Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, its skyline a jumble of red rooftops, Gothic spires, and Baroque domes rising above the Vltava River. Split largely untouched by the bombing of World War II, the historic core still looks much as it did centuries ago, which is why it draws millions of visitors chasing cobblestone lanes, castle views, and candlelit taverns.

Beyond the postcard scenery, Prague is a living city with a strong beer culture, a thriving contemporary arts scene, and neighborhoods that range from tourist-thronged to quietly local. It rewards visitors who venture past the Old Town Square and spend at least a few days wandering.

Spring (March–May)

Spring brings mild, unpredictable weather with temperatures climbing from around 8°C (46°F) in March to the high teens by May. Parks and riverside paths turn green, and crowds are thinner than in summer, making late April and May a favorite window for visitors.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is warm and the busiest season, with daytime highs typically in the low-to-mid 20s°C (mid-70s°F) and occasional heatwaves pushing into the 30s°C (90s°F). Evenings stay pleasant, and this is peak season for outdoor beer gardens.

Autumn (September–November)

September and early October remain mild and are considered by many the best time to visit, with fewer crowds and golden light over the castle. By November, temperatures drop toward freezing and days grow short and grey.

Winter (December–February)

Winters are cold, often hovering around freezing with occasional snow, especially in January and February. Christmas markets bring festive energy in December, though short daylight hours and damp cold call for warm layers.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the main gateway, located about 17 km (10.5 miles) west of the city center and served by direct flights from most major European hubs plus a growing number of long-haul routes. From the airport, the Airport Express bus and public bus-plus-metro combinations reach the center in roughly 35–45 minutes.

Prague is also well connected by rail and bus, with direct trains from Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, and Munich arriving at Praha hlavní nádraží (the main station), and budget coach operators like FlixBus and RegioJet linking Prague to cities across Central Europe.

• Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for short stays under the Schengen Area's 90-day rule
• Always check current visa requirements for your specific nationality before traveling, as rules can change

Metro

Prague's metro has three lines (A, B, and C) that cover the city efficiently and run frequently from early morning until midnight. It's the fastest way to cover longer distances, including reaching the airport-adjacent bus connections.

Trams

The tram network is extensive and arguably the most scenic way to get around, with historic routes passing right by major landmarks. Tram 22 is popular with visitors for its route past Prague Castle and through the Lesser Town.

Tickets & Passes

A single integrated ticket covers metro, trams, and buses, with options ranging from 30-minute short-hop tickets to multi-day passes that are worthwhile for visitors planning to move around a lot. Tickets must be validated at the start of each journey using the machines at stations or aboard trams and buses.

Walking & Taxis

The historic core is compact and largely walkable, though cobblestones and hills (especially toward the castle) call for sturdy shoes. Official taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are widely used and generally more reliable and fairly priced than hailing a cab off the street.

Prague Castle, one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world, dominates the skyline and houses St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. Charles Bridge, lined with Baroque statues, connects the castle district to the Old Town and is at its most atmospheric at sunrise before the crowds arrive.

Old Town Square is the historic heart of the city, home to the 15th-century Astronomical Clock, which draws crowds on the hour for its mechanical show, and the twin Gothic spires of the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Nearby, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) holds one of Europe's most significant Jewish heritage sites, including the Old Jewish Cemetery and Spanish Synagogue.

For panoramic views, Petřín Hill offers a mini Eiffel Tower lookout and rose gardens reached by funicular, while the Vyšehrad fortress provides a quieter, less-touristed alternative to the castle with sweeping river views. Beer enthusiasts should visit the Old Town's traditional beer halls or take a brewery tour to understand the country's deep-rooted brewing traditions.

Staré Město (Old Town)

The historic core packed with major sights, restaurants, and nightlife - convenient for first-time visitors but also the busiest and priciest area.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

The picturesque district below the castle, with Baroque palaces, embassies, and quieter lanes that make for excellent wandering away from the main crowds.

Vinohrady

A leafy, residential neighborhood popular with locals and expats, known for its green squares, café culture, and a growing food and cocktail-bar scene.

Žižkov

A gritty, artsy district famous for having more pubs per capita than almost anywhere in Europe, along with the striking Žižkov Television Tower and its giant crawling baby sculptures.

