PragueTravel Guide
Prague is a city full of world-famous attractions that have captured the imagination of writers and artists for centuries. The Czech Republic capital is a hub of Central European culture, and history, art and beauty radiate from every corner. Dubbed the City of a Hundred Spires, with its many cathedrals, towers and turrets, Prague’s architecture ranges from medieval and gothic to baroque and modern. The city also boasts a wonderful café culture and then there’s that famous beer… It’s also the perfect springboard for a tour of Eastern Europe. Read on for more inspiration!
Prague quick facts
Language
National language
Czech
Beverages
Bottle of Coke/Pepsi (330ml)
CAD $2.38
Local time
Friday
12:49pm
Currency
Czech koruna
CAD $1.00 = CZK Kč17.42
Eating out
Restaurant meal (casual dining)
CAD $14.34
Electricity
Plug type: C
2 pins • 230V
Explore Prague
Where to stay in Prague?
Although Prague is a small capital city, there are countless tourist attractions. The best part is that its attractions are within walking distance. The city is divided into numbered districts to help visitors find their way around.
Malá Strana (Little Quarter in District 1) is one of the the ideal areas to stay for all travellers who want to be in the centre of historical Prague and enjoy a laid-back, quiet atmosphere. It’s perfect for romantic vacations and quiet city breaks and is just a few minutes’ walk from the landmark Old Town Square. It’s on the Prague Castle side of the Vltava River, so you’ll be close to the famous ninth-century Gothic cathedral.
Hilton Old Town will have you positioned perfectly to explore. Possible accommodation options include the K+K Hotel Central Prague, which has a suitably romantic Bohemian feel.
You can also stay in Prague’s Old Town (Staré Mesto, District 2) if you want to be close to the city’s most famous sights, such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. If it’s your first visit, it’s a good choice. Here you can find the impressive Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn and many other remarkable monuments and buildings. This is the perfect place for a walking tour or to visit the Christmas and Easter markets. Make sure you also visit Josefov, off Old Town, which is the old Jewish Quarter.
The neighbouring Nové Město (New Town, District 3) is a 700-year-old neighbourhood around Wenceslas Square. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for churches, art, good food and drink. It’s centrally located, within walking distance of all the attractions, and well connected to the metro and tram. If you’re looking for a more luxe travel experience, you won’t be disappointed with the hotels in this area. Try EA Hotel for a convenient place to stay.
Believe us when we say, this is just the start. Book your accommodation today!
Things to do in Prague
Prague is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. There are so many things to see and do, you could spend days here and not see everything. To help you make the most of your time in Prague, we've put together a list of essential experiences. This is a great starting point for having an amazing vacation in this wonderful city.
Prague's Charles Bridge is a world-famous, stone-arch pedestrian bridge that stretches from Old Town to Malá Strana, over the Vltava River. It's the second-oldest bridge in the Czech Republic, with construction having kicked off in 1357. A beautiful sight at sunset.
A visit to Prague is not complete without seeing its world-famous astronomical clock. This incredible mechanism in the Old Town Hall has been fascinating onlookers for centuries with its various displays of time. Each hour, there is a short performance that includes a skeleton ringing a bell, twelve apostles walking by, and a rooster crowing.
Prague Castle and St. Nicholas Church are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague. However, there is much more to see and do in Malá Strana, also known as the Lesser Town. This is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of shops and cafes to enjoy along the way.
Prague's Old Town Square has been a bustling marketplace since medieval times. Today, it is one of Prague's most popular tourist attractions, known for its lively atmosphere and historic architecture.
Prague is an incredibly beautiful city, and there is no better way to view its stunning skyline than from one of its many gothic towers, such as the Old Town Bridge Tower, dating back to the late 1300s and hailed among the best examples of gothic architecture in Europe. We also recommend a visit to the Petřín Tower, which was modelled on the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is situated on top of Petřín Hill. At more than 63m high, views are so amazing from the viewing decks you’ll quickly forget the 299 steps you had to climb to get there!
Looking for an immersive experience? Then a tour is the way to go.
Flights to Prague
Prague food and drink
There are many ways to eat cheaply in Prague without sacrificing quality. A good option is to visit one of the many Czech pubs, where you can find hearty meat dishes, goulash and unpasteurised tank beer. This is a typical Czech culinary experience you shouldn’t miss, as well as the world-famous beers you can drink on tap almost everywhere. U Parlamentu and Lokál Dlouhá, both in Staré Mesto, are also good choices.
If you’re looking for the fairy tale feel Prague promises, you’ll find it at Café Imperial, with its stunning Art Nouveau interior. Café Imperial has been around for over 100 years and is home to one of the best restaurants in Prague. It was the favourite haunt of writer Franz Kafka and composer Leos Janacek and is still one of the most popular cafes in the city.
But this is Prague, and beer is on every menu. What could be better than enjoying a cold one in a beer garden on a sunny day? Letná Park is the perfect place for this summer tradition, where you can quench your thirst after a walk on the park’s hills overlooking the city.
Get a real taste for the local cuisine by booking a tour.
Prague through your eyes
Where to shop in Prague?
You can enjoy some of the top sites in Prague while shopping. Just a short walk from the Old Town, Wenceslas Square is a great place for souvenirs.
