About Prague
Prague, the Golden City, is one of Central Europe's most beautiful capitals, sitting along the banks of the Vltava River. The city's historic center is a treasure trove of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, with the iconic Prague Castle complex dominating the skyline. Visitors come for the cobblestone streets, world-class museums, thriving arts scene, excellent Czech cuisine and beer, and legendary nightlife. Prague is highly accessible, compact enough to explore on foot, and offers exceptional value compared to other European capitals.
Quick Overview
Capital: Prague
Largest City: Prague
Population: 1.4 million
Languages: Czech
Currency: Czech Koruna
Time Zone: CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)
Explore Prague by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Prague
Discover the top 5 must-see destinations in Prague, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Prague Castle
World's largest ancient castle complex with stunning views over Prague
Charles Bridge
Iconic 14th-century stone bridge with 30 Baroque statues
Old Town Square
Historic square with Astronomical Clock and colorful baroque buildings
Josefov
Well-preserved Jewish Quarter with six synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery
Wenceslas Square
Main boulevard and commercial center with important historical significance
Recommended Itineraries for Prague
Plan your perfect Prague trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Prague Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Prague, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Prague
- Days 1-2: Prague city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Prague
- Days 1-3: Prague comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Prague, departure
Where to Stay in Prague
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Prague offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($40)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($100)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($300+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
One of Prague's most iconic luxury hotels, situated directly on the Vltava riverbank with unrivalled views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The hotel occupies three historic buildings including a Baroque, Neo-Classical, and a modern wing. Features the acclaimed CottoCrudo restaurant, a luxurious spa, and impeccable service.
Mandarin Oriental Prague
Set in a beautifully restored 14th-century Dominican monastery and adjacent Baroque church in Malá Strana, the Mandarin Oriental Prague is a masterpiece of heritage luxury. The hotel features a stunning spa in a former monastery chapel with original Baroque frescoes, an exceptional restaurant, and serene gardens.
Augustine Hotel Prague
The Augustine Hotel, a member of The Luxury Collection, occupies a cluster of seven historic buildings in Malá Strana including a 13th-century Augustinian monastery. The hotel has a distinctive character with Gothic vaulted ceilings, original frescos, and carefully preserved historical elements combined with contemporary luxury. The on-site spa and the monastery bar (serving beer brewed by Augustine monks) are highlights.
Aria Hotel Prague
A unique boutique luxury hotel dedicated to music, the Aria Hotel is set in a former Baroque palace in Malá Strana. Each floor is themed around a musical genre (Classical, Opera, Jazz, Contemporary) and each room is dedicated to a specific musician. The hotel features a music library, regular concerts, a rooftop terrace garden with castle views, and is adjacent to the Vrtba Garden.
Where to Eat in Prague
Discover the culinary delights of Prague, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise
La Degustation is Prague's most celebrated fine dining restaurant and holds a Michelin star. Chef Oldřich Sahajdák serves innovative tasting menus that reinterpret historical Czech cuisine through a modern lens, drawing on recipes from 19th-century Czech cookbooks. The restaurant offers 7 or 11-course tasting menus with optional wine pairings. Intimate setting with outstanding service.
Field Restaurant
Field holds a Michelin star and showcases the finest Czech and European ingredients in creative, beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant champions local producers and seasonal ingredients, with menus that change regularly to reflect what is freshest and best. The elegant, light-filled dining room and attentive service make for an exceptional dining experience.
Alcron Restaurant
Alcron is an intimate, award-winning restaurant in the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel, famous for its exceptional seafood and French-inspired cuisine. The Art Deco dining room, seating only 40 guests, creates an exclusive atmosphere. The tasting menus feature the finest seasonal ingredients and the wine list is outstanding.
SaSaZu
SaSaZu is Prague's premier pan-Asian restaurant and one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations. Set in a dramatic converted warehouse in Holešovice, the restaurant serves sophisticated Asian fusion cuisine inspired by Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and China. The menu features fresh seafood and premium ingredients. The attached club is one of Prague's best nightlife venues.
Eska
Eska is a celebrated bakery-restaurant in Karlín that has helped define Prague's modern dining scene. The restaurant occupies a beautifully converted historic bakery building, retaining the original industrial character. The menu focuses on wood-fired cooking, fermentation, and locally-sourced ingredients with Czech and Scandinavian influences. The in-house bakery produces exceptional breads and pastries.
Lokál
Lokál is Prague's most beloved traditional Czech pub restaurant, always buzzing with a mix of locals and savvy visitors. The long, vaulted space on Dlouhá Street is famous for serving perfectly conditioned tankové (tank) Pilsner Urquell, considered among the best pints in the Czech Republic. The menu covers classic Czech pub food including svíčková, goulash, schnitzel, and excellent Czech snacks.
Getting Around Prague
Prague has an excellent, integrated public transport network operated by DPP (Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy) covering metro, trams, and buses. A single ticket is valid across all modes of transport. The historic city center is very walkable, and many top attractions can be reached on foot. Prague is also well-served by Bolt and Uber rideshare apps.
Budget Breakdown for Prague
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: CZK.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $60 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $12 | $25 | $70 |
| Transportation | $5 | $8 | $20 |
| Activities | $8 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily Total | $40 | $100 | $300+ |
Best Time to Visit Prague
Best Season: May, June, September, October
Peak Season: June, July, August
Avoid: January, February (coldest, gray)
Essential Travel Tips for Prague
- Buy a 3-day transit pass for unlimited travel on metro, trams and buses
- Visit Prague Castle early morning to beat the crowds
- Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna, not the Euro
- Many restaurants add a bread/appetizer charge automatically - you can decline
- Tipping 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Prague is generally very safe for tourists. Petty theft and tourist scams are the main concerns, especially in Old Town.
Watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas
Use licensed taxis or Bolt/Uber apps
Avoid money changers on the street - use ATMs or banks
Be aware of overpriced restaurants near tourist sites
Keep copies of important documents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Prague?
The best time to visit Prague is May, June, September, October. January, February (coldest, gray) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Prague?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Prague for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Prague?
For a comprehensive Prague experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Prague expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $40 per day, mid-range $100, and luxury $300+.