizens 365 days a year. The Tourist Information Centre is located in the 3rd courtyard of Prague Castle.

Petřín Tower Information Centre

Prague City Hall’s official Information Centre is run by Prague City Tourism. The Information Centre is located directly on Petřín Tower premises and is open for domestic and foreign visitors and Prague residents 365 days a year.

Prague Visitor Centre - Václav Havel Airport Prague - Terminal 1

Official tourist information centre of the City of Prague, so called Visitor Centre, run by Prague City Tourism. Located in the Terminal 1 arrival hall.

Prague Visitor Centre - Václav Havel Airport Prague - Terminal 2

Official tourist information centre of the City of Prague, so called Visitor Centre, run by Prague City Tourism. Located in the Terminal 2 arrival hall.

10 Surprising Finds on a Trip to Prague

I first visited Prague in 2004, returned in 2014, and again in 2023 to discover numerous surprising changes since my first visit to the City of a Hundred Spires. In September, there were as many people visiting the City Centre (Old Town) as you would expect in Rome, Paris, or London. Today, the capital of the Czech Republic is very safe (just ask a local) and along with its Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectures, it has morphed into a cosmopolitan destination.

Plan your trip to Prague with our favorite discoveries: 

The most beautiful bars we have ever seen are set in the walls of Prague’s riverside embankment.

At night, walk along the riverside to peep inside the Prague embankments to witness little illuminated “dungeons” where you can savor a cocktail, or sit outside at one of these numerous bars that welcome visitors with massive rotating circular glass “doors” along the waterfront. These lens-like hinged round portal windows near the Palacky Bridge are custom-made and imported from Thailand. They are the largest of their type in the world. Some of the spaces also hold cafes, art shows, and private events. The moody sexy portholes offer beer or cocktails for $6 or less. Try the bistro bar – called Lab – for a Mule, Spritz, or Skinny B vodka soda while admiring the cityscape of golden bridges, castles, and palaces.

Medieval towers are the best way to get a bird’s eye view of Prague.

Gain perspective of this magical city by climbing one of Prague’s Gothic monumental buildings. Those energetic enough will want to scale the narrow steps to the observation deck of the Old Town Hall Tower , or for a few extra crowns, ride the glass elevator to the top of the 200-foot tower to witness the ancient heart of the city in all its architectural glory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Look down (or if you are outside look up) to watch the Grim Reaper ring the bell, the cock crow, and the apostle figures pop out of the famous 15th-century astronomical clock each hour to delight crowds. If you look closely, find 27 crosses in the paving stones representing the 27 people beheaded in this place once upon a time. Inside, visitors can also peruse the chapel, historical halls, and underground areas.

Climbing the Gothic-style 15th-century Powder Gate Tower that marks the entrance to the Royal Route leading to Prague Castle is a must. It is one of the original city gates entered by everyone in the Middle Ages. Consider coming on a weekday at dusk for a more private experience. Scale the 186 narrow spiraling steps to be rewarded with a bird’s eye view 144 feet above Prague Centre. Today, netting holds up the slanted slate roof and some of the exterior facade showcasing stone sculptures of kings, Czech patrons, gargoyles, and saints.

Both charge a small fee. Other towers to consider visiting for sensational views include St. Nicholas Bell Tower, Old Town Bridge Tower, New Mill Water Tower, Clementinum Astronomical Tower, and Baroque Library.

You can stay in a former historic bank used in many films like Bourne Identity - the glamorous, palatial NH Collection Prague Carlo IV.

Located in an authentic Neo-Renaissance palace, the 5-star NH Collection Prague Carlo IV hotel built in the late 1890s was once the bustling Czech Mortgage Bank used to support the development of construction all around the country, then later met its fate during communism as the Prague Post Office or seat of postal censorship. In 2022 the glamorous property went through a major design update respecting the historical appearance.

Situated in the heart of Prague but away from the main tourist hub and just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town Square, a stay in this stunning elegant building with 152 rooms will not be forgotten. One step inside and your mouth will surely be agape at every turn. The lobby stuns with its soaring light-filtered ceiling and former wooden bank teller windows as the guts of the bank are now the 1890 Restaurant.

Marvel at the restored original ceilings with paintings where ornate crystal chandeliers hang and a coat of arms represents the city branches the bank opened. The chic 1890 foyer bar is where you should spend an evening relaxing after a day of sightseeing with a cocktail in hand. A pianist sets the mood and a cocktail menu comes with options named after the many movies filmed here. Just off the lobby find the secret wooden-clad Vault Bar located in the original bank treasury where currently an exhibition details the former bank's history.

