Ultimate Prague Travel Guide: The City of a Hundred Spires
Table of Contents
Introduction to Prague
Prague—the "City of a Hundred Spires"—is a living fairytale carved in stone, where Gothic cathedrals reach for the heavens, Baroque palaces whisper of imperial grandeur, and cobblestone streets weave through centuries of history. Nestled along the banks of the Vltava River, this magical capital of the Czech Republic has enchanted visitors for over a thousand years with its perfectly preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, and romantic atmosphere that seems straight from the pages of a storybook.
Why visit Prague? This is one of Europe's most beautifully preserved cities, having escaped the major destruction of 20th-century wars. You can walk through medieval lanes unchanged for centuries, explore the largest ancient castle complex in the world, cross a 14th-century bridge guarded by baroque statues, and enjoy world-class cultural experiences—all within a compact, walkable city center that feels like an open-air museum.
The vibe of Prague is undeniably romantic, with golden lantern light illuminating ancient streets and river views that inspire poets. It's profoundly historic, bearing witness to everything from Holy Roman emperors to the Velvet Revolution. The city is surprisingly lively with a vibrant café culture, bustling beer halls, and cutting-edge art scenes. Yet it maintains a certain mystical quality, with alchemical legends, astronomical wonders, and hidden courtyards that invite exploration and wonder.
How to Get There
Air Travel
Prague is served by one main international airport:
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): Located about 17 km northwest of the city center, this modern airport handles most international flights and serves as the hub for Czech Airlines.
Major Transportation Hubs
- Prague Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží): The city's primary train station with connections to major European cities including Vienna, Berlin, and Budapest.
- Prague Florenc Bus Station: Central bus terminal serving international coaches like FlixBus and RegioJet.
- Masarykovo nádraží: Historic train station serving regional routes.
Approximate Travel Times
| From | To Prague | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna, Austria | Prague Center | 4 hours by train 4.5 hours by bus |
| Berlin, Germany | Prague Center | 4.5 hours by train 5 hours by bus |
| Budapest, Hungary | Prague Center | 7 hours by train 7 hours by bus |
| Prague Airport (PRG) | City Center | 30-45 minutes by taxi 45 minutes by public transport |
Local Transportation Options
Metro
Efficient three-line system (A, B, C) covering most of the city. Fastest way to travel longer distances.
Trams
Extensive network perfect for shorter distances and scenic routes. Tram 22 offers beautiful views of major landmarks.
Buses
Mainly serve suburbs and areas not covered by metro/trams. Essential for airport transfers.
Walking
The historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Where to Stay
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Prague
Stunning riverfront location with views of Charles Bridge, combining four historical buildings with modern luxury.
Aria Hotel
Music-themed luxury hotel near Prague Castle, with soundproof music libraries and rooftop terrace.
Augustine Hotel
Luxury boutique hotel in a restored 13th-century monastery with peaceful courtyards and elegant rooms.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Josef
Design-forward hotel in Prague's New Town with minimalist style and excellent service.
Boho Hotel
Charming boutique hotel in Old Town with artistic decor and central location.
EA Hotel The Emperor
Beautifully restored Art Nouveau building with spacious rooms and great value near Wenceslas Square.
Budget Hotels
Sir Toby's Hostel
Character-filled hostel in hip Holešovice district with private rooms and dorms, and lively pub.
Hotel UNIC
Modern budget hotel with clean, compact rooms in Vinohrady residential area.
Hostel One Prague
Social hostel with free dinners and activities, perfect for solo travelers.
Family-Friendly Stays
Mamaison Hotel Riverside
Apartment-style hotel with kitchenettes, family rooms, and riverside location.
NH Prague City
Modern hotel with connecting rooms, swimming pool, and good metro access.
Unique Accommodations
Golden Well Hotel
Intimate boutique hotel with terraced gardens directly below Prague Castle, with incredible views.
Design Hotel Jewel
Art-focused hotel with individually designed rooms and central Old Town location.
Botel Matylda
Floating hotel on the Vltava River with unique water-level perspective of the city.
What to See (Main Attractions)
Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, spanning 70,000 square meters. This monumental fortress has been the seat of Czech kings, emperors, and presidents for over a thousand years. The complex includes St. Vitus Cathedral (a Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained glass), the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane—a charming street of tiny historic houses. The changing of the guard ceremony occurs hourly, with a special ceremony at noon.
Charles Bridge
This iconic 14th-century stone bridge connecting Old Town with Lesser Town is one of Prague's most beloved landmarks. Adorned with 30 Baroque statues of saints, the bridge comes alive with street musicians, artists, and vendors during the day. For the most magical experience, visit at sunrise when the morning mist rises from the Vltava and the bridge is nearly empty, or at night when the statues are dramatically illuminated.
Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
The heart of historic Prague, surrounded by magnificent buildings in Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles. The square is dominated by the Church of Our Lady before Týn with its dramatic twin spires and the stunning Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall. Every hour from 9 AM to 11 PM, the clock puts on a show as the Twelve Apostles parade past windows while sculptures representing human vices come to life.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
One of Europe's most significant Jewish heritage sites, containing six synagogues, the Jewish Town Hall, and the Old Jewish Cemetery—a hauntingly beautiful space where tombstones lean in crowded confusion, layered over centuries due to limited space. The Pinkas Synagogue serves as a memorial to Czech Holocaust victims, with names of 80,000 victims handwritten on its walls.
Wenceslas Square
More a grand boulevard than a traditional square, this has been the center of Prague's modern history—from celebrations of independence to the Velvet Revolution. Lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants, it slopes upward toward the National Museum. The square is particularly impressive when illuminated at night.
Petřín Hill & Lookout Tower
A vast green space in the city center offering peaceful walks, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views. The Petřín Lookout Tower, a smaller version of Paris's Eiffel Tower built for the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition, provides breathtaking views of the city. Reach the summit by walking or taking the funicular railway.
Things to Do (Activities)
River & Viewpoint Experiences
- Vltava River Cruise: Day or evening cruises offering unique perspectives of Prague's landmarks
- Petřín Funicular: Ride to the top of Petřín Hill for panoramic city views
- Letná Park Beer Garden: Enjoy local beer with stunning views over the city
- Dancing House Rooftop: Modern architectural marvel with rooftop bar and views
Cultural & Historical Tours
- Prague Castle Tour: Guided explorations of the castle complex and its history
- Jewish Quarter Walking Tour: Deep dive into Prague's rich Jewish heritage
- Communism & Velvet Revolution Tour: Explore Prague's recent history
- Ghosts & Legends Tour: Evening walks exploring Prague's darker stories
Traditional Experiences
- Black Light Theater: Unique Czech performance art combining theater and visual effects
- Classical Music Concerts: Performances in historic churches and palaces
- Beer Spa: Relax in baths of warm beer with unlimited beer tasting
- Marionette Shows: Traditional puppet theater, especially Don Giovanni performances
Food & Drink
Must-Try Czech Dishes
Svičková
Marinated beef sirloin in cream sauce with bread dumplings and cranberries.
Guláš
Hearty beef stew, different from Hungarian goulash, served with bread dumplings.
Vepřo-knedlo-zelo
Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, the Czech national dish.
Trdelník
Sweet pastry rolled on cylinders and baked over open fire, often with sugar and nuts.
Restaurant Recommendations
| Budget (Under 300 CZK) | Mid-Range (300-800 CZK) | Luxury (800 CZK+) |
|---|---|---|
| Lokál: Excellent traditional Czech food and Pilsner in lively beer hall setting | Field Restaurant: Michelin-starred modern Czech cuisine with creative flair | La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise: Michelin-starred tasting menu of Czech classics |
| U Fleků: Historic brewery and restaurant serving single dark beer and traditional food | Kuchyň: "Democratic restaurant" at Prague Castle with stunning views | Alcron: Fine dining with Art Deco elegance and Czech-inspired international cuisine |
| Maitrea: Popular vegetarian restaurant near Old Town Square | V Kolkovně: Traditional Czech dishes in beautiful historic setting | Bellevue: Riverside fine dining with panoramic castle views |
Beer Culture & Traditional Drinks
- Pilsner Urquell: The original pilsner beer, best enjoyed tapped from oak barrels
- Budvar (Czech Budweiser): Premium lager with rich flavor profile
- Becherovka: Herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary, often served as a digestif
- Slivovice: Strong plum brandy, traditional Moravian spirit
- Traditional Pubs: U Zlatého Tygra, U Černého Vola, and U Hrocha for authentic experiences
Shopping
Shopping Streets & Areas
- Pařížská Street: Luxury shopping with international designer brands
- Na Příkopě & Wenceslas Square: Main shopping streets with international chains
- Dlouhá & Celentná Streets: Boutique shopping in historic lanes
- Havelská Market: Open-air market with souvenirs and local products
Markets & Department Stores
- Palladium: Modern shopping center in historic barracks near Old Town
- Kotva: Communist-era department store with retro charm
- Havel's Market: Tourist-oriented market with souvenirs and crafts
- Náplavka Farmers Market: Saturday market along the river with local produce
Souvenir Ideas
- Bohemian crystal and glassware
- Marionettes and wooden toys
- Garnet jewelry (Czech granáty)
- Absinthe and Becherovka
- Czech porcelain
- Traditional puppets and ceramics
Culture & Local Life
Prague's culture is a rich tapestry woven from Slavic roots, Central European influences, and a remarkable history of artistic and intellectual achievement. The city has produced literary giants like Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera, composers including Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, and continues to be a center for classical music, theater, and the visual arts.
