travel in prague tips

13 things to know before going to Prague, Czech Republic

Feb 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Here's what you should know about before heading to Prague © Michal Kalasek / Shutterstock

For a city that knows how to surprise, come to  Prague .

Wander its beautiful medieval core, and you’ll soon be bumping into both fairy-tale vistas and provocative street art. At night , small, dimly lit doorways can lead to vast convivial beer halls, whereas riotous music clubs hide behind grand art deco facades. Whatever brings you to the eclectic Czech capital, though, it’s best not to be thrown completely off guard.

No matter the season , come prepared with these insider tips and make the most of a trip to Prague.

1. Choose where (and where not) to stay

With its abundance of soaring spires and must-see attractions, Staré Město (Old Town) is a good-looking and convenient base – but don’t overlook Prague’s other neighborhoods . The center is compact, and the neighboring districts of Malá Strana and Nové Město are also handy for the sights and have their own gauntlet of pubs, bars and clubs. Just be aware that Wenceslas Square transforms from a respectable shopping destination into party central after dark, and its glut of strip joints can attract roaming stag parties. 

For those keen to see where locals kick back, head to the outlying districts. Both cosmopolitan Vinohrady and hip Holešovice have good-value stays, fun nightlife and top-notch transport links. 

2. Pack comfy shoes and layers

Central Prague’s timeworn streets and alleyways are best explored on foot. Pack comfortable shoes that are cobblestone ready; high heels can lead to unfortunate pratfalls. 

Besides dressing for upscale restaurants or a night at the theater, Czechs are a casual lot. Comfy layers – which can be peeled back in a subterranean pub and then restored during a blustery walk home – will help you blend in. Whatever the season, never discount the chance of a rain shower, so bring some kind of waterproof too.

3. The metro doesn't go all the way to the airport

Prague has an excellent affordable public transport system . Its main pitfall is that the metro doesn’t quite stretch to the airport. The cheapest route to Prague’s Old Town is to catch the often busy 119 bus to Nádraží Veleslavín station and then change to metro Line A. Tickets can be bought either in the visitor center or from machines in the terminals, which mostly accept contactless debit/credit card payments. If you’re staying close to Prague’s central train station, consider taking the slightly more expensive but direct Airport Express bus .

4. Pre-book your airport taxi for the best price

Opportunistic taxi drivers can be a problem. If you want to avoid hulking suitcases on and off buses, it’s best to arrange a transfer in advance rather than stepping into a cab outside the airport (or the main train station, for that matter). At the very least, ask about the price before you set off, and let the driver know you’ll want a receipt. Uber , Bolt  and local company Liftago are popular ride-hailing apps.

5. Remember to validate your public transport ticket

Public transport tickets lasting from 30 minutes to three days can be bought at most newspaper stands, corner shops, and in all metro stations. Trams also have orange contactless debit/credit ticket machines onboard. Alternatively, you can use the PID Lítačka app . Just make sure to validate your ticket when starting your journey. This involves popping it into the yellow machine inside buses and trams or at the top of the metro escalators (or clicking the button on the app); forgetting can leave you with a hefty fine.

6. Prague’s not quite as cheap as it was (but it’s still good value)

Although prices have increased in recent years, Prague is still a good destination for budget-conscious travelers compared to many European capitals. The currency you’ll be spending is known as both Czech koruna and Czech crown. Beer remains refreshingly cheap, and a 500ml tanker will only set you back about 55Kč. A cappuccino is approximately 70Kč, and a decent traditional Czech meal costs around 200Kč. It’s usual to tip around 10% for table service.

Buying the Prague City Pass or Prague CoolPass means free and discounted admission to some key attractions and sightseeing tours, although you’ll need to work hard to make either worth the investment. If you’re on a budget, paying for a few key attractions and making the most of Prague’s free diversions makes more sense.

7. Don't expect much small talk

If you come from a culture where having a chat about the weather is the obligatory warm-up to every interaction, you may find the Czech approach more, well… abrupt. Czechs (like everyone) can be very warm and funny, but being reserved with strangers is common. Be polite, but it’s fine to get straight to the point.

8. English is widely spoken, but a little Czech is welcome

It’s common for people who live or work in Prague’s tourist hot spots to speak English. Menus and museum information boards will usually be translated into English, too. For the odd occasion where you’re struggling to be understood, it’s worth having the Google Translate app ready on your phone.

Despite the ubiquity of English in central Prague, some basic Czech is appreciated. Greet people by saying, " Dobrý den"  (good day) or "Dobrý večer" (good evening). The more informal "Ahoj!" (hi/bye!) is best saved for close friends and relatives.

9. Try traditional Czech baked goods

Chimney-shaped cakes called trdelník are hawked at stalls by most tourist attractions, and they’re an Instagram favorite. The thing is: they aren’t Czech, but rather Slovakian or possibly Hungarian. So, sure, devour one of these sugar-encrusted towers (they’re delicious), but it’s also worth scouring local bakeries for some more traditional Czech treats. Keep a hungry eye out for kolaches – palm-sized, sweet-bread disks filled with poppy seeds or fruit jam.

10. There are ways to sidestep the crowds

Prague can get hectic, especially in the late spring and summer. To escape the hubbub, venture beyond the tourist triad of Charles Bridge , Old Town Square , and Prague Castle . For example, instead of jostling through selfie sticks, admire Charles Bridge from the river islands of Kampa or Střelecký ostrov. Also, consider swapping the carnival atmosphere of Golden Lane for a romantic stroll around the tranquil castle district of Nový Svět . And if it all gets too much, bag yourself a shady spot in one of Prague’s handsome parks (some come with beer gardens and sweeping city views).

11. Be wary of exchange rates that look too good to be true

Some unscrupulous currency exchanges promise brilliant deals and then charge hidden fees. When changing money, ask for the final amount in writing before handing over your cash, and make sure you get a receipt. If you believe you’ve been given a bad deal and have changed less than €1000, you have three hours to cancel the transaction. A more scam-proof alternative is to have a bank account that offers reasonable rates and low fees for international withdrawals and use an ATM (cashpoint).

12. Take standard safety precautions and use common sense

Prague is generally a safe city: violent crime rates are low, traffic rules are followed, and the tap water is clean. Take the same precautions you would in your home country and be especially vigilant about your belongings: pickpockets have been known to target crowded tourist areas, trains, and trams. Should you need emergency help, calling 112 guarantees an English-speaking operator.

