A guide to Prague

The capital of Czechia, the atmospheric city of Prague packs a wallop for first-time visitors. Not only is its historic architecture – Gothic spires, baroque domes and the imposing Prague Castle – every bit as arresting as advertised, but there’s so much else to do and see alongside the major sights.

This guide to Prague is a starting point for getting more out of the Czech capital. Pair a tour of the castle with a beer in an authentic Czech pub. Mark the hour at the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square, then rent a paddleboat to splash around on the Vltava River. Spend an evening at a classical concert or rock show, or relax over a traditional meal of roast pork or duck with a side of bread dumplings. 

Prague is an eminently manageable city for a short break. The airport and bus and train stations are within easy reach of the center. Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, just about everything in the historic core is within walking distance or easily reached by public transportation.

While the Czech language can feel a little impenetrable, English is widely spoken by people in regular contact with visitors. The only caveat is Prague’s popularity. At midsummer, you’ll be sharing those charming cobblestones with lots of other sightseers.

Learn more about Czechia's "City of a Hundred Spires" with this guide to Prague for first-time visitors. 

When should I go to Prague?

The best time to visit Prague will depend on how much you like crowds. Most visitors converge on Prague in July and August for good reason – daylight hours are long, and the days are reliably sunny – but the potential for a summer heat wave and the throngs of other tourists can put a damper on the fun.

A better bet is to travel in spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October). Temperatures are cooler, and while Prague is popular year-round, you’ll have more space to enjoy the city at your own pace. Winter (November to March) is cold and overcast, but the crowds thin to a trickle, the cafes are cozy, and hotels slash room rates.

However, things can still get busy during major holidays. Book everything well ahead if you’re planning to travel over Christmas and New Year, when sightseers descend on Prague for Christmas markets and seasonal vibes, or during the Easter holidays.

How much time should I spend in Prague? 

While you can cram a lot of the city's museums and free attractions into a weekend, 3 full days is an ideal timeframe for getting to know Prague. Spend one day exploring the Staré Město side of the Vltava River, then dedicate the second to the sights on the Malá Strana and Prague Castle side.

On the third day, push beyond the center to lively neighborhoods such as Karlín, Vinohrady or Holešovice, or see the ancient hillside citadel at Vyšehrad. Prague also makes a good base for day trips to Karlštejn Castle or the former mining town of Kutná Hora and the famously creepy Sedlec Ossuary.

Is it easy to get into and around Prague? 

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport, 15km from the center, is the city's main international gateway; flights arrive here daily from all over Europe. From the airport, trolleybus 59 or a taxi will bring you to the center in about 30 minutes. Prague is also located on major European train and bus lines, with a daily international rail service to Budapest, Vienna and Berlin.

Once in Prague, take advantage of the city’s cheap and efficient metro system, trams and buses to cover longer distances, or simply walk from place to place. The historic core is small – the walk from Old Town Square to Prague Castle takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.

Special night trams operate in the wee hours to bring you back to your hotel after a late night out, or order a rideshare using apps such as Uber or Bolt. Conventional taxis are easy to find, but book ahead – AAA Taxis is a reliable operator – or check with your hotel for the appropriate fare for journeys, as some drivers charge higher fares for tourists.

Top things to do in Prague 

Hit the main historic sights

Even if you’re not particularly a history buff or architecture lover, make an exception for Prague. The city will take your breath away. Allocate plenty of time to amble from place to place to take in the full breadth of Prague's architectural splendor.

Start at Old Town Square to observe the 15th-century Astronomical Clock chiming on the hour. Follow narrow cobblestone lanes out to the Gothic Charles Bridge, memorably topped by 30 baroque statues. Wind your way through medieval lanes on the Malá Strana side of the river, then walk up to Prague Castle, by some accounts the largest castle complex in the world. This architectural richness is part of what makes the city so special.

Visit a Czech pub

Czechia is famous for its beer, and Pilsner-style pale lager was invented here, in the city of Pilsen, in 1842. Spending an evening in a Prague pub remains a quintessential must-try experience. Classic drinking rooms such as U Zlatého tygra are beloved of regulars, if you like authentic local vibes.

