Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and home to around 1.2 million people.
Three decades ago, Prague was a mystery for travellers. Today the city stands proudly as one of the most popular destinations in Europe, drawing over 4 million visitors each year. From staying at a former monastery or palazzo turned five-star hotel or partying the night away at ‘Onetime’ nuclear bunker, you are surely going to understand that in Prague, the unconventional is conventional.
Not surprisingly, Prague was selected as a Cultural City of Europe for the year 2000 by UNESCO as it remains a magical, romantic fairytale setting – the city of 1000 spires. Prague has a complex medieval centre with castles and cathedrals, winding cobblestone streets, musicians, marionettes, and plenty of backstreet pubs. With a youthful and vibrant social scene and glimmering architecture, it’s easy to see why so many expatriates come to call Prague home.
Prague is blessed with century long fascinating history. Art Nouveau, Romanesque and Baroque architecture on top of the scores of churches makes Prague one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern and Central Europe having also a wide array of tourist attractions to suit a wide range of tastes and interests.
It is also a truly cosmopolitan city where pleasure seekers and culture buffs mingle happily in Gothic cathedrals and chic cafés.
15 Reasons Why You Should Visit Prague
Here are some reasons and interesting facts why I love Prague:
- The exchange rate is in your favor
- Beer is brewed locally and is cheaper than water… literally
- The food is unbelievably delicious
- Czechs have mastered the art of public transportation
- Red roofs. Enough said.
- The gothic architecture dates back to the 1300s
- The castle and the cathedral will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale
- The graffiti is incredible
- Charles Bridge
- Cobblestone streets
- Prague was the only major city in central and eastern Europe to not be bombed during WWII… so it’s a great way to learn about history
- Prague has some hilarious artists, including David Cerny who was the mastermind behind these creative pieces. Yes, those are giant babies climbing up the TV tower
- Prague was once home to both Albert Einstein (who used to study at cafe Louvre) as well as Kafka
- You will always find live music, whether that be in the form of free concerts outdoors, shows at Cross Club/ Meet Factory or really talented street performers
- Prague is filled with parks with scenic views and beer gardens! My personal favorite was Letna!
Best Time of Year to Visit Prague
You could arguably visit this ancient city of spires at any time of the year. Afterall, the beer is the best in the world, and stays cold year-round.
The weather is mild in spring and autumn, so it’s much better for sightseeing, but also the coziness of the pubs and Christmas markets makes winter a truly magical time to visit. Luckily, there are cheap hotels and hostel all year round!
2/3 days is an ideal time to explore Prague and take in the main highlights at a relaxed pace. I wrote a 3 day itinerary for Prague which you might want to check out if you fancy a long weekend break.
Getting to Prague
American Airlines, British Airways, Ryanair, Japan Airlines, easyJet, Jet2, Cathay Pacific and Wizz Air UK all fly direct to Prague from European destinations. Prices are affordable compared to other European capitals. Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
Where to Stay
Despite receiving a millions of tourists throughout the year, it is possible to find great hotels and accommodation to stay for cheap prices by European standards in the city center and a little far. There are a number of hotels that are within the walking distance of the main attractions.
If you are on a backpacker budget check out Plus Prague. This hostel is located in a quiet area and is just 20 mins by tram into the city centre. This modern hostel also has an indoor pool and sauna! Find the best deals on places to stay on Booking.com.
Transportation & Getting Around
Prague is an extremely easy city to get around in. There is an extensive network of metros, trams, and buses that take you wherever you need to go.
To give you an example of cost, a monthly pass costs around 460 crowns (22 USD) – what a bargain compared to similar city prices in western Europe! This fixed daily/weekly or monthly pass allows you to travel freely around the city on any form of transportation.
If you expect to be using public transport system several times a day during your visit these weekly passes are worth the expense. Individual tickets can also be purchased for single uses. The cost of an individual ticket varies depending on where you are going, but is usually about 14 – 20 crowns (less than a dollar). Individual tickets can be purchased at every metro station.
To validate one of these tickets simply insert it into a yellow box at the top of the metro station. The yellow validation boxes are also found on trams and buses. If you do decide to purchase a monthly pass you do not have to validate it or show it to anyone unless you are asked. Unlike other cities there are no turn styles or other obstacles you must pass to enter metro station.
Prague enforces purchased tickets by placing ticket inspectors at random locations. You can find these inspectors on all forms of transportation. These men, and occasionally women, will show you a badge and ask to see your ticket or pass. If you do not have a ticket or pass they will ask you to pay a penalty of 500 crowns to them directly (23 USD). Make sure to get a receipt to ensure they are not scam artists.
Metros stop running at 12:00am, which can pose a problem when trying to get home late. Prague does offer night trams; however, they are often full and take awhile to get home. Taxis can be found throughout the city. Booking a taxi online is significantly cheaper than jumping in the first one you see. City Taxi and AAA Taxi are the least expensive local companies.
Best Things to Do in Prague
As one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, Prague hosts a fantastic array of both classic and modern culture. The Old Town is at the heart of the city and surrounded by an astounding variety of architecture dating back to the tenth century.
Walking across the historic Old Town Square or along the winding cobblestone streets, you can take in artistic styles ranging from Baroque to Art Nouveau in immediate proximity to one another. The magnificent Church of Our Lady before Tyn and Old Town Hall are classic examples.
