Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is, Czech Republic's capital and Bohemia's largest city. Due to its strategic location in the heart of Europe and its status as a political, cultural, and economic centre ever since its founding, it has risen to become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region.

Discovering the Best-Kept Secrets of Prague

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and Bohemia’s largest city. Due to its strategic location in the heart of Europe and its status as a political, cultural, and economic center ever since its founding, it has risen to become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. In the past, Prague has been known by several different names, including the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Spires, and the Heart of Europe.

Prague comprises five separate historic districts built along the banks of the Vltava River. In 1992 the historic city center was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Music, literature, and architecture from this region have attained international renown. Let’s go on an adventure around the streets of Prague.

History of Prague

The slavs came to the Czech Republic in the 6th century. Around 870, they built a castle in Prague. By the late 10th century, Prague was a thriving city. German artisans and merchants settled in this city during the early 13th century. In 1334, the Bishop of Prague was appointed Archbishop. Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV visited the city and enlarged it. During World War II, buildings in Prague were damaged, and many Jewish residents died. Then on May 5, 1945, the people revolted. The Germans withdrew on May 8. However, in 1948 the Communists seized power in Czechoslovakia, and a long period of repression began.

Historic photo of Prague, Czech Republic

It is good to know

Prague weather: 21°C, Wind E at 11 km/h,

63% Humidity weather.com/

Prague Population: 1.309 Million (2019) Eurostat

Area: 496 km²

Prague time?

The Czech Republic’s capital is in the middle of Europe. Because of this, it is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which most European Union countries use.

Prague currency?

The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech Koruna (CZK)

Czech Koruna 1USD = 24.97CZK

Getting into Prague

The Czech Republic can be reached by land or air travel but not by ocean liners. Both international buses and convenient trains service many routes across Europe often. Airport facilities will be adequate for the over 15 million yearly passengers.

By Flight

Vaclav Havel, the Prague International Airport is located in the northwest of the city. AE-Airport Express buses run between the airport and the city center.

Airport of Prague, Czech Republic
Havel Airport
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM THE UK
  • British Airways: London Heathrow
  • EasyJet: Bristol, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester Jet2:   Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Manchester
  • Ryanair: Edinburgh, London Stansted, Manchester Smart Wings Bristol, Birmingham
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM IRELAND
  • Aer Lingus: Dublin
  • Ryanair: Dublin
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM EUROPE
  • Czech Airlines: Many European cities
  • easyJet: Amsterdam, Basel, Geneva, Milan, Naples, Porto
  • Eurowings: Dusseldorf
  • Norwegian: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM THE MIDDLE EAST
  • Emirates: Dubai
  • El Al Israel: Tel Aviv
  • Fly Dubai: Dubai
  • Qatar Airways: Doha
  • Ryanair: Amman Jordan
  • Smart Wings: Antalya, Dubai, Tel Aviv
  • Turkish Airlines:   Istanbul

By Train

Three European rail corridors intersect in Prague, connecting the capital to all of Europe. The second international station is Prague Holesovice.

  • Main railway station
  • 2 Masaryk station
  • Hybernska Street Smichov Railway Station
  • Nadrani Street Prague Holesovice Station
Railway in Prague, Czech Republic

By Bus

You can take the shuttle bus from the Vaclav Havel Airport to the Prague UAN Florenc (Main Bus Station) or the Prague Hradcanska station. Take bus line 119 from the airport to the metro station. This is the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city center (the last stop of the bus line).

Top Sights in Prague

Castle of Prague

Prague Castle is probably the most popular place to visit. Since the castle was built in the 9th century, it has been home to kings and queens. It is now the official home of the Czech President. The Guinness Book of World Records says it is the world’s biggest palace. The castle is like no other place because it has Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral inside the castle walls.

Castles in Prague, Czech Republic

Museums

On the cobblestone streets of Prague, you can’t take two steps without running into a museum. The city is thought to have more than 100 museums and exhibition halls that cover every type of art and every period. If you are interested in something, there is a good chance that Prague has a small, specialized museum about it.

Old town square

The Old Town Square is a big reason why people come to Prague. Since its construction in the 12th century, this historic square has been the site of many important events. The Old Town Hall, the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Baroque Church of St. Nicholas, and the mediaeval astronomical clock tower are all on the square. The square is full of modern restaurants, food stands, and street performers today. In December, the square is especially popular because of its Christmas markets.

old town square in Prague, Czech Republic
Old town square

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge is a beautiful piece of architecture. This 500- meter-long stone bridge crosses the Vltava River to connect Prague Castle and the city’s Old Town. King Charles IV asked for a new bridge to replace the broken Judith Bridge, which was done in 1390. People play and walk across the bridge today to see the castle’s and old town’s beautiful views, check out the city’s street artists, and look at the Baroque statues like St. John of Nepomuk that line the parapets, or enjoy the city’s beautiful nightscapes.

