We have prepared a useful guide for you to find exciting places to visit in Prague. It also includes tips on parking, using public transport, restaurants, and clubs. We hope you enjoy your stay in Prague to the fullest!
Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic, a country located at the heart ofCentral Europe, bordered by Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia. Nowadays it covers an areaof 496 square kilometres and has about 1 240 000 inhabitants.
There is a collocation, “Prague – Heart of Europe”, which refers to the position of the metropolis: itis located both in the middle of Bohemia and in the middle of Europe.
A legend about the foundation of Prague says that the establishment of the city was predicted bythe mythical Princess Libuše, who uttered the famous prophecy: “I see a great city, whose fametouches the stars. In the forest, one day’s walk from here, there is a place where you will find aman. When you arrive there, you will find him making a wooden threshold. Therefore the city youwill build you will call Praha [from “práh” = “threshold”].”
Linking the Lesser Quarter and Old Town, Prague's oldest surviving bridge is the Charles Bridge – perhaps the most famous monument in the Czech capital – lined beautifully with Baroque statues. The bridge was built during the era of Emperor Charles IV, and legend has it that eggs were used during the construction for extra strength. In the early20th century, it was open to traffic, including trams, but today, it's filled with local artists offering their creations to visitors.
The river, flowing into Prague from southern Bohemia, offers some of the best views of the historic center of Prague. Take a stroll along its embankments lined with trendy bars, cafés, and markets, or explore several of the islands located in the middle of the river. A river cruise will show you some of the city's best-known landmarks, or you can rent a rowboat or a motorboat to explore the river on your own.
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world and towers over the Vltava River, overlooking the heart of the city. Once the seat of the kings of Bohemia, it now serves as the office of the Czech president. It has witnessed some of the most momentous events in Czech history, such as the defenestration that triggered the devastating Thirty Years' War, the triumph of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler over the country on the eve of World War II, and the 1989 inauguration of Václav Havel as Czech president.
Located within the Prague Castle complex, the St Vitus Cathedral is the country's most important religious shrine. While its construction began in the gothic period, it was only finalized in the 20th century. This cathedral is also where the kings of Bohemia were coronated, with several of them buried in tombs under the building's floor. The view from the cathedral's main tower offers sweeping vistas of the city.
Situated on a ridge near the Prague Castle complex, this Premonstratensian abbey was founded in the 12th century as one of the earliest such institutions in the country. Its library, with the magnificent Theological and PhilosophicalHalls, is a splendid example of Baroque interior decoration. The monastery also features a popular restaurant with a brewery.
Located in the heart of Prague's Old Town, this square has been an important backdrop to some of the most dramatic moments in the country's history, such as the 17th-century execution of Protestantlords, and the communist coup of 1948. The Old Town Hall features one of Prague's most famous monuments, the Medieval Astronomical Clock. At each full hour, the procession of apostles at the top of the clock draws hundreds of onlookers.
The largest square in the city bears the name of St Wenceslas, the Czech patron saint whose statue dominates the upper section of the square. Formerly known as the Horse Market, the square was the scene of many public gatherings and protests at some of the most important moments in Czech history, from the foundation of Czechoslovakia in 1918 to the fall of communism some 80 years later.
On the border between the Žižkov and Vinohradyresidential neighborhoods, just outside the historic center, stands one of the Prague'smodern landmarks, the Žižkov Television Tower. Completed in the early 1990s, its observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city and also features a restaurant and an exclusive hotel room. On the ground, you can visit the Jewish cemetery – part of it was demolished to make way for the tower.
For centuries, the Jewish community has been an important part of Prague's life. Explore the oldest functioning synagogue in Europe (the Old-NewSynagogue), the attic of which allegedly hid the legendary Golem, then walk around the Old Jewish Cemetery and visit the grave of one of Prague's most famous writers, Franz Kafka. Take a tour and follow your knowledgeable, local guide, who will teach you all about the long-standing history of Jews in Prague.
Sitting at the top of Wenceslas Square, the National Museum offers a unique insight into the country's history. The institution, founded in the late 19thcentury, currently occupies two buildings in the square – a majestic historic building as well as a nearby modern structure, which was once the seat of Czechoslovakia's parliament and, between the fall of communism in 1989 and 2009, the home of the US broadcaster Radio Free Europe.
We advise not to exchange money at the airport as the exchange offices there charge areally high commission.
The best place where to exchange money in Prague is called “eXchange s.r.o.”, it’s a big blue corner shop. They have got the best rates in Prague so local people actually exchange their money there. The exact address is Štefánikova 203/23 Praha 5 - Smíchov.
