Prague
Discover Prague
Prague (Czech: Praha) is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. The city's historic buildings and narrow, winding streets are testament to its centuries-old role as capital of the historic region of Bohemia. Prague lies on the banks of the beautiful, meandering Vltava River that reflects the city's golden spires and 9th century castle that dominates the skyline. This historic atmosphere is combined with a certain quirkiness that embraces the entire city. From the Museum of Czech Cubism to the technicolour Jubilee Synagogue; the castle to the river, Prague is a Bohemian capital in every sense.
What to Experience in Prague
Taste of Prague...
Lunch is traditionally the main meal in Prague. Czech cuisine is typically based around pork or beef with starchy side dishes such as dumplings, potatoes, or fries. Fish is not as popular, though these days it is widely available. Svíčková, beef simmered in a thick sauce made of cream and a variety of vegetables is probably the classic traditionalist Prague meal. Popular Czech desserts include fruit dumplings (ovocné knedlíky), crêpes or ice cream. Trdelník has become popular in Prague among tourists, with many small bakeries selling the sweet bread encrusted with sugar and chopped walnuts, but it is not a traditional Czech dish, likely originated in Transylvania and only started appearing in the 1990s; most locals avoid it, and Trdelník is sometimes used as a synonym for "simpleton" in Czech. Most restaurants become very crowded during lunch and dinner, so consider making a reservation or eating earlier than the locals. Tipping is generally not expected, and it's primarily used as a sign of appreciation when the food and service is good. It's common to round up the bill by a few crowns to make it even (289 Kč to 300 Kč for example). Taxes are always included in the price by law. Many restaurants in heavily-touristed areas (along the river, or with views near the castle) will charge a cover or "kovert" in addition to your meal charge. If this is printed in the menu, you have no recourse.
Culture & Religion
Culture
Opera and ballet have quite a tradition in the city, even though there are often overlooked by young locals and instead frequented by tourists. The main opera and ballet venues are operated by the National Theatre company, which is owned by the government. Tickets can be bought on the company website, the best seats tend to sell out, so it is better to shop in advance. It is customary to wear decent clothing when going to National Theatre venues (black suit), but this is not enforced. The National Opera hosts mainly operas and ballets. The Estates Theatre is the oldest theatre building still standing in the city. Mozart's Don Giovanni opera is often on the repertoire, as are other operas, plays and ballets. There are many other theatres in Prague, but they usually only offer plays in Czech language. Classical music concerts are often conducted in numerous churches, especially in the centre.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Prague.
River cruises are both popular and varied, from one hour cruises to long evening cruises with dinner or music. To get the right price, find a boat only, do not buy anything from the touts near Charles Bridge. If you want to cruise the river for the smallest price possible, you can use a public transportation ferry. The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (koruna), abbreviated as Kč, with the international abbreviation CZK – read more here. These ATMs throughout Prague do not charge a fee for withdrawing money: Fio banka and KB (Komerční banka). All other banks and ATM chains take 99–150 Kč and/or a 6–15% fee for currency conversion for a withdrawal. In addition, any ATM might trick you into accepting Dynamic currency conversion (see DCC) — Euronet is notorious for this. Always decline DCC, as there is a big markup fee included in the offered exchange rate that will never compensate for any exchange rate insecurity.
