Last Updated on February 16, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Since the early 90s, Prague has become one of the most desired destinations for international travelers. The beer was cheap, the vibe was fantastic, and there were loads of things to do in Prague. As a result, the city’s tourist industry boomed, and Prague remains a popular destination.
However, the 1990s are long gone, and the town is no longer as affordable as it once was. No matter what, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the city of Franz Kafka, and that’s what this Prague travel guide intends to cover.
Specifically, in this travel guide to Prague, you’ll find info about how to reach the city and the best places to stay. Of course, you’ll read about the must-see Prague attractions like the Astronomical Clock, the Old Town Square, and Charles Bridge, but also about the lesser-known ones. Moreover, I’ll share some Prague travel tips on food, budgeting, and guided tours to help you get the most out of the capital of the Czech Republic. Lastly, you’ll find a brief section with facts about Prague that highlight its significance.
Let’s start.
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How to get to Prague
Prague enjoys a strategic location in the heart of Central Europe, and there are plenty of options for reaching it. In this section of the Prague guide, I’ll explain how you can get to the city.
To Prague by plane
The easiest way to get to Prague is, of course, by plane. The International Vaclav Havel Airport is one of the busiest in continental Europe. The airport is located 15 km (9 miles) from the city center, and the journey to the city center takes approximately half an hour by car and 40 minutes by public transportation.
Flight times to Prague will provide you with a more accurate idea of the city’s location. For example, it takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes to travel from London, Paris, or Rome to Prague. Additionally, several airlines offer direct flights to the city, and prices are competitive because of the availability of low-cost options.
To find the best flights to Prague, I recommend searching via Kiwi. Kiwi is a flight aggregator comparing dozens of flights between your hometown and Prague. You can search here for the best flights to the capital of the Czech Republic.
To Prague by train
Another fantastic option for visiting Prague is by train. I have traveled from Berlin to Prague several times by train, and it has always been a pleasant journey. Train travel offers a deeper insight into the country, and traveling from Germany to Prague will expose you to nature’s beauty, especially after leaving Dresden behind. It’s a ride across the Elbe River, and you’ll see beautiful villages and stunning nature.
That said, if you travel from a neighboring country to Prague, the train is a cheap and environmentally friendly way to travel. The German Railways website shows all available connections to Prague, and if you book in advance, you can find return tickets for less than €50. Simply visit bahn.com, add your dates, and view your itinerary.
Tip: If the Deutsche Bahn confuses you, I wrote a comprehensive guide on how to make the most out of your train journey. Check it out.
To Prague by bus
If you travel from the neighboring countries, you can also reach Prague by bus. Modern buses are far cozier than the old ones, and most of them come with free wi-fi and a socket next to your seat. You can find the best prices for bus travel here.
The best things to do in Prague
Due to its stunning architecture and century-old history, Prague is a paradise for sightseeing. Walking around Prague’s streets feels like walking through an open-air museum. Every corner in downtown Prague has its landmark, and if you manage to avoid the masses of people visiting the city, you’ll discover spots of unique beauty. The city has 1.3 million inhabitants, and when you add tourists, you can get an idea of how crowded downtown can be.
Since most of Prague’s must-see locations are crowded, I’ll share tips on how to skip the lines and avoid long waits. Usually, it’s better to pre-book your entrance tickets to the sites you’re interested in; otherwise, you might lose valuable vacation time.
Anyway, here are the best things to do in Prague for a first-time visitor.
Visit the Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square (Czech: Staroměstské náměstí) is probably the most historic place in the city. Located between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square is a paradise for architecture lovers. You will see an impressive patchwork of different architectural styles. For example, you’ll see the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its 80m-high towers, and nearby the St. Nicholas Church, a baroque church.
However, the famous square has seen darker times, and there are memorials to attest to this. The Habsburgs beheaded several people during the Old Town Square executions, and among them were Maxmilián Hošťálek and Jan Jesenius.
