Ahoj! Welcome to Prague! Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a landlocked country bordered by Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland. Its strategic location has not only shaped the nation’s rich culture but has also made it a crossroads of European heritage and traditions.
Route Map & Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Prague
In summer, Prague hits highs of 25°C, perfect for riverside activities and the city’s numerous rooftop bars. Plan your visit during June or July to attend the Prague Food Festival or Prague International Film Festival.
Spring (March until May) and Autumn (September until November) clock temperatures of 10-15°C. The cooler weather makes it perfect for walking tours and hikes up the city’s hilly areas.
Prague in winter is nothing short of a fairytale. Embrace the festive spirit with Christmas markets at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, offering traditional crafts and warm drinks. Winter temperatures dip to an average of 0 to -5°C so make sure to pack your thermals.
Leaving the Airport/Train Station
Visitors making their way to the city typically land at Vaclav Havel Airport or arrive via major train or bus stations, depending on their point of departure.
Vaclav Havel Airport to City Center:
- Taxi Services: Taxis are easily accessible outside the terminals, and there’s also the option to book an Uber Taxi through a designated machine in the Arrivals Hall.
- Airport Express (AE) Bus: The AE bus connects the airport with the main train station, Hlavni Nadrazi. The service operates every 30 minutes, but does not allow public transport tickets.
- Public Transport (Bus/ Metro): Public buses #119 or #100 connect the airport to nearby metro stations. Transfer to the metro line A for the city center.
Prague’s public transportation system offers several types of short-term tickets. They can be used unlimited times, on any public transport, during their validity period.
Tickets can also be used for traveling from and to the Prague airport on buses 119 and 100. Buy tickets online, download the mobile app or pick up a paper ticket in the Arrivals Hall.
| 30-minute ticket | 90-minute ticket | 24-hour ticket | 72-hour ticket |
| Adult: 30 CZK Senior 60 – 65: 15 CZK | Adult: 40 CZK Senior 60 – 65: 20 CZK | Adult: 120 CZK Senior 60 – 65: 60 CZK | Adult: 330 CZK Senior 60 – 65: 330 CZK |
Where to Stay in Prague
Prague’s neighborhoods offer various accommodation choices, but for first-timers, we highly recommend Old Town. Within walking distance to attractions like Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, this area also boasts excellent food and nightlife options. Old Town is well-connected via tram, bus, and train links, as well as being home to Parizska Street for those interested in high-end shopping.
Booking.comItinerary
Day 1: Art & History
There’s no better place to start our trip to Prague than Old Town Square. This historic site, dates back to the 12th century and has witnessed coronations, protests, and even executions. It is encircled by architectural landmarks like Old Town Hall, Church of Our Lady before Týn and Astrological Clock. Today, the square stands as a lively hub, hosting festivals, markets, and cultural events throughout the year.
The Church of Our Lady before Týn has graced Prague’s skyline since the 14th century. It has twin towers, adorned with striking spires, exemplifying the best of Gothic architecture. Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410, not only tracks astronomical data but also displays the positions of the sun and moon. Every hour, there is brief show, featuring the clock’s animated figurines.
A short stroll away is St. Nicholas Church, which traces its roots to the 18th century. Commissioned by the Jesuits, its construction continued for over a century. A hub for cultural events throughout the ages, St. Nicholas was notably the site for the debut of Mozart’s “Mass in C Major.”
Next on the itinerary is Prašná brána, or the Powder Tower, which was erected in the 15th century as part of the the city’s medieval fortifications. Originally a gate to the Royal Route, it served as a ceremonial entrance for Bohemian kings. The tower derived its name from its storage of gunpowder during the 17th century.
To wrap up our first day, we head to Wenceslas Square. This bustling boulevard is named after the patron saint of Bohemia, St. Wenceslas. Here, you’ll find countless shops, bars and restaurants that you could roam through for hours. Sit down for a meal, grab a drink at a busy bar, visit the nearby museum of illusions or wander through the exhibition halls of Narodni Muzeum.
Day 2: Exploring Prague
Our second day starts with a climb up Old Town Bridge Tower, for birds-eye views of the Vltava River. Built in the 14th century as part of the city’s fortifications, this tower guards the entrance to nearby Charles Bridge. Next, stroll along Charles Bridge, stopping to admire the 30 statues and figurines that adorn the bridge.
Hop on a tram or continue on foot, heading towards Prague Castle. Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest coherent castle complex in the world, Prague Castle is also proudly listed on the UNESCO World Heritage. You could spend hours exploring its encompassing sites, which include:
- St. Vitus Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture which houses the tombs of both kings and emperors.
- Old Royal Palace: This magnificent building witnessed significant events such as royal coronations and the Defenestration of Prague.
- Golden Lane: A street lined with colorful houses which once housed castle marksmen and servants. Look out for the residence of famed writer Franz Kafka!
- Prague Castle Gardens
- Toy Museum
- Prague Museum of Photography
The Dancing House, which blends deconstructivist and modernist styles, offers a stark departure from the Baroque and Gothic architecture witnessed thus far. Crafted with a distinctive, twisting design, it was finalized in 1996 under the creative vision of Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. Nicknamed “Fred and Ginger,” this unconventional structure adds a contemporary flair to Prague’s historical skyline.
