Prague Guide
Prague is one of Europe’s best preserved cities and is stuck in its old world charm so flawlessly that a visit to Prague is sure to transport you to the days of Bohemian yore. This riverside city built on the banks of Vltava River is laced by elegant bridges a stunning skyline and dotted with piercing medieval church spires ; giving it the nickname City of a Hundred Spires. To make the most of your visit to Prague, here’s a comprehensive Prague Travel Guide that will take you through the nuances of traveling around Prague - right from all that the places to visit in Prague, the tipping culture in the City of Prague and to the must attend festivals in Prague.
Why Visit Prague
There’s no city in Europe that offers such a heady mix of things to discover and explore. Prague has a diverse collection of building and structures dipped in different architectural styles - from Baroque to Cubist , making it an ambling delight. The City of Prague brews some of the best beers there is and offers classic Czech meals that is sure to linger around your taste buds for a long long while. Musicians like Dvořák and Mozart made their mark in Prague, making the city a soulful musical paradise. When there’s so much to experience in Prague, need we convince you further why you need to pack your bags and visit Prague right away?
Prague Guide Jumplinks
 To Do |
 Tourist Map |
 Season |
 Budget |
|
 Culture |
 Tips |
 Language |
 Eat |
 Transport |
Prague Essentials
LanguageCzech
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+420
SocketType E
CurrencyCZK
Top 10 Things To Do in Prague
Below are a compact list of 10 things to do in Prague, regardless of whether you're in Prague for one day or a week. Tick these 10 places to visit in Prague off your list and consider it all done. If you're wondering how to squeeze all of these in your itinerary, you can take a look at our handcrafted Prague Itineraries
Prague Map with Tourist Attractions
Below is a Prague Tourist Map with all the prime attractions around Prague that will help you chart an itinerary for yourself. Download this on your phone and keep it handy while visiting Prague.
Best time to visit Prague
Prague Weather
Prague has a pull year round, a true city of all seasons. Before you book your tickets to Prague, check the weather in Prague here and plan your trip accordingly.
Prague in Spring
The best time to visit Prague would be around Spring, with blossomed flower blankets and longer visiting hours at attractions.
Prague in Autumn
In Autumn, Prague is decked in gold and scarlet leaves, bunches of ripe plums and the locals are all set to pick fungi during fall (mushrooms), a seasoned hobby during this season.
Prague in Winter
Winters are harsh and if you’re willing to brave the chill, you will be rewarded with views of Prague glittering under a carpet of white snow. Though the tourist hordes and hotel prices during this season are three times less, many attractions remain closed during this season. If you’re a skier, the Bohemian slopes is well worth a swing, lest you book in advance as they fill up pretty fast.
Prague in Summer
Summer brings around 10 hours of sunshine, temperatures of 21°C and blue skies, with light showers in between. July and August are the warmest and driest months clocking in maximum tourists, hence making it least suitable if you’re looking for a quiet vacation.
Prague On a Budget
Prague is generally considered a jewel in the crown for budget travelers in Europe as most things are comparitively cheaper than the rest of Europe. However, there are many a overpriced tourist traps you need to be wary of, especially if you're visiting the city during peak season.Here are a few tips to manifest your budgeted trip to Prague.
Grab the Prague Card or the Prague City Pass
The Prague Card and the Prague City Pass are the 2 most frequently used passes in Prague.
While the Prague Card is more extensive, and is just about 4 euros costlier than the Prague City Pass.Both these cards give access to the public transport around Prague making it easy to get around the city. You can read a detailed comparison between the Prague Card and Prague City Pass here and make a choice accordingly.
Get on the Hop On Hop Off Bus & Boat
Prague is a tourists's goldmine and the only way to get around this goldmine is to hop on a HOHO tour.
Prague is a tourists's goldmine and the only way to get around this goldmine is to hop on a HOHO tour. Moreover, the Hop on Hop Off Prague is extremely economical - 22 euros!, allowing you to get around the city without burning a hole in your pocket. The Prague Hop on Hop Off even has 24 hour and 48 hour variants along with optional boat tours allowing you to cruise the serene Vltava River with no additional cost. Read more about Hop On Hop Off Prague here.
