- CountryCzech Republic
- RegionEurope
- Best time to goApr–Jun & Sep–Oct
Prague is the Czech Republic's fairytale capital, a remarkably preserved city of Gothic spires, a hilltop castle, baroque churches, and lively squares, all wrapped around the Vltava river.
When is the best time to visit Prague?
The best time to visit Prague is April to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner than in the summer peak or the Christmas-market rush.
Top things to do in Prague
Tap any experience for photos, a little history, and practical tips.
Cross the Charles Bridge
Prague's iconic medieval stone bridge over the Vltava, lined with baroque statues and framed by the towers of the Old Town and the castle beyond.
- History
- Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV, the bridge was begun in 1357 and for centuries was the only crossing of the Vltava. Its 30 statues, mostly baroque copies now, were added from the late 1600s.
- Insider tip
- Walk it at dawn to have the statues and views almost to yourself, since by midday it is packed with crowds and vendors. Rub the brass plaque of St John of Nepomuk for luck, and climb a bridge tower for the view.
- Good to know
- Free and always open. It links the Old Town with Malá Strana and the climb to the castle.
Tour Prague Castle
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, a hilltop city of palaces, courtyards, and the soaring St Vitus Cathedral overlooking the river.
- History
- Founded around 880, Prague Castle has been the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and now Czech presidents for over a thousand years. Guinness World Records lists it as the largest coherent castle complex on earth.
- Insider tip
- Arrive early or late afternoon to dodge tour groups, watch the hourly changing of the guard, and don't miss the tiny, colorful houses of Golden Lane. The gardens and viewpoints are free to enjoy.
- Good to know
- The grounds are free; a circuit ticket for the main buildings is about 450 CZK. Tram to Pražský hrad, or climb up from Malá Strana.
Watch the Astronomical Clock on Old Town Square
Prague's beautiful central square, ringed by pastel baroque facades and the Gothic Týn Church, and home to the medieval Astronomical Clock that puts on an hourly show.
- History
- The Orloj, mounted on the Old Town Hall, dates to 1410 and is the world's oldest astronomical clock still in operation. On the hour, its 'Walk of the Apostles' figures parade as a skeleton tolls the bell.
- Insider tip
- Catch the clock's hourly show, which is brief, then climb the Old Town Hall tower for the best view over the square's spires. Evenings here are magical once the day-trippers thin out.
- Good to know
- The square and clock show are free; the tower is about 250 CZK. In the heart of the Old Town and easily walkable.
Marvel at St Vitus Cathedral
The vast Gothic cathedral at the heart of Prague Castle, with soaring vaults, a glowing Art Nouveau window by Alphonse Mucha, and the Bohemian crown jewels.
- History
- Begun in 1344 under Charles IV, St Vitus took nearly 600 years to finish and was completed only in 1929. It holds the tombs of Czech kings and saints, including the revered St Wenceslas.
- Insider tip
- It is inside the castle complex, so include it with your castle ticket. Look for the shimmering Mucha stained-glass window on the left, and consider climbing the Great South Tower for a close-up of the spires.
- Good to know
- Covered by the Prague Castle circuit ticket, with the front part free to glimpse. Expect queues at peak times.
Explore Malá Strana and the Lennon Wall
The baroque 'Lesser Town' below the castle, a postcard of red rooftops and palace gardens, home to the ever-changing, graffiti-covered John Lennon Wall.
- History
- Malá Strana grew up in the 13th century and is full of baroque palaces and churches. The Lennon Wall became a symbol of free expression and protest under communism in the 1980s and is still repainted constantly today.
- Insider tip
- Wander the quiet lanes, climb to the Vrtba or castle gardens, and leave your own message at the Lennon Wall. The area is loveliest in the early morning or evening light.
- Good to know
- Free to explore; the Lennon Wall is on Velkopřevorské náměstí near the Charles Bridge. Tram to Malostranské náměstí.
