Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. It is one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Europe, with a rich history and culture that spans over a thousand years. Prague is also a modern and vibrant city, with a thriving art, music, and gastronomy scene. Whether you are looking for historical monuments, romantic views, or lively nightlife, Prague has something for everyone. In this post, we will explore some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Prague, and give you some tips on when to go, how long to stay, and how to get around.
What to Do in Prague
Prague is a city that offers a lot of activities for all kinds of travelers. Here are some of the most popular and fun things to do in Prague:
- Visit Prague Castle
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and the symbol of the city. It was founded in the 9th century and served as the residence of the kings of Bohemia, the Holy Roman Emperors, and the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The castle complex includes several palaces, churches, gardens, and museums, such as the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, and the National Gallery. You can spend hours exploring the castle and admiring the stunning views of the city from its ramparts. - Walk across Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is the most famous and iconic bridge in Prague, connecting the Old Town and the Lesser Town. It was built in the 14th century by King Charles IV and decorated with 30 statues of saints and historical figures. The bridge is a popular spot for tourists, artists, musicians, and vendors, and offers amazing views of the Vltava River and the Prague skyline. You can walk across the bridge at any time of the day, but the best time is early in the morning or at sunset, when the light is more magical. - Explore the Old Town Square
The Old Town Square is the heart of Prague and the main tourist attraction. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings, such as the Old Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the Kinský Palace. The square is also home to the famous Astronomical Clock, which dates back to the 15th century and performs a mechanical show every hour. The square is always lively and festive, especially during Christmas and Easter markets, when it is filled with stalls selling traditional crafts, food, and drinks. - See the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a historic area that preserves the legacy of the Jewish community in Prague. It contains six synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and the Jewish Museum, which displays a collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks related to the Jewish history and culture. The most impressive synagogue is the Spanish Synagogue, which features a stunning Moorish-style interior. The most moving site is the Old Jewish Cemetery, which contains over 12,000 tombstones, some dating back to the 15th century. - Enjoy the Nightlife
Prague is a city that knows how to party. It has a wide range of bars, clubs, pubs, and beer gardens, where you can enjoy the famous Czech beer, wine, and spirits, as well as live music and entertainment. Some of the best places to go for a drink are the Letná Beer Garden, which has a great view of the city, the Sad Man’s Tongue Bar & Bistro, which has a rockabilly vibe and delicious burgers, and the Mechanický Balet, which has a retro-futuristic decor and a dance floor.
Where to Stay in Prague
Prague is divided into 10 districts, each with its own character and attractions. Here are some of the most interesting and popular districts to stay in Prague:
Prague 1: This is the oldest and most central district of Prague, where most of the historical and cultural sights are located. It includes the Old Town, the Lesser Town, the New Town, the Jewish Quarter, and the Castle District. This is the best district to stay in if you want to be close to everything and don’t mind the crowds and the higher prices.
Prague 2: This is a residential and commercial district that lies south of the New Town. It includes the Vinohrady and Nusle neighborhoods, which are known for their elegant architecture, green spaces, and trendy cafés and restaurants. This is a good district to stay in if you want to experience the local life and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Prague 3: This is a diverse and lively district that lies east of the Old Town. It includes the Žižkov and Karlín neighborhoods, which are popular among young and creative people. They have a lot of street art, alternative culture, and nightlife options, such as the Prague Beer Tours, which take you to different breweries and pubs in the area. This is a good district to stay in if you are looking for a budget-friendly and fun place to stay.
Prague 5: This is a large and modern district that lies west of the Lesser Town. It includes the Smíchov and Anděl neighborhoods, which are home to many shopping malls, cinemas, and business centers. They also have some cultural attractions, such as the Kinský Garden, which has a beautiful park and a rococo palace, and the MeetFactory, which is a contemporary art and music venue. This is a good district to stay in if you want to have easy access to public transport and amenities.
Prague 6: This is a wealthy and prestigious district that lies north of the Castle District. It includes the Dejvice and Bubeneč neighborhoods, which are popular among expats and diplomats. They have some of the best schools and universities in Prague, such as the Charles University, the oldest university in Central Europe. They also have some natural attractions, such as the Stromovka Park, which is the largest park in Prague, and the Divoká Šárka Nature Reserve, which is a scenic valley with a lake and a waterfall. This is a good district to stay in if you want to enjoy some greenery and tranquility.