Do the Free things in Prague
There are a lot of interesting things in Prague that cost nothing at all but gift you an experience of a lifetime.
Populate your itinerary with some of the free things in Prague like : a walking tour around Old Square, Prague Castle Grounds, Josefov and Charles Bridge, a Free Cultural Nights at any of the Prague Cathedrals, a visit to Kampa Island ,trek up the Petrin Hill and a visit the John Lennon Wall.
Hit up the Cheap restaurants in Prague
Though beer is dirt cheeap in Prague, food is not exactly cheap ; considering restaurants charge for ketchup sachets!
Look out for Czech Hospoda as these are classic taverns that serve beer and a set menu of cheap typical meals.In most local hubs around, they serve discounted lunch between 11AM and 2PM on weekdays. Sausages are a staple here and there are many sausage stands in Prague selling fried cheese, burgers and hot dogs for cheap. Below are a list of places you could hit up for some great Czech meals.
Go for Hostels in Prague, not Hotels
Prague has a great network of backpacker hostels ranging from $9-$25/night per person.
Though this bracket heightens during peak season, weekends and public holidays, hostels are still a cheaper deal than hotels. Beware, some hostels are known to be 'party hostels' and if you're one to love your unpertubed sleep, then make sure you don't book a room in these. Some of the hostels that have great reviews are : Hostel One Prague, Adam&Eva Hostel, Hostel DownTown and Mosaic House.
Prague Daily Budget Planner
Prague is seemingly brimming with undiscovered locations and discovering them on a budget or taking the luxurious route, both offer a great travel experience. Depending on how you'd like to go about your Prague visit, you can budget your trip. Here's a summary of an approximate per day expense in Prague.
Prague On a Budget - CZK 851 ($38.12) per day
Midrange spending in Prague - CZK 2,069 ($92.69) per day
Luxury vacation in Prague - CZK 5,142 ($230.36) per day
Use this tool to further budget your Prague trip.
Prague Travel Tips
Currency & ATMs in Prague
The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (CZK). Czech Crowns are are available in the following denominations: 100/200/500/1000/2000/5000.
ATMs are easily available all over Prague and it is advisable to withdraw from an ATM attached to a bank than from stand alone ATMs for security purposes. Also, withdrawing money from a debit card will result is lesser transaction fees than credit card withdrawals. Certain ATMs around Prague offer the option to pay using 'home currency'. We strongly suggest avoiding this option as it converts the international rate authorised by your bank which maybe higher than the local exchange rates. Instead select 'local currency' for the standardised Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).
CZK exchange rateHere’s a trusted exchange calculator you can use to check the current exchange rate of CZK to your home currency.
Prague Visa Guide
Prague, Czech Republic is a part of the Schengen Countries, hence you need a Schengen Visa to enter the country. Citizens of EU countries do not need to apply for a visa and can entry Prague free of cost and stay indefinitely. The Czech Republic offers different types of visas - single entry, multi- entry and transit visas. Depending on the nature of your trip, you can apply for either of these. Citizens of US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan can stay in Prague for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa.Those who are not citizens of the EU will require a visit visa and for more information on the Schengen Visa you can head here
Tipping in Prague
It is common to leave a 10% tip in Prague for most services, provided one is satisfied with the service. If you're not happy with the service and don't consider it tipping worthy, you have the flexibility of not tipping and getting away without any curses. Since taxi drivers here are considered to be notorious with tourists in particular, tipping taxi drivers in Prague is not a norm. However, if you are lucky enough to have landed a gentleman, you are more than welcome to say a polite ‘dekuji’ (thank you) and leave a 5-10% tip.
Prague Culture
In public spaces, watch your volume as Czechs are not loud talkers and are easily annoyed by boisterous speakers. It may seem as though the locals are indifferent and aloof, however it is in the Prague culture to not mingle with lesser known people. Once you get to know them, they are much nicer and friendly.
While drinking beer In Prague, make sure that your beer is always on the coaster and that the coaster is laid out when the waiter comes to serve you. Toasting is a norm here and you are required to look into the other person's eye before clinking the glass and saying Na zdraví (To your health!). Crossing arms with another person to reach over the table is considered disrespectful here, so avoid doing that at all costs.