Stroll Wenceslas Square
The broad boulevard at the heart of the New Town, lined with shops, hotels, and the National Museum, and a stage for many turning points in Czech history.
- History
- Laid out as a medieval horse market, the square is named for St Wenceslas, whose statue presides at the top. It was the focal point of the 1968 Prague Spring and the 1989 Velvet Revolution that ended communism.
- Insider tip
- Walk up to the equestrian statue and the grand National Museum, then dip into the surrounding arcades and passages. It is more commercial than the Old Town but rich in modern history.
- Good to know
- Free and central, in the New Town. Metro to Můstek or Muzeum.
Climb Petřín Hill and its tower
A green hill above the city crowned by a mini Eiffel-style lookout tower, with rose gardens, orchards, and the best panorama over Prague's spires.
- History
- The Petřín Lookout Tower was built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its hill has long been a leafy escape, complete with a mirror maze and a funicular railway.
- Insider tip
- Ride the funicular up, which is covered by a transit ticket, or hike through the orchards, then climb the tower for a 360-degree view. The rose gardens are gorgeous in early summer.
- Good to know
- The hill is free; the tower is about 220 CZK. Funicular from Újezd in Malá Strana.
Visit the Jewish Quarter, Josefov
Prague's historic Jewish quarter, home to Europe's oldest active synagogue and a hauntingly crowded medieval cemetery, telling a thousand years of Jewish history.
- History
- Jews lived in this walled quarter from the Middle Ages. The Old-New Synagogue dates to around 1270, and the Old Jewish Cemetery holds some 12,000 visible gravestones layered over centuries. Most of the quarter was rebuilt around 1900.
- Insider tip
- A combined ticket covers the synagogues and cemetery, which together form the Jewish Museum. It is a moving, important visit, so go respectfully and allow a couple of hours.
- Good to know
- The Jewish Museum ticket is about 600 CZK, with the Old-New Synagogue separate. Closed Saturdays for Shabbat. Near the Old Town Square.
Know before you go
Czech is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning 'děkuji' (thank you) is appreciated.
The Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Prague is one of Europe's better-value capitals, especially for food and famously cheap beer.
Cards are widely accepted, but keep some koruna for small cafes and tips. Avoid the rip-off street currency exchanges, and tip around 10% in restaurants.
The historic center is compact and walkable, and an excellent metro, tram, and bus network covers the rest on cheap time-based tickets, which you must validate when you board.
Type C and E plugs, 230V / 50Hz, the standard European two-pin. UK and US visitors need an adapter.
Prague is very safe, with serious crime rare. The main annoyances are pickpockets on busy trams (the 22) and around the main sights, plus taxi and exchange scams, so use apps and official rates.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Prague?
Two to three days is ideal for a first visit, enough for the castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town, and the Jewish Quarter at a relaxed pace, with time to enjoy the squares and cheap beer. Add a day for a trip to Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov.
Is Prague worth visiting?
Absolutely. Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful and best-preserved cities, a fairytale of Gothic spires, a grand castle, and baroque squares, and it is excellent value. It's a deserved bucket-list destination.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is one of Europe's better-value capitals. Expect mid-range hotels from around €80–140 a night, a hearty meal for €8–15, and famously cheap beer. Major sights add up, but day-to-day costs are low for Europe.
What is the best area to stay in Prague?
The Old Town (Staré Město) puts you in the heart of the action, Malá Strana is romantic and quieter below the castle, and the New Town (Nové Město) around Wenceslas Square offers value and good transport links.
Is Prague safe for tourists?
Prague is very safe, with violent crime rare. The main issues are pickpockets on busy trams and around the main sights, plus taxi and money-exchange scams. Use ride apps and avoid street exchange booths and you'll be fine.
What currency does Prague use?
Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro, despite the Czech Republic being in the EU. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some koruna for small purchases and avoid the poor rates at street exchange kiosks.