Charles Bridge

Astronomical Clock

The Astronomical Clock, also called the Prague Orloj, is on the south wall of the Old Town Hall in the middle of the Old Town Square. This clock from the Middle Ages was put up in 1410, making it the oldest astronomical clock still working today. Every hour, crowds gather to watch a spectacular show in which bells ring and the 12 apostles walk around. It’s best to see the show early in the day when there are fewer people so that you can enjoy this work of art even more. Artists look at the Baroque statues like St. John of Nepomuk that line the parapets or enjoy the city’s beauty at night.

Dancing House

As you go down the Vltava River, you’ll see The Dancing House, which is very different from the other Baroque and Gothic buildings in Prague. The building was made by architects Vlado Miluni and Frank Gehry in 1996. With its curved lines and skinny tower, it has a non-traditional look. You can walk through the building’s gallery or go to the terrace for drinks in the evening. Visit the tower in June during the summer to see the best sunsets.

Dancing house in Prague, Czech Republic
Dancing House

Lennon Wall

After John Lennon was killed in 1980, a painting of him was put on the wall. Today, people worldwidez come to the colourful and lively Lennon Wall to look at the cool graffiti, read encouraging messages about peace, free speech, and freedom, or have their pictures taken with the wall as a background.

Lennon Wall

Petrin Tower

The Petrin Lookout Tower was built in 1891 on Petrin Hill . It is 208 feet tall and has a steel frame resembling the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can buy a ticket for a reasonable price and walk or take the elevator to the top, where you’ll get a great view of the whole city. On days when the air is clear, you can see as far as the southwest and the forests of Central Bohemia.

Petrin Tower

Cool Facts in Prague

  • Beer spas are available.
  • The pork knuckle is a real treat.
  • The world’s second-ugliest building can be found in this city.
  • The largest club in all of central Europe is headquartered there as well.
  • Petrin Tower has the best views in town
  • Prague’s narrowest street is only 50 cm wide.
  • A short drive from the city takes you to an urban forest.

City details

Weather

The weather and climate in Prague, Czech Republic, all year long. The summer in Prague is nice; the winters are very cold, snowy, and windy, and there are some clouds all year. Most of the year, temperatures range from 26°F to 77°F, and they rarely drop below 11°F or go above 88°F. Based on travel scores, mid-June to early September is the best time to visit Prague for warm-weather activities.

Prague summer

During the summer, you can watch the sunrise over the city on clear mornings, have lunch under a covered terrace, and watch the sunset over the river on warm evenings. You will love visiting the Czech capital as a tourist at this time of year. During the summer, the city is full of tourists and life. It’s pleasantly warm during the afternoon in the summer, with average highs in the 70s Fahrenheit in June, July, and August. Temperatures drop to 50 degrees at night. Showers are possible, so be prepared to wait out the rain or take a small travel umbrella under the shelter.

Prague winter

Even though it is cold outside, the city’s shops, museums, and restaurants will make you feel warm and at home. Here is some information about the weather before winter. Winter in Prague always fails to charm, with its famous spires covered in snow and its cobblestone streets lit with Christmas lights. Walk across the romantic Charles Bridge when it’s not crowded, and warm up in jazz bars with beer and goulash. From the castle on top of a hill to the mighty Vltava River and Art Nouveau buildings, you’ll find yourself in a fairy tale every time you turn a corner.

Performances of the Nutcracker, ice skating rinks, and magical Prague Christmas markets in Old Town Square are just a few things to do here. The best time to visit the city in the winter is from November to February.

Winter in Prague, Czech Republic

PID Mobile App

People who use public transportation or regional bus and train lines will find the Prague Integrated Transport (PID) app helpful. It is based on the well-known DPP INFO app and adds information about trains and suburban lines. You can also see how long the train or bus you are.

PID Mobile App icon

Getting around in Prague

A city with 1.3 million people comprises 10 large districts spread clockwise from a historical center. The good news for visitors is that most sights are packed into a relatively compact area bordering both banks of the Vltava River – and the public transport system is excellent.

Metro

The metro or subway is the cheapest and fastest way to get from one place to another over a long distance. At the Mustek and Museum stations, the metro connects central Wenceslas Square to Old Town Square and Mala Strana. This puts tourists within walking distance of Prague Castle (Hradkanska).

Tram

There are a lot of trams in Prague, and they reach all parts of the city like tentacles. They can be used for both short and long trips. The regular service runs from 5 a.m. to midnight when night trams take over. At first glance, the tram map may look complicated, but if you learn a few key routes, you can save time and money.

Tram in Prague, Czech Republic

Buses

Even though the city has a vast bus system, most of the lines go to residential areas that tourists are not interested in seeing. There are two notable exclusions: (1) the Nadra Veleslavn metro station is not accessible by public transportation, and (2) the Airport is not served by public transportation. The Prague Zoo may be reached from the Nadra Holeovice metro station via bus 112.

