Prague
Prague is a city straight out of a storybook—cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and gothic towers create a magical atmosphere. Whether you’re here for history, architecture, or just a great pint of beer, the Czech capital has something for everyone. Get ready to explore one of Europe’s most enchanting cities!
 GOOD TO KNOW |
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Inhabitants:
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Approximately 1.3 million
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Altitude:
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200–400 meters above sea level
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Holidays:
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History
- Medieval Beginnings – Founded in the 9th century, Prague became a key trading hub. The construction of Prague Castle (founded in 870) and Vyšehrad fortress laid the foundations of the city.
- Golden Age under Charles IV – The 14th century was Prague’s most glorious period. Charles IV made it the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, built Charles Bridge, and founded Charles University (1348), the oldest university in Central Europe.
- Habsburg Rule & Baroque Splendor – After the Battle of White Mountain (1620), Prague fell under Habsburg rule. This period saw the rise of extravagant baroque churches and palaces.
- 20th Century Turmoil – The city played a central role in both World Wars and the Cold War. The Prague Spring (1968) was a brief period of political liberalization crushed by Soviet tanks.
- Velvet Revolution & Modern Prague – In 1989, Prague peacefully overthrew communism. Today, it’s a thriving, modern European capital that beautifully preserves its historic past.
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Itineraries
- 1 Day – Walk through the Old Town, see Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, and enjoy a meal in a traditional Czech restaurant.
- 3 Days – Add a visit to Petřín Hill, a Vltava river cruise, a day in the hip district of Žižkov, and a beer tour.
- 5 Days or More – Take a trip to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle, visit Prague’s art museums, and explore local food markets.
above: Charles Bridge early in the morning
left: Prague Castle
Natural Attractions
- Petřín Hill – A green park with stunning city views, home to the Petřín Tower (Prague’s version of the Eiffel Tower).
- Vltava River & Kampa Island – Perfect for a riverside walk or a picnic.
- Divoká Šárka – A nature reserve with hiking trails, cliffs, and a natural swimming pool, just outside the city center.
- Stromovka Park – Prague’s largest park, ideal for a relaxed afternoon away from the crowds.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
- Prague Castle – The largest ancient castle in the world, home to St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane.
The St. Vitus Cathedral is definitely an architectural highlight!
As Prague Castle is one of the must-see sights, it is therefore very crowded. You have to be prepared for long queues (in the blazing sun) at the attractions located on the castle grounds, such as Golden Lane, St. Vitus Cathedral or Lobkowicz Palace. It is best to arrive early in the morning at the opening time.
There are quite a few steps up to the castle complex, so you should be reasonably fit.
The individual attractions cost money, but a visit to the beautiful castle complex is otherwise free of charge.
Opening hours: 06:00-22:00 (Castle complex), 09:00-17:00 (Historical buildings)
Ticket prices:
- Prague Castle – Main circuit: 450 CZK (Adults)
- Prague Castle – Permanent exhibitions: 300 CZK (Adults)
- Prague Castle Picture Gallery: 200 CZK
- Tower of the Cathedral with a View Gallery: 200 CZK
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Tip!
Be there as early as possible. The castle complex is accessible free of charge.
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- Old Town Square – The heart of Prague, featuring the Astronomical Clock, Týn Church, and colorful baroque buildings.
Týn Church
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Tip!
Early in the morning, Old Town Square is relatively empty apart from a few party-goers and photographers. During the course of the day, however, the square fills up with lots of people.
The stores usually open at 10 am.
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- Charles Bridge – One of Europe’s most iconic bridges, built in the 14th century, lined with statues of saints.
The Charles Bridge looks particularly charming in the evening!
Avoid the bridge as much as possible during the day. There are lots of traders and artists on the bridge selling souvenirs, but it’s packed and very hot if you’re not there in winter. However, the bridge looks particularly beautiful in the evening, especially if you are not standing directly on the bridge. It’s also worth visiting early in the morning – but you won’t be alone there even at 5am.
The Charles Bridge early in the morning
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Tip! Be there as early as possible. In the evening, the view of the bridge from the promenade is worthwhile.
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- Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – Explore Prague’s Jewish heritage at the Old Jewish Cemetery and Spanish Synagogue.