If you're invited to a Czech home, make sure you take flowers for your hosts and leave your shoes outside the house before entering.
You are required to drive on the right in Prague and the country has a zero tolerance policy towards drunk driving
Prague Festivals
The Czechs are festive people and have something or the other happening year round. This works well for tourists as well since whatever season you go, you're sure to experience a slice of Czech festive culture from one of their many festivals. While visiting Prague, here are a few important festivals you ought to look out for and plan your trip around,
- Czech Beer Festival
- Prague Spring International Music Festival
- Prague Fringe Festival
- Český Krumlov Chamber Music Festival
- Bohemia Jazzfest
- United Island of Prague (Prague international Music Festival)
- Tanec Praha
- Prague Proms
- Prague Folklore Days
- Signal Light Festival
- Christmas Market December
There are plenty more festivals in Prague and a quick cursory glance across the internet will expose you to many more. The Prague official website has a list of festivals that run through the year. You can take a quick look at them here.
Useful phrases in Czech
Dekuji (dye-ku-yi) = Thanks
Prosím (pro-seem) = Please
Na Shledanou (nas-khledanow) = See you
Dobry den (do-bree den) = Good day (Hello)
Kde je toaleta? (kdeh yeh toh-ah-le-ta) = Where is bathroom?
Platit, prosim (pla-tyit pro-seem) = Check, please!
Mluvíš anglicky? (mloo-veesh an-glits-kee) = Do you speak English?
Dobry (do-bree) = Okay
Nemluvím česky (nem-loo-veem chehs-kee) = I don’t speak Czech
Where to Stay in Prague
Prague is divided into an intricate network of neighbourhoods, each one known for something unique. If you’re interested in a cultural and historical tour around Prague’s significant landmarks, we’d suggest staying in either Old Town or Lesser Town. These neighbourhoods are affordable and at a walking distance from the must see landmarks making it easy to travel around without using much of the public transport. If you’re interested in shopping, fine dine, art galleries and experiencing the luxury in Prague, stay in New Town. It’s stylish, vibrant and uber extravagant. If you’re one to prefer quiet and cozy neighbourhoods away from the tourist gala, then staying in Vinohrady will be bliss. It’s homely and is brimming with local markets, lush greenery and snug cafes serving scrumptious Czech meals. If you’re in Prague for the beer, there’s no better place than Zizkov. It has the highest number of pubs per capita of any district in Europe! Not only is it the party hub, but it also has an exciting mix of coffee shops and cafes making it a foodies paradise. Another exciting locality if Karlin, a bit off the beaten path sandwiched between the Vltava River and Vítkov Hill. It’s where the locals reside, so if you’re looking to experience a slice of Prague life, this neighbourhood is ideal.
Old Town / Staré Město
- Ventana Hotel
- Design Hotel Josef Prague
- Residence Agnes
- Grand Hotel Bohemia
- Savic Hotel
Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
- Bishop Hotel
- Residence U Mecenáše
- Golden Well
- Aria Hotel Prague
- Hotel Pod Vezi
Vinohrady
- Le Palais Art Hotel Prague
- Vinohradský dům
- Hotel Tyl
- Royal Plaza
- Post Hostel Prague
Žižkov
- Hotel Carlton
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Hotel Columbo
- Vlkova Palace
- Louren Hotel
New Town / Nové Město
- Radisson Blu Alcron
- Hotel Meran
- BoHo Prague Hotel
- Wenceslas Square Terracesa
- Miss Sophie’s
Karlin
- Pentahotel Prague
- B&B Hotel Prague City
- Hotel Royal Prague
- Hotel Mucha
- Hotel Alwyn
What to Eat in Prague
Czech cuisine carries influences from all the nations around Central European and some flavours from Eastern Europe. However, there are a few dishes traditional to the Czechs and distinguish themselves from the rest. Here are a few things you ouught to eat while in Prague.
