Things To Do
in Prague
Prague is a spellbinding capital on the Vltava River, where medieval charm meets modern culture. Its compact historic core is a UNESCO-listed tapestry of cobbled lanes, ornate cathedrals, and soaring towers. The city is famed for the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and a thriving beer-and-tea scene that invites exploration on foot.
Beyond the monuments, Prague offers art, music, and cuisine that make every stroll feel like a discovery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Louvre, a historic café frequented by famous figures like Kafka. Afterward, stroll towards the Old Town Square, marveling at the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings. Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock, where you can witness the hourly show as the clock comes to life.
After lunch at a nearby traditional Czech restaurant, dive deeper into the history by visiting the Old Town Hall and climbing the tower for panoramic views of the city. Wander through the charming streets, stopping to explore the many shops and boutiques that dot the area. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture.
As the sun sets, make your way to a riverside restaurant to enjoy a traditional Czech dinner with a view of the Vltava River. After dinner, take a scenic stroll across Charles Bridge, where you can enjoy street performances and the beautiful city lights. Finally, wrap up your evening with a nightcap at one of the local pubs, sampling Czech beer.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local bakery, sampling freshly baked pastries and coffee. Then head to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, where you can explore St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace. Don’t forget to take a leisurely walk through the picturesque gardens surrounding the castle.
After a guided tour of the castle complex, make your way to the charming neighborhood of Malá Strana for lunch at a cozy bistro. Spend your afternoon wandering the winding streets, visiting the John Lennon Wall, and taking in the artistic vibe of the area. Make sure to pop into the Church of St. Nicholas for its stunning interior.
As evening falls, find a terrace restaurant with views of the castle illuminated at night for dinner. Enjoy a meal of traditional Czech cuisine, perhaps trying svíčková, a local specialty. Conclude the night with a performance at the National Theatre, where you can immerse yourself in Czech culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two | $40-60 |
| 🚇One-way local transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $100-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Staggering architecture and a compact, walkable city center
- Rich history and UNESCO-listed sights
- Vibrant beer culture and hearty Czech cuisine at good value
- Efficient public transport and pedestrian-friendly streets
- Crowds in peak season can be overwhelming
- Pickpockets in tourist hotspots; stay aware of belongings
- Some areas can feel touristy and pricey
- Hills and cobblestones can be hard for wheelchair access and difficult for strollers
- "Dobrý den" - Good day/Hello
- "Prosím" - Please / You're welcome
- "Děkuji" - Thank you
- "Na shledanou" - Goodbye
- "Kolik to stojí?" - How much does this cost?
- "Promiňte" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Můžu dostat účet?" - Can I have the bill?
- "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Prague
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic 14th-century bridge with statues and river views; best light and fewer crowds early morning.
Grand hilltop complex with Gothic towers and panoramic city views.
Colorful Baroque facades surrounding a central historic square and medieval clock.
Wide lawns and sweeping city views framed by the large metronome sculpture.
Iconic modern building along the Vltava; striking to shoot from the riverfront at dusk.
Food in Prague
Prague Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked beef goulash served with traditional dumplings; hearty and flavorful.
Must-Try!
Beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce with cranberry sauce and dumplings.
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut—a Czech staple.
Crispy chimney cake often rolled in sugar and cinnamon; a popular street treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant riverfront market on Saturdays with local foods, drinks, and seasonal specialties along the Vltava.
Central market near Old Town with fresh produce, snacks, and affordable bites.
Popular outdoor market in Vinohrady offering seasonal produce and ready-to-eat foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Dobrý den' (Good day) or 'Ahoj' among friends; a handshake is common in formal introductions.
Be punctual; dress modestly in religious sites; avoid loud conversations in quiet venues.
Table manners align with European norms; tipping is appreciated and service charges may be included on the bill.
Safety
Tipping in Prague
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% is typical if service isn’t included; rounding up small bills is common. Tipping hotel staff and taxi drivers with modest gestures is appreciated.
Cash (CZK) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Many places allow tipping by card at the table.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming trees; showers are common. Great for walking tours and outdoor cafe hopping.
Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; expect crowds at major sights; occasional rain; ideal for river activities and beer gardens.
Cooler air and colorful foliage; often fewer crowds; comfortable for city strolls and museum visits.
Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets light up the city; layer up and enjoy warm drinks indoors.
Prague at Night
Hiking in Prague
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic nature reserve with forest trails, streams, and ridge views just outside Prague.
A ravine area with wooded trails ideal for a half-day escape from the city.
Forest trails offering views and a day trip from Prague, often combined with a visit to Karlštejn Castle.
Airports
How to reach Prague by plane.
Main international gateway to Prague; easy to reach the city center by taxi, bus, or airport express train.
Smaller regional airport northeast of Prague, useful for some scheduled flights and general aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population with a strong sense of national culture and language.
Influences from neighboring regions; many residents speak English in tourist zones.
A growing mix contributing to Prague’s cosmopolitan vibe and international eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in the Czech Republic with local clubs and community leagues nearby.
A beloved winter sport; attending a match offers deep cultural flavor.
Urban cycling is common; there are dedicated routes along the Vltava and in parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Prague.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Czech cuisine is meat-forward, but vegetarian options are widely available. Look for dumplings with cheese or mushroom sauces, soups like garlic soup, and request meat-free preparations. Many places offer vegetarian dishes or can adapt recipes.