High-ceilinged spacious suites impress with classic Italian furniture and massive vertical windows allow light to filter into these impressive rooms with walk-in closets, vintage dressers, couches, and oversized marble bathrooms. Guests can stay in the historical section or the modern wing added in 2003. Just stepping outside our room into the original corridors with an elaborate staircase made me feel like a princess. Penthouses here have been used by celebs, fashion designers, and heads of state.

Each morning guests can expect an over-the-top breakfast spread (where you can also order a la carte) with a dizzying array of fresh options (i.e. hot dishes, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurts, fruit, pastries, bread, eggs, freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, DIY Mimosa and Bloody Mary possibilities) all enhanced with a calming harpist who we heard also performs at the National Theatre.

For those who need a reboot while traveling, the hotel houses an expansive spa in the subterranean vault with a 20-meter-long heated swimming pool with whirlpool, massage beds, steam room, dry sauna, and fitness studio. Ask for Denisa for an unforgettable relaxing massage with linden aromatherapy and masterful techniques like rubbing your hand and foot at the same time. Staying here will enhance your Prague memories.

Prague has over 25 restaurants in the Michelin Guide. 

For those who want to try a fine dining experience when visiting a new country, Prague may be the best place – due to cost and a slew of options for various budgets. One of the richest meals we tried was near the Jewish Quarter at Field , a one-star Michelin restaurant offering various tasting menus mixing Czech classic dishes with modern elements including artful presentations of foie gras, duck liver, veal, and sweetbread stuffed with Mangalica pork topped with truffle. Many amuse-bouche appetizers began this affair in a Scandinavian-esque room with farm tools hanging from the walls and windows. Seasonality leads the way with a guarantee of surprising combinations like a dish of tomato, marinated strawberry, basil granita, yogurt, and basil powder prepared tableside while many courses arrive with a symphony of waiters finishing the dish finales in front of you. We suggest a wine pairing to help compliment the decadent haute cuisine.

La Degustation is another one-star Michelin restaurant to try in Prague with a set menu. Eska and Eatery come highly recommended too - both in the same neighborhood. Some of our favorite Czech-inspired dishes came from the 1890 Restaurant and Bar , a sophisticated newcomer located within the historic grand NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. We won’t be surprised if the restaurant joins the Michelin Guide, as guests can find traditional recipes prepared in elevated ways like pumpkin ginger soup, beef cheeks with cream sauce, wild cranberries, and fine chive potato dumplings, and homemade buns for dessert with vanilla sauce and dark rum.

The best place to listen to classical music is on the street and in churches. 

Musical talent has long flourished in the Czech capital where in the 17 th and 18 th centuries it was known as the conservatory of Europe. “Whoever is Czech, is a musician,” may be a local proverb. Walk around the city and there is no shortage of street musicians setting the mood by playing mesmerizing classical tunes, jazz, or pop around Charles Bridge or Old Town Square. Churches are some of the best places to listen to classical music due to the acoustics. For around $20, duck into the glorious St. Francis of Assisi Church with its magnificent dome located by the Charles Bridge. Here, admire a unique baroque organ from 1702 where most evenings at 7 PM, you don’t need a reservation to experience an hour of moving Mozart, Dvorak, Bach, Schubert, Vivaldi, Handel, and Czech Baroque music. Even Mozart played this organ. Learn more at www.organconcerts.cz . The highly acclaimed Royal Czech Orchestra can also be found playing at St. Salvador Church, the main early Baroque-style church of Clementinum, and the city landmark entrance to the Old Town.

Beer is still inexpensive and some of the best in the world.

Czech beer has a long history, with brewing beginning in Brevnov Monastery in the year 993. Beer is so fresh here because it's not pasteurized. We often paid around $3 or less for a pint with a big head of foam. Make your own brew tour by resting your legs and flexing your beer muscles in a historical brewery such as 12th century Strahov Monastery courtyard (for light and dark lager), U Fleku (for dark home-brewed beer at the oldest and most famous beer hall), or Staropramen . Try blueberry beer in a cave at Restaurant Na Pekle now with an outdoor garden deck or sip beers with the locals at the Letna Beer Garden park high above the city. Prague Beer Museum has over 30 beers on tap. We also loved sitting at Mlyny in Kampa Park on the river. Great beer can be found anywhere - at every restaurant, bar, and pub. Or soak it all in at the Chodovar Beer Spa . For 17 days in May, Prague hosts the Czech Beer Festival annually where more than 70 brands of Czech beer can be tasted.