Trdelnik - Chimney Cake
Seen those delicious swirling cone pastries oozing with cream? These are chimney cakes, pastries of Transylvanian and Slovakian origin found around Central and Eastern Europe in countries like Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. These rolled pastries are brushed with butter and rolled around different fillings of cinnamon-sugar , nutella, melted chocolate or even in plain form. Look for street side stalls serving Trdelniks hot off the fire and have them fresh and warm.
Vepřo-knedlo-zelo
Vepřo-knedlo-zelo is basically Roast Pork along with stewed cabbage and bread dumplings, a top tier classic Czech dish. This one's for the health conscious ones as it's a balanced meal with healthy portions of fiber and nutrients. For those from other nations, this may seem like a heavy meal, but this is one of the lighter Czech meals since it is not drowning in sauce like most of their other dishes. The cabbage, a much used vegetable in Czech preparation adds a mild sweetness and is a great accompaniment with the heavy meat.
Kulajda
Czech preparations use a lot of sauces and soups. The Kulajda is a traditional soup made with creamy potato , mushrooms, dill, vinegar and a poached egg on top. This creamy soup is a symphony of rich flavours that make it a tasty and filling dish. You can grab some authentic Kulajda at the Imperial Cafe in Prague and at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel's ground floor restaurant.
Pečené vepřové koleno
Pečené vepřové koleno is Roast Pork knee, or knuckle, an comically large chunk of meat. This delicacy in Prague is marinated in dark beer and herbs, and served with a whole lot of veggies to wash down the heaviness of the meat. It is a popular pub food as it perfectly compliments Czech Beer. This Czech staple is juicy and crispy with the right amount of bones and flesh, making it definite eat while in Prague. You can find the best restaurants serving roast pork knee in Prague here.
Chlebičky
These open-faced sandwich are all around Prague. Chlebičky, is a scrumptious tiny snack that features anything from egg to potato salad to pickled herring. It is consumed by the locals for both breakfast and lunch as it a quick to make yet filling meal. This staple is also popular during social gatherings and parties as appetizers with a variety of toppings like ham, salami, cucumber, pickles etc. Stop by any deli in Prague and you can sample a variety of Chlebičkys.
Where to Eat in Prague
While visiting Prague, devour as much as you can from the traditional Czech Cuisine. Its unique culinary nature is a delight in itself and restaurants in Prague showcase it in the most tasteful manner. With modern twists to traditional preparations and other strictly authentic meals, restaurants in Prague give you a plethora to explore. Here are some of our top picks for places to eat in Prague
Mlejnice Restaurace
This rustic resaurant ensconsed in a homely atmosphere offers traditional Czech dishes, such as goulash or pork neck side-by-side with modern international cuisine, like chicken wings and pork ribs. Read more here.
Havelská Koruna
This restaurant changes their menu on a day to day basis hence making each visit a special one.Moreover, each dish feels homemade making it a great way to sample authentic Czech food. Read more here.
Lokál U Bílé kuželky
Flaunting a quaint pub-like vibe, this restaurant dishes up a slew of traditional Czech cuisine at affordable prices. Down a pint (or more) of homemade beer while you're here. Read more here.
Getting Around in Prague - Transport
Prague has a great network of public transport that is economical and efficient all that once. Here are some of the most used modes of transport in Prague and tips on how you can go about using them.
Prague Metro
The Prague Metro makes it to the list of the 'world's most beautiful metro' lists and is not just beautiful, but very well connected. Its attractive artwork makes it a delight to ride in. The Prague Metro has 3 lines - A, B & C also referred to as the green, yellow and red lines respectively.
Prague Metro Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Prague Metro Frequency: 2-5 minutes
Tips for using Prague Metro
- The Prague Metro runs less frequently over the weekend and post midnight.
- There are 3 transfer statiosn in the Prague Metro : Muzeum, Florenc, and Můstek
- Maximum ticket inspectors stand around Muzeum, Můstek, and I.P. Pavlova
Prague Tram
The Prague Tram covers a wide list of attractions around Prague and is hence considered very tourist friendly. The Prague Tram comes handy when you have to cover short distances between neighbourhoods and for crossing the river.Certain trams ( 51, 52) are night trams and run till 4:30 AM.