To conclude a long day of roaming, we head to one of Prague’s distinctive and unique experiences—a beer spa. Enjoy unlimited beer from the tap while you soak in a private tub. Beer baths are a medical procedure from the Middle Ages, which claim to simultaneously cleanse the pores, increase pulmonary circulation, regenerate skin and hair, and revitalize the nervous system.
Day 3: Prague’s Unique Finds
3 Some Vintage Store is where we begin our third and final day in Prague. This thrift store is incredibly well curated and offers a variety of styles at great prices. The staff are very friendly and you’re almost certain to walk away with a stylish new addition to your wardrobe.
A five minutes walk through the streets of Old Town will lead you to Franz Kafka – Rotating Head by David Cerny. This giant moving sculpture reflects the complexities of Kafka’s works and thoughts.
It will be an understatement to say that Kafka was troubled by life, so ever-turning reflective pieces of the writer’s statue seem to emphasize his inability to comprehend the world and its strange laws.
Prague Free Tour
Complete your trip at Galerie Rudolfinum, a renowned art space which offers a diverse range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to historical collections. The gallery, which was established in 1994, is established within the acclaimed Rudolfinum building.
Nightlife in Prague
Prague’s pub culture is world-famous. Traditional Czech pubs, known as ‘hospodas,’ offer a lively atmosphere and an extensive selection of beers. Try classics like Pilsner Urquell or delve into the world of craft beers in bars like Lokál or U Kurelu.
For the night owls craving energetic dance floors, Prague’s clubbing scene won’t disappoint. Places like Karlovy Lázně, a five-story club featuring different music genres on each level, or the iconic Cross Club with its industrial decor, cater to varied tastes and promise an unforgettable night out.
Head to Tekila Tekila for non-stop Latin American music or Vzorknova dog bar if you fancy getting lost in this maze of a club.
If mellow and chic is more your style, rooftop bars are plentiful. Admire the city’s illuminated night-time views from venues like Cloud 9.
Food
Traditional Czech cuisine features rich and hearty meals – perfectly complementing the love for beer. Try iconic dishes like goulash, svíčková (marinated beef sirloin), or the famed roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. For a taste of local street food, don’t miss trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame and coated in sugar and cinnamon.
Our recommendations are Lokal for the fried cheese and every single item on the menu at all-day brunch spot Venue.
The Chat
Kat: Did you go to Prague with high expectations?
Sim: No expectations whatsoever. I didn’t even research the history of the city. It wasn’t until I was standing in St Vitus Cathedral marveling that i googled “How did the Czech acquire their wealth?”
Kat: And was the city as beautiful as they say it is?
Sim: Honestly, it was absolutely gorgeous – very beautiful, clean and well maintained. I often found myself taking twice as long to get to places because I would just stop and stare at buildings along the way.
Kat: Czech Republic is well-known for their beer as well. Did you try some?
Sim: I don’t even drink beer, but yes of course. I tried a raspberry lemonade beer at Lokal and it was actually drinkable. I also had a non-alcoholic beer at the Beer Spa and I loved it! There’s such a wide selection of beer available, that it would be impossible to not find something you liked. And if not, there’s always absinthe, which is apparently their second most popular drink.
Kat: I need to hear more about this Beer Spa.
Sim: That was probably one of my most controversial experiences ever but I would actually recommend it. It was very relaxing and I left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Kat: How did it feel on your skin?
Sim: Firstly, it wasn’t actually beer beer, it was beer ingredients. It even smelled nice! Secondly, you were supposed to leave it on your skin for 24 hours. I only did about an hour because I like a shower before I go out. I wouldn’t say I noticed any effects to my skin. However, I’d spent about 8 hours roaming through the city that day, and my muscles felt less sore after the bath. The only thing that freaked me out was the next day I noticed there were green particles on my swimsuit.
Kat: Green?! It must have been from the ingredients.
Sim: I agree, and it wasn’t a big deal. It rinsed off easily. I think the Beer Spa would make a great date activity. Technically there’s supposed to be two people in one tub. And you get the room to yourself with background music as well. For the beer drinkers, there’s an unlimited tap an arm’s stretch away. When your session is over, you can even stay in the bar area and keep drinking.
Kat: It definitely sounds worth it, especially with the unlimited refills. What did you think of the rest of the nightlife?
Sim: The bar culture was really good, but the clubs were a bit so-so. Don’t expect to hear anything current, e.g. mainstream pop artists like Dua Lipa or Doja Cat. It’s more so 90s and early 2000s music. Definitely no afrobeats… …but we did manage to find a Latino club, Tequila Tequila!
Kat: Of course, you would! Last question… What was the one thing that wow-ed you?
Sim: Prague Castle. I don’t always like paying for tourist attractions but this was worth it. There was so much to see within the complex – towers, dungeons, museums, galleries, cathedrals, gardens etc etc!
Also, the food. There was such a diversity of restaurants and honestly, everything I tried was good. I think Prague would make a great baecation, solo holiday, stag-do/hen-do, even a family holiday.
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