Traditional Czech cuisine is very rich and hearty.

Don’t expect to find many salads on the menu as local Czech cuisine consists of pork knuckle, duck leg, beef carpaccio, duck liver, sausage, pork, beef, schnitzel, goulash, and potato dumplings. Around the city, the smell of chimney cakes wafts in the air as this doughy goodness is wrapped around hot iron rods and is now served stuffed with ice cream and toppings.

Lavka makes a nice spot by the river in view of Charles Bridge to sip beer and share a succulent roasted pork knuckle as they are big enough for two and often accompanied with bread, pickled onion, mustard, and horseradish. Right on the riverbank of Vltava, duck into local rustic Czech cuisine favorite U Kalendu , a restaurant bakery serving big juicy tender confit duck leg, homemade dried sausages, and interesting dishes like chewy pig ears and toasted bread with duck hearts and stomach. For a fresh veggie fix, share their grilled little gem salad and baked leeks with egg.

Surprisingly, we did see a few plant-based restaurants like Vegan Restaurant near the castle with sensational cityscape views where if you are lucky you can score a seat atop their tiny terrace. Locals told us we must try Vietnamese food since a large Vietnamese population has resided here since the Communist era.

An immersive Banksy exhibition can be experienced in a Baroque-style church.

Just like Banksy’s art appears in unusual places all over the world, now in the heart of Prague, the World of Banksy has arrived in a stunning church where a famous Czech priest and church reformer “Jan Hus” used to preach in the 15th century. The church and adjacent monastery were later disestablished during the reforms of Emperor Joseph II in the 18 th century. However, in recent years the building served as a warehouse and a nightclub, and now, after centuries, the building hosts another reformer – Banksy!

Here you can peruse the illusive artist’s murals, canvases, graffiti, installations, video installations, projections of his artwork, and unique pieces from private collectors – all reproduced and compiled for this show. The best part is the exhibition gets you thinking especially about morality with themes of corruption, prejudice, greed, environmental issues, societal flaws, and more – with more than 115 artworks presented in their original size.

Funky modern architecture can also be found in this fairytale landscape.

You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the diversity of Prague’s architecture - although just walking around is like stepping into a 3D architecture textbook of unparalleled design with Romanesque chapels and cellars, Baroque palaces and gardens, worldly Art Nouveau buildings, unique Cubist architecture, and over thirty bridges and footbridges spanning the picturesque Vltava River. It’s easy to be in awe at every turn - from the Municipal House to the Wallenstein Palace to the Church of Our Lady before Tyn - but now dramatic new buildings have popped up in the last few decades like the mod National Library of Technology and the controversial modernist Dancing House building also known as Ginger and Fred designed by a Croatian Czech architect Vlado Milunic with Canadian American architect Frank Gehry. It is deemed out of place, disrupting the landscape of ancient buildings for which Prague is famous. Others to seek out include Mainpoint Prague, AFI Karlin Butterfly, The New Stage of the National Theatre, The Stvanice Footbridge (designed as a “sculpture in the city”), and the reversible Manifesto Market built with reclaimed materials.

You can become spellbound in Prague.

It's nothing short of wondrous just walking around admiring this “Golden City,” with its high-top castle perched above the river with its St. Vitus Cathedral masterpiece - where at the right time, heavenly colors explode and glow inside due to the stained-glass windows. Visiting the landmark medieval Charles Bridge may leave you spellbound early in the morning before crowds or at night when the glowing deep blue sky contrasts with the 36 Baroque guardian statues. Get your breath taken away at every turn - in the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, as the State Opera House is aglow in the evening, or as the midday sunlight illuminates the pastel-hued decorative buildings in Old Town Square. Your pocketbook will become spellbound too as prices for food, drink, and lodging are significantly more affordable than most major cities in Europe and the US.

Prague is full of surprises.

KEEP READING:

- 12 Things to Know Before You Travel to Europe

- 12 Things You Never Knew About Italy

- 7 Things to Do in Naples, Italy

- 12 Things to Know Before Going to Paris

- 19 of the Best Off-the-Beaten Path Things to See and Do in Paris

Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to  Johnny Jet’s free newsletter  and check out these popular posts:  The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and  12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees . Follow Johnny Jet on MSN ,  Facebook, Instagram ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube  for all of my travel posts.

