Discover the magic of Prague, a city that has captivated the hearts of travelers for centuries. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of culture, or simply seeking a scenic escape, Prague is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Nestled at the crossroads of Europe, this magnificent destination offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking beauty. From the iconic Charles Bridge to the towering Prague Castle, the city is adorned with stunning architecture that will take your breath away. Experience the charm of the Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets and quaint cafes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Wenceslas Square. Savor traditional Czech cuisine and wash it down with a crisp Pilsner beer.
As the "City of a Hundred Spires," Prague is an unforgettable destination waiting to be explored. Read on for our guide to help plan your ultimate trip to this captivating city.
Best Time To Visit Prague
Prague is really a year-round tourist destination. The climate is temperate, with four well-defined seasons, and you can expect snow cover between mid-November and late March. As a result, only a few tourists visit Prague in winter - but the outdoor Christmas markets still attract a good crowd!
Summer is the busiest time to visit, with dense crowds and higher prices for attractions and lodging. Therefore, the best time to visit in the shoulder seasons - is between April and May or September and October.
Top Attractions
Infant Jesus of Prague
The Infant Jesus of Prague is a small wax-coated statue made in 1340. With an intriguing history, this statue is now housed in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in the Mala Strana area of Prague.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square has somehow remained unchanged since the 10th century, despite multiple invasions. You can admire the architecture, enjoy the street performers, peruse the outdoor vendors, and eat some delicious alfresco. If you time your visit right, you can witness the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall chime the hour.
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is the biggest ancient castle still in existence today. Kings and emperors have lived in it for centuries, and it is the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. You can enjoy the grounds of the castle for free, but buying a combined entry ticket will grant you access to parts of the interior and many of the historical buildings located nearby.
Czech National Gallery
There are many art galleries in Prague. The Castle Picture Gallery is in Prague Castle, and the Prague City Gallery houses many modern art exhibits. But the largest and most visited art gallery is the Czech National Gallery. An art lover will find important collections there, from pre-Baroque art all the way to works from the 19th century.
Petrin Hill
The greenest space in Prague is Petrin Hill. You can hoof it to the top or ride the funicular railway. At the top, you'll find a miniature Eiffel Tower, beautifully landscaped gardens, a wooden building relocated from Ukraine, and the Church of St. Michael.
St. Vitus Cathedral
Located on the Prague Castle grounds, this mammoth cathedral is visible from all points of the city. The construction of this Gothic cathedral started in 1344, but it was completed as recently as 1929. St. Vitus Cathedral houses the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, and a lookout tower that gives you a perfect viewpoint of the entire city.
Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall is a famous wall that is covered in graffiti and dedicated to the late musician John Lennon and the Beatles. The wall is located in the Malá Strana neighborhood and has become a popular tourist destination and a symbol of freedom and creativity.
Josefov
The Jewish quarter of Prague began as a Jewish ghetto. This small area near the Old Town once held over 18,000 people. Many significant buildings remain today, including multiple synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. It is the oldest Jewish cemetery in all of Europe, and the stacked tombstones give you a visual sense of how crowded the ghetto once was.
Giant Metronome
A top a stone base that once supported an enormous statue of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, the world's largest metronome now sits. This 75-foot-tall metronome is fully functional, although not always in operation. When it's running, it ticks out four beats every minute.
Prague Zoo
The zoo in Prague is a great place to spend a day. The zoo houses a large botanical garden with a tropical greenhouse and many unique sculptures.
The Old New Synagogue
Also known as the Altneuschul, The Old New Synagogue is a historic synagogue located in the Jewish Quarter of Prague. It is considered to be one of the oldest Europe's oldest active synagogue and is a significant landmark for the Jewish community in Prague.
Things To Do
Enjoy A Stroll
Of course, walking around in a new setting is always great, but there are so many places in Prague that make for interesting strolls! Head to Charles Bridge, which dates back to 1390. Walk down the Golden Lane, where alchemists of yore spent time trying to turn everyday materials into gold. Stroll through Stare Mesto and look up to see a seven-foot-tall statue of Sigmund Freud hanging from a beam above your head!
Watch A Puppet Show
Puppetry is a big deal in Prague! There are over 20 puppet shops in the city, with 30 traditional puppet makers. There's even a puppet museum! Catch a one-of-a-kind puppet show at the National Marionette Theatre or Theatre Spejbl & Hurvinek.