13. Get travel insurance 

The Czech Republic has high-quality health care. If you need a Schengen visa for entry, having medical insurance is mandatory. Visitors from the EU can get free emergency treatment in Prague by showing their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or, for travelers from the UK, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It’s still advisable to take out travel insurance, as the cards do not cover all costs, such as medical repatriation.

This article was first published January 2022 and updated February 2024

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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

33 Prague Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting

• Post author: Naddya
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: February 10, 2021

The Golden City enchants visitors from all over the world.

Located in the heart of Europe on the banks of the magnificent Vltava River, Prague will seduce you with its history, architecture, and beverages. The Czech capital offers visitors unique activities you can’t find anywhere else.

The following 33 Prague travel tips will help you prepare for your visit to this fascinating city.

In this article, you’ll discover how to stay safe, what unique transportation to ride, and what not to miss tasting.

Using the navigation below, let’s get lost in the charming streets of Prague!

Start Planning Your Trip to Prague with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in Prague ⭐

📍 Prague City Highlights – Prague’s best attractions on foot, by bus, and by boat.

📍 Bernard Beer Spa – soak in a bubbling tub of the famous Bernard beer while sipping unlimited quantities of the world-class beverage.

⭐ Best Accommodations in Prague ⭐

🏨 Bishop’s House – amazing design hotel in a renovated historic building.

🏨 Golden Well – romantic luxury boutique hotel with Renaissance opulence.

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in Prague ⭐

🚍 Omio – check out the available buses and trains to and from Prague.

🚍 Discover Cars – compare and find the best rates for car rentals in any destination.

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Preparation – Things to Know Before You Visit Prague

Although generally safe and easy to navigate, there are a few things you need to know before traveling to Prague, Czech Republic. Make sure you take special note of the last travel tip in this section.

• Do you need a visa to travel to Prague? Czechia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. As such, it lets U.S. citizens with a passport valid for at least 6 months to explore the country for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. Check out the complete list of visa requirements on the official website of the European Union .

• Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic. Historically also known as Bohemian , it is a West Slavic language, like Slovak. 10+ million people speak it natively. In Prague, you’ll get along with English easily. Many of the signs and menus are written in multiple languages. However, if you want to impress locals, here are several common phrases for you:

Note: Similar to the Italian c iao , ahoj means both hi and see you .

• Is Prague safe to visit? As in most popular destinations, tourist spots in Prague are plagued by pickpockets and beggars. Be careful with your belongings. Prague’s Old Town is crowded all-year-round, so make sure you keep your pockets and bags secure from everyone around you. Another place to be extra cautious is the subway, especially in heavy traffic.

• Beware of these scams when in Prague. Pickpockets are the most common crimes against tourists but make sure you avoid falling for these scams as well:
• Scams in restaurants. Always check the prices in the menu and the items on the bill before paying. Sometimes, waiters might try to add some “extras” to your check – foods or drinks, sauces, or bread you didn’t order. In other situations, they might write different prices than the ones on the menu you ordered from. Several years ago, a waiter tried to scam Naddya and her travel companion with the latter. They loudly refused to pay and demanded their bill to be recalculated with the prices from the menu they saw before ordering. Note: Čertovka is one of the most notorious restaurants near the Charles Bridge which you should avoid despite the fantastic views it provides.
• Taxi scams. Drivers might try to overcharge you by using a rigged meter, higher rates, or taking a longer route. Our advice is to use Prague’s excellent public transportation instead.  
• Money exchange scams. If you can avoid it, don’t exchange money at kiosks. The rate is often unfavorable to travelers. Don’t be tempted to pay in USD either. You’ll always pay more than in the local currency. It is best to withdraw cash from an ATM or use the exchange office at a bank.

Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit Prague

The moderate climate of the Czech Republic offers four distinctive seasons. In Prague, it’s often windy due to the city’s location on the banks of the Vltava River.

Summers are warm and winters are freezing. The most rain falls in spring and autumn. The Christmas holidays and the summer vacations bring the most visitors.

You’ll find that the best time to visit Prague is after the winter holidays, in late spring, and in early autumn. But don’t worry. You’ll have enough awesome activities and escapes from the crowds in all seasons .

• Winter in Prague is freezing cold but fairy-tale wonderful. Expect snow, wind, and subzero temperatures. You can best escape the icy weather at the Christmas Markets, which Prague is famous for . Keep yourself warm with mulled wine, hearty meats, and lip-smacking sweets. If you’re in need of indoor activities – museums, churches, castles, and pubs offer countless hideouts from the cold. And if the temperatures don’t bother you, go ice skating in the very heart of the Old Town.
• In spring, you’ll share Prague with fewer tourists and enjoy warmer weather. It’s also the time of the Prague Spring International Music Festival . The city’s largest festival celebrates music, freedom, and cultural diversity. It honors the Prague Spring protests from 1968. For over 3 weeks, the classical performances of almost 100 orchestras from around the world enchant visitors and locals in the Czech capital. Other notable events in spring are the Prague Czech Beer Festival in May and the Night of Churches in June.

• Summer brings hordes of tourists to Prague. To avoid the crowds, you can rent a pedal boat and conquer the Vltava River. The riverside pedestrian area called Náplavka is where you can join tons of summer activities. Watersports, concerts, screenings, markets, and festivals will enchant you, especially in the breezy evenings. Countless parks and islands also provide a summer escape from the high temperatures and packs of tourists in Prague.
• Autumn is the best season to discover that Golden Prague fully deserves its name. The colors in the city are magnificently vibrant and make the capital even more photogenic than in other seasons. But here’s another secret. One of the reasons Czechs are looking forward to autumn is called burčák . The traditional young Moravian wine is served cold. Especially fun is the Burčák Festival in September, where you can try a vast assortment of wines under the accompaniment of live music. To make fall even more enchanting, the second half of September is reserved for the Saint Wencelas Fair . The saint is the patron of brewers and winemakers, so you can imagine the festivities offer a fair celebration of his memory.

Money-Saving Travel Tips: How to Stretch Your Bucks in Prague

Prague might not be as expensive as West European capitals, but it receives its fair share of tourist crowds. And, logically, where tourism booms, prices rise. That’s why we’ve prepared several simple but invaluable budget travel tips for your Prague visit.

