Prague Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip to the Czech Capital

Quick answer

Prague requires 3 to 4 days to cover the historical core and major museums. The best months for moderate weather and smaller crowds are May, September, and early October. Budget approximately 1,800 CZK to 2,500 CZK ($80–$110 USD) per day for a mid-range experience. The single biggest planning mistake is staying and eating exclusively within 500 metres of the Old Town Square, which results in paying double for lower-quality services.

How Prague is laid out

The city is divided into numbered districts, radiating from the Vltava River. The historic centre is compact and walkable, while outer districts are connected by a dense tram and metro network.

• Staré Město (Old Town / Prague 1): The medieval heart containing the Astronomical Clock and Týn Church. Suits those who want to be within a 5-minute walk of major sights, though it is the most crowded and expensive area.
• Malá Strana (Lesser Town / Prague 1): Located across Charles Bridge at the foot of the Castle. It features baroque palaces and walled gardens. Suits couples and those seeking a quieter, more atmospheric stay than the Old Town.
• Nové Město (New Town / Prague 1): Surrounds the Old Town and includes Wenceslas Square. It is the hub for shopping, nightlife, and the main railway station (Praha hlavní nádraží). Suits budget travellers and those needing easy transit links.
• Vinohrady (Prague 2): A leafy residential area with 19th-century architecture and Riegrovy sady park. Suits long-term stays, foodies, and those looking for a local atmosphere away from tour groups.
• Holešovice (Prague 7): A former industrial district now housing the National Gallery and Letná Park. Suits younger travellers and art enthusiasts.

How long to spend and how to split the days

3 Days: The Essentials

• Day 1: Explore Staré Město and Josefov (the Jewish Quarter). Walk the Royal Route to Charles Bridge.
• Day 2: Cross to Malá Strana and climb to Prague Castle. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane.
• Day 3: Visit the National Museum at Wenceslas Square, then take the funicular up Petřín Hill for city views.

4-5 Days: Deep Dive and Day Trips

• Day 4: Head to Vyšehrad fortress for a less crowded historical site and river views. Spend the afternoon in the cafes of Vinohrady.
• Day 5: Take a train from the main station to Kutná Hora (1 hour) to see the Sedlec Ossuary or to Karlštejn Castle (40 minutes).

When to go

Approximate costs

Prices are estimates; check official sites or menus before booking.

• Accommodation: A mid-range hotel costs 2,200–3,500 CZK ($95–$150 USD) per night. Hostels start around 600 CZK ($25 USD).
• Food: A lunch special (denní menu) in a local pub costs 180–250 CZK ($8–$11 USD). A three-course dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant is roughly 1,200–1,500 CZK ($52–$65 USD).
• Drinks: A 0.5L draught beer (Pilsner Urquell) costs 55–75 CZK ($2.40–$3.25 USD) outside the main square.
• Attractions: Prague Castle Circuit tickets are 450 CZK ($20 USD). Many churches and gardens are free.

Getting there and getting around

Arrival

• By Air: Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is 18km from the centre. The Airport Express (AE) bus runs to the main station in 30–45 minutes (approx. 100 CZK). Trolleybus 59 connects to Metro Line A (Nádraží Veleslavín) using standard public transport tickets.
• By Train: The main station, Praha hlavní nádraží, is centrally located. Direct EuroCity trains connect to Berlin (4.5 hours) and Vienna (4 hours).

Transport in the city

Prague has an integrated transport system (PID) covering metros, trams, and buses. Purchase tickets via the 'Lítačka' app or at yellow vending machines.

• Short-term tickets: 30 minutes (30 CZK), 90 minutes (40 CZK), or 24 hours (120 CZK).
• Validation: You must validate paper tickets in the yellow machines before entering the metro platform or immediately upon boarding a tram.

Where to base yourself

• For sightseers: Malá Strana offers the most traditional atmosphere and is quieter at night than the Old Town.
• For convenience: Nové Město puts you near the main train station and the intersection of all three metro lines (A, B, and C).
• For local life: Vinohrady or Vršovice. These areas have better value dining and are 10–15 minutes by tram from the centre.

Food and etiquette basics

• Local dishes: Try Svíčková (beef in cream sauce with dumplings), Guláš (goulash), and Fried Cheese (Smažený sýr).
• Tipping: Round up the bill or add 10% for good service. Do not leave money on the table; tell the server the total amount you wish to pay when they bring the card machine or bill.
• Beer Culture: In traditional pubs, coasters are placed down first. If you place a coaster in front of you, it signals you want a beer. Servers will continue to bring beers until you place your coaster on top of your glass.

Safety and practicalities

• Currency: The Czech Koruna (CZK) is the official currency. While many places accept Euros, the exchange rate offered is usually poor. Use ATMs at reputable banks like Komerční banka or ČSOB rather than standalone machines like Euronet.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.
• Safety: Prague is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common on Tram 22 and in the Old Town Square during the Astronomical Clock show.

Common mistakes

• Using 'Euronet' ATMs: These machines charge high fees and use poor exchange rates. Always use a bank-affiliated ATM.
• Buying 'Trdelník' as traditional: These chimney cakes are marketed as traditional Czech pastry but were introduced for tourists recently. Try 'Větrník' (cream puff) at a local cukrárna instead.
• Taxis from the street: Hailing a taxi on the street often leads to overcharging. Use apps like Uber, Bolt, or Liftago to ensure a fair price.
• Paying for the 'Old Town Square' view: Restaurants on the square often charge a 20% 'service fee' or 'sitting fee' not clearly marked. Walk two blocks away to Dlouhá or Kozí street for better prices.

Plan your trip

For more detailed information, see our dedicated guides on the best time to visit, weather patterns, and specific packing lists for Central Europe. Use the Journey Planner to create a day-by-day itinerary that calculates walking distances between sights like Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter, provides real-time transport schedules, and offers live budget estimates based on your travel style.