Cruise The River
A cruise through the city on the Vltava River gives you a unique perspective of Prague. Your cruise will likely include lunch or dinner - or even both!
Enjoy Czech Beer
The Czech Republic is known for its beer, and Prague gives you plenty of opportunities to give it a taste. There is an almost overwhelming array of bars throughout Prague, offering famous lagers alongside smaller craft beers. Most Czechs enjoy a light beer rather than a dark ale, so keep that in mind when browsing the beer list. Be sure to head to the Prague Beer Museum, where you can take a tour and bottle your own beer!
Enjoy The View From Petrin Hill
Petrin Hill is a hilltop park located in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The hill is covered in lush greenery and is home to various attractions. The hill is easily accessible via the Petrin Funicular, a cable car that takes visitors to the top in just a few minutes.
Visit Petrin Park
Petrin Park is a large park situated on Petrin Hill and offers panoramic views of the city. The park features a variety of attractions, including a replica of the Eiffel Tower, an observation tower, a rose garden, a maze, and several walking paths. Petrin Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Europe and a must-visit for anyone visiting Prague.
Where To Stay In Prague
Hotels in Prague are reasonably priced compared to other European destinations. Prague is organized into districts. The best districts to stay in are districts 1 and 2. Many of the popular destinations in the city are found in or near these districts. Wenceslas Square is another good location for lodging! Hostels and campsites are readily available for backpackers who want to explore Prague.
Where Is Prague Located?
Prague is located in the central area of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is also referred to nowadays as Czechia. Keep in mind that Czechoslovakia doesn't exist anymore! Prague was designated as its capital when the new Czech Republic was made. It is a windy city located atop the Vltava River.
How To Get To Prague, Czech Republic
The Golden City is located in central Europe, so getting there is a straightforward affair. The Czech Republic has many international airports, but the best one to fly into if you want to get to Prague is the Prague Ruzyne Airport. This airport is located just 9 miles from the city centre. Many European airline companies run flights between Prague and other European cities. If you're flying from the United States, you'll have to leave from JFK in New York City if you'd like to fly direct.
The Central Train Station (Hlavní Nádraží) in Prague is the main railway station of the city and a major transportation hub. It is located in the heart of Prague, near Wenceslas Square, and provides direct connections to many cities across the Czech Republic and Europe. If Prague is part of a larger exploration of major European cities of eastern Europe, use the train from Vienna or Budapest!
Transportation Within Prague
The city center and historical centre of Prague are compact. Most everywhere you'd like to visit is within walking distance of each other, and you can likely get everywhere on your list on foot.
Still, Prague has efficient and well-planned public transportation. You can rent a car if you'd like, or hail taxi drivers, but the public transport system is the cheapest and easier way to explore the city. The Prague metro runs three lines that connect the main points of interest. It doesn't cover the whole city, but each metro station is situated next to tram and bus stations, so it works as a cohesive whole. You'll buy tickets that work across the different transportation systems for a set amount of time (usually 24 hours or 72 hours).
Uber, Liftago, Bolt, and HoppyGo are available in Prague and allow you to easily book and pay for a taxi ride using your smartphone, and they offer a convenient alternative to traditional taxi services.
Golden Tips
Have A Map On Hand
Prague is organized into districts, and it can get confusing. A portion of district 5 was once district 13, for example, and it is still referred to as such. Always have a map on hand, and use exact street names when mapping out your itinerary.
Stay on top of your ticket validation!
Ticket inspectors will regularly check that your metro and tram tickets have been validated, and you'll have a hefty fine to pay if not!
Watch Out For Pickpocketing
Prague's most common crime is pickpocketing. Don't be paranoid, but do be smart. Carry a credit card rather than large amounts of cash. Be careful on crowded trams. Consider keeping your money and passport in a money belt rather than in a purse or backpack.
Getting By With English
The natives of Prague will speak the Czech language, although there is a German-speaking majority. Many people will speak English to some degree.
Exchange For korunas
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, it still uses the Czech Koruna currency. Most tourist destinations will accept dollars or euros, but you'll lose a good chunk of money. It's best to exchange your currency for korunas or pay with a credit card.