• Don’t get tempted to pay in dollars or euros. We know it’s much easier to hand out a currency you’re familiar with. However, the exchange rate won’t be in your favor. Spend a few moments to research the local currency and its value. Despite being an EU member, the Czech Republic still doesn’t use the Euro. The national currency remains the Czech koruna . Hence, one of the best travel resources we can advise you to use is a currency converter.
• Prague is very walkable. You can reach Prague Castle on one end of the city center from Vyšehrad at the opposite end in under an hour. However, if you don’t want to use your feet everywhere, hop the public transportation. It is both comfortable and affordable ( more on that below ).
• You can safely drink tap water in Prague. Fill up your bottle from the tap or drink directly from the public fountains. There’s no need to pay every time you get thirsty in the Czech capital. Besides, beer is cheaper than bottled water in Prague anyway!

• Do you tip in Prague? Tipping in the Czech Republic is not mandatory. You can either round the bill or leave approximately 10% on top of it. In Prague and other tourist destinations, it is expected for visitors to tip, whereas in the countryside tipping is less often the case.
• You can do many free activities in Prague. Exploring the streets of the Old Town , the grounds of the Prague Castle , and Vyšehrad is free of charge. Watching artists paint at the Charles Bridge or admiring the bridge itself – as well as all other beautiful constructions crossing the Vltava River – is also free. Observing the figurines of the apostles’ parade as the Prague Astronomical Clock strikes comes at no cost as well.
• Avoid eateries around tourist attractions. This Prague travel tip has to be obvious, but sometimes your belly might not want to listen. The worst isn’t even the exorbitant prices but the disappointing quality of the served food. The rule of thumb is the closer you are to an attraction, the worse the service and the higher the cost would be. Take a moment to look at reviews online before entering a pub or a restaurant.

Food & Drinks in Prague: What You Shouldn’t Miss Tasting

The Czech capital offers countless culinary explosions. From juicy meat delicacies to tasty beers, here are our Prague travel tips about the dishes and drinks you should try.

• For a quick bite, try the Czech hot dog. You’ll find párek v rohlíku (literally sausage in a roll ) at many street food carts. The boiled sausage is served in a bun with a hole inside. Top it with mustard or ketchup, and eat it on the go.
• Taste the deep-fried cheese. Smažený sýr is a breaded and fried thick slice of cheese. The most commonly used sorts are the Dutch hard cheese Edam, the Czech soft cheese Hermelín , and the Czech blue cheese Niva . Using such a wide variety of cheeses ensures a different food experience every time you order this snack.

• Prague ham is a world-famous traditional delicacy. Pražská šunka is a brine-cured, stewed, and mildly smoked ham. Restaurants traditionally serve slices of ham with a side of boiled potatoes. Warning: The prices of most street vendors are per 100 grams (3.5 oz), not per serving. Thus, you might end up paying more for street food than for a three-course meal in a luxury restaurant.
• Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut is your best choice on a cold day. The hearty vepřo-knedlo-zelo is probably the most typical Czech dish. You’ll find it in virtually every restaurant and pub. Consume it with a dark beer and leave your stomach enough time to digest this deliciousness.
• Meat lovers should order the pork knuckle. This dish – vepřové koleno in Czech – dates back to the 11 th century. The slow-roasted pork meat is marinated in beer for 12 to 24 hours. The result is a piece of juicy meat, falling off the bone, coated with golden, crispy skin. You will need several delectable beers to wash down this meat extravaganza.

• Chimney cake is the most popular dessert in Prague. Trdelník actually originates from neighboring Slovakia. However, you’ll find more stalls selling it in Prague than in Bratislava . This scrumptious treat is a pastry, wrapped around a stick and roasted over an open flame. It is served warm and topped with sugar, nuts, or cinnamon.
• Prague is a heaven for beer aficionados. One of the coolest facts about Prague is that Czechs are the largest beer consumers per capita in the world . No wonder the Pilsner Urquell is the original lager beer. All others derive from its recipe. The best-known Czech beer has been brewed in Plzeň (56 mi / 90 km from Prague) since 1842. You should also try the dark beer ( tmavé ), the half-dark/half-lager ( řezané pivo ), and the wheat beer ( pšeničné pivo ). If you’re thirsty for a non-traditional pivo , try the craft beers. Pale ales, fruit beers, coffee beers, and chocolate beers will seduce you in fancy bars and microbreweries.
• In Prague, beer comes to your table before you even order it. In traditional pubs, waiters bring 0.5-liter glasses of their most popular brew directly to your table. You also get a small note where the waiter marks how many you’ve had. And if drinking at the pub is too boring for you, summer gardens, beer bikes, and beer museums will also serve you the heavenly elixir.

Traveling in Prague: How to Get There and Getting Around the City

Prague’s transportation system is not only modern and comfortable, but it also offers some unique travel modes. With the following tips, you’ll have no problem navigating the Czech capital as if you’ve lived there your whole life.

• The transfer from Prague International Airport (PRG) to the city only takes minutes. By car, taxi, or shuttle, it’s less than 20 min. By bus, you’ll travel 40 min to the Florenc Central Bus Station ( ÚAN Florenc ) just outside the Old Town. The ticket currently costs €2.60 ($3.20).
• Prague is easily reachable from neighboring countries. If you’re visiting Austria, Slovakia, or Germany, for example, consider adding Prague to your itinerary. All these countries are members of the EU and the Schengen zone. So, traveling between them is a breeze. Ticket prices vary from €6.00 ($7.40) all the way up to €90.00 ($111.00). Here are some of the trip durations:
• From Dresden to Prague, the journey is 2:30 h by train.
• From Berlin to Prague, it is 4:20 h by train.
• From Bratislava to Prague, you’ll travel approximately 4:00 h by bus.
• From Vienna to Prague, you’ll arrive in about 4:00 h by train or bus.
• The best way to explore the city is on foot. We always recommend this way of transportation for submersing yourself in the atmosphere of historic cities like Prague. This means one thing: bring your sturdiest shoes . You’ll need to cross bridges, climb fortresses, and get lost in a labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Also, grab our handy Travel Checklist and always know what to put in your bag and what to prepare for your trip.

