A locally-written guide — where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss.
The Prague guide
An insider’s read on Prague
The Vltava River cuts a wide, dark path through the center, spanned by stone bridges that have survived centuries of floods and political upheaval.
Prague reveals itself in the heavy, soot-stained Gothic stone of its towers and the sharp, yeasty scent of fresh Pilsner drifting from cellar doors. It is a city of dramatic verticality, where green copper domes and spires crowd the skyline above narrow, labyrinthine alleys. The Vltava River cuts a wide, dark path through the center, spanned by stone bridges that have survived centuries of floods and political upheaval.
Guides & ideas
The Prague reading list
Hand-written guides from our editors — itineraries, the best of after dark, where to eat, and what’s genuinely worth your time.
Museums, landmarks and galleries worth structuring a day around.
Museums
Prague's museums cover everything from national history housed in grand palaces to intimate exhibitions detailing the city's literary and political struggles.
Staré Město / Malá Strana1 hour★★★★★★★★★★4.8(194,695)
Walking the bridge at sunrise allows you to experience the Gothic statues and stone towers emerging from the morning river mist without the daytime crowds.
via Google
Strahov Monastic Brewery Tasting
Hradčany2 hours★★★★★★★★★★4.5(6,109)
Sample unfiltered, historic beers brewed on a site where monks have been making beer since the 17th century, located high above the city.
via Google
Pedal Boating on the Vltava
Nové Město1.5 hours★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,218)
Renting a pedal boat from Slovanský Island offers a unique, water-level perspective of the National Theatre and the Charles Bridge.
via Google
Beyond the city
Day trips
Kutná Hora
A historic silver-mining town famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (the Bone Church) and the spectacular Gothic St. Barbara's Cathedral.
Getting there1 hour by direct train from Prague Main Station (Hlavní nádraží).
Karlštejn Castle
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(26,153)
A majestic, high-Gothic fortress founded in 1348 by Charles IV to safeguard the Imperial Regalia and holy relics.
Getting there40 minutes by suburban train (S7 line) from Prague Main Station, followed by a scenic uphill walk.
via Google
Český Krumlov
A remarkably preserved medieval town looped by the Vltava River, featuring a massive castle complex and Renaissance architecture.
Getting there3 hours by direct bus (RegioJet or FlixBus) or train.
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Things to do in Prague
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What it costs
Budgeting
Prague offers excellent value compared to Western European capitals, though prices in the immediate historic center are significantly inflated.
Travel style
Per day
Backpacker
€50-€70
Mid-range
€110-€180
Luxury
€300-€500+
Timing
When to visit
The transition seasons of spring and autumn offer the most comfortable walking weather and avoid the intense mid-summer tourist congestion.
SpringApril to May brings blooming orchards to Petřín Hill and comfortable daytime temperatures, though popular sites remain busy.
SummerJune to August sees long daylight hours and lively riverside beer gardens, but the historic core experiences heavy crowds and occasional humid heatwaves.
AutumnSeptember to October features golden foliage along the riverbanks, grape harvest festivals in the city vineyards, and cooler, crisp air.
WinterNovember to February is cold and frequently damp, but the city is quietest in January, and December brings traditional markets to the public squares.
Take the trolleybus 59 from Václav Havel Airport to Nádraží Veleslavín station, where you can transfer directly to metro Line A. Alternatively, the Airport Express bus runs directly to the Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží).
Public transit
The integrated PID system consists of three metro lines (A, B, and C) and an extensive tram network. Trams are highly reliable and run 24 hours a day, with night routes replacing daytime services after midnight.
Passes & tickets
Short-term transit tickets are sold for 30-minute, 90-minute, 24-hour, or 72-hour intervals (€-€€). The Prague Visitor Pass includes unlimited transit and entry to major municipal historic sites.
On foot
The historic center is best explored entirely on foot. However, the historic cobblestones are uneven, slippery when wet, and demanding on footwear.
1
Always validate your paper transit ticket in the yellow machines immediately upon entering the metro station or boarding a tram.
2
Download the Lítačka app to purchase tickets digitally and search for real-time connection routes.
3
Avoid hailing street taxis directly; use ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, or the local Liftago to prevent overcharging.
Travel smart
Safety & etiquette
Prague is exceptionally safe with low rates of violent crime. The primary concerns for travelers are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas (especially on Tram 22 and around the Astronomical Clock) and dishonest taxi drivers.
Local etiquette
Always greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with a polite 'Dobrý den' (Good day) upon entering, and say 'Na shledanou' (Goodbye) when leaving.
When paying in restaurants, do not leave cash on the table for tips. Instead, tell the server the total rounded-up amount you wish to pay (typically 10% is standard for good service).
Never toast with water, and always look your drinking companions in the eye when clinking beer glasses, saying 'Na zdraví' (To your health).
From the ground
Practical tips
1
Avoid the exchange booths in the tourist center that advertise '0% commission'; they often hide terrible exchange rates. Use trusted offices like Honest Exchange or simply withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
2
When ordering beer, you can request different pours: a 'Hladinka' is the standard pour with three fingers of foam, while a 'Šnyt' is a small beer with a large head of foam served in a large glass.
3
Do not buy Trdelník (the chimney cake) thinking it is an ancient Czech tradition; it is a modern tourist import that originated in Transylvania.
4
To avoid massive security lines at Prague Castle, enter through the northern gate near the Královský Letohrádek tram stop rather than the main western entrance.
5
Keep a few small coins on hand, as public restrooms in metro stations and some restaurants charge a small entry fee.
6
Always buy your transit tickets before boarding and validate them immediately in the yellow machines; transit inspectors wear plain clothes and are strict with tourists.
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Good to know
Prague FAQs
Can I use Euros in Prague?
The official currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). While some tourist shops and restaurants accept Euros, they often use highly unfavorable exchange rates, so paying in Koruna or by card is always recommended.
Is Prague safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Prague is highly safe for solo travelers, with well-lit streets and reliable public transit operating through the night.
How many days do I need in Prague?
Three full days are ideal to see the main historic sights of Old Town, Lesser Town, and the Castle, while leaving time to explore local neighborhoods like Vinohrady or Karlín.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water throughout Prague is clean, safe, and of high quality.
How do I avoid taxi scams?
Avoid hailing taxis on the street, especially near the main train station or Old Town. Use mobile apps like Bolt, Uber, or Liftago to ensure a fair, pre-calculated fare.
