Prague is known to be one of the most affordable cities in Europe. It is also famous for its cozy atmosphere, Czech beer, and beautiful sights. Having traveled here multiple times over the years, we can firmly reassure you that though one can never get enough of such a must-visit destination, you can enjoy the city even on a short trip.
In this article, we put together a complete guide of dos and don’ts for your Prague shenanigans, including insider tips and nice locations off the beaten path. Keep reading and get ready to czech ✓ this city off your bucket list with our summary of the best things to do in Prague!
Some info about Prague
You can always get a general feel for the city (is it predominantly modern, well-maintained, energetic?) based on its most popular nicknames. In the case of Prague, however, your understanding will go on a little more complicated of a journey: Prague’s aliases include the Golden City, the Mother of Cities, the Heart of Europe, the City of a Hundred Spires, the Rooftop of Europe, — the descriptors paint a pretty picture without giving too much away, don’t they?
Prague is romantic, it’s cobblestone streets a setting for a medieval fairytale. However, Prague’s most iconic landmarks prove that even though 80% of the city is practically oozing history and memories of bygone days, the rest of the attractions will surprise you by how forward-thinking and fresh they feel. There’re so many things we would encourage you to do when you find yourself in Prague, but for the sake of not following in Proust’s footsteps by writing another A la recherche du temps perdu, we had to shorten our list to top-20 Prague attractions. Here they are!
20 best tourist attractions in Prague: What to visit?
Prague is full of parks, castles, squares, and museums, allowing for full historical and cultural immersion. In fact, every street here is a work of art on its own. Whether you have a precise route, or you just wander the city without any idea where your feet are taking you, here are some sights you should not miss when in Prague. Take notes!
Charles Bridge
If you stay in the historic center of Prague, you will be surrounded by attractions within walking distance. This is particularly convenient if you are on the clock and want to hit as many locations as possible. During our last trip to Prague, we stayed at 4* Charles Bridge Rooms & Suites by SIVEK HOTELS (from €70 per night) — the name alone can allude to the number of times we crossed the iconic bridge!
If you ever googled pictures of Prague, you have probably seen the view of Charles Bridge (also known as Karlův most). It is the oldest bridge in the city, and its Gothic architecture attracts crowds of tourists (and passing-by locals) daily. There is a tall tower on either end of the bridge, and you can gaze at the masterly done statues of Saints while taking a walk across it.
The view will also be stunning from lower observation points, for example, the platforms at the bottom of the bridge on the Prague Castle side. As you venture further away, keep in mind that some of the points around Kampa Park are equipped with playgrounds, so if you tour the city with kids, they will be busy enough for you to sit on the benches and take in the picturesque scenery.
The bridge is usually a paramount part of any Prague sightseeing tour, and while we usually love to set out on city explorations on our own accord, this time a guided tour (whether you’re looking at Charles Bridge from the water or crossing it on foot) is worth the investment — the enchanting legends and overall history of this impressive construction are half the fun! To find a city tour that suits you the most, check out both:
- GetYourGuide
- and Viator
These are amazing services for finding guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, day trips and other exciting activities in a new place.
Old Town Square
The Square is the center point of the city, gathering visitors, entertainers in fancy historical gowns, and taxi drivers with extravagant retro cars. It is lively and loud all year round, with big companies sitting on outside terraces, flower ladies offering nice bouquets, photographers snapping away at candidly happy faces all around, and tourist groups following their guides like little ducklings clinging to their momma. The highlight of the square is the panoramic view of colorful buildings that opens up when you stand in its very center.
Moreover, there are many free things you can do and explore here:
- The most iconic sight of the Old Town Square in Prague is Tyn Church, with two towers standing tall above all the onlookers. The church is truly breathtaking from the outside, but should you want to take a look at its interiors, the entrance is free of charge, though a voluntary admission fee around €2 is recommended. It has quite short working hours, so check the schedule first. The church is closed on Monday; on Tuesday through Saturday it works from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday you can get in from 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- If you go around the corner, you will find Prague`s gem — the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world (rumored to be cursed — an intriguing bit of info to have about some medieval structure), which is situated on the side of the beautiful Town Hall. The clock shows the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky, and one can spend a long time examining its detailed elements. The clock also puts on an hourly show, with all the figures coming to life and moving, so make sure to get a good spot in the crowd. While the show won’t cost you a dime, you can always get a guided tour to get to know the history of the structure (and you should, it is pretty wild!)
Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the business and administrative center of Prague’s New Town, a place for shopping (you can find most famous brands there) and major events. The first time we were here the square was undergoing some maintenance works, so it wasn’t in its full glory per se; but every consecutive trip over proved that Wenceslas Square is the heart of the city with a never-ending flow of people.
The square actually resembles a boulevard, and its two lanes of exquisite hotels (Grand Hotel Europa, for instance, instantly catches your eye), offices, currency exchanges, restaurants, and retailers lead to the main building — the National Museum. Another important sight on the square is the statue of the national patron, St. Wenceslas. Right next to this statue, the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence was read out on October 28 in 1918.
Even if you’re not that concerned with the square’s historical value, the landmark is still worth a visit for the sheer beauty of it all: Almost like a reversed Champs-Élysées (the lanes go on either side of the center, and not the other way around), Wenceslas Square is a sight you must see at least once in your lifetime!
Vltava River
The Vltava River, often referred to as the Czech national river, divides the city into two parts. The Old Town and the New Town are located on one side of the river, and on the other bank there are the Lesser Town and Prague Castle. Charles Bridge connects two parts and offers a magnificent overview of major historical sights. Walking or cycling along the embankment is a perfect activity for a warm evening, as street musicians and elegant swans gliding in the river create a magical atmosphere. It is not wise to feed the swans, though, because these guys take their bread consumption seriously (watch out for your fingers!).
Another fun idea is to take a boat trip, and enjoy bewitching sights that open up from the water. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of activities here, since Vltava River is the main artery that flows through the city. You can either go out sailing during daytime or at night, have lunch or dinner and a show while out on the water, etc. There’s even such a thing as a beer cruise — after all, you are in Prague!
Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is a large park situated on, well, a hill. Exploring every corner of this place takes time, so we suggest a couple of interesting things you could go with.
If intense hiking is not on your to-do list, you should try the funicular railway, which runs from Ujezd street in Malá Strana (the Lesser Town) to the top of Petrin Hill, and back (it costs 60 CZK (€2.50)). Greenery and aesthetic views along the way will make the ride incredibly enjoyable. You can use the PID Lítačka app, no need to stand in line to purchase a paper ticket. The app is in Czech, but it is easy to navigate (even seasoned tech dummies will know how to work it with ease). Your online ticket will be valid for 30 minutes after the purchase.
When you get to the top of the Petrin Hill, check out the Petrin Lookout Tower (one of our favorite viewpoints in all of Prague), which was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and built in the likeness of it. If you go up, there are two observation decks, as well as a gift shop, a small exhibition, and a cafeteria on the main level. Next to the Tower, there is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, which is now used for the Prague Spring festival and chamber jazz concerts.
As for other top attractions in the Petrin Park, you can visit the Štefánik Observatory. Entrance fee is 110 CZK (€4.50), and it gives you access to the astronomy exhibitions and to the domes with telescopes, where you can observe the sky at night or even during the day.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, built at the end of the ninth century. It consists of several palaces and cathedrals in a variety of architectural styles: The Old Royal Palace, All Saints` Church, The Vladislav Hall, and St. George's Basilica are all prominent sights inside Prague Castle’s grounds. The castle used to be a residence of Czech kings, and now it’s the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
The Prague Castle circuit ticket (covering Old Royal Palace, St. George‘s Basilica, Golden Lane, and St. Vitus Cathedral) costs 450 CZK (€18) and also allows you to visit the Charles Bridge Museum free of charge. The Golden Line area was put up after the construction of a new northern castle wall. Its name refers to the goldsmiths who used to live here, and now these modest buildings are the last evidence of small-scale architecture of the castle. One of the dwellings once became a temporary house of Franz Kafka, so all literature fans will be able to get a glimpse of his life.
The most breathtaking sight of the complex is, by far, St. Vitus Cathedral. Religious ceremonies and coronations took place at the temple, and several patron saints, sovereigns, noblemen, and archbishops got buried here. Its gothic architecture is Prague`s source of pride, and organ casings, net vaults, ornaments, window rosettes, and other elements of the cathedral`s interior present particular interest to visitors and historians.
Walking around the castle grounds, be it your self-guided exploration or simply following a knowledgeable guide, proves to be a worthy endeavor for every type of traveler! There’s just so much history tidbits pocketed across the area, you never know what you may end up stumbling upon!
Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is another historical area located on the opposite side of the Vltava River. The fortress is rather far from the city center, so the trip takes some time. After endless crowds of tourists, the atmosphere in Vyšehrad seems very calm and soothing. Moreover, from the hill, you can enjoy the view of Prague Castle and beautiful sunsets. What else can one ask for?
Most sights in Vyšehrad are free of charge and open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until 6 p.m. in the summer). However, some of the local landmarks do charge tourists.
What can you explore in the Vyšehrad area? The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul has been around for 950 years, and has undergone many reconstructions. The church's bell rings every hour, and the treasury houses an exhibition of jewelry and rare textiles from the Vyšehrad Chapter. Entrance is 130 CZK (€5.30). The Rotunda of St. Martin used to serve as storage for gunpowder during the Thirty Years' War; now, however, it has been redesignated for religious purposes.
Dancing House
If you don’t want your trip to Prague to get “too medieval”, check out a couple of modern attractions!
The Dancing House seems to be a rebel among classical architecture of Prague. Rumor has it that the curvy building has some scandalous history, and its construction was prompted by a dissident and later the last president of Czechoslovakia, Václav Havel. However controversial, the house eventually became an inalienable part of every tourist’s travel guide around Prague. Inside, there is also a popular Ginger & Fred restaurant, but it is rather pricey, even with an amazing view of city streets.
Apart from the restaurant and bar that are definitely high on the charm of modern Prague, the extravagant house is also home to its very own 4* Dancing House Hotel (from €150 per night)! Pick the room with the river view and spend your time here knowing what a rare opportunity it is — to be able to actually STAY at one of the city’s top landmarks, no matter how trivial or historically unimportant they may seem at first!
John Lennon Wall
Big part of Czech national history is tied closely to protests against the Communist regime. The John Lennon Wall, originally known as “Crying Wall”, was created around the 1970s and was connected to the legendary musician rather symbolically, since he never actually got to visit Prague.
Under the regime, Western pop songs were banned in the country, but eventually, they spread, and the lyrics of the Beatles` songs resonated with Prague`s youth. After Lennon's death in 1980, the wall started bearing his name. The graffiti, pictures, and inspiring messages covering the Maltese Gardens’ fence symbolize Czech spirit of disobedience and freedom. If you are lucky, you can also witness performers playing covers of the Beatles` songs, and just around the corner there is a bar dedicated to John Lennon.
If you want to learn more fun pieces of information regarding the wall’s rather tumultuous run, opt for discovering this place with a guide. You might as well have some fun while you’re at it, adding a few more stops along the way and creating lasting memories by your chosen mode of transportation between them — with e-bike city tour, you’ll be able to accomplish just that!
Metronome
There used to be a Joseph Stalin monument in the place of the Metronome in Letná Park. In the 80’s, it was turned into a rock club, and in the 90’s, it became the home for a radio station called “Radio Stalin”. In 1991, the gigantic Metronome was placed in the middle of the square with a scenic view of Prague.
A plaque at the base of the clock says “In time, all things pass”, reminding visitors that nothing is eternal. Now, it mainly attracts the youth, skateboarding or chilling on the top of the hill. They are probably to blame for a fun tradition — tossing shoes on the wires. It might be a prank that has gone viral, or have a more intriguing legend behind its conception, but anyway, the feature adds some vibe to the place.
The Metronome has become an essential part of Prague’s current iteration, with many souvenirs and small business products bearing the iconic visual. It has really integrated, at least conceptually, into the youth culture, so much so that the Metronome Festival was born a few years back, bringing tons of visitors for four days of complete fun and excitement to Prague every year!
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
The Jewish quarter is located between the Old Town and the Vltava River. The district has a rather dark history. In the 13th century, the authorities told the Jews living in Prague to leave their homes and dwell in one small part of the city. Exiles from Europe joined them soon, and the place turned into an overpopulated ghetto. And in the 19th century, even more people lost their modest accommodations due to remodeling and reconstruction of Prague.
The area itself, however, even survived Nazi occupation in the 20th century, as it was decided to preserve it as a “museum of an extinct race”. Now, the chapter presents the most well-maintained complex of historical Jewish monuments in the whole of Europe. The most significant buildings are the Spanish Synagogue, Maisel Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. You can also go to the Jewish Museum and learn more about the daily life, traditions, and history of Jews on this land. Admission fee is 500 CZK (€20).
