Prague Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, often called the "City of a Hundred Spires." The Czech capital survived World War II largely intact, so its Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture remains remarkably well preserved, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cross the Charles Bridge at sunrise, wander the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, explore the vast Prague Castle complex and toast with some of the world's best beer. Prague also has a thriving café culture, classical music concerts and hidden courtyards waiting to be discovered.

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Best Time to Visit Prague

Prague has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.

Spring (April–May) is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures range from about 12°C to 22°C, and Petřín Hill's cherry blossoms are beautiful. The Prague Spring International Music Festival starts in May.

Summer (June–August) is warm and busy, with temperatures around 22–28°C. Expect large crowds at major sights; visit early in the morning or in the evening.

Autumn (September–October) offers pleasant weather, golden foliage and fewer tourists.

Winter (November–March) is cold, around -3°C to 4°C, but Prague's Christmas markets, especially at Old Town Square, are among Europe's most famous.

Top Places to Visit in Prague

1. Charles Bridge

Built in the 14th century, this stone bridge lined with 30 Baroque statues connects the Old Town with Malá Strana. Visit at sunrise to enjoy it without the crowds.

2. Prague Castle

One of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world, Prague Castle includes the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St George's Basilica and the colourful Golden Lane. Watch the changing of the guard at noon.

3. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock

The Old Town Square is surrounded by Gothic and Baroque buildings, including the Church of Our Lady before Týn. The Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410, is one of the oldest working astronomical clocks in the world. Climb the Old Town Hall Tower for views.

4. Malá Strana (Lesser Town)

Below the castle, this charming Baroque district is home to St Nicholas Church, the Lennon Wall, the Wallenstein Garden and peaceful lanes.

5. Josefov (Jewish Quarter)

Prague's historic Jewish Quarter includes several synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Museum, one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

6. Petřín Hill

Ride the funicular or walk up to Petřín Hill for gardens, a mirror maze and the Petřín Lookout Tower, which resembles a small Eiffel Tower.

7. Vyšehrad

This historic fortress on a hill above the Vltava River offers great views, the neo-Gothic Basilica of St Peter and St Paul and a cemetery where famous Czechs, including Dvořák, are buried.

Also worth visiting: Wenceslas Square, the Dancing House, the Municipal House, Strahov Monastery Library, the National Museum and the Žižkov TV Tower.

Beyond the City

Prague is a great base for day trips. Kutná Hora, about an hour away, is famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and St Barbara's Cathedral. Český Krumlov, a fairytale UNESCO-listed town, is about three hours south. Karlštejn Castle is less than an hour away, and the spa town of Karlovy Vary and the dramatic sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland National Park are also popular.

Where to Stay in Prague

• Old Town (Staré Město): Central and historic, close to major sights. Busy and pricier.
• Malá Strana: Charming and romantic, near the castle and Charles Bridge.
• New Town (Nové Město): Central, with good transport links and more affordable hotels.
• Vinohrady: Elegant residential area with cafés, wine bars and a local feel.
• Žižkov and Karlín: Trendy, affordable neighbourhoods with great restaurants and bars.

Prague charges a local accommodation fee per person per night. Compare hotel prices and availability in Prague here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Prague

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) lies about 17 km west of the city centre and has flights across Europe and beyond. Search and compare cheap flights to Prague to find the best fares.

From the airport, bus 119 connects with the metro (Line A) at Nádraží Veleslavín, and the Airport Express bus runs to the main train station. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are also available.

By Train and Bus

Prague has direct trains to Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, Bratislava, Munich, Kraków and Dresden.

Getting Around Prague

• Metro, trams and buses: Efficient and affordable. Buy tickets at machines, via the PID Lítačka app or with contactless cards, and validate paper tickets.
• Tram 22: Passes many major sights, including Prague Castle.
• Walking: The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot.
• Ride-hailing: Uber and Bolt are cheaper than street taxis.

Travel Costs in Prague

Prague offers good value, though prices in the centre have risen. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK), at around 25 koruna per €1. Cards are widely accepted.

Money-saving tips: eat outside the tourist centre, enjoy lunch menus (polední menu), and drink beer in local pubs, where it's often cheaper than water.

Visa & Entry Requirements

The Czech Republic is part of the EU and the Schengen Area:

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can enter with a valid passport or national ID card.
• UK, US, Canadian, Australian and other visa-exempt travellers can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
• Other nationalities may need a Schengen visa.
• Passport validity: Typically at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
• EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Non-EU travellers now register fingerprints and a facial image at the border instead of receiving passport stamps.
• ETIAS: The EU's online travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026 (around €20, valid for three years).

Always check official Czech and EU sources or your own government's travel advice before departure.

Local Tips for Prague

• Avoid exchange scams: Use bank ATMs rather than independent cash machines, and avoid exchange offices advertising "0% commission" with poor rates. Never change money on the street.
• Try local food: Taste svíčková (beef in cream sauce), vepřo knedlo zelo (pork, dumplings and sauerkraut), trdelník (chimney cake, a tourist favourite) and Czech beer.
• Beer culture: Try Pilsner Urquell, Budvar and craft beers in traditional pubs. A coaster on the table signals you'd like another round.
• Nightlife rules: Prague has restricted organised night-time pub crawls in the centre; respect quiet hours.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary.
• Safety: Prague is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets on trams, in the Old Town and on Charles Bridge.
• Staying connected: EU visitors can use their home SIM under EU roaming rules. Travellers from outside the EU should consider a travel eSIM. Get your Czech Republic eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Prague Castle tour: Explore the castle complex with a guide.
• Old Town and Jewish Quarter walking tour: Discover history and legends.
• Vltava River cruise: Enjoy views of the castle and bridges from the water.
• Beer tasting tour: Learn about Czech brewing traditions.
• Classical concert: Enjoy Mozart, Dvořák or Smetana in a historic venue.
• Day trips: Visit Kutná Hora, Český Krumlov or Karlštejn Castle.

Browse and book the best tours in Prague here.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Prague?

Three days are ideal to see the main sights. Add extra days for Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov.

What is the best time to visit Prague?

April to May and September to October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

What currency is used in Prague?

The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro.

How do I get from Prague Airport to the city centre?

Take bus 119 to the metro, the Airport Express bus or a ride-hailing app.

Is Prague safe for tourists?

Yes. Prague is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets and avoid currency exchange scams.

Conclusion

Prague's remarkably preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, Charles Bridge at sunrise and world-class beer make it one of Europe's most rewarding cities to explore on foot.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Prague.