Prague is the capital of Czechia (or Czech Republic) and one of Europe’s most magical cities – a place where Gothic towers, pastel baroque facades, cobblestone lanes and riverside views come together perfectly. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer trip, this guide gathers all the essentials: neighbourhoods worth exploring, must-see spots, viewpoints, food to try and unique local experiences.
Where to stay in Prague
I stayed in Salvatore Prague Rooms : Excellent location, just steps from Old Town Square. I really loved staying in the Old Town, as everything was walkable and the atmosphere felt truly magical, especially early in the morning and at night.
The best options for accommodation in my opinion are:
- Old Town (Staré Město) – Best for first-timers. Walk to major sights like Old Town Square and Charles Bridge
- Malá Strana – Romantic, quiet and beautiful, close to Prague Castle and Nerudova Street
- New Town (Nové Město) – Great for shopping, nightlife and easy transport.
Useful tips
- Currency : The local currency is the Czech koruna (CZK / Kč) but in a few places they accept Euros too (more expensive though). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small shops or markets.
- Language: The official language is Czech. English, though, is commonly spoken in Prague, especially in tourist areas.
- Plug type: Type C & E (same as most of Europe). Voltage: 230V.
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Locals usually leave 10%, or simply round up the bill. In restaurants, tell the waiter the total you want to pay before they charge your card.
- Prague is very safe for travelers and solo travelers. Just watch for pickpockets in crowded spots (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, trams).
- Public Transport is super efficient! Use trams, metro and buses. Always validate your ticket once when entering the tram/metro.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Winters are cold, so pack warm layers. Summers are mild with occasional storms.
- Cards work almost everywhere.
Transportation
Prague is a very walkable city and its trams, metro & buses make exploring easy and convenient. You don’t need a car – public transport is efficient, affordable and perfect for reaching main sights and neighborhoods. For day trips, buses, trains or organized tours work best. Even scooters are a fun way to see the city!
Main Districts & Areas to Explore
- Old Town (Staré Město): The historic heart of Prague, full of medieval streets, colorful buildings, and landmarks like Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock. Great for walking, cafés, and soaking up the city’s atmosphere
–> Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – A historic area within Old Town featuring synagogues, the Jewish museum and the Old Jewish Cemetery which is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Ticket for adults is around 600 CZK (about €24–25) and include access to the cemetery and several historic synagogues. Rich in culture and history.
- New town: A lively area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife, including Wenceslas Square. A mix of modern life and historic sites!!
- Malá Strana (Lesser Town): One of the city’s most beautiful historic districts, filled with palaces, gardens, charming cafés, Kampa island and views of Prague Castle.
- Vyšehrad: A local favourite and one of the most peaceful corners of the city, just south of New Town. This historic fort offers stunning views over the Vltava River, beautiful gardens, old walls, and a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds. If you want a quieter alternative to Prague Castle – this is it.
- Vinohrady: Trendy, residential, filled with cafés, wine bars and leafy streets. A perfect place for brunch or an evening drink.
Top Things to See & Do
- Old town square: The heart of Prague with its Astronomical Clock, colorful buildings and lively atmosphere. Watch the clock strike the hour and enjoy street performers, cafés, and historic charm.
Astronomical clock tower : Installed in 1410, it’s the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world still in operation. You can go up the tower for amazing views over Prague. Don’t miss the clock’s hourly show while you’re there!
Ticket price: around 350 CZK (~14€) for adults without the extra tower elevator (no need to pay more, it is easy!).
- Church of Our Lady before Týn: an iconic Gothic church in Old Town Square, with its twin spires dominating the skyline. Step inside to see a beautiful interior with Gothic and Baroque elements and admire historic artworks and altars.
- Charles Bridge: The iconic 14th-century bridge connecting Old Town and Mala Strana. Lined with baroque statues, street performers and artists, it’s magical especially at sunrise or sunset. Don’t miss the views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle in the background. Angel’s tip: I went during sunrise, but it was cloudy, so check the weather in advance. On a cloudy morning, the views aren’t as magical, and you might not see much!
- Prague Castle – A huge castle complex with the Royal Palace and Golden Lane. I found it okay (not something wow for me!) , and 25 euros felt overpriced.
- St. Vitus Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral inside the castle, with beautiful stained glass and royal tombs. Truly impressive, but 18 euros felt a little too much.
- Klementinum – One of the largest historic complexes in Europe, right in the heart of Prague. Famous for its stunning Baroque Library and the Astronomical Tower, which you can climb for beautiful views over the Old Town and Charles Bridge. A must for book lovers and photography fans!! Angel’s tip: Book in advance, otherwise lines usually are huge!
- St. Nicholas Church (Malá Strana): One of the most impressive baroque churches in Europe, with an extravagant interior.
- Nerudova Street: A charming uphill street in Malá Strana that leads toward Prague Castle. It’s full of colorful buildings and is a favorite spot for photos. Angel’s tip: After visiting the castle, you can walk down the street to enjoy it from the other direction.
- Petřín Hill & Lookout Tower: A peaceful green escape with beautiful walking paths and one of the best viewpoints in the city.
