Travel Guide to Prague, Czech Republic

Ra's Travel Guide to Prague

An architectural masterpiece home to the largest castle in the world; an ultimate travel guide to Prague.

Table of Contents

Prague, the capital city, is a living masterpiece, adorned with magnificent apartments, cathedrals, and castles. Its allure draws millions of visitors each year, eager to immerse themselves in Czech culture. From dawn to dusk, rain or shine, Prague offers a wealth of activities and is a hub for cultural events. Don't miss the enchanting holiday markets during the festive season. Dive into this travel guide to discover the best of Prague, gain insider insights, and optimize your visit!

Getting to Prague, Czech Republic: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

By Air:

Prague, located in central Europe, offers numerous travel options for international and domestic visitors. Most travelers opt to fly into Václav Havel Airport Prague due to its extensive direct flight options, including budget-friendly airlines. The airport also hosts several overseas flights, making it accessible from destinations like the United States. From the airport, reaching the city center is convenient through taxi services, Uber, or public transportation.

By Train:

If you're coming from a nearby European country, traveling by train can be an economical and convenient choice. While it may take longer than flying, there are overnight sleeper options available. Trains arrive at Prague Main Train Station, situated in the heart of the city. Be sure to check for direct routes before purchasing tickets.

By Bus:

Domestic and international bus services are available and often provide cost-effective travel solutions. The Florenc Bus Station is the closest terminal to the city center, with seamless public transportation connections.

To secure your travel plans, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as popular routes can sell out. Tickets can be acquired online or in person, allowing for both planned and spontaneous travel.

By Car:

Car rentals are offered by various agencies in the country. It's essential to be aware that Czech highways require toll payment through an electronic vignette. As of now, the Czech toll rates are as follows:

1,500 CZK (60 EUR) for a year
440 CZK (18 EUR) for a month
310 CZK (13 EUR) for 10 days

The electronic vignette can be purchased in advance via the official website or at self-service kiosks.

Czech highways are noteworthy for being toll-free for electric vehicles, a move aimed at promoting eco-friendly travel options. Renting a car can be advantageous if you intend to explore rural areas. However, it's not an essential requirement if your primary destination is Prague, where it can become more costly and time-consuming due to traffic congestion and parking expenses.

For convenient travel planning, cost evaluation, and exploring various transportation options, Rome2rio is a valuable tool. It offers comprehensive information, suggests routes and stops, and enables customized and well-informed travel experiences. Furthermore it allows travelers to seamlessly plan their journey and make informed decisions based on their preferences. Discover more at Rome2rio.

Where to Stay in Prague, Czech Republic?

Prague, as the capital city, offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to all types of travelers, including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and more. If you're visiting for the first time, I recommend staying in the Old Town. This area is the city's central hub and home to most of the major attractions, making it convenient for exploration on foot. The Old Town is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife and enchanting Christmas markets. On the other hand, the New Town is typically more suitable for travelers with brief layovers or those arriving by car. The Lesser Town, another prominent district, is an ideal choice for those seeking a romantic getaway.

During my visit to Prague, I opted to stay in a popular backpacker hostel located in the Old Town. The central location facilitated easy exploration of Prague's main attractions on foot, and it's worth considering for budget-conscious travelers and digital nomads.

Guides to the Czech Republic

Best Places to Visit in the Czech Republic

What Food to Taste in the Czech Republic

Getting Around Prague, Czech Republic

Car

If you’re just staying in Prague, there is no need to rent a car because everything is either a short walk away and because of the vast network of public transportation available. Additionally, the traffic can get crowded and parking is expensive. However, if you still wish to rent a car there are many agencies at the airport. However, the local agencies tend to offer lower rates than the large international agencies.

Metro

There are 3 underground metro lines but Line A accesses most of the tourist attractions. Tickets can be purchased for 30 minutes, 90 minutes, and up to 24 hours. Don’t forget to validate your tickets otherwise you will get hit with a large fine.

Tram

Trams have the most extensive coverage in Prague and are a popular mode of transportation for tourists and locals. Operating from 4 am to midnight, trams use the same tickets as the metro, offering a cost-effective transport option. Exercise caution against pickpockets, safeguard your belongings, and prioritize safety.

Bus

Buses are primarily used for travel beyond Prague, making them less suitable for intercity journeys. An exception is transport to and from the airport, where buses are frequent. Like trams and the metro, you can use the same tickets for bus travel.

Taxi

Taxis and Ubers are readily available in Prague. Local taxi services may increase fares for tourists, so it's advisable to have your hotel or restaurant call and order a cab. If hailing a taxi from the street, ensure it's a certified cab and agree on a price beforehand. Two popular local taxi companies are AAA and City Taxi. Uber and rideshare alternatives are available at more competitive prices.