Here is my list of must visit places in Prague that you can’t afford to miss out on.
Old Town Square
Old Town Square, along with its world famous astronomical clock is Prague’s most popular sight. Old Town Square’s astronomical clock is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. It was originally installed in 1410, but the clock has been bettered over the centuries.
Old Town Square is located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge and is the hub of the city’s life and culture. It also offers a great selection of restaurants and shops so if you’re lucky or plan ahead you can also catch a seasonal festival on this historic square.
Charles Bridge
This 600 year-old Bridge connects Old Town and Lesser Town over the Vltava River. It is the top most iconic landmark of Prague. King Charles IV commissioned this bridge in 1357, which was originally a wooden structure and unfortunately got washed away during a bad flood being later replaced with the stone structure it now boasts.
Thirty Baroque statues line the sides of the pedestrian bridge (15 on either side). Musicians and performance artists can be seen along with the myriad of vendor stalls. Charles Bridge is a bustling, busy area and you are never going to find the bridge devoid of people. However if you visit this place at dawn or in the evening, you will witness fewer crowd.
Prague Castle
Prague Castle is one of the biggest attractions you will see in Prague. The castle buildings span centuries and consist of St. Vitus Church and the Golden Lane. You need several hours if you plan to thoroughly explore this beautiful Castle. It is one of the biggest castles in the world measuring around 570 meters in length and roughly about 130 meters wide.
Municipal House
Municipal House in Old Town Prague, is beautiful both inside and out. It was originally built to be an administrative and cultural centre. Formerly an army barracks, it was demolished as part of the Czech National Revival celebrations. The building began construction in 1906 and Municipal House was opened in 1912.
Petrin
With an Eiffel – like tower on top, the Petrin Watchtower is a 63.5 metre high steel framework tower in Prague. Petrin Watchtower offers a stunning 360° view of the city from top and is made from recycled railroad tracks. Set in the grounds of the Petrin Park it looks great all year round.
Culture and Entertainment
Theatre and the arts are prominent and readily accessible as well. Prague boasts literally dozens of theaters, opera houses and museums, including The Czech Museum of Fine Arts in Old Town. Operas, plays and art exhibits are constantly changing and offer those who truly appreciate the arts as well as those just becoming interested multiple opportunities for unforgettable experiences.
Sports
Sports enthusiasts can easily find everything from bicycle rentals to climbing gyms and ice rinks to sporting clays. During the winter months, several ski centers are easily accessible as well. Prague also hosts football, cricket and hockey clubs as well as professional hockey duriCourses at this location are offered throughout the year.
Parks & Outdoor
Whether a peaceful stroll in the park or a rigorous hike in the nearby Bohemian Forest is your idea of fun, Prague can certainly accommodate most people’s appetite for outdoor recreation.
People and Culture
Local people are charming and welcoming to their city and there are aspects of their culture that you must closely observe when you visit. Although there is a splash of modernity to their culture, their medieval castles, traditional breweries, commemorations of communism and the presence of contemporary sculpture await you. Most of their sculptures are quite unusual and quite controversial especially those in Zizkov Television Tower and to say the least some of them can leave your boggling.
Food & Drink
Dining in Prague can be inexpensive if done outside the center and Czech cuisine can be found in most restaurants.
Pork is the primary meat served; however, other types of meat can be ordered as well. In most restaurants an average meal, including a beer, costs about 150 crowns (7 USD). It is interesting to note that a small glass of Coke is typically more expensive than a big glass of excellent beer.
Many other cuisines can be found in Prague. One restaurant that appeals to expats in particular is called Bohemia Bagel. There are a few Bohemian Bagels locations in Prague. The closest one to Tutor is in Old Town Square behind the Tyn Church. They offer a wide variety of foods specializing in bagels, burgers and sandwiches.
Fast food chains have made their way to the Czech Republic. McDonalds and KFC are the two predominant chains. Prices there are the same as anywhere else with a typical value meal costing about 100 crowns (less than £5).
Prague has numerous pubs that you can grasp your favourite beer or a serious mix of cocktails.
There is no limitation in terms of time to drink and that is why people drink all the time. In fact, beer and other drinks are available in almost all the city’s vast network of bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and cafes which include: U Fleku, Letna Park beer garden, Hemingway Bar and Tretter’s Club only to mention a few.
Don’t forget to try the locally made beers, these are among some of the best in the world!
Nightlife
Prague has great nightlife including the largest club in Eastern Europe called Karlovy Lazne.
Most clubs and bars are open until 5:00am. However some are open 24 hours a day. Cover charges are not common. Occasionally, some of the bigger clubs in the center will charge a cover especially when there is a special DJ.
Czech beer is considered the best in the world, which explains its popularity and I can tell you it’s true. A half-liter of beer costs approximately 25 crowns (little over £1). Mixed drinks are a bit more expensive costing about 100 crowns (£5) per drink. Shots range in price from 30 – 90 crowns (£1,5 – 5) on average.
Most Czechs go out late around 11:00 or 12:00. Like any city Friday and Saturday are the popular nights to go out. You will be able to find whatever type of bar or club you prefer in Prague.
Plan a Trip to Prague
Whatever the intention for your visit is, you can rest assured that it is a city worth visiting and that you will get to enjoy unforgettable experiences during your trip. If you are keen to see more of the Czech Republic view my Brno travel tips.