What to Eat in Prague
Prague is a city that offers a variety of cuisines, from traditional Czech dishes to international flavors. Here are some of the most delicious and typical foods to try in Prague:
Goulash: Goulash is a hearty stew made of beef, onions, paprika, and other spices, served with bread dumplings or potatoes. It is one of the most common and satisfying dishes in Prague, especially in winter. You can find it in almost any restaurant or pub, but one of the best places to try it is the Restaurant U Modré kachničky, which specializes in duck and game dishes.
Trdelník: Trdelník is a sweet pastry made of rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, grilled, and coated with sugar, cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate. It is a popular street food in Prague, especially in the Old Town Square, where you can see the vendors making it in front of you. You can eat it plain or filled with ice cream, whipped cream, or fruit.
Svíčková: Svíčková, or svíčková na smetaně, is a traditional Czech dish that consists of roasted beef sirloin in a creamy sauce made of carrots, parsley root, celery, and spices, served with bread dumplings and cranberry sauce. It is a festive and elegant dish that is often served on special occasions, such as weddings or Christmas. You can try it at the Café Imperial, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves classic Czech cuisine in a beautiful Art Nouveau setting.
Smažený sýr: Smažený sýr is a simple but tasty dish that consists of a slice of cheese (usually Edam or Emmental) that is breaded and deep-fried, served with fries, salad, and tartar sauce. It is a popular snack or lunch option in Prague, especially among vegetarians and students. You can find it in many fast-food outlets or pubs, but one of the best places to try it is the Field Restaurant, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a modern and creative twist on Czech cuisine.
Palačinky: Palačinky are thin pancakes that are filled with various ingredients, such as jam, chocolate, cheese, nuts, or fruit. They are a common dessert or breakfast item in Prague, and can be found in many cafés and bakeries. One of the best places to try them is the Bakeshop Little Bakery, which is a cozy and charming bakery that offers a variety of pastries, cakes, and sandwiches.
When to Go to Prague
Prague is a city that can be visited all year round, as each season has its own charm and advantages. However, some seasons are more suitable than others, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some factors to consider when planning your trip to Prague:
Weather: Prague has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The spring (March to May) is a pleasant time to visit, as the weather is mild and sunny, and the flowers are in bloom. The summer (June to August) is the peak season, as the weather is warm and sunny, but also crowded and expensive. The autumn (September to November) is a beautiful time to visit, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the leaves are changing colors. The winter (December to February) is the low season, as the weather is cold and snowy, but also festive and romantic.
Events: Prague hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, which can enhance your experience and enjoyment of the city. Some of the most popular and interesting events are the Prague Spring International Music Festival, which showcases classical music performances in various venues in May, the Prague Fringe Festival, which features alternative theater, comedy, and dance shows in various venues in May and June, the Prague Christmas Markets, which offer traditional crafts, food, and drinks in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square in December, and the Prague New Year’s Eve Fireworks, which light up the sky over the Vltava River on January 1st.
Prices: Prague is a relatively affordable city compared to other European capitals, but the prices can vary depending on the season and the location. The summer is the most expensive time to visit, as the demand for accommodation, transportation, and attractions is high. The winter is the cheapest time to visit, as the demand is low and the prices are discounted. The spring and the autumn are the best times to visit in terms of value, as the prices are moderate and the crowds are smaller. The prices also depend on the location, as the central areas, such as Prague 1, are more expensive than the peripheral areas, such as Prague 6.
How Long to Stay in Prague
Prague is a city that has a lot to offer, and you can easily spend a week or more exploring its attractions and neighborhoods. However, if you have a limited time, you can still see the highlights and get a good impression of the city in a shorter period. Here are some suggestions on how long to stay in Prague, depending on your interests and preferences:
2 days: If you only have two days in Prague, you can focus on the main sights in the Old Town, the Lesser Town, and the Castle District. You can start your first day by visiting the Prague Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral, then walk down to the Lesser Town and see the St. Nicholas Church and the Lennon Wall. You can then cross the Charles Bridge and enter the Old Town, where you can see the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and the Church of Our Lady before Týn. You can end your day by enjoying the nightlife in the Old Town or the New Town.
