Prague City Guide

General Information / Guide

Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that effortlessly combines a rich history with a lively present. Nestled along the Vltava River, Prague is often referred to as the "City of a Hundred Spires" due to its stunning skyline adorned with medieval towers and Gothic architecture. With its charming streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene, Prague is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a magical European experience.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Prague experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. These seasons offer pleasant weather for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, parks, and historic sites.

How to Get There

Václav Havel Airport Prague located around 16 km from the city center, is accessible via direct and connecting flights from various locations. To reach the city center, travelers can opt for taxis or airport buses, both taking approximately 30 minutes. 
Taxis are readily available at the airport, operating on a first-come-first-served basis. Pre-booking is advisable for a seamless arrival, and it costs around 30 euros. Airport Express Buses depart every 30 minutes from Terminal 1, take around 30-40 minutes, cost around 5-7 euros, and directly connect to Prague Main Railway Station in the city center. Lastly, public buses are the most budget-friendly option with some transfers involved. Validate tickets using yellow machines on board. It takes around 40 minutes and costs less than 3 euros. 

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

People living in Prague generally love meat dishes, making meat-heavy options prevalent in the city's cuisine. Typically, dishes are served with potatoes and rice. Prague, with its well-developed sauce culture, offers a variety of flavors, even in salads. Steaks cooked with cream sauce and salads containing sweet dressings are examples of these saucy delights. Knedliky, similar to dumplings, is also delicious.
When you think of the Czech Republic, one of the first things that comes to mind is beer. Prague hosts major beer-related events and festivals, showcasing not only their expertise but also their extensive variety of beers (with around 70 Czech beer brands).
For a delightful meal in Prague, you can visit U Fleku in Praha 1. Here, you can enjoy the finest Czech dishes without spending a fortune. Another option in the same area is Lvi Dvur, a restaurant situated in a historical part of the city, offering delicious meals.
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you can go to Cottocrudo, seafood enthusiasts can try The Alcron, and those who love French cuisine can visit Celeste Restaurant.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Prague Castle: A historic fortress complex with stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city.
• Charles Bridge (Karlův most): An iconic 14th-century bridge adorned with statues, connecting the Old Town and Prague Castle.
• Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): The heart of Prague with colorful baroque buildings, the Astronomical Clock, and vibrant street performers.
• Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí): A bustling square with shops, restaurants, and historical monuments.
• Josefov (Jewish Quarter): A district with a rich Jewish history, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery.

What to Do

Prague is an excellent route for history enthusiasts, boasting numerous castles, chateaus, and artifacts from the Middle Ages. Visitors to the city should explore Prague Castle, known as Prazsky Hrad, a structure that has stood since the 9th century, albeit with renovations. The Old Royal Palace within Prague Castle is another must-see building, where Bohemian Princes used to reside. Milhulka Gunpowder Tower and Wallenstein Palace are also significant structures from both architectural and historical perspectives.
For those planning a city tour, they can explore the square known as Stare Mesto, also referred to as the Old Town. Here, you can find the Jewish Square and St. Nicholas Cathedral. Generally, the places to visit in Prague are listed in the regions from Praha 1 to Praha 4.
Additionally, those who enjoy museum visits can explore the National Museum, Kafka Museum, and Mucha Museum in the city. Especially, the Kafka Museum offers a tremendous experience.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Prague's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every taste. Enjoy a night out in areas like Žižkov or Vinohrady, known for their lively bars and clubs. Experience traditional Czech music and dance at a folklore night or attend a classical concert in one of the city's historic venues. The vibrant atmosphere of local pubs like U Sudu or U Zlatého Tygra adds to the city's nightlife charm.
Nightlife in Prague can be considered among the best in the world in many aspects. Everyone can find activities or venues to suit their preferences. If you love beer, you can visit Kozicka Bar or U Sedmi Svabu Medieval Pub. For jazz enthusiasts, the best spot in Prague is the Reduta Jazz Club.
Located in Praha 1, Lavka Bar and Club, Karlovy Lazne Club, Bombay Bar & Club, Zlaty Strom Club, Aloha Club, and Hangar Club are all evidence of how vibrant the city's entertainment scene is. Enjoying hot wine in the area known as Old Town Square is also a favorite activity. Additionally, the city has strip clubs and casinos.

Shopping / What to Buy

Prague offers countless opportunities for those who come to shop in the city. First and foremost, we can mention Parizska Street, where world-renowned stores are located. If you think of indulging in a bit of luxury, Wenceslas Square and Narodni Street also have good brands and reasonably priced products. If you prefer shopping in malls rather than on the streets, you can find familiar brands from Turkey at Palladium and OC Letnany.
If you're wondering what to buy in Prague, we can first suggest the Czech liqueur Becherovka. You can find it in almost every place that sells alcohol. Prague is also an excellent place if you want to buy figurines and puppets. Due to the Czechs' historical emphasis on arts like puppetry, you can find delightful items in many shops. Additionally, glass art is well-developed, so we recommend taking a look at Bohemian crystals and, if your suitcase has space, consider purchasing them.
When shopping in Prague, the first thing you should pay attention to is tax refund forms. By filling out this form, you can purchase items at a discounted price.

Festivals/ Events

January: Prague Winter Music Festival
January: Days of European Film
February: Masopust
February: St. Matthew's Fair
April: Witches' Night
May: Prague Marathon 
May: Prague Food Festival
May - June: Prague Spring International Music Festival
May - June: Czech Beer Festival
June: Prague Fringe Festival
June: Tanec Praha
June - July: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
July: Bohemia Jazz Festival
August: Verdi Festival
September: Vinobrani
September: Dvorak's Prague Festival
September - October: Prague Autumn International Music Festival
October - November: Prague International Jazz Festival

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year’s Day / Restoration of the Czech Independence Day 
1 May: May Day
8 May: Victory in Europe Day
5 July: Saint Cyril and Methodius
6 July: Jan Hus Day
28 September: St. Wenceslas Day
28 October: Independent Czechoslovak State Day
17 November: Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day
24 December: Christmas Eve 
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St Stephen’s Day
Good Friday
Easter Monday

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Prague is a safe city, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites.
Public transportation is efficient, and the city is pedestrian-friendly, making walking a popular mode of exploration.
Czech is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Cash is accepted in smaller establishments, so it's advisable to carry some local currency.

Transportation

Prague's public transportation system includes an extensive network of trams, buses, and the metro, providing convenient access to all parts of the city. You can also reach most of the important tourist spots in the city by walking. Unlike other European cities, in Prague, you purchase tickets for 30 minutes or 90 minutes, not for a certain number of rides.
There are three metro lines: Green, Yellow, and Red. The Muzeum and Mustek stops are the easiest stations for reaching central points. Trams are also a frequently used transportation system. In the city with 24 tram lines, although the number of services is high, trams can be crowded. If you plan to use a taxi, try to get one from your hotel; it is not a highly recommended means of transportation in Prague.