Electricity in Prague is 230V, 50Hz AC. Outlets have the standard European socket with two small round holes and a protruding earth (ground) pin. If you have a different plug, bring an adapter. North American 110V appliances will also need a transformer if they don thave built-in voltage adjustment.
There are several bigger food shop chains around Prague such as for example:
Smaller shops with the essentials are all around Prague. One of those chains is called Žabka.
If you want to shop for some clothes or other accessories, there are shopping malls called Palladium, Quadrio or Kotva.
For the most luxurious brands such as Luis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Prada etc. make sure to visit the street called Pařížská. You can get there directly from the Old Town Square.
You can store your luggage at the Main Train Station or the Main Bus Station - Florenc.
Other option is to book a storage facility via the link radicalstorage.com.
Prague is unfortunately as congested as most of the other European cities, and finding a parking spot can be a challenge. Most of the parking spots are reserved for local residents only (those with the blue line on the road) and you could get a ticket for parking there. We recommend using public transportation as much as possible. But if you have to drive and park, here are some tips:
Prague has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. The metro, trams, and buses are used by two-thirds of Prague's population and cover the majority of the city and outskirts. The metro especially makes getting around town a breeze since it enables you to cover long distances in a matter of minutes. If you can't continue to your destination on foot, you'll be able to catch a tram or bus from near the subway station. It’s easy, reliable, and affordable.
Despite being an extremely walkable city, there are still places in Prague that are better reached by public transportation. In this case, you will need to purchase a transport ticket.
For one off-trips, we recommend buying a single, short-term ticket. You can choose from either a 30-minute ticket or a 90-minute ticket, depending on the length of your journey. Once your ticket is validated, you have unlimited transfers between any mode of public transport, which includes the metro system and all city trams and buses. Tickets are also valid for night trams and buses, as well as the Petřín funicular.
Tickets are sold at yellow vending machines in all metro stations. Older ticket machines only accept Czech coins (koruna) while tickets from newer machines are payable by cards. Tickets are also available at most tobacco shops (tabák) and some tourist information centers around the city.
In addition to short-term tickets, 24 and 72-hour passes are available for purchase. Depending on the length of your stay, this may be your most worthwhile option. Passes are valid for 24 and 72 hours from the time of validation and are accepted on all city trams, buses and the metro. Passes are sold at ticket offices located at some of the major metro stations and at tourist information centers.
Ticket offices are located at the following metro stations: Dejvická, Hradčanská, Můstek, Florenc, Hlavní nádraží, Nádraží Holešovice, Náměstí Míru. Most offices are open from 6:30 am- 6:30 pm.
Although Prague's public transportation system appears to run on the &lquo;honor system&rquo;, meaning you are assumed to have a ticket or pass, don't take your chances. Ticket inspectors regularly check passengers in the metro as well as the trams and buses. If caught without a valid ticket, you're looking at a hefty fine of up to 1500 Kč ($69.00 USD)or 800 Kč ($37.00 USD) if paid immediately.
All tickets must be validated with a stamp by inserting them in the yellow validation machines. In the metro, you will find them just before the escalators, and in busses and trams they are located on the holding poles near the doors.
Again, once validated, tickets and passes do not need to be re-validated when transferring services or at any time within the validity period.
It’s highly recommended not to catch a taxi directly on the street in the city center as you might be charged much more than necessary. It’s always better to order the taxi in advance via your phone. There are several apps that might help you with that:
The best way to get from the Prague airport to the apartment is by taxi service Apartment Transport
Great for breakfast, especially if you like good coffee, pastry, eggs, and Prague's ham! Would recommend pre-booking as the place gets very busy, especially during the weekend.
Great atmosphere, and delicious Eggs Benedict, the place is quite spacious so you usually manage to find a place without reservation.
Great for breakfast, especially if you like good coffee, pastry, eggs, and Prague's ham! Would recommend pre-booking as the place gets very busy, especially during the weekend.
Located opposite to the National Theatre, it's a place with a great history, has been a favourite place of many important cultural figures, try to get the river side view (the best seats).
Probably the most refined food experience you can get in Prague nowadays.
Located on the Old Town Square, traditional Czech meals prepared in a bit more modern style.
A street full of different bars and clubs
A place to have a drink and a little dance on a Friday night
Specialised on electronic music
Modern club with a rooftop venue in the very city centre
A good place if you are looking for a classic discotheque on a Friday night
Varied venue with an Asian-themed lounge bar, stylish global dining room & a club for dance music
For the trips outside of Prague I can highly recommend the website www.mydaytrip.com where you can order a private car with a driver and even add some other stops along the way so you could see more of our beautiful country :)
One of the cities which have been completely destroyed in 1942 by Adolf Hitler in reprisal for the assassination of Reich Protector Reinhard Heydrich, nowadays there is a museum and a memorial dedicated to the victims.