• The public transportation system is vast, convenient, and easy to navigate. It consists of three metro lines, one funicular, trams, buses, and night buses. You can buy your ticket in advance online, via text, from a vending machine, or from the vehicle operator. Here are the current prices:
• A 30-min single ticket costs 24 CZK ($1.15).
• A 90-min one will set you back 32 CZK ($1.50).
• A 24-hour pass is 110 CZK ($5.20).
• A 72-hour one costs 310 CZK ($14.65).
• You can ride a historic funicular for the price of a single ticket. The Funicular to Petřín has been operating since 1891. Enjoy the magnificent view of Prague Castle and the city’s skyline. Near the lookout tower, you’ll also find the Maze , a mirrored hall, and Štefánik Observatory , which opened in 1930.
• Rent a historic tram to explore Prague. A unique way to see the Czech capital is onboard a historic tram . You and your fellow travelers can hire one of seven trams with different capacities (from 24 to 60 passengers). The price for a 60-min sightseeing tour is quite affordable at 4,000 – 7,700 CZK ($189 – $364) per vehicle.

• Go on a river cruise and learn the history of Prague. Another cool way to get acquainted with Prague’s past is by joining a cruise. The 45-min boat tour will take you through the waterways of Old Prague. Afterward, you can visit the Charles Bridge Museum right next to the dock to learn all you need to know about the city’s history. The museum entrance fee is included in your cruise price, which starts from €14.00 ($17.30).

Where to Stay in Prague: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodations

Whether you’re looking for a place to match your budget or for an extravagant experience, these Prague travel tips on where to stay in the Czech capital will end your search.

Note: You can find the 11 best areas to stay in Prague in our separate guide.

• Book your accommodation near a subway station or a tram stop. That way, even if you stay far from all the attractions, you can easily reach them. Besides, prices drop significantly the further away from the Old Town you book.
• Avoid staying in the Old Town. Even if you want to be close to most landmarks, better fight the urge to book accommodation in the historic center of Prague, Staré Město . The rooms are often small and overpriced, plus the street noise will disturb your sleep.
• Choose from these lovely neighborhoods for an affordable and enjoyable stay:

• Malá Strana. The area is located on the opposite side of the Vltava River from the Old Town. Malá Strana provides a much quieter atmosphere still close to the main attractions in the heart of Prague.
• Nové Město. The New Town is adjacent to the Old Town. Despite the name, it hosts many historical buildings. If you want to stay in the center of Prague, but in a more budget-friendly location, Nové Město is the right district for you.
• Vinohrady. The coolest Prague neighborhood used to be a vineyard in the 14 th century. You’ll need to ride the tram for a few stops to reach the Old Town from there, but you’ll enjoy a much more relaxing surrounding.
• Žižkov. This neighborhood is mainly a residential area. However, it is vibrant and alive which attracts younger crowds. It also offers budget-friendly accommodations.
• Smíchov. The business and nightlife hub hosts office buildings and creative spaces in former factories. If you stay in this area, you’ll be just a few tram stops away from all the main attractions of Prague.

• Looking for quirky accommodations in Prague? Check out these unique hotels:
• Dancing House Hotel. Among the Baroque, Gothic, and Art-Nouveau buildings, the local architect Vlado Milunić and the world-famous Frank Gehry erected the most popular modern building in Prague. Fred and Ginger , the building’s nickname, is a deconstructivist structure. Two floors offer 21 luxury rooms, where an unparalleled experience awaits you.
• Boats in the Vltava River . Along with all the comforts and amenities of a usual hotel, the houseboats offer the best river views in town. Plus, no noisy neighbors will disturb your sleep.
• Monastery Hotel . The romantic and cozy accommodation will seduce you with astonishing views of Prague Castle and the Old Town. It resides in the peaceful garden of the Strahov Monastery . The historic landmark was founded in 1143. Its library, hosted in the Theological and in the Philosophical Halls, is more than 800 years old.
• Three Storks Hotel . You’ll find this luxurious boutique hotel in Malá Strana just beneath the magnificent Prague Castle . The design of the hotel respects the history of the 14 th -century historical building. It creates a perfect harmony between a preserved Renaissance interior and a modern atmosphere.
• One Room Hotel . In this unusual hotel, you can enjoy Prague from 230 ft. (70 m) high. In 2013, a luxury one-room hotel opened in the Žižkov TV Tower . Inside, you’ll find a large bed and a free-standing bathtub from where you can view the city at your feet. Another peculiarity of the building is the ten fiberglass sculptures by the Czech artist David Černý, which crawl up and down the tower’s pillars.

Which Are Your Favorite Prague Travel Tips?

There you have it, all the things you need to know before traveling to Prague, Czech Republic.

The Golden City offers quirky accommodations, unusual transport modes, delectable beverages, and awesome activities for every season and budget.

And with these Prague travel tips, you’ll navigate the Czech capital as if you’ve lived there your whole life.

Now, it’s your turn:

Have you visited Prague before?

Which travel tips were most helpful?

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

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

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

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

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

1. Prague FAQs: Overview of Initial Travel Tips

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

Interesting facts & useful info about Prague

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

Prague bucket list: What can I experience in Prague?

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

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

How many days should I plan for Prague?

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

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

When is the best time to travel to Prague?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can book the hotel here: BoHo Hotel Prague

Charles Bridge

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

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

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

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

Prague Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock

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

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

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

Jewish District: Jewish cemetery & Synagogues

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

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

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

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

Wenceslas Square

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

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

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

Further things to do in Prague if you have more time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tower of the Old Town Hall

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

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

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

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

Entrance: 250 CZK per person

Old Town Bridge Tower

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

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

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

Entrance: 150 CZK per person

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

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

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

Klementinum Lookout Tower

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

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

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

Entrance: 300 CZK per person

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

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

Prague Specialties

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

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

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

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

Our tips for cafés & restaurants in Prague

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting there: How do I get to Prague?

Arriving by car.

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

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

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

Arriving by train

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

Arriving by plane

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

Transport while there: Getting from A to B in Prague

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

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

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

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

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

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

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

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Prague 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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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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Home » Europe » Prague

PRAGUE Itinerary • MUST READ Guide! (2024)

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

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

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

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

A Little Bit About This 3-Day Prague Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

3-Day Prague Itinerary Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the Weather like in Prague?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Prague  – Czech Inn

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

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

The Best Airbnb in Prague – Back to the Past

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

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

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

Best Budget Hotel in Prague – Bed&Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9am – Stroll Through the Old Town Square

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

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

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

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

11:30am – Watch the Astronomical Clock

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

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

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

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

12:00am – Walk Across the Charles Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

• Getting there – You can walk from the clock

1pm – Visit the Old Jewish Ghetto

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

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

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

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

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

4:00pm – Explore Prague Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:00pm – Medieval Dinner with Unlimited Drinks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9am – Walk Along Golden Lane

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

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

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

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

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

11am – Visit St. Vitus Cathedral

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

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

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

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

1pm – Investigate the KGB Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

3pm – See the Hanging Sculpture of Sigmund Freud

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

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

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

3:30pm – See the Lennon Wall

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

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

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

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

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

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

5pm – Black Light Theatre Show Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 24 Hour Reception
• 24 Hour Security

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

9am – Vysehrad Castle E-scooter Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1pm – Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5pm – Prague River Sightseeing Cruise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days do you need in Prague?