- Dancing House – A striking piece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry, resembling a dancing couple.
- National museum – A place to learn more about the nature and history of the Czech Republic
Apart from the exhibition, the interior design is also well worth seeing
Tickets: 300 CZK
Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Website: https://www.nm.cz/en
Instagrammable Places
- Letná Park Viewpoint – The best panoramic view of Prague with red rooftops and bridges crossing the Vltava River.
The view of Prague from a viewing platform
A visit to Letná Park is worthwhile in two respects – the park is very nice for a stroll and there are several cafés where you can take a break. It also offers a beautiful view of Prague’s iconic bridges, especially at sunset. The park reminded me of Berlin to some extent – lots of graffiti, people hanging out and parties with DJs and a bar at the weekend.
View of the iconic bridges of Prague
- Charles Bridge at Sunrise – Get there early to capture the bridge without crowds.
Charles Bridge
- John Lennon Wall – A colorful graffiti wall symbolizing peace and freedom.
- Vyšehrad Fortress – Offers breathtaking views of Prague from its historic walls.
- Prague Astronomical Clock – The intricate details of this medieval clock make for a perfect shot.
The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square with a view of the Týn Church
Here too, the rule applies: the earlier, the better. You have to be prepared for crowds during the day, as the 12 apostles appear every hour on the hour and many people come to see them. You can take a look, but it wasn’t very spectacular…at least I imagined it to be more spectacular
- Terasa U Prince – Beautiful view of the Old Town Square from the top of a hotel.
Simply enter the hotel building and go straight to the elevator at the back. Take the elevator to the fifth floor and walk up the stairs from there. I have to say, I think the entrance fee is a bit excessive, but the view is quite beautiful. Sometimes you have to queue as groups of photo enthusiasts arrive, but at times you have the corner to yourself.
Ticket prices: 300 CZK or buying a drink at the bar
Opening hours: 09:00-23:30
Website: www.terasauprince.com/en/
Visit Next
- Kutná Hora (1 hour) – A UNESCO-listed town famous for the Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) and St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
- Karlštejn Castle (45 min) – A fairytale castle built by Charles IV, surrounded by forests.
- Český Krumlov (2.5 hours) – A beautiful medieval town with a castle, charming streets, and river views.
- Dresden, Germany (2 hours) – A great day trip to see stunning baroque architecture and world-class museums.
What to Do
Activities
- Take a Vltava River Cruise – See Prague from a different perspective while gliding under historic bridges. Some cruises include dinner or jazz music.
- Explore Prague Castle Grounds – Walk through the castle complex, visit St. Vitus Cathedral, and admire the fairytale-like Golden Lane.
- Visit a Traditional Beer Garden – The Letná Beer Garden offers fantastic views over the city with a pint of world-famous Czech beer.
- Ride the Historic Tram 42 – A nostalgic way to see the city’s top sights in a vintage tram.
- Hike Up to Petřín Hill – Climb the Petřín Lookout Tower for panoramic city views or explore the Mirror Maze.
- Underground Bunkers Tour – Dive into Cold War history by visiting former nuclear bunkers used by the communist regime.
- Watch a Black Light Theater Show – A uniquely Prague experience where actors perform in darkness with glowing neon effects.
- Try an Escape Room – Prague has some of the best escape rooms in Europe, often themed around medieval alchemy and legends.
Nightlife
Prague is legendary for its nightlife, offering everything from lively beer halls to underground clubs.
- U Fleku (Křemencova 11, 110 00 Praha 1) – A historic brewery serving beer since 1499, with live accordion music.
- Cross Club (Plynární 1096/23, 170 00 Praha 7) – An industrial-style club with mechanical sculptures, electronic music, and a great atmosphere.
- Lucerna Music Bar (Štěpánská 61, 110 00 Praha 1) – The best place for 80s & 90s retro music nights.
- Anonymous Bar (Michalská 432/12, 110 00 Praha 1) – A hidden speakeasy inspired by “V for Vendetta”, serving creative cocktails.
- Karlovy Lázně (Novotného lávka 5, 110 00 Praha 1) – Central Europe’s largest nightclub with five themed floors.
Eat
Typical Cuisine
Czech cuisine is hearty and full of flavor, with influences from Germany and Austria. Expect lots of meat, dumplings, and rich sauces—best enjoyed with a local beer.