- Strahov Library: A breathtaking historic library – a must for architecture and photography lovers. You need to pay 8euros to enter and you cannot go inside. Angel’s tip: The monks of the Strahov monastery brew their own beer on-site, so don’t miss the chance to taste authentic monastic beer while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
- Book Tower – Municipal Library of Prague: An installation of around 8,000 books that creates an “infinite” optical illusion. Angel’s tip: It is free to see but big lines.
- John Lennon Wall: Colourful, ever-changing graffiti wall symbolizing peace and freedom. Angel’s tip: Popular but still worth a stop, free to see and have a marker with you to write on the wall!!
- Powder Tower: One of Prague’s original city gates and a striking Gothic landmark near Municipal House. You can go up the tower for nice views over Old Town and see where the historic Royal Route begins. Great stop for history lovers and photos. Angel’s tip: Combine your visit with a stop at Kolacherie nearby for a delicious local treat!
- Tram 23: A classic tram route that passes many of the city’s highlights – a simple and scenic way to explore.
- Franz Kafka Rotating Head: A cool sculpture in the city center. It’s a giant rotating head of the writer Franz Kafka, made of moving mirrored panels.So interesting!
- Prague’s Narrowest Alley (Vinarna Certovka Passage) – A tiny alley near Charles Bridge so narrow that it has its own traffic light to control people walking through. Fun, quirky and perfect for a quick weird experience.
- Dancing house: A modern architectural icon by the river, also called “Fred and Ginger”. Great for photos and evening city lights.
Food & Drinks to Try
Local Czech Food
- Goulash
- Svíčková (beef in creamy sauce)
- Roast pork with dumplings and cabbage
- Knedlíky (Czech dumplings – an essential side)
- Smažený sýr (fried cheese – cheap & iconic)
Street Food & Sweets
- Koláče – Traditional Czech pastries with sweet or fruity fillings like poppy seed, jam, or cheese. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! Angel’s tip: Don’t miss the Kolacherie shop in Old Town – their koláče are freshly baked, delicious, and a true taste of Prague!
- Buchtičky s krémem – Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet vanilla cream. A classic Czech dessert perfect with coffee or tea!
- Trdelník – A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon, often filled with chocolate, ice cream, or nuts. Not originally Czech, but it’s become super famous in Prague and a must-try street treat!
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss Taiyaki Bar – a cozy spot in Prague where you can enjoy hot chocolate or coffee served in adorable fish-shaped pastries or cups. Perfect for a sweet treat and cute photos!
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss (A)VOID Café – Grab a coffee next to the river and snap a photo by its iconic, colorful door. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy Prague’s charming riverside vibes!
Restaurants to Try
- Pork’s – Found in 2 locations in Prague, this spot serves delicious, hearty meals.
Angel’s tip: By far the best lunch I had on my trip – tasty, generous portions and very affordable! - Lokál Dlouhááá – Part of the popular Lokál chain, this spot comes highly recommended by locals. Enjoy simple, authentic Czech dishes in a lively atmosphere. Angel’s tip: Great for traditional food that’s tasty, fresh & straightforward, reservations are recommended!
- U Kroka
- Eska – modern Czech cuisine
- Café Savoy – beautiful interiors, breakfast, pastries
- Manifesto Market (Anděl) – street food, chill vibes
- Original Prague Sausage – street food
- Mincovna – classic Czech cuisine
- Bredovsky Dvůr – traditional food & beer
- Vytopna Railway Restaurant – Drinks are delivered to your table by model trains, making it a super unique experience. Angel’s tip: I tried the beef fillet (40€)– tasty, but definitely on the pricey side. (burgers around 23-25 euros)
Bars
- Hemingway – Famous for its incredible cocktails and stylish, intimate atmosphere. A must-visit for cocktail lovers in Prague!
- Anonymous Shrink’s Office – A quirky and immersive café experience in Prague. Angel’s tip: Reservation is essential, but if you can’t book, try to go at 16:45 when they open and they accept walk-ins.
- Beyond the Bar – walks-ins only, no reservations!
- Black Angel’s
- Terasa U Prince – for the view (drinks average)
Beer Culture
Czechia is the No. 1 country in the world for beer consumption per person and once you try their beer, you’ll understand why. Expect top-quality brews, affordable prices and an endless variety of styles to taste.
If you want to dive deeper into Czech beer history, don’t miss the Beer Museum in Prague’s Old Town. It’s a fun, interactive experience where you learn how beer is made, explore historical brewing tools, and even see old tavern rooms.
Angel’s tip: The entrance ticket (15 euros) usually includes a self-guided tour and a tasting of 3 different Czech beers – totally worth it!
Museums
- Prague is a city full of museums for every taste and interest.
Explore the National Museum at Wenceslas Square for art, history, and natural exhibits, or the Kafka Museum to dive into the life and works of the famous writer. For something darker, visit the Medieval Torture Museum or the Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments to learn about Prague’s chilling past. Art lovers can hunt for modern street art, including works inspired by Banksy, in districts like Žižkov and Holešovice. Foodies won’t want to miss the Chocolate Museum, where you can learn about cocoa and taste sweet treats. And of course, the Beer Museum in Old Town, mentioned above, offers a deep dive into Czech beer culture. From classic art and history to quirky, interactive experiences, Prague’s museums offer something fascinating for everyone.