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

What should you include on a 3 day Prague itinerary?

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

What are the coolest things to see in Prague?

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

Is Prague worth visiting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agness and Cez

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33 Handy Travel Tips for Prague for First Timers

Categories Czech Republic , Europe

Have you ever arrived in a country and panicked because you haven’t had time to do any research?

Table of Contents

This happened to me on a few occasions, resulting in making some costly mistakes. I’m all for winging it when it comes to travel- this can lead to the best experiences rather than having everything planned out perfectly.

However, it’s always a good idea to come equipped with basic knowledge about an area so you can save money and stress less!

I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled 33 helpful travel tips for Prague.

I’ve included tips on how to save money, the best things you can see and do in Prague, Czech cuisine and general things you should know to make your trip run as smoothly as possible.

33 Helpful Travel Tips for Prague

1. The currency in Prague is Czech koruna [pronounced ‘check ka-runa’]. It’s sometimes referred to as the Czech crown or Czech krone. Officially, it’s called the koruna česká.

2. The time zone is Central European Time (GMT +1) or Central European Summer Time +1 (GMT +2).

3. One of my best travel tips for Prague includes learning how to say common phrases, such as:

• hello = ahoj [pronounced ‘ahoy’]
• thank you = děkuji [pronounced ‘di-kway’]

4. Prague is actually known as ‘Praha’ in the Czech Republic.

5. These are the average temperatures in Prague for each season:

• During winter the temperature ranges between -1 and 5 degrees [30-41 fahrenheit]
• During spring the temperature is between 2 and 20 degrees [35-68 fahrenheit]
• During summer the temperature is between 14 and 26 degrees [57-78 fahrenheit]
• During autumn/fall the temperature is between 3 and 20 degrees [37-68 fahrenheit]

6. The rainiest month is June , with an average of 9 days of rain. The least rainiest months are in winter , with an average of 4-5 days of rain per month.

One of the best things to do in Prague is simply to wander the streets

Transport Tips

7. If you’re staying in or near the centre of Prague it takes 30 minutes by bus from the airport. The cheapest way is via bus [which costs roughly £1/$1.30 USD]. You can also grab a taxi. FIX TAXI and Taxi Praha are the official airport partners. Sales counters of taxi service providers are located at the arrival halls of terminals 1 and 2.

8. Heading back to the airport? There is also the Airport Express Bus  that leaves from near the city centre, next to the Hlavní nádraží underground station. It takes around 30 minutes and costs £2/$2.60 USD. Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or inside the station.

9. I found Google maps to be pretty reliable when navigating the city. If you’re using the bus and you’re unsure what stop to get off at, type your destination into Google Maps and you can follow your progress.

10. Prague is a great city to explore on foot. Myself and the Haggis walked everywhere, and because of this often discovered monuments and interesting areas that aren’t shown on the first page of Google or in guidebooks!

11. Uber is also available in Prague. There is also a Czech version of Uber called ‘ Liftago’  which is even cheaper than Uber.

Prague Budgeting Tips

12. If you live in the UK like I do, I recommend creating an account with Monzo . Monzo is an online bank that doesn’t charge any fees when you travel- you can even withdraw cash from ATMs for free! It’s honestly brilliant and I use it as my day to day bank account and whenever I travel. You can monitor your spending very easily via their app- every time you purchase something you get a notification on your phone. This is super handy to track your spending and if your card is stolen you can mute spending via the app.

13. There are a few currency exchange scams in Prague. Some currency exchange businesses claim they offer zero commission, however they actually charge a large ‘exchange fee.’ Always check the exchange rate on XE to ensure you’re not getting ripped off.

14. If you want to buy souvenirs, stay away from the city centre as souvenirs will double in price! They are particularly expensive in the area surrounding Prague Castle.

Exploring the Old Town Square in Prague

15. The Prague Card is not worth purchasing. To make it worth the money, you’d have to do every activity which means you’d be rushing around so much you won’t get a chance to enjoy what’s in front of you! There are so many free activities in Prague anyway, so you really don’t need this card.

16. Accommodation in Prague is definitely affordable. We found an apartment £35 per night! It was a 20 minute walk from the city centre, however, I recommend staying 15-20 minutes walking distance from the city centre because not only were bars, cafes and souvenir shops a lot cheaper, but we got to experience parts of Prague where the locals hang out that many tourists don’t see.

Things to do in Prague

17. Did you know Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world? Entrance to the castle is free, however you need to pay to see inside the buildings, including the St. Vitus Cathedral . If you only have time to visit one building or if you’re on a budget I recommend visiting the Cathedral.

18. I also recommend you explore Golden Lane inside Prague Castle, where famous writer Franz Kafka once lived, and St George’s Basilica , the oldest surviving church which was founded in 920.

The house that famous writer Franz Kafka once lived in on Golden Lane

19. Prague has some interesting architecture, and the Dancing House is one of the most famous examples. For a drink with a view, there is a bar at the top of the building which looks out onto the Vltava river and the city.

20. One of the coolest examples of street art in Prague is the John Lennon Wall . The wall was started in the 1980s after John Lennon was murdered, and is filled with Lennon-inspired graffiti, song lyrics from The Beatles, and cause-art. The wall is ever changing with new graffiti and slogans being added to it, and is a great example of freedom of speech artwork.

21. The two main town squares in Prague are Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square . There are a range of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as popular global fast-food and coffee brands mixed into the old-style buildings.

22. Charles Bridge is the name of the famous bridge you’ll see in many photographs of Prague. It is especially enchanting at night and has a great view of Prague Castle when it’s lit up.

23. Exploring the Jewish Quarter makes for a lovely walk. Prague avoided attack during World War II largely because Hitler wanted to retire there. He also wanted to preserve the Jewish Quarter as a live museum. I recommend taking a stroll through the Jewish Quarter and visiting the Jewish Cemetery there.