Last but not least, Old Town Square is home to the statue of Jan Hus, a religious reformer who was burned at the stake for his beliefs.
See the Astronomical Clock
No visit to the Old Town Square in Prague is complete without stopping at the world-famous Astronomical Clock (Czech: Pražský Orloj). This medieval clock is attached to the Old Town Hall, the city’s most iconic landmark. First installed in 1410, the Prague Astronomical Clock is the third-oldest in the world and the oldest still in operation.
For an object of such great age, its mechanism is impressive. It owes its operation to three components: a) the astronomical dial (dealing with the position of the Sun and Moon), b) the Catholic saints on the clock’s sides, and c) the so-called “Walk of the Apostles,” which shows moving Apostles figures and among them a skeleton representing Death. The “Walk of the Apostles” takes place every hour and is one of the most beloved spectacles for travelers.
You can also climb up the Old Town Hall tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the Old Town. The queue can be very long; however, you can pre-book your ticket for the Astronomical Clock here.
Cross Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is one of Prague’s most photographed (and Instagrammed) places. This arched stone bridge dates back to the Middle Ages and connects Prague’s Castle to the Old Town. Although it may seem like a typical European landmark, its significance extends far beyond its photogenic appearance. In fact, this bridge helped Prague establish a trade route between Western and Eastern Europe.
The bridge spans the Vltava River and is named after King Charles IV, who initiated its construction in 1357. However, it wasn’t until the early 15th century that the bridge was completed. Charles Bridge replaced the Judith Bridge, which had stood on the site and had been severely damaged by a flood. The original name of the new bridge was Stone Bridge, and the name Charles Bridge was adopted much later, around 1870.
See Prague through the eyes of Franz Kafka
The city of Prague was sealed by one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century: Franz Kafka. Prague’s most prominent son lived and worked his whole life in the city, and, in addition to sealing 20th-century literature, he left his mark on it.
There are two statues in Prague commemorating Franz Kafka, and both are equally bizarre. At Old Town Square, you can see where Kafka was born, but there are several other locations the writer frequented.
If you are a fan of Franz Kafka or are willing to discover him, I have written a separate blog post about every location in Prague connected to Kafka. You can read more about Franz Kafka and the city here.
Alternatively, you can also book a guided Franz Kafka tour here, which will bring you to several locations, including the Jewish Quarter.
Visit the Prague Castle
Just off the city center, you can visit the Prague Castle. You’ll most likely need a tram to visit the Castle, and keep in mind that you’ll have to walk a steep road before reaching it. The Castle is a historic location, founded in 880. It was used as the seat of the Bohemian Kings, and its role remains strong to this day: it is the seat of the President of the Czech Republic. Prague Castle has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest ancient castle.
Within Prague Castle, you’ll also see the famous (and obscure) Golden Lane. This narrow street was supposedly once frequented by alchemists; rumors have it that they attempted to turn inexpensive materials into gold. However, there’s no proof that alchemists really lived at Golden Lane despite the name. And, since Kafka is everywhere, there’s also a house where he spent two years writing.
A visit is a must, even though it’s relatively expensive, if you want to enter and shoot photos: it will cost you approximately 15 euros. Pre-booking your ticket and skipping the line is better; you can pre-book your Castle ticket here.
On the other hand, several licensed guides offer tours for those who would like to learn more about the Castle and have a guided experience. Book here the best guided tour to the Castle.
See and be seen at Wenceslas Square
Wenceslas Square is the economic and cultural center of Prague’s New Town. Named after the patron saint of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas, the square is the liveliest place in the city. Oddly enough, even though it’s known as a square, the truth is that it resembles an avenue: it has a length of 750 meters, and on its upper side, you’ll find the National Museum.
The square is full of impressive buildings, and the nearby metro station is the busiest in the city. That’s the perfect place to stroll around and see local life unfolding in front of your eyes. Pickpocketing is common here, so keep an eye on your belongings while walking around.