Prague Tram Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:30 AM
Prague Tram Frequency: 8-10 minutes
Tips for using Prague Tram
- Prague Trams are numbered from #1 and up. The Night trams are numberd from #51 to #59.
- Trams are the most convinient public transport at night as they have the highest frequency
- If you're using the Prague Tram at night, look for the Lazárska stop as it is the central stop for all the night trams
- Most trams have 2 different schedules. One for the work week (“Pracovní Den”) and one for the weekend (Sobota/Saturday & Neděle/Sunday)
Prague Bus
Buses in Prague are not as well connected as the metro and tram hence does not come of much use in the city centre. However, to get to and from the airport, buses comes handy. Bus number 119 from Dejvická metro station (line A) plies to and from the airport.
Prague Bus Timings: 4:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Prague Bus Frequency: 15-20 minutes
Tips for using Prague Bus
- Prague Trams are numbered from #1 and up. The Night trams are numberd from #51 to #59.
- Trams are the most convinient public transport at night as they have the highest frequency
- If you're using the Prague Tram at night, look for the Lazárska stop as it is the central stop for all the night trams
- Most trams have 2 different schedules. One for the work week (“Pracovní Den”) and one for the weekend (Sobota/Saturday & Neděle/Sunday)
Prague Funicular Railway
The connectivity of the Prague Funicular Railways is highly limited. It runs from Újezd to Petrin Hill with 1 stop in between at Nebozizek Restaurant. This is a great alternative to trekking or walking up the Petrin Hill. Since it a part of the Prague Public Transport network, you can use the same tickets as those used for the metro, buses and trams.
Prague Funicular Timings: 9:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Prague Funicular Frequency: 10-15 minutes
Tips for using Prague Funicular Railways
- Prague Trams are numbered from #1 and up. The Night trams are numberd from #51 to #59.
- Trams are the most convinient public transport at night as they have the highest frequency
- If you're using the Prague Tram at night, look for the Lazárska stop as it is the central stop for all the night trams
- Most trams have 2 different schedules. One for the work week (“Pracovní Den”) and one for the weekend (Sobota/Saturday & Neděle/Sunday)
Prague Trains
There are 2 train stations in Prague : Praha hlavní nádraží train station , Nádraží Praha-Holešovice train station. These trains do not run within the city but are for out station journeys. Information in here is provided in Czech, English and German. Tickets for train journeys from and to Prague can be bought online or at the station.
Prague Train Station Timings: 03:25 AM - 00:35 AM
Tips for using Prague Trains
- It is not recommended taking the taxis parked outside the station. You can either call for a taxi or use the public transport.
- Metro Line C runs past both these stations, hence you can hop on a metro to reach your destination from the train station.
- Tram Lines 9, 5 and 26 run outside the stations
- Praha hlavní nádraží train station is the biggest station in Prague and has long distance services to Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Netherlands, Serbia, Russian Federation, Ukraine and Croatia.
Prague Airport
The Václav Havel International Airport also known as the Prague Airport (PRG) is the biggest airport in the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, the metro and tram does not provide direct connectivity to the Prague Airport. However, you can hail a cab or take buses to go from Prague Airport to the city center or vice versa.The journey by bus takes 45–60 minutes and will cost you approximately CZK 32.
Prague Train Station Timings: 03:25 AM - 00:35 AM
Tips for using Prague Trains
- To go from Prague airport to Prague main railway station you can use the AE – Airport Express bus line.
- Bus number 510 plies from the Prague Airport to the city at night. This bus leaves at an hourly frequency.
- Prague Public Transport counters are located at the arrival hall of Terminal 1 and operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Post this, you can buy a ticket for a bus directly from the bus driver.
- The Prague Card covers free rides to and from the airport, hence we recommend purchasing the Prague Card prior to your arrival in Prague for smooth transit.
Taxis in Prague
Taxi drivers in Prague are known to be notorious and rip off customers, hence it is the least tourist friendly option. However, in case of dire emergencies, hailing a cab is recommended. Should you have to hail a cab, always pre-agree on a price before getting into the cab. However, it can be hard to converse with cab drivers in Prague as they are not fluent with other languages.
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