Walking

Many of Prague's main attractions are within a 30-minute walk, making walking an excellent way to explore the city. It allows you to appreciate the beautiful architecture and immerse yourself in the city's sounds. Prague's streets are well-maintained, well-lit, and busy even into the late evenings, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience.

What to Do in Prague, Czech Republic?

Historical Walking Tour

Orient yourself with your destination and learn about the history of Prague. This is one of the first things I do wherever I visit because it is a great way to meet fellow solo travelers and to gain insider tips from locals. While there are many different travel companies offering guided tours, I highly recommend embarking on a free walking tour. These are cheaper, and you get to pay the guide based on how much you learned. Don’t forget to bring cash! Plus, consider joining a night walking tour to experience Prague in a different light, literally!

Old Town Square

This has been the main market square since the 11th century. This is where the majority of celebrations, markets, and cultural events occur throughout the year. Here is also the location of many restaurants, shops, and the Tyn Church. For an extra tip, enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the cafés in the square to take in the stunning view.

Astronomical Clock

One of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world is still in operation. Every hour, large groups of people stop to watch the showing of the skeleton ringing the bell and the twelve apostles go around. If you go on a walking tour, the guide will explain the history of the clock and the symbolism behind it. Afterwards, you can climb up to the top to get an aerial view of Prague. Make sure to arrive a bit before the hour to get a good spot, as it can get crowded.

Charles Bridge

One of the most famous pedestrian bridges in the world, connecting the Old Town to Mala Strana. It gets extremely crowded during the day, so if you’re looking to get photos, you will need to wake up earlier to beat the crowds. On the bridge are many street performers and artisans selling crafts and souvenirs. By night, some say that they’ve experienced some hauntings, so keep your eyes peeled. A romantic stroll on Charles Bridge under the evening lights is a must.

National Marionette Theatre

Marionettes have long been a part of Czech culture and are a popular souvenir to bring back home. For a unique experience and a celebration of Czech culture, visit the National Marionette Theatre and watch a marionette show. They will even perform classics like Mozart and Don Giovanni. It's a charming way to delve into Czech artistic traditions.

Lennon Wall

After John Lennon was killed in 1980, this wall was graffitied, creating a tribute to the rock artist. Today, the wall is still known as the John Lennon Wall with graffiti dedicated to him, but it changes appearances every few months. The art is spectacular, so be sure to stop here to grab some photos. Take a leisurely walk along the Vltava River after visiting the Lennon Wall for more scenic beauty.

Prague Castle

The largest castle in the world! It’s hard to miss as the large castle on the hill, making up the iconic Prague skyline. The castle is actually a large complex where you can go on a guided tour and visit the different buildings and museums in the area. Ticket prices will vary and depend on which buildings you would like to visit. Don’t miss visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, which was the site of the coronation for Czech queens and kings and is the resting place of many saints. Enjoy a stunning sunset view from the castle complex over the city.

Jewish Quarter

A small area in the Old Town where the Jewish were permitted to live in Prague. It was estimated that 18,000 people were crammed into this small section of town. Today, the Jewish Quarter looks extremely different and is considered an upscale place to live. Don’t miss the Old Synagogue that was built in 1270, making it the oldest synagogue in Central Europe. Explore the Jewish Museum for a deeper understanding of the history of this neighborhood.

National Theater

Enjoy a performance of the opera, ballet, or a theatrical performance during your visit to Prague. Ticket prices will vary depending on the type of show and where you would like to sit in the theater. Be sure to bring a fancier outfit if you want to go to a performance because there is a dress code. People do show up in full tuxedos and ball gowns. A cultural night out at the National Theatre is an exquisite experience.

St. Nicholas Church

Czech Beer Tasting

Located in the Lesser Town, this Baroque-style church started construction in the 13th century. It wasn’t finished until the 1760s, reflecting the original design still today. Inside is one of the largest frescoes in Europe and a large organ with over 4,000 pipes. Check out the performance schedule because you may be able to catch an organ performance. The church's remarkable interior and acoustics make it an ideal setting for a musical interlude.

Did you visit Prague if you didn’t have any beer? Beer is very important to Czech culture and is the world’s largest consumer of beer. Even if beer is not your go-to drink, schedule a beer tasting to learn about the history of Czech beer and to try a few local favorites. Delve into the fascinating world of Czech brewing traditions, and don't forget to savor the various beer styles along with some classic Czech pub snacks.

This travel guide to Prague is just a glimpse into the myriad experiences that await you in the heart of Europe. From its rich history and architectural marvels to its vibrant cultural scene and culinary delights, Prague is a city that truly has it all. Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of the Old Town, admiring the grandeur of Prague Castle, or sipping on world-famous Czech beer, you'll find that every corner of this city has a story to tell. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the magic of Prague, where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony, and where every cobblestone has a tale to share. Your adventure in the City of a Hundred Spires awaits!