24. The Astronomical Clock is said to be one of the most overrated tourist attractions in Europe, however that didn’t stop me from finding it incredibly fascinating. According to legend, the maker of the clock was blinded because the town Councillors didn’t want him to recreate anything like it. There is an exact replica of the clock in South Korea however! You can view the clock for free from the Old Town Square, or pay for a tour to go inside the Old Town Hall and see the inner mechanism of the clock. There are also great views of the city from the tower gallery here.

25. A great evening activity in Prague is UV mini golf . After dinner on our walk home we stopped in for a game. They also have a licensed bar. Allow one hour for this activity.

The Dancing House

Eating and drinking in Prague

26. Did you know that Prague consumes the most beer in the world? You can even take a Beer Bath in Prague! Pilsner beer takes its name from the Czech city of Pilsen where it was first produced in the 19th century. Make sure you try Pilsner Urquell, the world’s first blond lager which is produced in the Czech Republic. Dark beer is also very popular in Prague- make sure you try some!

27. Czechs love foam on their beer, so if you order a beer don’t be surprised if your drink is 40% foam and 60% beer. If you’re in a touristy area they might be more generous however.

28. It’s often said that Prague is known more for its beer than for its cuisine. As a result, a lot of dishes are paired with beer! There are lots of yummy starter options at ‘beer restaurants’ that pairs a type of beer with food.

29. If you’re visiting Prague in winter, you’ve got to try hot wine ! Many cafes sell takeaway hot wine for less than £2/$2.60 USD. It’s delicious, but make sure you bring your reusable coffee cup because you’ll be wanting more than one glass.

Trying hot wine from a street vendor

30. Prague cuisine is hearty, and most dishes consist of meat paired with bread. Traditional Czech dishes you should try include roast duck, beef goulash, mushroom and potato soup [ Kulajda ], sausages, and pork knuckle [ Koleno ]. Common side dishes include dumplings [which are nothing like traditional dumplings- they’re basically pieces of bread with meat baked into them], fruit dumplings, potato pancakes, and fried cheese [ Smažený sýr ]. You’ll also find cabbage is mixed into many dishes [there is such a thing as a ‘cabbage donut’].

31. If you have a sweet tooth you have to try chimney cake [ Trdelník ]. Trdelník is actually from Slovakia, but you’ll see it being sold by vendors everywhere in Prague. We loved the ice cream trdelník at Good Food Cafe and Bakery !

32. It’s customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants for good service or 15% for great service.

33. Do you love chocolate as much as I do? Prague has a Chocolate Museum complete with a chocolate tasting at the end. The chocolate in the store is very expensive, so maybe hold off from buying it here if you’re on a budget!

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Monday 9th of January 2023

Good article and recommendations! I would suggest just one edit:

The greeting in your article is actually reserved for friends or family, in Czech they would actually say Dobrý den (dob-ree den) to strangers or customers, and it’s what you would say in return. It’s how they say hello, or good afternoon.

Thursday 20th of February 2020

Thanks some good tips! going on 3/4 looking forward to it....

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Prague Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

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

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

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

Table of Contents

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

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Prague

1. Visit Prague Castle

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

2. Stroll through the Old Town Square

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

3. Cross the Charles Bridge

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

4. See the John Lennon Wall

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

5. Peruse the National Museum

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

Other Things to See and Do in Prague

1. see the astronomical clock.

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

2. Relax at a Beer Garden

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

3. Visit the Josefov (the Jewish Quarter)

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

4. Ride a boat on the Vltava River

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

5. Shop in Wenceslas Square

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

6. Climb Petrin Hill

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

7. Visit Kutna Hora

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

8. See Powder Tower

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

9. Explore Vyšehrad Castle

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

10. Take the underground tour

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

11. Enjoy a classical show

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

12. Visit the Franz Kafka Museum

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

13. Take an Alternative Prague Tour

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

Prague Travel Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Backpacking Prague Suggested Budgets

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

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

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

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

Prague Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

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

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

Where to Stay in Prague

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

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

How to Get Around Prague

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to Go to Prague

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

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

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

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

How to Stay Safe in Prague

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prague Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

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

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

Prague Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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Prague   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Prague

A prosperous and bustling city, Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past. Dating back to about A.D. 870, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires and floods. It's this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating. Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. Even the most jaded traveler would have trouble resisting this city's charms.

Prague was once a hidden gem, overshadowed by its flashier neighbors to the west. But the city couldn't keep its marvels a secret for too long – now, it's a haven for travelers seeking awe-inspiring experiences at affordable prices. Even today, top attractions – including the famous  Charles Bridge  and the historic  Prague Castle  – offer free admission and many hotels offer rooms at a fraction of the cost of other European cities. But this bargain-hunting legacy has a ticking clock on it, so if you're hoping to find a fire-sale price, now's the time to do so.

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• # 1 in Best Christmas Vacations
• # 1 in Best Eastern Europe Travel Spots
• # 2 in Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024

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Best of Prague

Best hotels in prague.

• # 1 in Mandarin Oriental, Prague
• # 2 in Four Seasons Hotel Prague
• # 3 in Alchymist Grand Hotel And Spa

Best Things to Do in Prague

• # 1 in Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)
• # 2 in Charles Bridge (Karluv most)
• # 3 in Prague Castle

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Prague Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Prague are the spring and early fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. Because of the city's generally chilly climate, the warmer summer months (average high temperatures hover in the low to mid-70s) see the largest influx of tourists – which means higher hotel rates. The spring and early fall, however, offer clear skies, highs ranging from the mid-50s to the upper 60s and much lower room rates. Prague also shines during the festive Christmas season but be warned that the city sees a fair amount of snow and highs don't rise above the mid-30s. 

Weather in Prague

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Don't forget your dictionary You can find some English-speakers around the more popular tourist districts, but having a Czech dictionary or phrasebook will likely come in handy.

Stick to the ATM Many businesses will change your U.S. dollars to koruna, Czechia's currency, but you may face fees of up to 10%. Avoid the hassle by using a credit card or withdrawing money from an ATM.

Keep a watch on your wallet Although Prague is a very safe city for its size, pickpockets are known to hover around tourist hot spots like the  Charles Bridge . It's a good idea to carry your valuables in your front pocket or in a bag that can be securely closed.

How to Save Money in Prague

Summer somewhere else  Warm, sunny weather draws thousands of tourists. And as the number of visitors rises, so do hotel prices. Plan to visit during the cooler months.

Breakfast is the most important meal  Many Prague hotels offer complimentary breakfasts. Consider this when making reservations.

Dodge cabs  Unfortunately, the city's taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging and dishonesty. Although there are a few reputable taxi companies, use public transportation to get around as much as you can.