- Svíčková (marinated beef sirloin in creamy vegetable sauce with dumplings) – Lokál Dlouhááá (Dlouhá 33, 110 00 Praha 1)
- Vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) – U Sádlů (Klimentská 2, 110 00 Praha 1)
- Guláš (Czech-style goulash, a thick beef stew with dumplings) – Kolkovna Celnice (V Celnici 4, 110 00 Praha 1)
Guláš at Lokal U Bílé
- Trdelník (a sweet, chimney-shaped pastry) – Good Food Coffee & Bakery (Karlova 8, 110 00 Praha 1)
Trdelník with dragon fruit ice cream at LITTLE CHIMNEY – very delicious!
- Fried Cheese (Smažený sýr) (breaded, deep-fried cheese with tartar sauce) – U Pinkasů (Jungmannovo nám. 16, 110 00 Praha 1)
Fried Cheese at Lokal U Bílé
Restaurant Recommendations
Café Imperial (Na Poříčí 15, 110 00 Praha 1) – A stunning art deco restaurant famous for its elegant interior and traditional Czech dishes, including their legendary svíčková. Prices are mid-to-high range, but the atmosphere and food are worth it!
Other Cuisine
- Contemporary Czech cuisine: The Eatery – seasonal dishes and gourmet meals in a chic upscale restaurant with an open kitchen | €€€ | 11:30-14:30 and 17:30-22:00, closed on Sundays | U Uranie 18, 170 00 Praha 7-Holešovice | theeatery.cz
Salmon with lentils and carrots at The Eatery
- Korean cusine: Matzip – genuine Korean cuisine / Korean food, located in the heart of Prague | €€ | Every day 11:30-22:00 | Dušní 1082/6, 110 00 Staré Město | prahamatzip.com
Bibimbap with many side dishes like Kimchi at Matzip
Prague has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine: You can get good quality food from all over the world for relatively little money. Apart from the typical Czech cuisine, I can also recommend trying other cuisines.
At lunchtime it is relatively easy to get a seat, even in the more popular restaurants. You can also just pop in. For dinner, however, I would definitely recommend booking weeks in advance. Otherwise you won’t have a chance at the popular restaurants.
Cafés
- Café Chloé: A very photogenic café in pink and with flowers | 100-300 Kč | 09:30-20:00 | Senovážné nám. 981/21, 110 00 Nové Město | Instagram
Delicious, healthy and unhealthy choices in the pretty café: Chloe Brunch No 2 and 3 can be seen on the table.
My first time in a “pretty” café and I have to say, I like it 🙂
- Mad Rabbit: A café with a pastel-colored interior and macarons | 100-200 Kč | 10:00-20:00 | Malé Nám. 457/13, 110 00 Staré Město | Website
Buy
- Manufaktura (Melantrichova 17, 110 00 Praha 1) – A local chain specializing in handmade cosmetics, wooden toys, and traditional Czech crafts.
- BOTAS 66 (Skořepka 4, 110 00 Praha 1) – A cool Czech sneaker brand with retro designs.
- Český Granát Turnov (Dlouhá 28, 110 00 Praha 1) – The best place to buy authentic Bohemian garnet jewelry, a famous Czech gemstone.
- Havelská Market (Havelská, 110 00 Praha 1) – A lively street market selling wooden puppets, handmade jewelry, and local honey.
- Artěl (Celetná 29, 110 00 Praha 1) – A boutique selling modern hand-blown Czech glassware with stylish, contemporary designs.
Visit
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May, 10–20°C): One of the best times to visit, with blooming gardens, pleasant temperatures, and fewer tourists. The Prague Spring Music Festival (May) brings world-class classical performances. Best for photography: Petřín Hill in bloom, Charles Bridge with morning mist.
Beautiful tulips at Wallenstein Palais
It should be noted that Prague tends to be warmer. This means that the flowering season is often over earlier than you think. I was there at the end of April and even the peonies had already faded – the flowering period is usually between the beginning of May and the end of June.
- Summer (June–August, 20–30°C): Warm and lively, but also the most crowded season. Ideal for boat rides on the Vltava and outdoor beer gardens. Events like Bohemia Jazz Fest (July) and Prague Pride (August) make it a festive time to visit. Best for photography: sunsets from Letná Park, Old Town’s golden hour glow.
