Prague Tourism and Travel Guide

Prague tourism welcomes travellers from all across the world throughout the year. However, to ensure that you have the experience that you’re looking for, it is essential that you choose a month that perfectly suits your needs. 

The best time to visit Prague city is from May to September. During these two seasons, the weather is extremely pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 20°C, allowing you the freedom to walk around the city as much as possible. Remember, if you want to avoid the peak tourist season, please do not plan to visit during the summer. Like other European countries, Prague tourism witnesses the highest influx of tourists from June-August which renders most tourist attractions chock-a-block and extremely expensive. 

This Prague travel guide gives you a detailed breakdown that will help you choose the ideal time to experience the best of Prague tourism:

• High Season (June - August): These are the summer months in Prague. Naturally, the days are quite sunny and dry, with temperatures almost touching 30°C. However, evenings are quite pleasant. If you’re hoping to be a part of Prague tourism during summer, be prepared to shell out more money for experiences and accommodation and stand in long queues at Prague tourism’s many attractions. 
• Shoulder Season (March - May and September-October): There’s no doubt that shoulder season is the ideal time to witness Prague tourism. The days are pleasant, and the nights get chilly, with temperatures falling as low as 5°C. You’ll notice that during this time, Prague tourism attracts fewer crowds and the airfares are cheaper. Prague tourism also offers discounts aplenty all through the city. 
• Low Season (November - February): After autumn, the number of tourists falls drastically, mainly owing to the freezing cold that also freezes Prague tourism. If budget-travel is your main aim, then this is the time to experience the best of Prague tourism. However, since the cold is unforgiving, it is suggested that you be well-equipped with winter clothing. This will ensure that you remain warm and cozy while basking in Prague tourism.

To experience Prague tourism, travellers belonging to countries outside the European Union require a long-term visa to visit the city. To experience the brilliance of Prague tourism, apply for a Schengen Visa at the nearest consulate or embassy.

This Prague travel guide details the Prague places to visit that you cannot miss:

Prague Castle or Prague Palace
Situated in the Hradcany neighborhood, Prague Castle (often referred to as Prague Palace) is hands down the most famous spot in Prague tourism. It stands tall and proud as the largest castle complex in the world! Built originally as a walled fortress way back in the 9th century, the Prague Palace has undergone several renovations, which is why the building reflects the major architectural styles that reigned in the last millennium. For architecture aficionados, the castle and its unique features are an absolute delight. 

The castle complex also serves as home to popular attractions such as gardens, churches, palaces, halls and towers. Some of the most important buildings that you must visit in addition to the castle are the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, Powder Tower, and the Golden Lane. Offering more than 30 points of interest, the castle is a beacon for Prague tourism. You will need at least half a day to thoroughly enjoy all that the Prague Palace has to offer. 

Once you are done, don’t forget to find a spot by the castle walls from where you can admire the stunning view of the sprawling Prague city! This Prague tourism experience is even more beautiful if you visit the castle at night, when it is adorned with gorgeous lights. 

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is considered an iconic attraction not only within Prague tourism, but all across Europe. Dating back to the 14th century, the magnificent bridge spans across a distance of 621m and has 32 points of attraction. While one cannot experience the bliss of driving over the bridge, you must go for a walk and closely examine the various statues that the bridge is lined with. Keep an eye out for important statues such as Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and John of Nepomuk that define Prague tourism. The bridge’s gothic gates will have you reaching out for your cameras and you must not miss the chance to capture this star-attraction of Prague tourism.

Another wonderful way to experience Charles Bridge is to take a cruise over the Vltava River. An ideal time to undertake this activity is during sunset! 

Wenceslas Square
The Wenceslas Square is a landmark of Prague tourism, situated in the New Town district, an area that has emerged out of Prague’s expansion over the years. The square was created in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV, and has been named after the patron saint of Bohemia. Even today, the Wenceslas Square serves as a major centre for public events and celebrations to take place.

The main attractions of Wenceslas Square are the National Museum Building and the statue of Wenceslas. Take a walk through the square and spare some time to observe its other architectural marvels such as Palac Karuna, Lindt Building, Peterka Building and the Melantrich Building, 

You must also pay this square a visit if you’re looking for fantastic dining and shopping experiences. In case you are visiting during a major festival like Christmas, do catch Prague tourism’s Christmas Market which is a shopper’s paradise. 

The National Museum
Are you someone who is enthusiastic about indulging in history, art and culture? Prague tourism is sure to satiate this passion of yours. The first place you have to visit is The National Museum, which is interestingly located across different parts of Prague! 