Freud is above your head
One of the most amusing sights in Prague is the statue of Sigmund Freud hanging from a metal beam. That’s one of Prague’s oddities, and you can find it at Stare Mesto in the Old Town. Many people think that somebody is about to commit suicide, and there are loads of calls per year to the local police station.
Freud’s sculpture in Prague has become a cult urban landmark that still fascinates people.
Other cool things to do in Prague
There are many other things to enjoy in Prague. Therefore, this subsection is dedicated to activities in Prague that you can enjoy either solo or with friends. Check out some of them for a more local Prague experience: apart from sightseeing, immersing yourself in the local culture is one of the greatest things to do while traveling.
Cruise the River Vltava at night
One of the best things to do in Prague at night is to take a cruise on the River Vltava. Apart from discovering Prague’s beauty at night, you’ll also enjoy some panoramic views. Illuminated Prague is stunning, and its landmarks are visible from a great distance.
There are plenty of options to choose from, from a short cruise to dinner on the boat. The most affordable option (14 euros) is the 50-minute Vltava cruise, which takes you past the city’s highlights. Alternatively, you can book a 3-hour dinner cruise and enjoy either international or Czech cuisine (49 euros).
Enjoy a Medieval Dinner with unlimited drinks
Czech cuisine is famous for its delicious food and fantastic beer. Together with the food, you can enjoy a medieval show with belly dancers and swordsmen. You can have the best of both worlds, and a 3-course dinner will cost you 42 euros. And you can drink as much as you want. You can book the delicious Medieval Dinner here.
Visit the Terezín Concentration Camp
The European soil has seen very dark days, and Prague is no exception. The Tarazin Concentration Camp has a sad but interesting story, and it was much different than any World War II camp. The easiest way to visit it is by joining a guided tour, where you’ll learn everything about Czech-Jewish history and the Holocaust.
There are loads of tours on offer. Here’s the most affordable one, but if you want, you can also book a private tour.
See the Black Light Theater
People come from all over the world to watch this spectacular show. The Black Light Theater is one of the most famous things to do in Prague, and if you’re in town, it’ll be a pity to miss it. That’s an interactive 4D show performed in silence and resembling a dream.
This visual performance is a memorable experience and a great activity for families in Prague.
See more and book your seat for the Black Light Theater.
Where to stay in Prague
As I mentioned earlier, Prague’s tourism industry has experienced significant growth over the last couple of decades. Therefore, it doesn’t surprise that there are numerous accommodations around the city to suit every budget. Obviously, everyone wants to stay in Prague’s Old Town for its beauty.
However, the city center feels crowded year-round, and prices are no longer low. That said, it’s actually a good idea to consider other options, just off the center.
In this section, you’ll find the best hotels in Prague, and I’ll also share where I stayed during my last visit to the city.
The best hotels in Prague
The list of the best Prague hotels (located in the Praha 1 area) is not exhaustive and is based on my personal experience. It’s a short list of handpicked hotels to offer you a shortcut when searching for an accommodation in town. Feel free to use the interactive map at the bottom of this subsection to find more accommodation options.
Hotel Pod Věží. That’s a small hotel situated in two historic buildings adjacent to the iconic Charles Bridge. It’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets due to its location and price. Located in Prague’s Lesser Town, Hotel Pod Věží is conveniently situated near key attractions, including Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, and the Old Town Square. The rooms are clean, have coffee and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi is available. Book your room at Hotel Pod Věží.
BoHo Prague Hotel. It doesn’t get better than small and luxurious hotels in downtown Prague. The BoHo is just 600 meters from Old Town Square and has an on-site restaurant with an excellent atmosphere. The rooms are cozy and tastefully decorated, and some of them have a seating area. See the BoHo Hotel.