You can still find affordable flights to Europe this summer

Airfare prices to amsterdam, brussels, prague and reykjavik are way down from last year.

Christina Saull and her husband have waited five years to take a 10-day cruise through the Norwegian fjords. The first time they planned the trip, it was postponed for a medical emergency. The second time, there was a family wedding. Now, finally, they were getting ready to go in July.

Only they needed plane tickets.

“It’s interesting to see how expensive fares have been and how they’ve fluctuated,” said Saull, a public relations executive who lives in Alexandria, Va.

The couple watched prices go from as little as $900 round trip to as much as $2,500 for flights from Washington to Edinburgh, Scotland, and back from Copenhagen. They finally settled on premium economy seats for $2,000 each on Delta Air Lines and its partner Air France.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable for summer Europe travel,” Saull said of what they paid.

Not unreasonable is a good way to describe transatlantic air travel this summer. Even with strong travel demand, tickets are cheaper on average than they were last year.

“Airfare to Europe is less expensive than last year by 10 percent,” said Hayley Berg, the lead economist at flight-booking app Hopper . The average round trip ticket before any extra fees costs $882, according to the data.

The highest fares are in June, July and August, Berg added. Traveling in shoulder months — for example, September and October — could save travelers as much as 30 percent.

Schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium Diio shows airlines will offer 8 percent more seats on U.S.-Europe routes from May through September than last year.

Philadelphia is gaining new nonstops to Copenhagen, Naples , and Nice, France, on American Airlines. Phoenix gets its first nonstop to Paris on Air France. Washington, a new flight to Zurich on Swiss International Air Lines. And many other routes additional flights or options on larger planes.

“In the transatlantic, we are looking forward to another strong summer,” said Glen Hauenstein, president of Delta Air Lines, referring to bookings earlier in April. He added the airline sees “healthy demand” for seats to Europe.

Paris has flight deals, but hotels are pricey

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are a bump in the finely tuned machine that is summer air travel to Europe. The Games run from July 26 through Aug. 11, and the French capital is expected to host some 15 million visitors during the event and the following Paralympic Games. Last summer, the city saw more than 6.2 million visitors in July and August.

“Paris will be like an Olympic village in July and August,” said Christine Ourmières-Widener, CEO of the French airline French Bee . All those visitors still need a way to get to the city. French Bee , which caters to leisure travelers like those going to the Games, has added flights from Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco to meet the demand.

Flight deals to Paris can still be found. Booking website Expedia recommends travelers buy tickets at least 21 days before their trip and, for international travel, look at departing on a Monday to find the best airfares.

Finding an affordable hotel in Paris during the Games is another matter. Expedia said it has seen a “massive surge” in searches for accommodations there this summer and recommends travelers look at nearby cities for more reasonably priced options.

Consider Nice, Prague and Reykjavik

Finn Vigeland, a transit planner who lives in Washington, was “quite surprised” last month when he found a good deal on flights to Nice, France, in July.

Prices on American Airlines’ new nonstop to Nice from Philadelphia were only $700 to $800 round trip, he said. That was affordable enough to make a trip to France with friends possible, and he booked the flight (with points, not cash).

Average fares to Nice from the United States are down a quarter to $907 compared to last summer, Hopper’s data shows. The city also has the distinction of being one of the few European destinations with lower airfares this summer than in 2019, 11 percent lower to be exact. That drop is, in part, thanks to a plethora of new flights on American, Delta, and United.

Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague, and Reykjavik, Iceland, are other European cities where ticket prices from the United States are down more than 20 percent from last year, according to Hopper.

Airfares are not down double-digits in all markets though. Fares to cities like Berlin and Glasgow, Scotland, are on par with last year.

Traveler after traveler said they felt like they could find reasonably priced plane tickets for trips between the United States and Europe this summer. Those who said they could not often lacked flexibility to adjust their trips to when and where fares are the cheapest.

“I felt like this was doable. It made sense,” Alexander Giess said of his plan to take his 10-year-old daughter on a three-week trip to France this summer.

After a lengthy search, in March the marketing executive paid about $1,000 each for two round-trip tickets to Nice from San Francisco on his preferred airline, Delta.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.