Czech Republic
Prague
The Bohemian Gem of Eastern Europe
Prague Travel Guide
Essentials
Prague is a big city and it has a lot of attractions and nice spots to relax. We recommend 3 days in the city, since the third day could be used to relax at the city parks or to make a day trip to some nice place at the surroundings.
Summer is the high season. It is at this time when the city is full of tourists. Personally, we recommend to avoid the months of July and August and try to visit the city at June and September. You will still get good weather and way less people.
During the Eastern and Christmas season the city is also beautiful. Full of traditional markets in all the main squares, this will make you feel like you are in a fairy tail. However the weather is not ideal at this time.
Public transportation in Prague is really good. There are subways and trams, both served by the same ticket system. You can buy from a 30 minute ticket, similar to a "single ride" to a 24h ticket" (around 4,20€). The 24h ticket starts counting from the moment that you use it for the first time. However, to visit most of the attractions you can do so walking, and at the same time embrace the beauty of the narrow streets of the city. Taxi and Uber are other options, but more expensive.
As Prague is very well connected with the rest of the world it’s easy to get to the city by plane, train, bus or car. If you choose the option of the plane, to get to the city centre you can catch a bus by around 1,25€ or get a taxi/uber.
Most visitors to the country don't experience any kind of difficulties, but as in all big cities, you should always be aware of street crime and petty theft. Always exchange currency at a currency exchange office or bank, never on the street as this money is sometimes counterfeit. You can use Revolut in most of places too.
Itinerary
Day 1:
For the first day we suggest you start with a free walking tour by the Old Town. It is a different experience and you will learn a little more about the city's culture. This tour will lead you through all the major spots in town, as the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Jewish Quarter, Prague Castle and St. Virus Cathedral. After the tour, ask your guide a good place to taste traditional food. Probably during your tour you will make a stop at the castle to taste the famous beer, but if not, don't forget to return there to taste it, it's well worth. After lunch visit the Petrin Tower and take a time to relax at the park there. At the end of the day go to the river and take a small boat ride to enjoy an amazing sunset.
At night enjoy the city life and visit one of the most famous night clubs in Europe, the Karlovy Lazne.
Day 2:
At the second day, start it with a visit to the Wenceslas Square and to the National Museum located close to the square. Taste a good traditional food at the Old Town and at the afternoon visit the famous toy's shop of the city, the Lennon Wall and the Dancing House.
Day 3:
For your last day you have two options. Either take a day trip to the Bohemian Switzerland National Park or relax and enjoy the spots that you could have missed during the fist two days, such as the Vysehrad, the Namesti Miru or the Grebovka and Vinohrady neighborhood. If you're a nature fan we surely recommend you the first one. If you're more of a city person the second choice is best for you.
Highlights
Prague Castle sits in a hill that overlooks the Vltava River, in a neighbourhood called Hradcany. It is a vast complex with buildings dating back to the 9th century. The complex includes the Castle, the Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, and the Spanish Hall.
Also known as Karlov Most this is a large stone bridge stretching across the Vltava River between the old and the new towns. It is lined by Baroque statues in all its path.
This place, the main square of Prague, is more of a boulevard than a regular plaza. It was renovated recently, so you will find here a lot of trees and places to sit and observe the beauty of the square.
Petrin Tower is located on Petrin Hill, in Mala Strana. It is a 63 meters tall structure that resembles the Eiffel Tower. It's a popular viewpoint over the castle and the river and on a sunny day you can see beyond Prague into the Bohemian hinterland.
Known also as the Jewish ghetto or Josefov, this place is located between the Old Town Square and the River. This area is famous for all its synagogues and cemeteries.
In the very centre of Prague you will find the Old Town Square, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Close to the square you will find a lot of famous buildings and monuments, such as the Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady before Týn, Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, the Rococo Kinsky Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell, and the monument of Jan Hus.
Close to the Old Town Square you will find here the Prague's gem, the Astronomical Clock, which makes it the oldest still working medieval astronomical clock in the world.
Parizska Street is the most expensive street in Prague where on a short stretch, you can find luxurious and prestigious shops.
The Dancing House is a modern building in Prague’s new town, and despite the fact that it is not as old as its surrounding buildings, it is still worth a visit.
Food & Drinks
One important thing to do in Prague is to taste the local cuisine! You can opt to do a food walking tour to learn more about it, or ask from the locals the best places to sample.
For a cheap meal you can always look for a good restaurant on The Fork. If you are searching for the best dishes, we give you an idea of what to sample.
Pivnice U Jary |
With great food, service and beer this cheap place will give you a good vibe about the city.
Velka Klasterni Restaurace |
Also famous by its beer, this place has friendly staff and good traditional food to taste.
Vaclavka Pizza Restaurant |
A nice Italian restaurant on the streets of Prague. The pizza and the risotto are two good choices here.
Restaurant Pepř a Sůl |
A little dislocated from the city centre, but the steak here is wonderful and has really friendly staff. Well worth the trip and clearly popular with locals.
U Kroka |
Near to Vyšehrad, this is one of the best quoted restaurants in the city. With a creative menu and local cuisine you will certainly enjoy your experience here.
Where to Stay
Prague has plenty of accommodation options, from hostels to five star hotels. As a tourist center you will not have difficulties to find out the place that is more suitable for you.
Below we give you some suggestions of places to stay for every budget.
Budget Accommodations
This Hostel is a 15 minute walk from the Wenceslau Square and has a sharing Kitchen and free WiFi for all guests.
A little more dislocated from the city center but with cheaper prices this hotel has very nice rooms and friendly service.
Mid-Range Accommodations
At the city centre this place offers a nice decoration and very clean and large rooms.
High-End Accommodations
This is really a luxurious hotel. Located close to the Charles Bridge and Wallenstein Gardens the large hotel rooms offer a nice view to the city.