As usual, we cannot leave you hanging without giving you at least a couple of options for the Jewish Quarter you can pre-book (if at least half your itinerary is planned out before you step foot in Prague, it is guaranteed to ease your travel anxiety by tenfold!): Depending on your preferred tourist pace, you can either choose a self-guided tour of the Jewish Quarter (that comes with a 20-minute introduction, as well as a map of the area) or a walking tour with a guide (our personal favorite for this particular destination, because it is SO rich and pregnant with historical importance). Either way, allot quite a bit of time for getting to know the Jewish Quarter — you do not want to rush it!
Malá Strana
Malá Strana, or the Lesser quarter, is a baroque district on the other side from the Old Town. The district offers an amazing view of the river, and its lively streets are filled with small cafes, traditional pubs, shops, and restaurants. The Church of Saint Nicholas, the main parish church of the Lesser Town, stands in the middle of the square. It is interesting that under the communist regime, the church tower was exploited as a State Security observation point, providing overview on the American, West German, and Yugoslav embassies. The church is often referred to as the greatest achievement of Prague's baroque architecture. Its organ was even played by Mozart, and one of his masterpieces was first performed here. Catch a classical music concert at the Church of Saint Nicholas: If you’re lucky, you’ll get to listen to the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra — the one responsible for Twilight’s *legendary* original score!
In Malá Strana, there is also the Wallenstein Palace, which is now the seat of the Czech Senate. Entrance to the building is free of charge, and in the summer you can stop by the magnificent Wallenstein Gardens, which resemble a green maze with huge fountains and metal statues.
Žižkov Television Tower
A fun fact you should know — this sight, founded at the end of the 20th century, is recognized as one of the ugliest towers in the world. It is indeed often criticized for its modern high-tech design which looks awkward among medieval buildings (same was said about the Eiffel Tower, but look how well that turned out!). Moreover, the work of David Černý, giant crawling babies with barcode stamps on their faces, adds some controversy to the construction. Similar babies can also be found at different squares of Prague, as well as in other cities around the world.
Most importantly, the building has a panoramic observation point at the height of 216 meters. In good visibility, you can see up to 100 km in the distance, and take nice pictures of the city. Žižkov Television Tower works from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily, and the entrance ticket costs 300 CZK (€12). There are three sightseeing cabins, each dedicated to a particular topic. For example, in one cabin there are bubble chairs that reproduce typical noise of Prague` streets through their sound system.
The National Memorial on Vitkov Hill
The National Monument is perched on top of Vitkov Hill, an important location in the history of Czech Republic. From here, you can enjoy a scenic view of red city rooftops, busy streets, and tall towers. Not only is it a great spot for pictures, but it is also a place to relax (especially when it’s not very crowded) and learn more about major historical events, particularly, the Hussite and World Wars.
The Monument was built in 1930s in honor of the World War I Czechoslovak legionaries. In the 2000s, it was acquired by the National Museum, and now there are several exhibition halls, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A bronze rider statue of Jan Žižka, who defeated Catholic forces led by King Sigismund in 1420 in the Battle of Vitkov Hill, stands in front of the hall.
Farmers’ Market at Náplavka
To have a local-like experience, you can go to multiple farmers’ markets all around Prague. Náplavka, which means “on the embankment”, is a Saturday riverfront market opening at 8 a.m. You can walk here from the Dancing House by crossing the Palacký Bridge.
The market is a popular destination for both Prague residents and tourists. Every Saturday, visitors can purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread, mushrooms, goat, cow and sheep cheeses, and organic eggs here. The prices are slightly higher than usual, but buying fresh pastry late in the morning and immersing yourself in the daily lives of Prague residents is well worth it. The market is also famous for gathering music and food festivals, so you might get lucky and spend a nice evening here as well.
National Marionette Theater
If you enjoyed toys as a kid (who didn’t!?), going to this theater might be another interesting activity. Puppet theater has a very long tradition in Czech Republic, and it is popular among people of all ages. Moreover, here, the Worldwide Puppetry Organization (UNIMA) was established in 1929. The repertoire of the National Marionette Theater includes such world-famous pieces as Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute.
The theater also holds regular workshops, where you can make your own puppet with the help of professional artists. Not only will such a puppet become a cute souvenir, but you will also learn a lot about the culture of the country. If you are interested in the history of this craft, there are various exhibitions on display.