On your second day, you can explore the Jewish Quarter and see the synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. You can then visit the New Town and see the Wenceslas Square, the National Museum, and the Dancing House. You can end your day by taking a cruise on the Vltava River or watching a show at the National Theatre.
4 days: If you have four days in Prague, you can add some more sights and activities to your itinerary, as well as some day trips to the surrounding areas. You can start your third day by visiting the Petřín Hill, which is a green oasis in the city, with a rose garden, a mirror maze, and a miniature Eiffel Tower. You can then visit the Strahov Monastery, which has a stunning library and a brewery, and the Loreto, which is a pilgrimage site and a baroque masterpiece. You can end your day by visiting the Vyšehrad, which is a historic fort and a cemetery, where many famous Czechs are buried.
On your fourth day, you can take a day trip to one of the nearby towns or castles, such as Kutná Hora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Gothic cathedral and a bone chapel, Český Krumlov, which is a picturesque town with a fairy-tale castle and a river, or Karlštejn, which is a medieval castle that was built by King Charles IV.
6 days: If you have six days in Prague, you can explore some of the less touristy and more authentic areas of the city, as well as some more day trips to the countryside. You can start your fifth day by visiting the Žižkov and Karlín districts, which are popular among young and creative people. You can see some street art, alternative culture, and nightlife options, such as the Prague Beer Tours, which take you to different breweries and pubs in the area. You can then visit the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror, which is a museum and a crypt that commemorates the Czech resistance fighters who assassinated the Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in 1942. You can end your day by visiting the Žižkov Television Tower, which is a futuristic structure that offers a panoramic view of the city.
On your sixth day, you can take another day trip to one of the natural attractions in the region, such as the Bohemian Paradise, which is a protected area with sandstone rock formations, forests, and castles, the Bohemian Switzerland, which is a national park with canyons, gorges, and bridges, or the Konopiště, which is a chateau that was the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination sparked World War I.
How to Get around Prague
Prague is a city that is easy to get around, as it has a well-developed and efficient public transport system, as well as a compact and walkable city center. Here are some of the best ways to get around Prague:
Metro: The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Prague, as it covers most of the city and runs frequently and reliably. There are three metro lines: A (green), B (yellow), and C (red), which connect the main areas and attractions of the city. The metro operates from 5 a.m. to midnight. You can buy the tickets at the metro stations, at the newsstands, or at the vending machines.
Tram: The tram is another good way to get around Prague, as it covers more areas than the metro and offers scenic views of the city. There are 26 tram lines, which run day and night, and connect the city center with the suburbs. The tram operates from 4:30 a.m. to midnight. You can buy the tickets at the tram stops, at the newsstands, or at the vending machines.
Bus: The bus is the least used way to get around Prague, as it is mainly used for the areas that are not served by the metro or the tram. There are 142 bus lines, which run day and night, and connect the city with the airport and the outskirts. The bus operates from 4:30 a.m. to midnight. You can buy the tickets at the bus stops, at the newsstands, or at the vending machines.
Taxi: The taxi is the most expensive and least reliable way to get around Prague, as it is often subject to overcharging and scams. There are many taxi companies and drivers in Prague, but not all of them are trustworthy and honest. The taxi fares vary depending on the company, the distance, and the time of the day.
Walk: Walking is the best way to get around Prague, as it is the cheapest and most enjoyable way to see the city. Prague is a compact and pedestrian-friendly city, with many sights and attractions within walking distance of each other. You can walk along the cobblestone streets, the bridges, and the river, and admire the architecture, the art, and the atmosphere of the city. You can also join a walking tour, such as the Free Walking Tour, which offers guided tours of the Old Town, the Castle District, the Jewish Quarter, and more.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your trip to Prague. Prague is a city that will enchant you with its beauty, charm, and history, and make you fall in love with it. Have a wonderful time in Prague!
Leave A Comment