Popular pubs like Vinohradský pivovar and Klášterní pivovar Strahov, not far from Prague Castle, are more tourist-friendly. Several pubs also serve excellent Czech food; grab a table at U Kroka or Hostinec na Výtoni (for duck), or try the more upscale Červený Jelen.

Take in some live music

Prague is famous for nurturing the talents of classical composers such as Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana and for hosting orchestras in splendid venues that perfectly match the music. Check the websites of the National Theater, Rudolfinum, State Opera and Municipal House to see schedules and buy tickets.

Prague has a lively contemporary music scene, with lots of venues for live music, particularly rock. See what’s happening at clubs like Roxy and Palác Akropolis, or simply head over to Náplavka on the Vltava riverbank, where there's always something fun and musical happening after dark.

The jazz scene is very active, too. Try clubs such as AghaRTA on Železná or the Reduta Jazz Club on Národní, where US president Bill Clinton performed an impromptu saxophone set in 1994. 

See Prague’s greener side

Prague’s public parks and gardens serve as both a respite from the city crowds and a reflection of the city’s architectural heritage. The Royal Garden, north of Prague Castle, is marked by Renaissance buildings from the 16th century, while the sprawling Wallenstein Garden features eye-catching late-Renaissance touches like an artificial stalactite grotto that hides grotesque faces.

The Vrtbov Garden, with its curved stairways and emotive statues, is an exemplary example of a baroque garden. To view Prague from across the water, walk out from the National Theater to the peaceful islands in the Vltava, or rent a paddleboat from the jetty on Slav Island.

My favorite thing to do in Prague

Prague excels at open-air imbibing, and to my mind, there’s no better place to spend a warm summer evening than among friends at a beer garden. And arguably the city's best is at the eastern end of Letná Gardens, on a high bluff across the Vltava River north of the Staré Město district.

There's nothing fancy here: simply line up at a kiosk for a beer to go, settle in at a picnic table and enjoy both the beer and the views below. The beer garden at Riegrovy Sady in Vinohrady is another favorite outdoor beer venue. In the Altán Grébovka in Havlíček Gardens, also in Vinohrady, you can sip wine in a wooden gazebo overlooking the neighborhood’s vineyards. 

How much money do I need for Prague? 

Prague is no longer the low-cost destination it once was, though prices for day-to-day items are still generally lower than in places like Germany, France or Italy. Beer, for one thing, remains considerably cheaper than in many other countries, and public transportation is another terrific bargain. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

You can expect to spend from 4000 koruna (Kč) per day, staying in mid-range accommodation. Here are some common local costs.

• Double room at a top hotel: from 6000Kč

• Double room at a budget penzión (guesthouse): 1700Kč 

• Pint of Czech beer at the Letná Gardens beer garden: from 60Kč

• Coffee at the Kavárna Slavia cafe: from 88Kč

• Two-course lunch (without drinks): from 300Kč

• Entry to the National Museum complex (adult): 360Kč

• 30-minute ticket for the metro, trams and buses: from 36Kč 

• Taxi from the airport to the center: from 700Kč

What should I pack for Prague? 

Whatever the season, an umbrella is always a practical item to pack for a trip to Prague, as well as clothes that can get wet. Bring along your most comfortable walking shoes; you'll be doing lots of walking. Prague fashion runs to the casual, but men should pack a blazer or jacket and women a dress or nicer outfit for a fancier night out at a classical music concert or opera.

Is Prague a safe destination? 

The crime rate is low, and violent crime is practically nonexistent. Petty theft and pickpocketing are more common, but still relatively rare. Watch your purse or wallet in crowded areas, like on a packed tram, and be careful not to fall for long-standing tourist scams.

This particularly applies to changing money. Don’t use private exchange booths to convert your money into Czech koruna; they often levy exorbitant conversion fees. Withdraw local currency from bank ATMs instead. Also, never exchange money with strangers on the black market; this is always a scam.

What do I need to book in advance in Prague? 

Reserve hotel rooms as far in advance as possible to get the best price. The same goes for concert tickets; performances at the National Theater, State Opera and other prestigious venues tend to sell out, sometimes weeks in advance. Book tables at fancier restaurants a couple of days ahead. Lunch bookings tend to be easier to get than dinner. Whatever you do, don’t risk showing up without a reservation – there’s a good chance you’ll be turned away.