Book a tour  Guided tours can help you discover the city through the eyes of a local. What's more, many of them are free. We rounded up the  16 Best Prague Tours here .

Culture & Customs

Czechia is a Parliamentary Republic that was established in 1993 following the Cold War. But Prague and the Czech state have been important centers of business, government and commerce for centuries. Czech citizens are known for being more formal and reserved than some other European cultures yet friendly, too. In many Prague bars and restaurants, groups can share tables if there is room, even if they don't know each other. After eating, be sure to place your fork and knife side by side on your plate if you want the waiter to take your plate away.

Czechia uses the koruna and major credit cards are accepted at most establishments throughout Prague. Since the koruna to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Tipping 10 to 15 percent is common practice for good service, but be mindful to hand it directly to your server instead of leaving it on the table. Like many European destinations, local Prague citizens respond kindly to travelers who try the local Czech language, so buy a phrase book before traveling. Some helpful phases, such as "thank you" ( Dekuji) , "excuse me" ( S dovolením ) and even "do you speak English?" ( Mluvíte anglicky? ), will come in handy. 

What to Eat

Czech cuisine isn't as well-known or sought after as some of its European neighbors, but that doesn't make it any less delicious. In its more than 1,100-year history, the country's fare has been influenced by nearby countries like Germany, Austria and Poland. Typical meals consist of meat – and lots of it – alongside gravy and  knedlíky  (bread dumplings). This configuration makes up one of the quintessential Czech dishes,  svícková,  which also includes a vegetable cream sauce, whipped cream and cranberry sauce. You'll also find hearty dishes, such as  bramboráky ( potato pancakes), which are a popular street food found in neighboring countries. Those with a sweet tooth can find unique Czech dishes like  ovocné knedlíky  (fresh fruit dumplings topped with curd cheese) and  perníky (gingerbread cookies) as well. For a comprehensive overview of the city's dining scene, sign up for a food tour .

But where Prague culture really shines is its beer. Czechia has frequently been named the top beer-consuming country in the world and for good reason – its beer is top-notch. After all, Pilsners were invented only 60 miles southeast in Pilsen. As such, pub culture is very important. Be mindful that once you start ordering, the drinks will keep coming until you ask your server to stop or to bring the check. As a last resort, place your coaster over your glass.

Because Prague welcomes hordes of travelers each year, beware of tourist trap restaurants that offer watered-down versions of authentic dishes. Some establishments, such as  U Medvídku  and  Pivovarský Klub , offer traditional dishes along with lots of local beer in bottles and on tap. For even more ambiance, you can have a meal on the outdoor terrace of  Mlýnec , which offers one-of-a-kind views of the  Charles Bridge . If you're after a more gourmet experience, the Michelin-starred  La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise  is sure to satisfy. 

Prague is generally considered a safe city, especially for one of its size. The main danger to be aware of is pickpockets, who hover around the tourist hot spots like the Astronomical Clock and  Charles Bridge . Also, keep an eye out for them when using mass transit. Some taxi drivers have been known to overcharge tourists. Phone for a taxi or go to an authorized taxi stand (they are marked with red and yellow signs) to reduce your chances of being swindled.

Getting Around Prague

The best way to get around Prague is on foot or by public transportation. Exploring this city on foot is a treat for the eyes, plus many of the most noteworthy attractions are within walking distance of one another. What's more, several of the city's top guided tours are walking tours. There is an extensive public transportation system that includes bus, tram and subway lines.

To get into the city from the Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), you can take the No. 119 bus to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station on the green line (line A) to the city center. You could also spring for a taxi, which will cost you about 450 to 560 koruna (about $20 to $25) to the city center, but be aware that many taxis have a reputation for overcharging. 

Entry & Exit Requirements

According to the U.S. State Department, American citizens may enter Czechia for up to 90 days without a visa. A valid passport with at least two blank pages and up to six months remaining validity is required for entry and exit. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

The city that is now Prague dates back to A.D. 870 and has experienced many changes in its more than 1,100-year history. 

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Six tips for visiting Prague

Samantha Tatro

Czech Republic

• Prague travel tips

Planning a trip to Prague? Here are our top picks...

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

Walking tour: City highlights with lunch

Experience: a beer bath

Day trip: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks

Food tour: Traditional Czech cuisine in the Old Town

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

Prague Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© Pyty/Shutterstock

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

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

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

photoshooter2015/Shutterstock

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

© Anamaria Mejia/Shutterstock

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

© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

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

Wenceslas Square © Intrepix/Shutterstock

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

© DaLiu/Shutterstock

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

© matejknezevic/Shutterstock

Fabulous treasure trove built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.

© Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

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

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

© Matthew Dixon/Shutterstock

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

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

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

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

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

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The 10 Best Places to Travel in June

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

If you’re desperately craving that start-of-summer excitement you used to feel as a kid, you’re in luck. Our list of the best places to travel in June is focused entirely on beaches, festivals, and outdoor adventures, from sailing through Western Australia to hiking to gorilla sanctuaries in Rwanda . And because you also deserve a little grown-up fun, we threw a few five-star resorts into the mix as well.

There’s something particularly appealing about jetting off to another country as soon as summer officially begins, but we’re equally excited about all the domestic events happening this year, like Pride Month celebrations in New York City and some truly epic animal migrations in Alaska . If you want to kick off this season in style—or simply need an excuse to have fun—here are the 10 best places to travel in June.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The weather across Croatia is perfect during the start of summer, which means you can wander around Dubrovnik's Old Town or the fortified center of Zagreb without sweating through your clothes. And since it’s at the very beginning of the high season, you'll actually have some room to spread out your towel at famous stretches of sand like Zlatni Rat or go island hopping without bumping into too many elbows on the ferry.

Speaking of islands, be sure to prioritize Readers’ Choice Award-winning Hvar, beloved for its yacht-filled harbors, charming towns with cobblestone streets, wineries, and fragrant lavender fields—which will be in full bloom starting around late June. If you’d prefer something a bit more off the radar, head north to Istria , a peninsula shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. There you can eat and drink your way through the region’s local taverns and farm-to-table restaurants, then fall into a blissful food coma at the chic San Canzian hotel.

Rwanda continues to be one of the best places to travel in June, thanks to one main reason: gorilla trekking . (The month marks the start of the dry season, which is ideal for hiking.) Obtain a permit to enter Volcanoes National Park, where you can spot some of the world’s remaining 880 mountain gorillas; and book a stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge , the only camp that directly borders the park.