Climate
Prague has a humid continental climate, with relatively cold winters (around the point of freezing). Snow cover occurs between mid-November and late March. The snow cover rarely stays around for more than a week or two. Summers usually bring plenty of sunshine and the average high temperature of 24 °C (75 °F). Precipitation in Prague is rather low, the driest season usually being the winter. During late spring and summer heavy rain may occur, often in the form of thundershowers. Temperature inversions are relatively common around winter, bringing foggy, cold days and sometimes moderate air pollution. Prague is a windy city with common sustained western winds and an average wind speed of 16 km/h (9.9 mph). Tourist information is available online at Prague.eu. The city has 3 tourist information centres (TIC) in the city and another 2 at both airport terminals: Czech is the official language of Prague and the Czech Republic.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsCredit cards are widely accepted in Prague and the rest of the country - it's likely you won't even need cash during your visit. A small amount of pocket money might be good to have though. If not completely necessary, do not exchange money on the airport, especially in the baggage claim area. There is only one exchange company, Interchange, which runs all the exchange kiosks at the whole airport. Their rates are extremely bad. ATM withdrawal is almost always a better option. Use any ATM except those of Euronet, as these charge an extra fee and give only 1,000 Kč banknotes, which many businesses refuse to change. You can also pay your transportation tickets or taxi by card (including Google Pay and Apple Pay). Prague is well connected to the European EC train network. However, there is no Czech high speed rail. Usually the average speed is about 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph), while the maximum train speed is 120–160 kilometres per hour (75–99 mph)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Public transportation is very convenient in most of the areas visitors are likely to frequent. Public transport buses do not enter the historic districts (Old Town, New Town, Lower Town, etc.) to prevent air and noise pollution. One must transfer to a cleaner and quieter electric-powered tram or a metro before reaching historic areas. Prague is renowned as a very walkable city. For those who enjoy seeing the old and new city by foot, one can easily walk from Wenceslas Square to the Old Town Square, or from the Old Town to Charles Bridge and the Castle District. However almost all of the streets are cobbled, rendering it very difficult for disabled or elderly travellers to get around effectively. Also, pedestrians should enter crossings carefully in Prague, as drivers are not as likely to yield as they are in other European cities.
Where to Stay
Prague has a wealth of accommodation options, many of them within walking distance of the town center. Peak season generally runs from April to October and a major influx of visitors can be expected during New Year as well. Prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high in the peak season and reservations are advised. Otherwise, the main train station, Hlavní nádraží, has an accommodation booking service for hotels and hostels upstairs. Normally, tax and breakfast are included in the room rate. Around Hlavni Nadrazi, the main train station, there are many touts offering cheap accommodation. Many are Czech residents renting part of their apartment for extra cash. Prices don't vary much between them, but some may not be trustworthy so be cautious. Even during peak season, dorm rooms in hostels close to the city center can be had for around 350 Kč (€14) per person per night.
Money & Budget
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Crown (koruna), abbreviated as Kč, with the international abbreviation CZK – read more here. These ATMs throughout Prague do not charge a fee for withdrawing money: Fio banka and KB (Komerční banka). All other banks and ATM chains take 99–150 Kč and/or a 6–15% fee for currency conversion for a withdrawal. In addition, any ATM might trick you into accepting Dynamic currency conversion (see DCC) — Euronet is notorious for this. Always decline DCC, as there is a big markup fee included in the offered exchange rate that will never compensate for any exchange rate insecurity. According to EU law, ATMs must always tell you if there is a fee or markup before confirming the transaction or exchange, so you can always cancel beforehand.
Language & Talk
Czech is the official language of Prague and the Czech Republic. Simple words and phrases in other Slavic languages (for example Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, Bulgarian and Polish) are also commonly understood. Slovak and Czech are very similar and mutually intelligible. Most young people speak English, you will also have no problem speaking English at restaurants and bars. Many restaurants have English menus. Russian is widely understood by people who were attending school before the Velvet Revolution in 1989, but the language is too different from Czech to be understood without study. In addition, some people may dislike using Russian even if they know it because of the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and Communist history in general.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Prague is a very safe city. You're less likely to be victim of a serious crime in Prague than in most Western European or US cities. There are no 'no-go zones' and it is safe for women to venture out alone, even in the dead of night. Generally, violence in Prague is not random or opportunistic. The most common crimes in Prague by far are car theft and pickpocketing; in particular, the prevalence of car theft and vandalism pushes up the crime statistics of Prague. As a party destination, it is common to encounter drunk partygoers, but most of the time the rowdy ones will be fellow tourists; exercise the same caution you would when dealing with any drunk person. The only area with a high concentration of homeless people is in front of the central station. Begging occurs at the city's top tourist attractions and in some of the main public transport hubs.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Prague
That Prague bridge
gray concrete bridge near buildings
Golden hour in Prague
The UNESCO world heritage town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
brown and white concrete building during daytime
red and white boat on water near brown concrete building during daytime
Panorama of Prague’s Old Town
For any use contact me on Instagram (@benwksi)
photo of boat on body of water near high-rise buildings
high-rise building at night-time
That Prague bridge
gray concrete bridge near buildings
Golden hour in Prague