Festivals & Events
- Prague Spring International Music Festival (May-June): Prestigious classical music event
- Czech Beer Festival (May): Massive celebration of Czech brewing tradition
- Signal Festival (October): Light art and mapping projections on city landmarks
- Christmas Markets (December): Magical markets in Old Town and Wenceslas Squares
- Prague Fringe Festival (May-June): Alternative theater and performance arts
Local Customs & Etiquette
- Greetings: Firm handshakes with direct eye contact, using formal titles until invited to use first names
- Dining: Wait to be seated in restaurants, say "dobrou chuť" (enjoy your meal) before eating
- Shoes Off: Remove shoes when entering Czech homes
- Punctuality: Highly valued for both business and social occasions
Practical Information
Safety & Laws
Prague is generally very safe, but exercise normal big-city precautions:
- Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas, on public transport, and in crowded restaurants
- Use licensed taxis (AAA, Profi Taxi) or ride-hailing apps like Bolt
- Keep tickets until you exit public transport—plainclothes inspectors issue heavy fines
- Drinking alcohol in public is technically illegal but commonly practiced
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112
- Police: 158
- Ambulance: 155
- Fire: 150
Weather & Best Times to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr-May | Ideal weather, blooming gardens, Prague Spring Festival |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | Warm but crowded, long days, outdoor events and festivals |
| Autumn | Sep-Oct | Pleasant temperatures, fall colors, fewer crowds |
| Winter | Nov-Mar | Cold but magical, Christmas markets, lowest prices |
Costs & Currency
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). Prague is moderately priced for Western Europe:
- Budget traveler: 800-1,500 CZK per day (hostels, street food, public transport)
- Mid-range traveler: 1,500-3,000 CZK per day (hotels, restaurants, attractions)
- Luxury traveler: 3,500+ CZK per day (boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours)
Hidden Gems
Vyšehrad Fortress
Ancient fort with beautiful cemetery, stunning views, and peaceful atmosphere away from castle crowds.
Kampa Island
Quiet island with charming streets, the Lennon Wall, and museum of modern art.
Strahov Monastery Library
Breathtaking Baroque library with fascinating historical collections and philosophical hall.
Vrtba Garden
Hidden Baroque garden near Prague Castle with terraced design and panoramic views.
Itineraries
24-Hour Prague Express
Morning (8 AM - 12 PM): Charles Bridge at sunrise → Prague Castle complex (St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane) → Petřín Hill funicular and viewpoint
Afternoon (12 - 5 PM): Traditional Czech lunch at Lokál → Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock → Jewish Quarter
Evening (5 - 10 PM): Vltava River cruise → Dinner in Malá Strana → Classical music concert in historic church
3-Day Perfect Prague Experience
Day 1: Castle District & Lesser Town
Prague Castle complex → Strahov Monastery → Petřín Tower → Kampa Island → Lennon Wall → Dinner in Malá Strana
Day 2: Old Town & Jewish Heritage
Old Town Square → Astronomical Clock → Jewish Quarter → Charles Bridge → Municipal House → Evening river cruise
Day 3: Local Prague & Vyšehrad
Wenceslas Square → National Museum → Vyšehrad Fortress → Dancing House → Traditional Czech pub experience
Family-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Prague Castle, Golden Lane toy museum, Petřín funicular and mirror maze
Day 2
Prague Zoo (one of world's best), Troja Chateau, river boat ride
Day 3
Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock, marionette show, Lego Museum
Day 4
Aquapalace water park or Koněprusy Caves day trip
Romantic 3-Day Getaway
Day 1
Sunrise at Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Strahov Monastery, candlelit dinner in Malá Strana
Day 2
Vrtba Garden, Kampa Island, classical concert, evening river cruise with champagne
Day 3
Vyšehrad fortress, beer spa experience, rooftop cocktails with city views
Nearby Destinations
Karlštejn Castle
Magnificent Gothic castle founded by Charles IV to safeguard royal treasures, located 30 km southwest of Prague. Reachable by train in 40 minutes.
Kutná Hora
UNESCO World Heritage town with stunning St. Barbara's Cathedral and the eerie Sedlec Ossuary (bone church), 1 hour by train.
Český Krumlov
Fairytale town with magnificent castle, historic center, and river activities, 2.5-3 hours by bus.
Karlovy Vary
Famous spa town with thermal springs, colonnades, and international film festival, 2 hours by bus.
Prague is more than a destination—it's a living work of art that has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries. From the golden spires that give the city its nickname to the romantic river that flows through its heart, from the haunting beauty of its Jewish Quarter to the lively energy of its beer halls, this city offers an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and sheer beauty. Whether you're crossing Charles Bridge at sunrise or raising a glass of pilsner in a centuries-old pub, Prague will capture your imagination and leave you longing to return.
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