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Prague Travel Guide
Prague City Guide
Known for its stunning architecture, medieval streets and unrivalled beer scene, Prague is one of the most popular cities in Central Europe. The river Vltava flows through the city dividing the hilly area and the relatively flat neighbourhoods, while providing the canvas for various boat trips that take in the wonderful city views. Prague is famously known for having the largest castle complex in Europe, one of the most interesting clocks in the world and of course the beautiful and historical Charles Bridge. Combine this with a country that’s known for drinking the most beer per capita in the world and you have a destination bursting with culture and tradition. Keep reading our Prague travel guide for all the information you’ll need to help plan your holiday.
Trips that visit Prague
Central Europe Highlights
Duration:10 Days
Route:Warsaw to Budapest
Tour Code:EEXC
Prague’s Best Spots
Prague has a huge choice of things to see and do for every type of traveller. Whether you want to learn about the dark side of European history, explore the vast castle complex or eat your way around the city, Prague has you covered. We have compiled our list of the best spots in Prague below:
Charles Bridge
One of the most iconic structures in Prague, the impressive Charles Bridge dates back to 1402 when it was completed after 45 years of labour. Construction began under the reign of King Charles IV, and legend states that the first brick was laid by the king himself. Spanning 516 metres in length and almost 10 metres in width, the structure was built with stone which gave it the original name of “Stone Bridge” up until around 1870. It was the only way to cross the river up until 1841, so served as an important connection between Prague castle and the city's neighbourhoods across the water. Today it remains part of the “Royal Route” through Prague. Throughout its history, the Charles Bridge has been witness to many historical events and has survived various disasters throughout Czech history making it one of the most important and protected architectural feats in the city. Legend has it that the builders added egg into the mix when constructing the bridge which has contributed to its strength and resistance over the centuries.
The bridge is lined with 30 statues depicting various saints, with most echoing styles of Gothic or Baroque. The most notable is John of Nepomuk, who is considered the first martyr of the Seal of the Confessional after he refused to release the secrets of the queen of Bohemia. In 1393 he was drowned in the Vltava River and because of this, is thought to be a protector from floods.
Prague Castle
Perched prominently on the hills of the Lesser Town in Prague, overlooking the Vltava River and Old Quarter of the city you’ll find what is thought to be the largest medieval castle complex in the world. Encompassing an area of almost 70,000 square metres, Prague Castle, or Prazsky Hrad, houses a number of courtyards, palaces, churches, gardens and towers. The castle was the residence for the king of Bohemia and Holy Roman emperors since its construction in the 9th century, and today is the official office for the President of the Czech Republic.
The most notable buildings within the compound are the Gothic style St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and St George’s Convent, the oldest surviving building in the complex. As well as Prague Castle being one of the top things to see in Prague, the views of the city below are some of the most impressive you can find.
Old Town & Astronomical Clock
If you’re visiting Prague you will undoubtedly spend a lot of time exploring Staré Mesto, the oldest historic neighbourhood in the city. Tucked behind Gothic architecture and beautiful buildings, you’ll find a plethora of some of the best things to see in Prague. The neighbourhood was once encircled by a moat and wall, separating it from the other settlements in the city. The medieval streets now house restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars, boutique shops and museums. A number of iconic structures and colourful buildings make it one of the most picturesque places to explore in Prague. Highlights include the Main Square where you can see the Gothic Church of our Lady before Tyn, the Jan Hus Memorial and of course the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock.
The Astronomical Clock in Prague is the third oldest in the world and currently the oldest still in operation, having first been installed in 1410. It has been damaged and reconstructed many times over the centuries and remains one of the most impressive medieval inventions to date. The clock strikes on the hour every hour, drawing crowds to witness the show of figures rotating around the dials. The four figures represent characteristics that were loathed during the period of its creation: vanity, greed, lust and death.
Mala Strana
Mala Strana, also known as the Lesser Town, is one of the most beautiful areas of Prague and has a notable number of attractions. During the Middle Ages it was home to many noble palaces due to its location in relation to the castle complex, and today is the base for many of the city's embassies. One of the most prominent buildings in the area is the St Nicholas Church, a Baroque church which has stood since the 17th century. A short walk away, the Church of our Lady Victorious is known as the home of the famous infant Jesus statue that was donated in 1628 by the first princess of Lobkowicz, one of the most noble Bohemian families during that time. As you climb the steep streets of Mala Strana, you can find some of the best views of Prague from the various viewpoints.