There are many outdoor markets where you can buy local produce, honey, meat and dairy products. Nothing is more charming than seeing traditional winter stalls with snow-covered roofs and steaming chestnuts roasting around them.
These markets are a great way to get a glimpse of local culture and history. The Havel Market in the Old Town features several dozen stalls where local merchants offer everything from fresh produce to ornate jewellery. Prague’s Tylak Market is also a great place to explore. Thanks to the Tylovo Náměstí metro station, it’s easy to get to and provides a good starting point for exploring the surrounding neighbourhood.
The SmetanaQ Showroom has become a go-to spot for many fashion-conscious shoppers looking for up-and-coming Czech designers.
The Palladium (housed in converted barracks) has more than 180 stores, all with historic flair. Upscale shoppers will love the modern interior, while history buffs will appreciate the ornate facade and charming atmosphere. And if you’re looking for something more familiar, Florentinum Shopping Center is just a short walk from the Florenc bus station.
Looking for a safe and simple way to bring your money when you travel? Our Travel Money Card has you covered!
When is the best time to travel to Prague?
Prague’s climate is called “moderately continental” meaning cold winters and warm summers. If you want to explore all that it has to offer while avoiding large crowds, the best times of year are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is usually mild during these seasons, making it ideal for sightseeing.
If you plan to visit in winter, you can expect magical Christmas markets and a dusting of snow but be aware that many attractions are closed from mid-November to March. It’s also pretty chilly, often below freezing (0°C /32°F) and sometimes plunging to -20°C (-4°F).
Summer, from June to August, can be nice and warm, about 22°C (71.5°F) in June and 24°C/25°C (75°F/77°F). You can expect some rain and occasional thunderstorms.
Don't miss out. Book your flight today!
How to get around Prague
Getting around in a rideshare like Uber or a taxi is an option, but the public transportation system in Prague is simple and efficient, making it easy to get around.
The most popular choice is the Prague Metro, which covers most of the city and is relatively fast. The public transport system includes a train service that not many visitors know about. It’s possible to travel within Prague and its environs with a regular ticket from the train station.
Exploring Prague on foot is undoubtedly one of best ways to see everything this city has to offer. Many of its most popular attractions are located in or around Old Town and can only be reached by foot – though you'll likely have to share narrow streets and sidewalks with throngs of other tourists and locals.
The tram system is one of the best ways to explore the city, especially if you want to visit the historical part. Travelling by tram between the main sights is a great way to make the most of your trip.
Also fun to do is a bike tour with an English-speaking guide. In this way you get to take in all the sights plus get some exercise and fresh air!
Let us help you organize your own wheels for exploring. Hire a car today.
What are the best parks in Prague?
Parks have always been an integral part of the cityscape and are one of the best things to do in Prague. There are more than 200 parks in Prague, each with its own character and vibe.
Petřín Hill is a popular place for picnics, walks and relaxation. Stromovka, the large park surrounding the hill, was created in the 13th century by Czech King Přemysl Otakar II. Today it’s filled with mature trees, ponds, children’s playgrounds and well-kept lawns.
The Governor’s Summer Palace lies nearby, giving the area a royal atmosphere. Petřín Hill is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year − from spring when fruit trees are in full blossom to autumn when the leaves turn bright shades of red and gold. The parks offer easy strolling, but always take care, particularly on some of the steeper hills.
Kampa Island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s located on an artificial island and is cut off from the central parts of Prague by a mill and the so-called Devil’s Stream. The island is famous for its 30 statues of saints that line the Charles Bridge – walking across it is one of the top activities in the city.
The Františkánská Gardens is an oasis in the heart of Prague featuring metal arches adorned with climbing roses and lush greenery. If you enjoy a glass of wine, visit Grébovka Park in the Vinohrady district. This picturesque park has been cultivated since the reign of Charles IV and is home to an artificial grotto featured in several Czech fairytales.
Getting from park to park is so much better with your own wheels. Hitch your ride now!
Ski and snow in Prague
Skiing on a mountain near Prague offers skiers the chance to experience some of the most beautiful natural scenery and a good shot of adrenaline. Ještěd is one of the best ski resorts in the Czech Republic and is easily accessible from the city − you can get there within an hour by public transport. The terrain offers plenty of variety for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Chotouň, located about 25 kilometres south of Prague, is very popular with families. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will love Chotouň, a ski resort located in Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. With 0.4 km of slopes available, there's plenty of terrain to explore. And with three lifts operating, you'll be able to make your way around with ease.
Mnichovice − Šibeniční vrch is located 30 kilometres southeast of Prague and is known for its large log cabin that operates as a hotel, as well as its bowling, tennis and squash facilities. It is familyfriendly ski resort located in Central Bohemia. With 0.6 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and three lifts operating, guests can enjoy a fun day on the slopes. Bouřňák − it takes a little more than an hour to get there and is much loved by snowboarders. Bouřňák ski resort is nestled in Ústí nad Labem Region of Czech Republic. It boasts 7 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as six lifts to transport guests. Set between 589 and 869 m above sea level, this winter wonderland is perfect for those seeking a thrill.
If you’re planning a ski trip, make sure your travel insurance will cover you on the slopes. And to save time when you arrive, book your lessons and equipment rental in advance with Flight Centre.
There’s a slope with your name on it, for sure. Let’s give you peace of mind with travel insurance.