Explore a number of displays, artefacts and specimens across fields such as menerology, archaeology, art, music and anthropology, to name a few. You will be surprised by the vast scope of collections under each field. To give you an idea – the archaeology exhibit is rich with collections of artefacts from the 1st century, while the entomology collection of the museum alone comprises 5 million specimens! Can you imagine that? For students or professionals specialising in one of these fields, a tour across the National Museum of Prague is sure to be an enriching experience that will expand your understanding of the subject unlike anything else. 

The Old Town Square

If you want to experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of Prague tourism, pay a visit to the Old Town Square. This square is the historic center of the city with important monuments such as Tyn Church, Old Town Hall and Clementinum that date back to the 11th century. Do pay a visit to the Jewish Quarter and Josef situated on the other end of the square. The star-attraction of the Old Town Square, however, is the 15th century Astronomical Clock, the third-oldest clock in the world and the oldest one that still works. The clock is definitely the biggest and the most beautiful one that you will ever see. Statues of Catholic saints, figures of the Apostles and calendar dials are ever so fascinating to behold. 

Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall is synonymous to Prague tourism, especially among backpackers and youngsters. A tribute to the great musician and peace campaigner, John Lennon, the wall has stood since 1980 when the Beatles singer was murdered. Situated near the Charles Bridge, the wall became a place where fans from around the city came together to express their grief and love for the singer. Over time, the wall was dressed in graffiti, portraits of the singer, as well as famous lyrics and slogans associated with him. If you happen to be a part of Prague tourism during John Lennon’s anniversary, you must head to the wall to witness gatherings and performances in his memory. If you’re a die-hard Beatles fan, you may also add your touch to the wall, if you wish! 

Beer Spa
Now, this is an experience that most tourists don’t know about. Yes, you read it right, you can have the ultimate spa experience as you soak yourself in a tub full of beer! You may head to The Original Beer Spa for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. As you walk into the spa, you will see a jacuzzi full of beer where you can relax for an hour or more, depending on your preference. The beer spa contributes to the overall regeneration of the skin. The spa also offers excellent overall detoxification of the skin. While you lounge in the beer tubs, you can also treat yourself to unlimited beer and beer bread! This is a highly recommended experience if you want to lose yourself in the infectious energy of Prague tourism. 

Vrtba Gardens
Remember the famous Imtiaz Ali movie, Rockstar, which first gave us a glimpse of Prague tourism back in 2011? One of its most peppy numbers, Hawa Hawa was shot in The Vrtba Garden, which you have got to visit. Hidden behind street buildings, this peaceful garden offers awe-inspiring views of Prague Castle and the city’s vibrant skyline that is dressed in historical buildings. Take a walk through the well-manicured lawns of the garden and take a quick tour of the aviary. A bucket-list experience that you can check off here is watching the best sunset of your life from the upper level of the garden. 

Prague tourism has done an excellent job in providing suitable accommodations for all kinds of budgets. This Prague travel guide details inexpensive hostels that welcome tourists from all over the world, mid-range hotels that offer amenities for your utmost comfort and luxurious stays that will spoil you silly! Here are a few Prague best places that you can check out based on your preference:

For Budget Travellers:
There are two ways to score a budget accommodation in Prague – you may choose a hostel in case you are travelling solo or choose hotels in an area that are not too close to the city’s center. Staying a little further away would not be much of a problem since all areas in Prague are connected to each other by a good network of public transportation. Here are some options:

1. Easy Housing Hostel: Situated only a kilometer away from Old Town, Easy Housing is a great option for solo travellers. It is also located near Prague 2, where there are a number of bars and restaurants. If you want to get around, tram lines 18 and 24 are located nearby. 
2. Absolute City Centre: Situated in Prague 1, the best area to stay in Prague, this hotel is your best option for a budget stay. The hotel is only 2km away from Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, making it easy to discover Prague tourism under a budget!
3. Miss Sophie’s Hotel: An affordable boutique hotel is situated in New Town and is a great choice as it offers modern and stylish rooms at a throwaway price. 

For mid-range travellers:

If you’re not uncovering Prague tourism on a shoe-string budget, the entire city is your oyster when it comes to looking for an accommodation that suits your needs. A few options are:

1. Mama Shelter Prague: This hotel’s unique rooms and tasteful ambience will take your breath away as soon as you step inside. Situated about 1km from the Old Town, this hotel is a great pick for mid-range travellers.
2. Pension Prague City: Situated only a tram-ride away from the Old Town, rooms of this hotel are en suite and some even feature a bathtub. The hotel’s restaurant is well-renowned.