Aside from its stellar location, the lodge is equal parts luxurious and sustainable, with most of the building materials sourced locally. Each of the eight suites has a terrace with a heated plunge pool and outdoor fireplace, plus floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out to the forest. A sense of excitement and mystery shrouds the entire experience, knowing that the gorillas are just beyond the mist-enveloped trees.

New York City

The start of summer is the perfect time to visit New York City , if for no other reason than to enjoy some al fresco dining and rooftop bars . There’s no shortage of vantage points to choose from when it comes to the latter, but one of the absolute best is Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge , a 4,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor venue atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge . Sip some old-fashioned cocktails and revel in some of the city’s most cinematic views, spanning the Statue of Liberty up to uptown Manhattan.

June also marks the city’s annual, all-out celebration of Pride Month. The theme of NYC Pride 2024 is “Reflect. Empower. Unite,” which encourages individuals to remember the activists who brought the movement to fruition and unify in this time of political division. Among the major events are the PrideFest street fair and NYC Pride, both taking place on June 30.

Bali is one of those magical destinations that you can visit at any time during the year, but doesn’t an early summer trip here sound like just the ticket? June is much calmer tourist-wise than the rest of the summer months on the Indonesian island, and it also provides lovely weather (hovering around 80 degrees) and decent hotel rates.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit the island right now is to stay at Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape —a Hot List 2023 winner that we’re still excited about. The resort’s “no walls, no doors” concept lets guests get up close and personal with the jungles of central Bali, with only breezy curtains separating the villas’ interiors from the wilderness. As you float in the lounger-lined infinity pool and gaze out over the lush valley, you’ll immediately forget about all those unread emails waiting for you back at home.

The Kimberley, Australia

There’s a reason we dubbed Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region one of the best places to visit in 2024 : This truly wild frontier is a treasure trove of ancient rock formations, towering waterfalls, white sand beaches, and striking blue waters. It’s also historically difficult to reach and explore, but that all changed this year with an influx of Kimberley-focused cruise lines. Seabourn now offers expedition cruises to the region, Ponant and Silversea are soon deploying new ships there, and Scenic’s Eclipse II has 11-day sailings on the lineup starting in June —ones with onboard helicopters for further exploration, no less.

Tourism is heating up in Broome as well. Leading tour operators have joined forces to launch Broome’s Ultimate Aboriginal Culture Expedition , a three-day tour dedicated to immersing travelers in First Nations experiences in and around the coastal town. Bookings are available from May to August and include activities like cruises in Roebuck Bay, storytelling and dance performances, cultural walks, and more.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s death, and his birth city is honoring the iconic novelist with special events throughout the year. There have been plenty of exciting Kafkaesque surprises around town already, including the re-unveiling of David Černý’s famous Head of Franz Kafka sculpture in April, which was disassembled towards the end of 2023 for renovations but now stands spinning once more. There is also a commemorative tram running through Prague covered in illustrations and thought-provoking quotes from the writer.

The celebrations will hit peak buzz in June—the exact month of Kafka’s death—with readings and exhibits at the Municipal Library of Prague , a cabaret performance at Na Zabradli Theatre titled Kafka Has Left the Building , and even a Kafka-themed dance recital from the Prague Chamber Ballet. And when you need a break from waxing philosophical, we suggest retreating to the recently reimagined, decidedly contemporary Almanac X Alcron Prague hotel.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Just a two-hour flight north of Seattle , Ketchikan deserves to be on every traveler’s radar this summer. Located at the southernmost entrance to Alaska ’s famous Inside Passage, the town is surrounded by incredibly beautiful vistas and an abundance of wildlife—most famously, salmon. (The town is known as the “salmon capital of the world.”)

Summer is the season to witness Alaska’s annual salmon migration , in which millions of fish return to the state’s freshwater rivers from the ocean to spawn. It’s a natural event you really have to see to believe. Get the full experience at Salmon Falls Fishing Resort in the Tongass National Forest , which provides fishing equipment, fish processing (like cleaning and cutting), chartered boat and seaplane tours, and wine tastings with salmon roe.

Provence, France

June is an excellent month to visit France , as the weather is near-perfect and the holidaying crowds have yet to descend upon the cities and beaches. But the best reason to travel to France this time of year? Lavender . Mid-June marks the start of the flowering season for lavender in Provence, which continues to bloom into the more crowded months of July and August.

Fill up your camera roll with purple photos, then book a stay at Coquillade Provence . Home to its own share of lavender, the 11th-century hamlet is located on a huge estate studded with vineyards, cypress trees, and 300-year-old olive groves. The resort’s 63 rooms and suites are the epitome of farmhouse chic, while guests also have access to three restaurants, a winery, and a spa that uses lavender oil and grape-based products from the surrounding vines.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is by no means an underrated travel destination, but the classics are classics for a reason. This 56-square-mile Lombardy jewel has been attracting summer vacationers since ancient Roman times with its natural beauty, and, more recently, its storied hotels and villas that are almost too luxurious to handle. Book a night or two at the still-buzzy Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como , set in an exquisitely refurbished 18th-century estate with epic gardens and old-school cocktails, or opt for a private villa rental that will set you back a few paychecks (but is still totally worth it).

June is not only the best time to experience the area’s perfect weather before the A-list crowds descend, but it’s also when travelers can experience the Festival of San Giovanni —arguably the most famous and exciting event the lake sees all year. Held from June 22-23 this year, the annual festival commemorates the Roman Empire’s invasion of Isola Comacina (the lake’s sole island) in the 12th century, evoking the siege’s devastating fire with luminaries and spectacular fireworks. (And of course, Lake Como isn't gorgeous just in summer—try planning a visit for the off-season too.)

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is pretty spectacular no matter the time of year, but June is undeniably the best month to enjoy the national park. By this time, all the snow has melted along the Tioga Pass route (which is inaccessible from November through May), but it’s not so hot that the waterfalls have dried up yet. It’s also when the park’s wildflowers are at their most beautiful and bountiful.

When it comes to accommodations, you can’t do much better than Château du Sureau , a nine-acre castle resort about 16 miles from Yosemite National Park. The Provencal-inspired property features ten elegant rooms (and one private villa), a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and expansive gardens. Its Elderberry House Restaurant features an excellent wine list and a menu of local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. All in all, we can’t think of a better place to rest up between waterfall hikes.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.