MOOo by the Castle. That’s one bizarre name, but don’t let it fool you. MOOo by the Castle offers several apartments in a historical 16th-century building just 400 meters from the Castle. You can expect all modern facilities, and every flat comes with a kitchen, a living room, a sofa, and a flat-screen TV. It’s slightly off the city center, but it’s a short walk away. And it’s definitely quieter. See the MOOo by the Castle.
*If you like MOOo’s style but prefer to stay in the Old Town, MOOo has a city center hotel. See MOOo downtown here.
Pytloun Boutique Hotel Prague. Boutique hotels are on the rise in Prague, and some are stunning. Pytloun is a boutique hotel located directly on Wenceslas Square, offering modern rooms with views. The rooms have everything you need, including a Nespresso coffee machine, and some of them feature a balcony. Pytloun serves a daily breakfast on the second floor, where you can choose from a variety of hot and cold dishes on the buffet. See Pytloun Boutique Hotel.
Golden Star. The city is an architectural paradise, and some hotels are located in such buildings. One of the finest examples is the Golden Star, situated in a magnificent Baroque building near Prague Castle. The Golden Star enjoys panoramic views of the Old Town and features a 270-year-old staircase. The rooms are spacious and carefully decorated, and the hotel also features a restaurant serving traditional Czech cuisine. Book your room at the Golden Star.
Hotel Waldstein. Another historic Prague hotel is located in a 14th-century building, just a few steps away from Charles Bridge. Hotel Waldstein features beautiful rooms with modern furniture, and coffee and tea-making facilities are available. Plus, there’s a daily breakfast buffet in a vaulted Renaissance cellar. See the Hotel Waldstein.
Where I stayed in Prague
I chose the wonderful Seven Wishes Boutique Residence for my stay. The name might sound flamboyant, and you might think it’s pricey. Well, it’s not. This is an aparthotel located in the Karlín neighborhood. It’s just three stops by tram to the Old Town, and it’s definitely quieter there.
Karlín is a vibrant up-and-coming neighborhood in Prague, featuring numerous bars and cozy restaurants. The Seven Wishes Boutique Residence is a relatively new aparthotel (est. 2018) that offers well-equipped, spacious flats at a reasonable price.
The so-called Superior Room with Balcony costs off-season 60 euros per night; however, you should expect a higher (or even double) price during the high season. There is no breakfast in the Seven Wishes, but there is a supermarket nearby, and every room has a kitchen. I highly recommend the Seven Wishes: my flat was 50 sq m, clean, and the wi-fi was fast and reliable. Actually, whenever I return to Prague, I will stay there.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Prague.
Where to eat & drink in Prague
Despite its relatively compact size, Prague is a buzzing capital. While there are loads of places to eat and drink, and it’s hard to make an exhaustive list, there’s one thing to consider. As a rule of thumb, avoid eating and drinking around the Astronomical Clock: for the standards of Prague, the prices are astronomical, too. Honestly, you should eat or drink there only if you can no longer walk.
During my stay in Prague, I visited a few restaurants. Most of them were close to my hotel, and since Prague is larger than you might think, you’ll probably eat near your accommodation as well. Below, you’ll find the places I enjoyed most during my stay in Prague. If you also decide to stay in Karlin, make sure to bookmark these places. Every link next to them shows the exact location on Google Maps.
- Gate. Very close to the Seven Wishes Aparthotel, Gate is a bar and restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. Although the food is decent, it won’t be your most memorable dining experience. However, Gate has a great vibe, and the personnel have a fantastic attitude. Any main dish and a drink won’t cost you more than 15 euros. See the Gate on Google Maps.
- Adele. That’s a cafe-restaurant right at the Republic Square. From Adele, you can observe the life of the big square while sipping a cup of coffee, and that’s an ideal break after a long day out. See Adele on the map.
- Cafe Frida. My kind of place. Cafe Frida has an easygoing atmosphere and is located in a nice area of Karlin. I ate here twice because the food was delicious and the place was full of locals (a rarity in the city center). The menu features a mix of Mexican cuisine, American burgers, and a selection of cocktails. You should expect to pay less than 20 euros for a main dish and a glass of wine. See Cafe Frida.