For Luxury Travellers:
If you’re a luxury traveller who wants to drink in the very soul of Prague tourism, then you have to stay in the heart of the city – Prague 1. This is the best area to stay in Prague as it is situated in close proximity to the city’s historical centre and tourist spots such as the New Town, Old Town and the famous Prague Palace. As one of the most important areas of the city, Prague 1 is home to some of the most exquisite hotels and resorts. Stay in remodelled historic buildings and you’re sure to have an experience that is royal like no other.

Hotel options to choose from: 

1. Four Seasons Hotel Prague: This is a 5-star property that is situated only a few steps away from all major spots of Prague tourism, and the city’s best restaurants. 
2. Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel: This hotel is situated right next to Wallenstein Garden. The Hotel has 7 buildings, including a former 13th century monastery, after which the hotel has been named.
3. Mandarin Oriental Prague: Located only a 5-minute walk from Charles Bridge, this hotel is set in a 14th century monastery. Enjoy luxury services like a spa as well as restaurants offering an eclectic range of international cuisines.

If you think that history and culture are the only aspects that Prague tourism is rich in, wait till this Prague travel guide introduces you to Prague’s cuisine! Since Prague boasts of a place in the top 5 most-visited cities of the world, you will easily find restaurants and cafes offering international cuisine. If you’re someone who needs Indian food even on a vacation abroad, do visit Namaste India in Ronkova 12, Sangam for Indian-Chinese cuisine in Sokolovska and Namaste India I in Pernerova. 

However, we would urge you to get out of your comfort zone and experiment with Czech’s unique dishes. You can try out the sumptuous Czech spread at these Prague best places for food! Try Chlebíčky, an open-faced sandwich that has toppings such as egg, ham, chicken and cucumber. You can have this dish for breakfast and lunch at Jan Paukert Bistro. Another must-try dish is Guláš that has been derived from Hungary but has been given a Czechian twist. This is a stew prepared with chicken or pork, served with bread dumplings. Try this dish at Restaurant Mlejnice. While dining there, also try the lip-smacking Smažený Sýr, a deep-fried dish of cheese served with bread and fries that is a delight for every cheese connoisseur. Other dishes to keep an eye out for are Palačinky (thin Czech pancakes) and Trdelník, a rolled pastry.

The great thing about Prague tourism is that it offers services that make it easier for tourists to visit the city’s various attractions. The city has an excellent integrated metro, tram and bus system which will help you conveniently get around Prague. This Prague travel guide will help you plan your travel around the city.

Metro 

Taking the metro is your best option when you have to cover long distances to unearth the beauty of Prague tourism. You’ll find that convenient trains ply between stations at frequent intervals. They run from 5am to midnight. 

Trams

Ideal to cover shorter distances when you feel that walking is too much of an effort, Prague’s trams are always to your rescue. Like the metros, the trams also offer services from 5am - 12:30am. You will find that trams also run post 12:30am, however, their services are limited. 

Buses 

You won’t find too many buses plying within the city of Prague, however, you will find that they offer services to the airport and all places that may not be covered by metros and trams. Services are offered from 4:30am to midnight, hence ensuring that you get to see the best of Prague tourism, no matter the time of the day.

Taxis

Taxis are ideal for those who prefer travelling from point to point rather than taking public transport. While taxis are extremely comfortable and convenient, they are not the most popular mode of transportation in Prague due to their high cost.

Walking

If you’re young and agile, Prague tourism can be explored on foot. Take out at least one day and one night where you see more of the city as you walk. Prague has a popular pedestrian culture and we promise you, it’s something that you cannot miss. We assure you that walking will take you to Prague's best places that you will never be able to witness in a taxi or metro.

As mentioned before, Prague tourism offers experience for travellers with all kinds of budgets. Here is the daily approximate expenditure (in rupees, for one) that you should cater for on your trip to Prague. 

For budget travellers: 

Accommodation: Rs 1500 onwards 

Food with alcohol: Rs 800

Transportation: Rs 200

Sight-seeing and entertainment: Rs 400

Total daily expenditure: Rs 3000 onwards

For mid-range travellers: 

Accommodation: Rs 4000 (for two) onwards 

Food with alcohol: Rs 2000

Transportation: Rs 500

Sight-seeing and entertainment: Rs 1000

Total daily expenditure: Rs 7500 onwards

For luxury travellers: 

Accommodation: Rs 10,000 (for two) onwards 

Food with alcohol: Rs 4500

Transportation: Rs 1,100

Sight-seeing and entertainment: Rs 2,200

Total daily expenditure: Rs 17,800 onwards

Please note that this is only an average, estimated cost. All kinds of travellers may be able to find cheaper accommodation, more affordable eateries and might skip on visiting places where the entry ticket is too high. 

