Plan your perfect Prague trip with expert tips on castles, beer, and hidden courtyards
City of Prague (Czech Republic)
Prague (Czech: Praha) is the capital of Czechia and its largest city. Located on the banks of the Vltava River in the central part of the country, in the historical region of Bohemia. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, with its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Czech capital is renowned for its unique medieval architecture, historical and cultural landmarks, charming atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and beer.
In Prague, Gothic spires of ancient churches pierce the sky, tiled rooftops of the Old Town color the horizon, and narrow cobblestone streets hide wonderful spots, cozy cafés, and beer halls. The main attraction for tourists and the hub of nearly all major landmarks is the Old Town: the districts of Staré Město, Malá Strana, and Vyšehrad. Here lie Prague’s greatest treasures: Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Vyšehrad Fortress, and Old Town Square with its Town Hall and Týn Church.
Architecture
Prague is famous for its stunning architecture, ranging from Gothic to Baroque, and is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Among its key architectural landmarks are 18 magnificent stone and steel bridges spanning the Vltava. One of the world’s most beautiful and oldest stone bridges is Charles Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval engineering. The Cathedral of St. Vitus, a European Gothic masterpiece, took nearly 600 years to complete. Other impressive sights include the Týn Church on Old Town Square, the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul at Vyšehrad, the Powder Tower, and the Klementinum.
Another notable architectural landmark is the Dancing House, a deconstructivist-style building. The city is also dotted with beautiful fountains. In 1993, five of Prague’s central historic districts were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an architectural and historical reserve.
Geography and Climate
Prague is located in the center of Czechia on a hilly plain. The Czech capital stretches across both banks of the Vltava, the country’s main river.
The climate is temperate continental. Winters are fairly mild, with light frosts and little snow. Summers are warm but somewhat rainy. Spring begins in March, and autumn lasts until early December.
The average temperature in the coldest month, January, is -1.4°C (29.5°F), while the warmest month, July, averages 18.2°C (64.8°F). Annual precipitation is around 500 mm, with the rainiest months being May to August and the driest being January and February. The city is rich in greenery, covering nearly half its area. Prague’s weather is highly changeable—rain is frequent, so we recommend bringing umbrellas and raincoats. Summers can be quite hot or relatively cool, so packing jackets and sweaters is advisable.
Best Time to Visit
Prague can be visited year-round. The low season is January to March.
Practical Information
- Population: 1.28 million
- Area: 496 km²
- Official language: Czech
- Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
- Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1), UTC+2 in summer
- Official website: www.praha.eu
- Administrative divisions: Prague is divided into 22 administrative districts and 57 municipal parts (the main units of local government). However, for postal, electoral, judicial, police, and administrative purposes, it is still divided into 10 city districts (since 1960).
Particular attention should be paid to the main historical districts of Prague 1 and Prague 2—Malá Strana, Staré Město, and Vyšehrad. These areas concentrate the main attractions, so it’s best to find accommodation here.
Accommodation
Prague is a relatively affordable city for tourists. Hotels start at around 1000 CZK per night for a double room. We recommend using well-known booking platforms like Booking.com and Tripadvisor to find a variety of options. During peak season, it’s best to book hotels in advance.
Best Hotels in the City
History and Interesting Facts
The first Slavic settlements appeared here as early as the 6th century. In the 10th century, Prague became the capital of Bohemia, and in the 14th–17th centuries, it was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The city’s founding is tied to the legend of the mythical Princess Libuše, daughter of Krok, who prophesied Prague’s rise on the banks of the Vltava.
The official founding date of Prague is considered the 9th century when Prague Castle was established on a cliff on the left bank of the Vltava. In 950, another ancient fortress, Vyšehrad, was built on the right bank. City walls began to be erected in the 13th century, and in the 12th century, the Judith Bridge—the first bridge across the Vltava—was constructed. Staré Město (Old Town), fortified with city walls, was founded by Czech King Wenceslas I in the 13th century. His son, Přemysl Otakar II, established “Little Prague Castle” (later named Malá Strana in the 19th century) below Prague Castle.
Prague reached its peak under Charles IV. This king not only made Prague one of Europe’s centers and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire but also transformed the city’s appearance. He initiated the construction of the monumental St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle, gifted it a collection of relics and treasures, built the new stone bridge (today’s Charles Bridge), and founded the university.
