Prague, Czech Republic

Your Ultimate Guide to Unveiling the Magic of Prague

Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of history, architecture, culture, and vibrant nightlife. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to navigate this captivating city like a local.

Table of Contents:

  1. Getting There & Around

    • Flights & Airports
    • Public Transportation: Metro, Tram, Bus
    • Walking: The Best Way to Explore

  2. Where to Stay:

    • Old Town Charm: Hotels & Boutique Stays
    • Trendy New Town: Hipster Havens & Design Hotels
    • Budget-Friendly Options: Hostels & Apartments

  3. Must-See Sights & Attractions:

    • Prague Castle: Majestic Views & Royal History
    • Charles Bridge: A Walk Through Time
    • Old Town Square: Astronomical Clock & Medieval Architecture
    • Jewish Quarter: Synagogues, Cemeteries & poignant History
    • Petřín Hill: Panoramic Cityscapes and the Eiffel Tower’s Cousin

  4. Experiences You Can’t Miss:

    • A Classical Music Concert at a Historic Venue
    • Cruising Down the Vltava River
    • Indulging in Traditional Czech Cuisine & Beer

  5. Foodie Delights:

    • Trdelník: Sweet Chimney Cake
    • Goulash: Hearty Beef Stew
    • Pilsner Urquell: The Original Czech Lager
    • Where to Eat: From Michelin-Starred Restaurants to Cozy Pubs

  6. Nightlife & Entertainment:

    • Old Town Clubs: Dance the Night Away
    • Jazz Bars: Groove to Smooth Sounds
    • Riverside Bars: Cocktails with a View
    • Traditional Pub Crawl: Sample Local Beers

  7. Shopping Spree:

    • Bohemian Crystal: Sparkling Treasures
    • Czech Garnet Jewelry: Unique & Elegant
    • Local Markets: Souvenirs, Antiques, and Crafts

  8. Beyond Prague: Day Trips & Excursions:

    • Kutná Hora: Bone Church & Medieval Charm
    • Český Krumlov: Fairytale Town with a Castle
    • Karlstejn Castle: A Gothic Masterpiece

  9. Practical Information:

    • Currency & Exchange Rates
    • Language Basics
    • Safety Tips
    • Tipping Etiquette

  10. Travel Tips from Locals:

    • Avoid Tourist Traps
    • Learn Basic Czech Phrases
    • Embrace the Slow Pace of Life
    • Pack Comfortable Shoes

1. Getting There & Around:

  • Flights & Airports: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is well-connected with major cities worldwide.

  • Public Transportation: Prague boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system:

    • Metro: Three lines covering most of the city center.
    • Tram: Extensive network connecting various neighborhoods.
    • Bus: Serves both central areas and outskirts.

  • Walking: The best way to discover Prague’s hidden gems is on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to soak up the charming atmosphere.

2. Where to Stay:

  • Old Town Charm: Hotels & Boutique Stays:

    • Hotel U Prince: Luxurious accommodation overlooking Old Town Square.
    • Four Seasons Hotel Prague: Elegant and historic hotel with river views.

  • Trendy New Town: Hipster Havens & Design Hotels:

    • Mama Shelter Prague: Stylish and modern hotel with a rooftop bar.
    • The Emblem Hotel Prague: Boutique hotel in a former Art Deco cinema.

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Hostels & Apartments:

    • Hostel One Prague: Social hostel with vibrant common areas.
    • Airbnb: Numerous apartments and rooms available throughout the city.

3. Must-See Sights & Attractions:

  • Prague Castle: Dominating the skyline, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a complex of palaces, churches, and gardens. Don’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

  • Charles Bridge: Stroll across this iconic medieval bridge adorned with statues, street performers, and stunning views of the Vltava River.

  • Old Town Square: Marvel at the Astronomical Clock, a marvel of medieval engineering, and admire the colorful baroque buildings surrounding the square.

  • Jewish Quarter: Explore synagogues, cemeteries, and museums that tell the poignant story of Prague’s Jewish community. The Old Jewish Cemetery is a particularly moving experience.

  • Petřín Hill: Take the funicular up to Petřín Hill for panoramic views of the city, visit the mirror maze, and see the Petřín Lookout Tower, a miniature Eiffel Tower.

4. Experiences You Can’t Miss:

  • A Classical Music Concert at a Historic Venue: Immerse yourself in Prague’s rich musical heritage by attending a concert at venues like the Municipal House or St. Nicholas Church.

  • Cruising Down the Vltava River: Enjoy scenic views of the city from a different perspective on a relaxing river cruise.

  • Indulging in Traditional Czech Cuisine & Beer: Sample hearty goulash, flavorful roasted duck, and dumplings at traditional restaurants. Don’t forget to try Pilsner Urquell, the original Czech lager.

5. Foodie Delights:

  • Trdelník: A sweet chimney cake coated in cinnamon sugar, a popular street food treat.
  • Goulash: A rich beef stew traditionally served with dumplings.
  • Svíčková na smetaně: Tender sirloin in creamy vegetable sauce, often accompanied by bread dumplings.

Where to Eat:

  • Michelin-Starred Restaurants: La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, Field Restaurant
  • Traditional Czech Cuisine: U Medvídků, U Fleků (Brewery), Lokál Dlouhááá
  • Cozy Pubs: U Kroka, Zlatý Tygr

6. Nightlife & Entertainment:

  • Old Town Clubs: Roxy, Karlovy Lázně (a multi-level club with various music genres)

  • Jazz Bars: Reduta Jazz Club, Agharta Jazz Centrum

  • Riverside Bars: Terasa U Prince, Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge

  • **Traditional Pub Crawl: ** Join a guided pub crawl to sample local beers and experience the city’s nightlife.

7. Shopping Spree:

  • Bohemian Crystal: Look for beautiful glassware, chandeliers, and jewelry in shops like Moser and Rückl.

  • Czech Garnet Jewelry: Discover unique garnet pieces at specialized stores or the National Museum’s shop.

  • Local Markets: Explore markets like Havelská Market and Náplavka Farmers’ Market for souvenirs, antiques, handicrafts, and fresh produce.

8. Beyond Prague: Day Trips & Excursions:

  • Kutná Hora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its eerie Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and the stunning St. Barbara’s Church.
  • Český Krumlov: A fairytale town with a well-preserved medieval castle, cobblestone streets, and a charming riverside setting.
  • Karlstejn Castle: A majestic Gothic castle perched on a hilltop, once home to the Holy Roman Emperors.

9. Practical Information:

  • Currency & Exchange Rates: Czech Koruna (CZK) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available.

  • Language Basics: Czech is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Czech phrases will be appreciated.

  • Safety Tips: Prague is generally safe, but exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded areas.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Round up the bill or leave 10% for good service.

**10. Travel Tips from Locals: **

  • Avoid Tourist Traps: Venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover authentic local experiences.

  • Learn Basic Czech Phrases: Even a few words like “Dobrý den” (good day) and “Děkuji” (thank you) will go a long way.

  • Embrace the Slow Pace of Life: Prague is not a city to rush through. Take your time, savor the atmosphere, and enjoy the journey.

  • Pack Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!

With its captivating history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Prague promises an unforgettable travel experience.