Holešovice

An up-and-coming area across the river, home to contemporary art spaces, the National Gallery's Trade Fair Palace, and Prague's large Letná and Stromovka parks.

Czech cuisine is hearty and built around meat, dumplings, and rich sauces. Signature dishes include svíčková (marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings and cranberry compote), vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), and goulash served in a bread bowl.

Street food staples like trdelník (a sweet rolled pastry, often filled with ice cream for tourists, though not traditionally Czech) are everywhere in the Old Town, while local markets and neighborhood bistros in Vinohrady and Žižkov offer more authentic, better-value meals. No visit is complete without sitting down at a traditional pub for a glass of Czech pilsner, brewed in a style the country pioneered in the 19th century.

• Try authentic Czech beer at a traditional pub like those found in Žižkov or the Old Town's backstreets
• Sample svíčková and bread dumplings at a mid-range Czech restaurant rather than a tourist-menu spot on the main square
• Visit a local farmers' market, such as Náplavka along the river on Saturdays, for fresh produce and street food

Staying in Staré Město or Malá Strana puts you within walking distance of the major sights, at a premium price and with the trade-off of tourist crowds and noise. These areas suit first-time visitors prioritizing convenience.

Vinohrady offers a quieter, more local base with excellent tram connections to the center, good for travelers who want a residential feel and easier-to-find value. Žižkov and Holešovice tend to have the most budget-friendly hostels and hotels, with a short tram ride into the historic core, appealing to travelers prioritizing nightlife or a more local, less polished atmosphere.

Kutná Hora, about an hour by train, is famous for the Sedlec Ossuary - a chapel decorated with the bones of tens of thousands of people - alongside the UNESCO-listed Gothic St. Barbara's Church and a well-preserved medieval silver-mining town center.

Český Krumlov, roughly a three-hour drive or bus ride south, is a fairytale town built around a curve in the Vltava River, anchored by a hilltop castle and a beautifully preserved historic center, making it a popular overnight rather than a rushed day trip.

Karlovy Vary, a spa town about two hours west, is known for its colonnades, hot mineral springs, and Belle Époque architecture, and makes for a relaxed half-day or full-day escape.

Prague is generally very safe by international standards, with violent crime rare in areas visitors frequent. The main risks are petty ones: pickpocketing on crowded trams, at the Astronomical Clock, and on Charles Bridge, along with occasional currency-exchange scams that offer misleading rates or add hidden fees.

• Use ATMs from major banks rather than street currency exchange booths, and decline "dynamic currency conversion" offers that charge in your home currency
• Keep bags zipped and in front of you on crowded trams and in tourist hotspots
• Be wary of unofficial taxis waiting outside tourist sites; use a metered official taxi or a ride-hailing app instead
• The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance across the Czech Republic is 112

Prague remains one of the more affordable capital cities in Western and Central Europe, though prices in the historic core have risen with tourism and can rival pricier EU cities. Budget travelers can get by on a modest daily amount by eating at local pubs and using public transit, while mid-range travelers have plenty of comfortable options for dining and hotels.

• Budget travelers: hostel dorms, pub lunches, and public transit keep daily costs relatively low
• Mid-range travelers: comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurant meals, and the odd taxi ride push costs moderately higher
• Money-saving tip: eat where locals eat, a short walk from the main squares, where menus are noticeably cheaper
• Money-saving tip: buy a multi-day public transit pass instead of paying per ride if sightseeing across the city

Tipping in restaurants is customary but modest - rounding up the bill or adding around 10% is standard practice, and it's typically handed directly to the server rather than left on the table. Czechs tend to be reserved with strangers at first; a polite "Dobrý den" (good day) when entering shops or small restaurants is appreciated.

Dress codes are generally casual, though modest clothing is expected when visiting churches and religious sites. When dining, it's common to say "na zdraví" (cheers) before drinking, and maintaining eye contact during the toast is considered polite.

2 Days in Prague

Day one: explore the Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, and Jewish Quarter, then cross Charles Bridge toward Malá Strana for dinner. Day two: tour Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral in the morning, then wind down at Petřín Hill or a Vinohrady café in the afternoon.

4 Days in Prague

Follow the two-day plan, then add a day exploring Žižkov's pub scene and the Žižkov Television Tower, followed by a day trip to Kutná Hora to see the Sedlec Ossuary and historic town center.