- Autumn (September–November, 10–18°C): Fewer tourists, colorful foliage in parks, and a cozy vibe. Great for exploring castles and sipping mulled wine at outdoor markets. The Signal Festival of Lights (October) transforms the city into a glowing art exhibition. Best for photography: autumn leaves around Vyšehrad, cobblestone streets at dusk.
- Winter (December–February, -5 to 5°C): Magical if you love Christmas markets and fairytale winter scenery. Prague’s Christmas Markets (late November–early January) are among Europe’s best. Snowfall (if lucky) turns the city into a postcard-perfect wonderland. Best for photography: snow-covered Prague Castle, Old Town Square with Christmas lights.
Avoiding the Crowds: For a balance between good weather and fewer tourists, visit in April-May or September-October. Early mornings are the best time to explore without crowds, especially for Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Old Town Square.
How Long to Visit (Ideal Trip Duration)
3-4 days is the sweet spot for a Prague trip.
If you’re short on time, a weekend (2 days) can cover the highlights, but expect a fast-paced itinerary.
Arrival & Transport
Get There
- By Plane: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is 17 km from the city center. From the airport:
- Bus 119 → Metro Line A (cheapest, ~40 minutes, 40 CZK)
- Airport Express Bus to the main train station (~35 minutes, 100 CZK)
- Taxi or Bolt/Uber (~30 minutes, 500-800 CZK)
- By Train: Prague’s Hlavní Nádraží (Main Station) has connections to Vienna (4h), Berlin (4.5h), and Budapest (6h). Located within walking distance of the Old Town.
- By Bus: International buses (RegioJet, FlixBus) arrive at Florenc Bus Station, well-connected to public transport.
- By Car: The city is well-connected to European highways, but parking is difficult in the center.
- By Ship: Cruise boats operate along the Vltava, but long-distance travel by water isn’t common.
Get Around
- Metro: Fastest way to move around; 3 lines (A, B, C).
- Trams: Scenic and efficient for short distances. Tram 22 offers a great sightseeing route.
A street scene with a tram
- Buses: Mostly for outer districts.
- Tickets: Same ticket works for metro, trams, and buses. 30-min ticket (30 CZK), 90-min ticket (40 CZK), 24-hour pass (120 CZK).
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Tip!
Tickets can be purchased very easily and quickly with the official app pid lítačka.
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Other options:
- Taxi/Bolt/Uber: Bolt and Uber are cheaper and more reliable than taxis.
- Walking: The city is very walkable, especially in the Old Town and Lesser Town.
- E-Scooters & Bikes: Lime and Rekola offer rentals, but cobblestone streets can be tricky.
Stay
- Hotel Josephine Old Town
Týn 636/9, 110 00 Praha 1 - A charming boutique hotel in a historic building right in Old Town Square. Stylish rooms with a vintage feel.
- Avg. price: ~€120 per night
- Dancing House Hotel
Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Praha 2 - Stay inside Prague’s famous Dancing House, an architectural masterpiece! Offers river views and a rooftop bar.
- Avg. price: ~€150 per night
- The Grand Mark Prague
Hybernská 12, 110 00 Praha 1 - A luxury hotel in a former 17th-century palace, known for its beautiful private garden oasis in the middle of the city.
- Avg. price: ~€300 per night
- Mosaic House Design Hotel
Odborů 278/4, 120 00 Praha 2 - A stylish eco-friendly hotel with unique design rooms and a cool rooftop terrace. Great for sustainability-conscious travelers.
- Avg. price: ~€140 per night
- BoHo Prague Hotel
Senovážná 4, 110 00 Praha 1 - A contemporary boutique hotel with minimalist design and a relaxing spa. Located close to Wenceslas Square.
- Avg. price: ~€180 per night
- Miss Sophie’s Downtown
Opletalova 39, 110 00 Praha 1 - A cozy and budget-friendly design hotel with a mix of dorms and private rooms. Perfect for stylish but affordable stays.
- Avg. price: ~€80 per night
What do you think of Prague? 🇨🇿 Have you wandered its charming streets or admired the stunning architecture? Share your favorite spots, travel tips, or must-see places in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💬✨