- Hergetova Cihelna. That’s the cafe outside the Franz Kafka Museum. It’s a tranquil spot, just off the Charles Bridge. High-quality coffee and a selection of delicious cakes. If you happen to be in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the museum. See Hergetova Cihelna on the map.
- Antonínovo pekařství. That bakery with the challenging name offers a wide selection of bagels, sandwiches, and more, plus excellent coffee. If you’re staying in Karlín and your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, this is definitely a place to enjoy a nice (and affordable) one. That’s one of the most local places I discovered in Prague. See Antonínovo pekařství on the map.
- Parlor. Finally, the Parlor is the place where I had the best espresso in town. You can also have breakfast at Parlor, and I enjoyed it every time I sat there. See Parlor on Google Maps.
How to budget for Prague
In the 1990s, Prague was one of Europe’s most affordable and charming destinations. Things have, of course, changed since then. While many people still consider Prague a relatively inexpensive destination, it’s no longer as affordable as it once was. On the contrary, I found Prague rather expensive.
As mentioned in the previous sections, accommodation in Prague is moderately priced. While you’ll find plenty of pricey places nowadays, that’s still not the case all around the city. The only time everything becomes more expensive (though that’s not just a Prague thing) is in the summer. The accommodation prices tend to double, and you can expect costs on the steep side. If you visit Prague off-season, you can find nice hotel rooms for 70-90 euros per night; however, be prepared to pay 110-130 euros in summer.
Compared to my previous visits to Prague, the food was what impressed me the most in terms of cost. While spending 20 euros on dinner is still not that expensive, you’d have paid less than 10 euros a decade ago for the same meal. That said, food is not cheaper than in Berlin, for example.
The museum prices are also steep, and I found the Castle of Prague overpriced. The ticket currently costs 250 crowns (approximately 15 euros), and if you’d like to take photos, you must pay an additional 3 euros.
At least the public transport is still affordable in Prague, and it’s wise to buy a pass. I got one for 72 hours, which cost me approximately 12 euros. I used it a lot, and it’s really useful because Prague is much bigger than you might think.
All that said, if you visit Prague as a couple, you should expect to spend approximately 120 euros per person per day. This includes accommodation (€50-60 per person per night during the high season), a proper meal (€20-25), a light lunch (€10), and a museum entry fee per day.
FAQ about Prague
Finally, in the last section of this long Prague travel guide, I’ll reply to some of the most common questions about the city. Feel free to ask any additional questions in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to address them here.
When is the best time to visit Prague?
The best time to visit Prague is during the shoulder months, specifically June and September. The weather will be pleasant, and the city won’t be as crowded, with prices slightly lower.
On the other hand, visiting Prague in the off-season (such as March or November) can provide a more relaxing experience. The prices are usually low, and the city tends to have fewer tourists. However, the weather can be unstable, and you should expect some rain.
Is Prague safe?
Prague is as safe as any European capital. While you should be cautious in crowded places like Charles Bridge or Wenceslas Square, it will be hard to get into trouble. Use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings.
What to do on a Prague city break?
On a Prague city break (or a long weekend), you should:
- Walk the Charles Bridge.
- See the Astronomical Clock.
- Have a traditional dinner.
- See the Kafka Museum.
- Visit the Castle.
- Take a river cruise with dinner.
What is Prague’s Dancing House?
The Dancing House is one of the most famous contemporary buildings in Prague. It even has a name: Fred and Ginger. It derives from the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who resembled a dancing couple. Built in 1992, the building sparked considerable controversy. Nowadays, travelers can even rent a room at the Dancing House.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is slowly approaching European pricing standards. While it’s still cheaper than other major cities, it’s no longer the ultra-cheap destination it was in the 1990s.
More about Prague: The best private tours in Prague, Prague stories & musings, Following Franz Kafka in Prague
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