Wenceslas Square
Located in Prague’s New Town, Wenceslas Square is one of the most important areas in the city. It was created during the 14th century as Prague was prospering and expanding. Originally a horse market, it has since grown into an area of historical importance and is the base for demonstrations, events and celebrations alike. In the area you can find the National Museum as well as a statue of Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia and the inspiration behind the name of the square. Due to its historical importance the square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food & Drink in Prague
Like any large city, Prague has an abundance of delicious food available. Classic Czech cuisine is bursting with earthy, warming flavours and normally contains meat and carbohydrates. Of course most dishes contain influence from other European nations and you’ll find restaurants of all sorts scattered throughout the city. Prices tend to be a lot more affordable than in Western Europe and with such a huge selection - foodies won’t go disappointed.
Local Cuisine and Markets
Much like the rest of Central Europe, Czech food is hearty, warming and centred around meat. Soups, stews and carbs are staples in the Czech diet and are still prominent in restaurants across the city, although Prague is now home to an abundance of international dishes to cater for tourists and the curious taste buds of locals. While Prague is a very affordable destination, prices are hiked up around the tourist areas and the Main Square, so we suggest venturing a little further afield to find affordable prices and hidden gems. Prague hasn’t escaped the demand for high-end eateries and you’ll find a few in the city offering world class cuisine and hospitality. One of the most popular is Mlynec Restaurant, serving delicious and contemporary gastronomy from renowned chef Marek Purkart. With marvelous views of Charles Bridge, an extensive wine menu and seasonal produce, it’s not one to be missed if you enjoy the finer things in life.
Markets are popular in Prague and you’ll find delicious street food on offer, especially an abundance of chimney cakes and other tasty pastries.
Vegetarian and Vegan
Like most European capitals, Prague has a growing plant-based food scene and it’s not too hard to scout something out. According to vegan restaurant-finder HappyCow, there are some 275 places in Prague offering vegetarian or vegan cuisine. While a few are dotted around the Old Town, most are located in the newer parts of the city.
Some of our favourites are Moment Kavarna & Bistro or Forrest Bistro for an all vegan menu. If you’re in Mala Strana, head to Natureza Vegetarian House which has a range of vegan options and delicious cakes and bakes.
Which dishes should I try in Prague?
Trdelnik/Chimney Cake
Dough is rolled into a spiral and grilled on hot coals, then dipped into sugar, cinnamon or other sweet treats. It’s often filled with ice-cream or nutella.
Goulash
Passed through Europe since the Austro-Hungarian Empire, goulash remains popular in the Czech Republic. The dish is a type of stew containing beef and vegetables, and served with dumplings.
Sausage
The Czechs love their meat and sausage is one of the favourite choices. Find various types in restaurants or grilling in street food markets around the city.
Svíčková
A class Czech dish which was traditionally served at weddings and important events, Svickova is beef smothered in a creamy sauce made of carrots, celery and parsley. It’s often served with bread dumplings.
Bars and Drinking in Prague
We can’t talk about Prague without mentioning its world famous drinking scene - after all the Czech Republic drinks more beer per capita than any other nation in the world! Czechs brew some of the worlds best lagers in the world and the country is bursting with breweries, bars and grinning residents chatting over a pint or two. Pilsner, named after the Czech city of Pilzen, is one of the most famous drinks to come out of the country. Bar crawls and brewery tours are available in abundance in Prague and are normally one of the highlights for tourists eager to experience this rich beer drinking culture.
Prague is also known for the “green fairy” - absinthe. This strong, herbal drink contains thujone, which is said to cause hallucinations and one of the main reasons European artists historically drank it, in hope of gaining creative inspiration. It was banned in many places from the 20th century but remained popular in the former Czechoslovakia with artists and intellectuals. Today, Prague is still known as one of the best places in the world to try the drink and most bars serve it. Hemingway Bar has one of the most extensive collections.
Getting around Prague
Prague has a fantastic public transport system and central train station which is connected to various other cities in the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries. The metro system has 4 lines which connect the city’s neighbourhoods with the main train station and other sites of interest, and it’s a great way to get somewhere a little faster. The tram system is another convenient form of transport and is ideal for shorter journeys or to reach locations that may not be close to a metro station. Travelling on the tram is also a much better way to see the city from above ground and get your bearings.
Tickets can be purchased from stations, kiosks or shops/supermarkets. They come in 30-minute, 90-minute, 24-hour and 72-hour options depending on how often you’ll find yourself using the system. A 30-minute ticket will cost 24CZK and is ideal if you just need one journey. Remember to validate your ticket in the yellow machines.
Prague is also a very walk-able city and one of the best ways to see the beauty of the city is to get lost down the many alleyways located within the Old Town.