The 15th century was marked by the Hussite movement, leading to Prague falling under Habsburg rule. In 1618, an uprising against German authority erupted. After losing the Thirty Years’ War, Czech lands remained under German rulers for three centuries. This led to the decline of the Czech language, and Prague became a provincial city.
On October 28, 1918, Prague became the capital of Czechoslovakia. Since 1993, it has been the capital of the Czech Republic.
How to Get There
Prague has an international airport with flights from most major Ukrainian and European cities. Trains and buses also connect Prague to other Czech and European cities.
Transportation
Prague’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate, operating like a well-oiled machine. Metro, funiculars, buses, and trams run precisely on schedule (you could set your watch by them), with some even running overnight.
Tourists won’t get lost thanks to a special service by DPP—Prague’s official transport provider. This navigation tool plots routes, calculates travel time, and estimates costs.
Tickets
A unified fare system applies to all Prague public transport. A single ticket allows travel on metro, trams, buses, ferries, and funiculars within its validity period.
Tickets differ only in duration and price:
- 30-minute ticket: 24 CZK
- 90-minute ticket: 32 CZK
- 24-hour pass: 110 CZK
- 72-hour pass: 310 CZK
Children under 6 travel free; older children and seniors get a 50% discount. (Prices as of February 2019.)
Avoid fare evasion—controllers are frequent and often plainclothes.
Tickets must be validated only once upon entry. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey to avoid fines.
Metro
Prague has three metro lines intersecting at:
- Muzeum (Lines A & C)
- Můstek (A & B)
- Florenc (B & C)
Trains run from 5:00 AM–midnight (until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). After 10:00 PM and on weekends, intervals increase from 3–10 minutes to 15–20 minutes. Most stations have electronic displays showing train arrival times.
Tram
Prague’s extensive tram network makes it the most accessible and popular transport. A tourist favorite is scenic Route 22, passing major landmarks: Prague Castle, Malá Strana, Staré Město, and Nové Město. The tram offers great views of Charles Bridge.
From March to November, a nostalgic retro Tram 91 operates on weekends and holidays. Starting at Vozovna Střešovice depot, it passes through the city center. This is not a tour tram but a charming vintage ride. A conductor collects the fare (35 CZK).
Trams run from 4:30 AM, with 8–12-minute intervals. Night trams (Routes 51–59) replace daytime ones after midnight, running every 30 minutes. All night trams connect at Lazarská stop.
Bus
Buses are less ubiquitous than trams but useful for reaching metro or tram stops. They operate day and night, including suburban routes (Nos. 601–610).
Funicular
The Petřín funicular takes passengers up Petřín Hill for breathtaking city views. The 510-meter route starts at Ujezd Street near Tram stops 9, 12, and 22. Closed for maintenance from September to April.
Ferry
Ferries operate only in summer, connecting Prague’s riverside districts and Vltava islands. They are separate from cruise boats (which do not accept standard transport tickets). Popular with cyclists, especially near Vyšehrad.
Taxi
Hailing taxis on the street is uncommon in Prague. It’s better to call or SMS a taxi service. Avoid tourist-facing taxi stands, which may overcharge. Russian-friendly services like “Veselé Taxi” exist. A ride within Prague costs 150–200 CZK or more.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Popular Prague souvenirs include beer mugs, decorative plates, glass and ceramic figurines, beer, and metalware. Buy from specialized Czech goods stores in the center. Prague also offers Bohemian glass, crystal, and jewelry (e.g., Moser stores). For kids, consider toys, marzipan sweets, or marmalade.
Food and Drinks
Prague boasts countless restaurants and cafés for all tastes and budgets—a paradise for foodies. Czech, European, and Asian cuisines dominate. Eating in the tourist center is pricier but still affordable. Check Menicka.cz for restaurant options. An average meal costs 150–200 CZK per person.
Czech cuisine is hearty. Portions are large, so order wisely. Dishes often feature pork (though beef and duck exist), fried or marinated cheese, and dumplings (knedlíky). Common soups include “polévky” and garlic soup (česnečka). Desserts include strudel, sweet dumplings, and trdelník (chimney cake).
Must-try dishes:
- Vepřové koleno (roasted pork knee)
- Svíčková (beef in cream sauce)
- Grilled ribs
- Fried or marinated cheese (Hermelín)
- Česnečka (garlic soup)
- Trdelník (especially filled)
Beer is a national treasure. Prague is synonymous with Czech beer, served in almost every restaurant and pub. Try famous brands like Pilsner, Kozel, Gambrinus, Kelt, Budweiser, and Krusovice, or craft brews. Draft beer is the most popular and often cheaper than other drinks.
