Prague is one of Europe’s best-preserved capitals: Gothic spires, baroque palaces, a hilltop castle and cosy beer halls, all in a compact, walkable centre. It’s also busy in summer and full of tourist traps, so a little planning helps. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Prague guides.
Top things to do in Prague
- Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral: the world’s largest ancient castle complex. See Prague Castle tickets.
- The Charles Bridge: go at sunrise to have the statues almost to yourself.
- Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock: the clock’s hourly show and the Týn Church.
- Josefov, the Jewish Quarter: historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
- Malá Strana: baroque streets, gardens and St Nicholas Church.
- Petřín Hill and Letná Park: viewpoints and a beer garden with a view.
- Day trips to Kutná Hora’s bone church and Český Krumlov. See day trips from Prague.
See all 20 best things to do in Prague, or compare Prague tours and river cruises.
Where to stay in Prague
- Old Town (Staré Město): the most central, but touristy and pricier.
- Malá Strana: romantic and quieter at night, below the castle.
- New Town (Nové Město): central, practical and better value.
- Vinohrady: leafy and local, with great cafés and good value.
- Karlín and Holešovice: trendy, with modern hotels and a short tram ride to the centre.
Read our full Prague neighbourhood guide, or check hotel prices in Prague.
Getting around Prague
Walk the centre, and use the excellent trams and metro for longer hops. PID tickets cover everything: 39 CZK for 30 minutes, 50 CZK for 90 minutes, 150 CZK for 24 hours and 350 CZK for 72 hours, and they’re cheaper in the PID Lítačka app (PID). Validate paper tickets on first use. Inspectors fine on the spot. Use Bolt or Uber rather than hailing taxis on the street.
Airport to the city
| Option (PRG → centre) | Cost (CZK) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 59 + Metro A (from Veleslavín) | 50 (90-min ticket) | ~35 min + metro |
| Bus 100 + Metro B (from Zličín) | 50 | ~45 min + metro |
| AE Airport Express to the main station | 200 | ~45 min |
Full details are in Prague Airport to the city.
Best time to visit Prague
May–June and September are mild and pleasant. July and August are warm and very crowded. From late November to early January, the Christmas markets make the city magical, though cold. Winter is the cheapest time. Read the best time to visit Prague.
Money, entry and tips
The Czech Republic is in the Schengen area. See our Schengen visa guide and ETIAS and EES guide. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Cards work almost everywhere. Always choose to pay in CZK (decline dynamic currency conversion), avoid street money changers and high-fee ATMs, and check restaurant bills for extra “cover” charges. Get a Europe eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Prague guides
- 20 best things to do in Prague
- Prague itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Prague
- Prague Castle tickets and the main circuit
- Best day trips from Prague
- Prague Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Prague
Continue to Austria: Vienna is about 4 hours from Prague by direct train. See our Vienna travel guide.
Extend your trip: see our Budapest travel guide and thermal baths guide.
FAQ: Prague travel
How many days do you need in Prague?
Three days covers the castle, the Old Town, Malá Strana and Josefov at a comfortable pace. Add a fourth for Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov.
Does Prague use the euro?
No. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Some places accept euros at poor rates, so pay by card in CZK instead.
Is Prague expensive?
It’s cheaper than Western European capitals, especially for beer, food and public transport, though the Old Town’s tourist restaurants are overpriced.
Is Prague safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. Watch for pickpockets on the Charles Bridge, in Old Town Square and on trams 22 and 23, and avoid exchange-booth scams.
Plan your trip to Prague
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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