Shopping & Streets Worth Strolling
- Pařížská Street – Luxury shopping with Gucci, Dior, LV etc.
- Na Příkopě – One of the main commercial streets.
Christmas in Prague
From the last weekend of November or early December until Christmas, Prague transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive stalls, and the scent of mulled wine. The Old Town Square market is the most famous, but don’t miss the charming markets at Náměstí Míru and Wenceslas Square – each perfect for strolling, shopping, and soaking in the holiday spirit!
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss the Lamplighter Ceremony at Charles Bridge ! Every December, a traditional lamplighter lights the old-style lamps on Charles Bridge every day at 16:00 until just before Christmas. The bridge glows with a magical, festive atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for photos and soaking in Prague’s holiday charm.
Unique and fun experience
Scooting Around Prague with Scrooser – One of the most fun ways to start your trip is by electric scooter with a guide!
I booked mine through Airbnb, but they also have their own website to see all organized tours. It’s a fast, easy, and fun way to explore the city with a local, from the Vltava River and Charles Bridge to Old Town streets. A perfect first-day adventure to see the main sights and hidden corners in a unique way!
You can find more details here.
Prague – 4 Days Itinerary for you
I spent more days in Prague, but I’ve organized a 4-day itinerary for you, as that’s the most common length of stay I hear from travelers. This plan covers the main sights, experiences and hidden gems so you can make the most of your visit without feeling rushed!
Day 1 – Old Town & City Icons
- Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
- Man Hanging Out statue
- Wander the medieval lanes of old town
- Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – Synagogues, Old Jewish Cemetery, Jewish Museum
- Powder Tower – Climb for views and start of the historic Royal Route
- Municipal Library – Book Tower (for free!)
- Klementinum Library . Angel’s tip: You need to book quite in advance or go very early.
- Kafka’s Rotating Head
- Beer museum if you want
Day 2 – Charles Bridge, Malá Strana & Prague Castle
- Charles Bridge at sunrise/morning
- Malá Strana stroll
- St. Nicholas Church
- John Lennon Wall
- Cookies from Pernikovy panacek
- Narrowest alley
- Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
- Strahov Library
- Nerudova Street
- Petřín Hill Viewpoint or Monastery garden viewpoint
Day 3 – Parks, Alternative Prague & Beer Culture
- Dancing House – Modern architectural icon. Angel’s tip: You can combine with a coffee in Naplavka street next to the sea, loved the coffee shop (A)VOID.
- Vyšehrad Fortress – Historic fort with gardens and river views
- Explore Letná & Holešovice (art galleries, street art, Banksy-inspired works)
Day 4 – Day Trip or Unique experiences in Prague
Option 1 for example: Český Krumlov
Option 2 for example: Dresden (Germany)
Option 3: Stay in Prague – Perfect if you want a more relaxed pace, focusing on unique experiences, cocktail bars and great restaurants:
-
-
Scrooser electric scooter tour – Explore the city with a guide and see more in less time (ideally first day though!)
-
Museums – From art and history to fun spots like the Chocolate Museum, Beer Museum and others, as mentioned above.
- Local vibe & shopping – Try cocktail bars, enjoy the rhythm of the city, meet local staff and explore shops!
-
Christmas markets (if visiting in December) – Old Town Square, Náměstí Míru, and Wenceslas Square light up with festive stalls and mulled wine .
-
List of TOP DAY TRIP options from Prague
1. Český Krumlov(Czechia)
A fairytale town with a riverside castle, stunning viewpoints, and charming medieval streets. I booked an organized tour with transportation and a guide through GetYourGuide, but you can also take a bus on your own with Flixbus or RegioJet. Trains are less convenient, with many changes. Angel’s tip: If you can, stay one night to fully enjoy the town’s magic!
Travel time: ~2.5 – 3 hrs
Why go: Magical atmosphere and UNESCO beauty.
2. Kutná Hora (Czechia)
Famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) and the impressive St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
Travel time: ~1 hr
Why go: Unique, unforgettable architecture.
3. Karlovy Var (Czechia)
A colorful spa town known for hot springs and elegant colonnades.
Travel time: ~2 hrs
Why go: Relaxation, spa culture, pastel buildings.
4. Dresden (Germany)
A beautiful Baroque city just across the border, perfect for culture lovers.
Travel time: ~2 hrs
Why go: Museums, stunning architecture, river views.
5. Červená Lhota (Czechia)
A picturesque red castle on a lake, surrounded by nature.
Travel time: ~2–2.5 hrs by bus/car
Why go: Fairytale castle, photos, peaceful countryside.
Prague is a city where medieval beauty meets modern creativity. Whether you’re exploring historic districts, tasting local dishes, or simply wandering along the river, it’s a destination that feels warm, romantic, and timeless.
If you’re planning your first visit – or your 5th – Prague always has something new to discover!!
Check my Instagram highlight & posts for more
IG: explorewith.angel