Side note: While the National Marionette Theater in Prague is temporarily closed, you can get all the same perks and treatment at Spejbl and Hurvínek Theatre.
Kutná Hora
Now, if you can spend more days in Prague, you should also explore some must-visit locations near the city.
You can take a train to Kutná Hora from the Prague main train station. The trip takes about an hour, and a one-way ticket will cost you 350 CZK (€14). From the Kutná Hora station, you can take a local train, and get to the town in 5 minutes. If putting up your own travel itinerary is something you would like to avoid, you can also book day trips from Prague.
Kutná Hora is a relatively small town, formed around 800 years ago. During the medieval “silver rush”, it used to be a powerful city, one of the richest in Europe, and the evidence of its former glory is still preserved in the prominent Gothic architecture and massive monuments. If you visit the Czech Museum of Silver, you will see exhibits showcasing medieval mining techniques and also descend 33 meters down (!) to reach an authentic drainage gallery that once led to the now flooded silver mine.
St. Barbara Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another important spot of Kutná Hora. St. Barbara is known to be a patron of dangerous occupations, including silver mining. The church is open to visitors daily, and some cultural events are held here.
Bone Church
The most iconic sight in Kutná Hora town is the Sedlec Ossuary, or the “Church of Bones”. The chapel does not seem to be anything special from the outside. Yet, its interior is unique and at times jarring.
In Medieval times, one of the governors brough holy ground to the land, and more than 40 000 people were buried here. In the 16th century, the cemetery was designated for the remains of people who died during the Black Plague and the Hussite Wars. During reconstruction works, monks decided to arrange the bones in, well, a very unusual way. They created an immense chandelier made completely of bones, as well as skull garlands and altar decorations from the same human-sourced materials. The chandelier is said to contain at least one of every human bone. The entrance to this peculiar place will cost you 220 CZK (€9).
Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is another medieval town worth visiting. A train ride will take you around three hours, and you will get to see Czech countryside along the way. The train is slightly slower, but cheaper than the bus. Long-distance buses like Flixbus will get you to Český Krumlov in about two and a half hours and drop you right in the town center. General cost of such a trip is around 500 CZK (€20). Pre-planned day trips from Prague are an amazing option as well!
The main attraction here is the State Castle of Český Krumlov. It is a complex of forty buildings and palaces, one of the largest castle areas in Central Europe. There is also a 17th-century Baroque Theater, which retains all its original stage props and machinery. The theater only opens for performances twice a year, but guided tours can get you behind the stage.
Climbing 162 steps to the top of the Castle Tower is an experience worth the effort. The view from the tower, which is also decorated with medieval frescos, is magnificent. The town square, full of colorful houses, is dominated by a striking fountain. The column was added to the structure in the early 18th century as a memorial to those lost during the plague. In winter, the square hosts a Christmas Market, where you can find exquisite Bohemian glass ornaments and plenty of street food.
Two of the most popular activities in Český Krumlov vary quite a lot: You have your usual guided city walking tour (chill and fun, tame in comparison to the other option) and an authentic wooden raft (!!!) river cruise (exciting, with a sprinkle of danger to keep things interesting).
Karlovy Vary
The easiest way to reach Karlovy Vary is by bus — for example, FlixBus, which will take you around two hours. This place has made a name for itself as a famous spa resort town. It was visited by such prominent historical figures as Peter the Great, Beethoven, and Karl Marx. If you wonder what to do in Karlovy Vary on a short trip, there are actually many interesting options.
At the Teplá River, there are 13 main hot springs (and around 300 small ones) with geysers that burst up to 14 meters high. The spring theme is going through the Neoclassic architecture of the town. The Mill Colonnade or the Hot Spring Colonnade are stunning structures to walk in and get some mineral water from the fountains (keep in mind, it’s good for you; which means the taste will not be that great). You can also book an underground tour on the spot, which takes you deep under the complex.
What to do in Prague in 3 days?
How many days do you need in Prague? Well, the more, the better, but even one day will be enough to tour the main sights of the city center. If you only have three days in the city, do not plan a mad dash across Prague’s top locations. We summarized a short “what to do in Prague” list so you can not only get to know the history of the capital, but also relax and dive into its atmosphere.