In this Prague travel guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to make your planning easier:

1. How many days do I need to experience Prague tourism?

With Prague’s rich heritage and culture, a 5-7 day trip is ideal to experience all that the city has to offer. Bask in the glory of its castles and historic buildings, visit museums and exhibitions to expand your mind, indulge in music and art to appease your soul, relish its sumptuous cuisine and dance away at its clubs. By the end of your vacation, you wouldn’t want to bid goodbye to Prague tourism.

2. What are the things I should pack for a trip to Prague?

Prague Tourism recommends that you pack according to the season that you will be visiting Prague in. If you’re visiting during spring or fall, comfortable clothes, a light jacket and sneakers are sufficient. In case you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget to carry caps, umbrellas and sunscreen to protect yourself from the harsh sun. If you choose the winter months to head to Prague, then carry a snow-jacket and boots, gloves, mufflers and ample woollens that are essential to stay warm and cozy. 

3. Suggest three tips for planning a trip to Prague

Here are the best tips that no other Prague travel guide will tell you about;

1. Since Prague is a backpacking destination, you will find a number of hotels, hostels, cafes and clubs that offer excellent services and at the same time, are easy on the pocket. So while you’re in Prague, don’t settle for meals at over-priced restaurants, you are sure to find alternatives that offer a more diverse cuisine at a lesser cost.
2. Planning a trip during the shoulder seasons is a sure-shot way to reduce your expenditure by a great amount.
3. Although Prague tourism is ever-growing, it is infamous for its currency-exchange scams. You might get offered a fantastic exchange rate but be given old currency that is not accepted anywhere! It is suggested that you check Czech National Bank’s website to find out the currency that is currently in circulation. To ensure that you don’t get scammed in any way, it is best that you take a travel card along or get currency exchanged from a reliable source back in India. 

4. Which are the lesser-known places that Prague tourism has to offer?

While Prague’s monuments, museums and galleries are flocked by tourists on a daily basis, there are a few hidden gems that remain concealed from the purview of a majority. If you’re a traveller who enjoys taking the road less traversed, let this Prague travel guide introduce you to a few off-beat places and experiences that Prague tourism offers. Here are the best off-beat Prague best places to visit.

• A walk in Letna Park
  Situated above the embankments of Vltava River, the verdant Letna park provides a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of Prague. Back in the middle ages, the park served as home to military camps, but as the 19th century drew closer, it became the centre for communal gatherings and recreational activities. Today, the park continues to be an evening spot where locals come to walk, picnic and walk their pets. Take a break and enjoy this peaceful sanctuary. For an enchanting panoramic view of the Old Town, do head to the park’s viewpoint. 

• Dancing House
  The Nationale-Nederlanden is yet another visual delight that lines the streets of Prague. This 20th century building designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunic and Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry is known for its contemporary architecture. Although it stands in stark contrast to the Gothic, Baroque architecture of other buildings, the Dancing House has become an important landmark in Prague tourism for it is shaped like two people waltzing together! 

• Nuclear Bunker
  If you want to travel back in time, here’s the perfect opportunity to peek into the times of WWII. The Nuclear Bunker has a rich collection of equipment and gear that was used during the war. You will find army gear, gas masks, newspapers, photographs and other equipment from the past. Once you are done witnessing the equipment and technical machine rooms, head to the tunnel system where you can take a look at the abandoned rooms that were occupied by soldiers.

5. How do I reach Prague from India?

Getting to Prague from India is extremely convenient even though there are no direct flights. First, book a ticket to Dubai, from where you’ll find a number of flights to Vaclav Havel Airport, Prague. A flight to Dubai from India will take about 4.5-5 hours, whereas, flying from Dubai to Prague will take approximately 8.5 hours and upwards. While the cost of your flight tickets will be based on the month you are flying and the time of booking, expect to spend anywhere between Rs 35,000 and Rs 42,000 on a roundtrip to Prague. 

6. What currency is used in Prague?

Although Prague is situated in Europe, don’t assume that you will simply be able to use Euros while you’re there. This Prague travel guide will tell you something that not many people know. Czech Republic has its own currency called Czech Crown or as the locals call it, Czech Koruna (CZK). While some hotels may accept payment in Euros, you will find that most stores, restaurants and monuments only accept the local currency. 

The most wonderful news for travelers heading to Prague is that 1CZK = INR 3.04 only! With this fantastic exchange rate, spending in Czech Republic will never feel like a burden. Unless you’re travelling on a shoe-string budget, you can easily indulge in leisure experiences such as shopping, dining out, as well as staying in a hotel that has wonderful amenities. Revel in the myriad of experiences that Prague Tourism has to offer and pocket a vacation that you will never forget! Hope this Prague travel guide helps you plan the trip of your dreams.