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Alternative things to do in and around Prague
Prague has plenty to keep every type of keen traveller occupied. Whether you want to dive into the history on a walking tour, explore the best restaurants in the city or photograph the stunning architecture, Prague really is one of the most unique destinations in Europe.
Join a brewery tour
Top of the list for many visitors to Prague is a good old fashioned brewery tour. Accompanied by an expert guide and group of eager beer lovers, it’s one of the best ways to discover why the Czech Republic is world famous for its beer production and consumption. You’ll find a huge amount of information online, in the tourist information centre or by popping into Discover Prague Tours located just off the Main Square. Prices vary depending on whether you just want a tasting or a full brewery tour. When in Rome...
Visit Kutna Hora
A trip to Kutna Hora involves a short, 40-minute train ride out of the city. While the town itself is relatively quiet in comparison to Prague, it’s known for the eerie yet fascinating Sedlec Ossuary, otherwise known as the Bone Church. In the mid 14th century, during the period of the Plague, thousands of human remains were buried in the Sedlec Abbey. A Gothic church was later built upon the cemetery with the lower chapel to be used as the ossuary. It wasn’t until around 1870 that a local woodcarver took on the job of using the skeletons to creatively decorate the ossuary which has resulted in an interesting display of garlands and chandeliers throughout. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions outside of Prague and a worthwhile visit for a dark but fascinating history.
Take a boat cruise along the river
A river cruise in Prague is an excellent and relaxing way to appreciate the city from a different angle, while providing some fantastic views of the Charles Bridge. There are also options that include dinner and drinks if you wish to make an evening out of it. If a cruise isn’t for you but you still want to enjoy the water, there is also the chance to rent small rowing boats and paddle boats to enjoy the river at a slower pace. Perfect for a sunny day adventure.
Visit the Giant Crawling Babies
A sight that’s not for everyone, the crawling babies tend to evoke mixed emotions among those who see them. The sculptures can be found outside the Museum Kampa and were created by Czech artist David Cerny. The faces are replaced with bar-codes which creates the unsettling image of the faceless children. The original, smaller statues can be found on the Zizkov Television Tower, crawling upwards. While it's said they were created to make the tower less ugly, some consider it a statement of the Communist era and how these children were unable to reach their full potential.
In fact, Prague has an abundance of facinating and historically important statues
Walk around the city long enough and you’re sure to tick them off - many of which were created by Cerny himself. See Metalmorphosis, a giant rotating head of the Bohemian writer Franz Kafka, or enjoy a giggle at the statue aptly named Piss, located just outside the Kafka Museum. One of the most poignant displays is the Memorial to the Victims of Communism - showing a series of seven, broken men descending a flight of stairs. Representing the slow destruction of man in a Communist state, the bronze statues are both thought provoking and important in remembering the thousands of people who died or fled Czechoslovakia from 1948 to 1989.
Visit the Dancing Houses
The famous Dancing Houses in Prague are a quirky sight and worth checking out. Completed in 1996, the name is given to the Nationale-Nederlanden building located along the river which unlike most buildings in Prague, does not represent the styles of Baroque, Gothic or Art Nouveau. The curved style gives the allusion the buildings are moving and attracts people keen on architectural photography. The building houses a small hotel, restaurant on the seventh floor and bar on the eight floor.
Check out the John Lennon Wall
Nestled down an unassuming street in Mala Strana, you’ll find one of the most visited attractions in Prague, especially amongst the younger crowd. The John Lennon Wall is a canvas of colour, political statements, murals and quotes. What now appears to be a thoughtless wall of street art actually holds a deeper story relating to the Czech Republic’s dark history.The space has been filled with messages against crime since the 60’s, and became particularly important as an outlet for those who suffered under the Communist regime. Following the assasination of Lennon in 1980, an unknown artist painted a mural of Lennon along with song lyrics promoting peace and love. The concept grew in popularity and the people of Prague used it as an outlet for expressing their grievances about society and the government. Authorities have painted over it regularly, and the original art is long buried, however the youth of Prague have never let this wall be forgotten and art, quotes and splashes of colour are still prominent to this day.
Bathe in Beer
Have you ever thought about bathing in beer? Well, it’s possible! The original beer spa in Prague offers you the chance to soak in the good stuff in their rustic, barrel-esque tubs. While the activity is a little kitsch, it’s a good laugh if you grab some friends and enjoy a pint while soaking in, well a pint. Apparently beer has numerous medicinal effects such as skin rejuvenation and easing muscle tension - who knew?
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