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Czech Republic

Prague: itinerary & travel tips

Prague has one of the best-preserved historic old towns in Europe. The Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are so close together that you can see a lot in a few days without constantly taking public transport. The city remained largely undamaged in the Second World War, so Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings stand side by side.

Prague is also a good fit for a short trip because it is easy to reach from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and because prices are comparatively low. The beer, food and cultural offer are good, and away from the main routes you will find quiet neighbourhoods with cafés, parks and viewpoints.

Ready-made itineraries

What to see

  • Pražský hrad (Prague Castle)

    The largest enclosed castle complex in the world, with St Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane and views over the city.

  • Charles Bridge (Karlův most)

    The Gothic stone bridge over the Vltava with its statues is most impressive early in the morning.

  • Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square)

    The central square with Týn Church, the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock.

  • Josefov (Jewish Quarter)

    Old synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery tell of more than 700 years of Jewish history.

  • Vyšehrad

    The quiet fortress above the Vltava offers views, a basilica and the cemetery with the graves of famous Czechs.

  • Petřín with its lookout tower

    The hill with parks can be reached by funicular and offers a wide view over the city.

Where to stay

  • Staré Město (Old Town)

    Ideal for anyone who wants to reach everything on foot on a first visit, though with lots of bustle and higher prices.

  • Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

    Quieter and picturesque, good for couples and anyone who likes being near the Castle and the atmosphere of the lanes.

  • Vinohrady

    Residential neighbourhood with cafés, restaurants and parks, suited to anyone who wants to stay more like a local and have good tram connections.

  • Karlín

    Modern neighbourhood with restaurants and bars, good for guests looking for food and nightlife away from the tourist zone.

Best time to visit

The best times are April to June and September and October, with mild temperatures and slightly fewer crowds than in high summer. July and August get crowded and sometimes hot. In Advent Prague is popular for its Christmas markets, but also very busy, and hotel prices rise. January and February are cold and grey, but quieter and cheaper.

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Getting there

Václav Havel Airport Prague is about 17 km west of the centre. Take bus 119 to the metro terminus Nádraží Veleslavín and continue by metro (line A), and you will be in the city centre in around 30 to 40 minutes, for a few euros. A taxi or ride-hailing trip usually costs about 25 to 35 euros. Trains from Germany, Austria and Switzerland also run to the main station, Praha hlavní nádraží, for example from Berlin, Dresden, Vienna and Munich, with the journey from Dresden taking about two hours.

Getting around

You can explore the Old Town, Lesser Town and Castle district best on foot, and for longer distances the metro, tram and bus network is well connected. For 2 to 4 days, 24-hour or 72-hour tickets, which are valid on all modes of transport, are worth it. Validate your tickets or buy them via the app, and checks are frequent.

Daily budget

budget

€35

mid-range

€80

per person, without accommodation. Food, beer and public transport are cheap, whereas hotels in the Old Town and admission to the Castle and other sights cost significantly more.

Local tips

  • Visit Charles Bridge before 8 am and you'll have it almost to yourself.
  • Eat lunch in restaurants with a set daily menu; it's usually much cheaper than in the evening and offers Czech cuisine.
  • Don't exchange money at currency exchange offices in the Old Town; instead withdraw crowns from a bank's ATM and decline the conversion into euros.
  • Tram 22 passes many sights, including the Castle, and replaces an expensive city tour.

FAQ

How many days do you need for Prague?

Two days are enough for the highlights such as the Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town. With three to four days there is time for Josefov, Vyšehrad, Petřín and neighbourhoods off the tourist trail.

Where is the best place to stay in Prague?

For a first visit, Staré Město and Malá Strana are ideal because you can reach almost everything on foot. If you want somewhere cheaper and quieter, you'll find good accommodation in Vinohrady or Karlín with tram and metro connections.

Is Prague expensive?

Compared with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, food, drinks and public transport are cheap. In the Old Town, though, you pay a premium for restaurants and hotels, and away from the tourist zone prices drop noticeably.

How do I get from the airport into the city?

The cheapest way is bus 119 to metro line A and on into the city centre, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. A taxi or ride-hailing service is more comfortable and takes around 25 to 35 minutes in normal traffic.

Is Prague safe, and what about tipping?

Prague is considered safe, but pickpockets operate in the Old Town, on Charles Bridge and on trams. In restaurants a tip of about 10 percent is customary, and you usually round up when paying.

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