- First Day in Prague: We recommend visiting three main attractions that are located in the city center: Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and the Prague Castle. Prague historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can walk it up and down for the whole day. Taking a bus tour (or a more fun electric trike tour) might be a good idea as well. This way, you’d be able to catch up with all the main places and spend the rest of your vacation exploring what you liked the most.
- Second Day in Prague: You may want to take it slow, book a boat cruise, and wander around the Petrin Hill.
- Third Day in Prague: You may choose to visit the whole district, Vyšehrad, hit one or two famous museums, or go over various street attractions, such as the Dancing House, the John Lennon Wall, or the Metronome.
As you can see, it is quite possible to explore all the main attractions in Prague in three days and not burn out in the process.
5 best museums in Prague
Touring churches and cathedrals of Prague is an educational experience on its own, but this city is also famous for its various museums. There is such a wide choice that history fans, art enthusiasts, and kids will be able to find something appealing. It might seem a comparatively boring activity, especially on a sunny day, yet some unique collections are surely worth your attention. Plus, you will always have a plan B if it suddenly starts to rain.
- Klementinum
Klementinum is a large museum complex, comprising the Baroque Library Hall, the Meridian Hall, and the Astronomical Tower. It was founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century, and, over a period of its history, was merged with Charles University. Now, Klementinum became the seat of the National Library. Its halls are full of wooden structures, fresco paintings, and old globes, making you want to discover all its wonders. Admission will cost you 380 CZK (€15.40).
- National Museum
The National Museum, located in Wenceslas Square, is the main museum in the country. It displays natural history collections (for example, ancient fossils and skeletons), minerals, bells (historically produced here), traditional textile toys and folk dresses. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, such as photographs of the winners of the last Czech Press Photo competition. General entrance ticket for the museum complex and cupola would cost you 280 CZK (€11.40), and an online ticket is valid for 30 days after its purchase. Children up to 15 years can enter for free.
- Franz Kafka Museum
Franz Kafka was born in Prague in 1883, and became one of the prominent figures of 20th century literature with his surrealist writings. He does not describe particular places of his home town in the novels, yet he transforms the city into an imaginary metaphorical world. The exhibition is a great overview of his life and work, collecting first editions, diaries, photographs, and presenting 3D installations. Entrance fee is 300 CZK (€12).
- Museum Kampa
Museum Kampa is a modern art gallery. Here, you will find the works of the pioneer of abstract art František Kupka and the Czech Cubist sculptor Otto Gutfreund, as well as other prominent artists of the 20th century. It is located right next to Kafka Museum, so you can kill two birds with one stone. You will need to pay 350 CZK (€14) for the entrance.
- IAM Illusion Art Museum
If you ask yourself, “where do I take my kids”, wait no longer. The exhibition shows exciting works of art that will trick your brain with their angles. 2D pictures turn 3D in the blink of the eye here, and sculptures become paintings with a simple turn of the head. Fill up your camera roll with mind-boggling shots and have fun in the process! Admission is 350 CZK (€14) for adults and 250 CZK (€10) for children.
A few more things to know about Prague
As you have gathered by now, the Golden City has plenty of exciting attractions on offer for all kinds of tourists, but the simple knowledge of what to do in Prague will not do much if you don’t have the basic grasp on the way things usually go around here. Here are some tips and tricks we feel you should know before coming to Prague:
- What is the best time to visit Prague?
Czech Republic boasts comparatively warm weather even in the winter season. We visited it in February, and 55°F (12°C) was good enough to spend all day outside and explore the city. Not only is the winter pleasant temperature-wise, it is also the season of magic. Christmastime in Europe is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. The Old Town Square holds various markets, with dozens of tents, a skating arena, and a huge Christmas tree. Here, you can meet locals and tourists bursting with festive spirit, buy craft souvenirs, drink a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, and imagine yourself in a Medieval fairytale.
Summers can get ridiculously hot in Prague, to the point that you start looking for a pool or a beach. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lots of light t-shirts, and you are all set to walk under the merciless sun and admire the light dancing on the red rooftops. In the summer, Prague is filled with flowers, green trees, busy farmers` markets selling all the seasonal goodies, and swans swimming in the river. Visiting the city this time of the year feels like walking inside a beautiful painting or a postcard.
- How to get to the city center from the airport?
A drive from the airport (PRG) to the Old Town will take around 20 to 50 minutes during rush hour. The fastest way, taxi, will cost you around €30. You can use the airport`s partners, FIX TAXI or Taxi Praha. Their providers are located at the Arrival Halls 1 and 2. Ubering might be a little bit cheaper, though.