Read more: Beer in Prague—Best Pubs and Breweries
Landmarks and Attractions
Top Prague attractions every tourist should see:
Vyšehrad (Czech: Vyšehrad) — An ancient fortress and historic district on a hill overlooking the Vltava, south of the center. Offers stunning city views.
Vyšehrad itself houses several landmarks:
- Neo-Gothic Basilica of St. Peter and Paul
- Ruins of the old Romanesque basilica
- Romanesque Rotunda of St. Martin
- Vyšehrad Cemetery (burial site of famous Czech figures)
Charles Bridge (Czech: Karlův most) — A stunning stone bridge over the Vltava, connecting Malá Strana and Staré Město. One of Prague’s symbols and arguably the world’s most beautiful stone bridge. Operational since 1380.
Legend says Emperor Charles IV laid the first stone in 1357. For centuries, the bridge served royal processions to Prague Castle. Its entrances are adorned with Gothic bridge towers: Old Town Bridge Tower and Lesser Town Bridge Tower.
Powder Tower (Czech: Prašná brána) — A majestic Gothic tower built in the 15th century on Republic Square. Marks the start of the route to Prague Castle. Height: 65 m, with an observation deck at 44 m (reached via spiral stairs). Construction began in 1475.
Prague Castle (Czech: Pražský hrad) — A legendary fortress and castle, long the center of Czech statehood. Situated on a hill stretching from Petřín Hill. Offers breathtaking city views. Connects to Malá Strana in the south and is bordered by Deer Moat in the north.
The castle complex includes buildings, churches, and fortifications around three main courtyards, St. George’s Square, and Jiřská Street. Key features are St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.
Old Town Square (Czech: Staroměstské náměstí) — One of Prague’s most beautiful historic squares, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles. Embodies Prague’s spirit and is a must-see.
Old Town Hall — A key landmark on Old Town Square, dating to the 14th century. Its 70-meter observation deck (open Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sat–Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM) offers stunning views. The medieval astronomical clock (Prague Orloj) on its south wall is among the world’s most famous, with hourly shows from 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Týn Church — A striking Gothic structure dominating Old Town Square. Its spires pierce the sky, and its organ is Prague’s oldest. Built from the 14th–16th centuries, with Baroque interior updates in the 17th century.
Dancing House — A deconstructivist office building resembling a dancing couple. One part symbolizes a male figure, the other a female. Stands out amid traditional architecture.
Klementinum — A vast architectural complex in Staré Město, second only to Prague Castle in size.
Josefov — Prague’s Jewish Quarter, a mystical area in Prague 1. Until 1850, it was the Jewish community’s center. Named after Emperor Joseph II, who improved Jews’ living conditions. Located between the Vltava’s right bank and Old Town Square.
Landmarks here include:
- Old-New Synagogue
- Pinkas Synagogue
- Maisel Synagogue
- Klausen Synagogue
- High Synagogue
- Jewish Town Hall
- Old Jewish Cemetery
Wallenstein Garden (Czech: Valdštejnská zahrada) — A serene garden near Wallenstein Palace, now housing the Czech Senate. Features peacocks, koi carp, and bronze statues.
Kampa Island — An artificial island dubbed “Prague’s Venice.” A picturesque, romantic spot accessible via stairs from Charles Bridge near the Brunswick statue. Separated from the mainland by the Čertovka (Devil’s Stream) canal.
Formed in the 15th century, Kampa was initially gardens. After the 1541 fire, debris from damaged buildings was used to level and develop the island. Today, it’s lined with cafés, restaurants, and hotels offering Vltava views.
Other Prague Attractions
Prague has countless other interesting sites:
- Prague Zoo — One of Europe’s largest and most fascinating.
- Troja Castle — A Baroque palace with beautiful gardens near the zoo.
- Strahov Monastery — One of Prague’s oldest monasteries.
- Wenceslas Square — A central square beloved by locals.
- Petřín Hill — Prague’s “green lungs,” featuring gardens and a miniature Eiffel Tower.
- Loreta Prague — A stunning Baroque complex.
- Church of Our Lady of the Snows — A 14th-century Gothic church with Baroque elements.
- Kranner Fountain — A 19th-century Gothic-style stone fountain.
- Dozens more monuments, historic buildings, and hidden gems.
Prague Video
Prague on the Map