There are also RegioJet shuttle buses, which stop directly at Terminal 1. The cheapest option would be taking the 119 bus (Terminal 1 or 2 to Veleslavín train station) and then change to metro Line A (green) and go on to Můstek or any other station downtown. The public transport ticket costs 32 CZK (€1.30). The bus goes every six minutes.
Airport also provides several car rental services, so if you are going to stay for a longer time or have family with you, you might consider this option. We, however, encourage you to figure out your car rental needs beforehand with the help of LocalRent — a great trusted service for renting a car in Czech Republic and other countries. If you’re still on the fence about making such an investment for your upcoming travels, keep in mind that it will take you about three hours to get from Prague to Vienna or Dresden by car!
- What are the prices on accommodation in Prague?
If you are worried about where to stay in Prague, there are plenty of options for any budget. Our four-star hotel Charles Bridge Rooms & Suites by SIVEK HOTELS, with its convenient location close to the city center, cost us about €350 for five days, breakfast included. Keep in mind that we traveled off-season. A three-star hotel, for example, Residence Tabor, will cost you around €60 per day closer to the summer. High season prices will rise significantly, as the capital attracts thousands of tourists annually. Check our guide to the best neighborhoods of the city.
- What and where to eat in Prague?
Just one word — trdelník. Try it and we guarantee, you will never be the same. Trdelník is a famous Czech pastry resembling a chimney cake. It is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, then grilled and topped with sugar and walnut mix. Trdelník is sold everywhere, so make sure to buy it in a food truck somewhere in the center. No need to look for a particular location — the smell of freshly baked pastry will lead you.
Czech food is a combination of local, German, and Eastern European cuisine. One thing that you might want to try is soup in a bread bowl. Soup can be made of vegetables, tomatoes, cheese, meat, or seafood. Kozlovna Apropos in the Old Town is a good restaurant to give this dish a try.
On the whole, in the area around Old Town Square, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, serving good coffee, waffles, fast food, and traditional dishes. We stopped by Krčma, and it was one of the best bars we visited. Despite quite a lucrative location, the prices here are reasonable. We paid 398 CZK (about €16) for lunch (with drinks!) for three (tip included). By the way, in Prague, you can tip with a credit card, which is much more convenient than looking for some cash.
Výtopna, a beer restaurant, is an attraction in itself. Here, little trains travel across the restaurant, carrying drinks over little bridges. It offers more European cuisine, including pasta and burgers. Lunch for three people cost us about 769 CZK (€31) with drinks included, and there is an extra 25 CZK (€1) fee per person for the fun delivery feature.
Finally, doing groceries in a food market or any supermarket in Prague will not disappoint you. In the summer, you can buy fresh berries, fruits, and iced drinks, and arrange a picnic in a park somewhere in the historical center.
Side note: When it comes to food-related activities, Prague has no shortage of those! We personally recommend you set out on a foodie walking tour (with tastings!), or, if you prefer to get your sustenance without spending too much energy, then a medieval dinner (with unlimited drinks!) is the way to go.
- What are some other things to keep in mind when traveling to Prague?
Czech Republic, like most places in Europe, is relatively quiet at night. Most attractions close around 6 p.m., and cafes usually work till midnight. Before setting off, it is wise to check the most recent information on working hours of the attractions you want to visit. And at night, you can enjoy the night city lights from higher observation points.
Beware — most streets in Prague are paved, thus, not heels-friendly. A pair of comfortable shoes is a must to not get a twisted ankle by dinnertime.
The Czech currency is koruna, and there are plenty of exchange offices at the airport.
If you plan to hit a lot of Prague’s top attractions in a short amount of time, then consider investing in Prague CoolPass, thus saving yourself quite a bit of cash that you can rather spend on eating out and buying souvenirs.
Best things to do in Prague: In conclusion
We hope that our guide on things to do in Prague helped you plan the itinerary of your dreams for your next Golden City getaway. Whether you come to indulge in local beer and the legendary Czech cuisine or to explore the hidden gems of Prague’s Old Town, you’re guaranteed a fantastic experience here!
If you want to share your personal anecdotes about the past trips to Prague, or if you have some questions regarding the attractions we’ve mentioned on here, make sure to write to us in the comment section down below. Na shledanou!