Public transport in Prague, Czech Republic

Walking

Put on shoes that can withstand a lot of walking. Stare Msto (Old Town) and Mala Strana (Lesser Town) are only two examples of the many urban cores that are off-limits to cars.

Cycling

Riding a bike in Prague is fun and easy, and the city is slowly building a network of bike lanes. Still, Prague’s crowds, narrow streets, cobblestones, always-present trams, and groups of slow-moving pedestrians all pose risks.

Boat

The Public Transport Authority runs several passenger ferries that regularly cross the Vltava. The ferries are easy to use and have beautiful views. Some businesses are open all year, while others are open from April to October. Several companies offer bike-sharing programs for the day or for a short time.

River and boat in Prague, Czech Republic

Parking

Like most European cities, traffic can be bad, and finding a place to park can be hard. We suggest taking the bus or train as much as possible. Here are some tips for you if you have to drive and park.

Prague nightlife

There is no one place to go out at night in Prague, and many hotels, bars, and nightclubs exist. Aside from the above general ones, there are also some nightlife-only things to do.

Prague National Theatre

Prague’s rich, artistic folklore is well-shown in every Czech opera performance produced in this Neo-Renaissance theatre. Since its inception, it has significantly developed the Czech language, music, and the country’s dramatic arts. It has the largest ballet company in the city, running from 5 to 7 performances depending on the season.

Theater in Prague, Czech Republic
 National Theatre

Prague bars

Even though Prague is known for its love of beer, there are a lot of wine bars all over the city. The Czech Republic’s capital city is a very popular tourist spot and for a good reason. The pubs were a big part of how people got through the bad times. The city has many bars, pubs, beer gardens, wine shops, and cocktail bars. They all serve the tasty lager beers the Czech Republic is known for.

Prague Nightclub

You can spend a night full of glitz and glamour in Prague’s best nightclubs. Aside from food scenes and restaurants, you may sometimes want to dance to some great music and have a drink. You might also want to hang out with friends in a nice place or meet new people. Well, you shouldn’t worry because there is a great place for everyone in Prague’s nightclubs.

Nightlife in Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Cuisine

If we talk about Czech food, you can forget about losing weight. Czech food is heavy and high in calories, but it tastes great. We eat more calories to stay warm and full during our long, cold winters. Here are some of the best foods in Prague that you should try. I will mention some of the best food and drinks you should try. Pork, Dumplings, Sauerkraut, Goulash, Roast Duck with Cabbage and Dumplings, Fried Cheese, Open Sandwiches, Fruit Dumplings, Chimney Cakes, Czech Drinks, and Czech Soups.

Prague Accommodation

Everything a savvy and secure traveler needs to know is right here. Try to locate the ideal lodgings. There is a wide variety of lodging options, including hotels and resorts.

Hotel room in Prague, Czech Republic

Approximate budget

For travelers on a budget, a day in Prague costs between $35 and $50. These prices are based on what a cheap traveler would need to see the city in comfort.

Conclusion

We’ve given you a quick overview of Prague and talked about some of its most important customs, culture, and nightlife. Everyone who likes cafes, music, dance, art galleries, restaurants, shopping, or going out at night can find something special.

There are a lot of pubs and bars all over the city that can quench the thirst of a visitor. You can enjoy your cocktails with hand-crafted beers’ stunning architecture and decor. Enjoy the way good food tastes. All of the above things will make your trip to Prague one you will never forget. A perfectly balanced mix of the above activities can improve your trip and make it a trip you’ll never forget.

FAQs

Why is Prague so famous?

Get special access to things to do in Prague, such as timed tickets and unique tours. Service to customers. There are a lot of places to go. Things to do that are the best—incredible experiences.

Is Prague part of Germany?

One can only reach the Czech Republic, also called Czechia, by land as it is located in Central Europe. In the past, it was called Bohemia. Austria is to the south, Germany is to the west, Poland is to the northeast, and Slovakia is to the southeast.

Do people speak English in Prague?

Many people living in Prague speak at least a little English. Tourist spots, restaurants in the city center, hotels, and gift shops usually expect you to speak English.

Is Prague expensive?

Prague is much less expensive than other popular European destinations like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam, which are nearby. Although it’s the priciest city in the Czech Republic, your dollar will go a long way there.

What food is Prague famous for?

Meat and grains make up the bulk of the average American’s diet. Roast pork served with cabbage and dumplings, known as Veprova s knedlikem a se zelim, is the most well-known traditional Czech cuisine.

Is the Czech Republic rich or poor?

The Czech Republic is not rich, but its economy is pretty stable. About 1000 euros a month is the average wage in the country.

Is Prague worth visiting?

Get below the city’s surface like a local and start a one-of-a-kind adventure. From timed tickets to unique tours, get exclusive access to Prague attractions.

What is the best month to go to Prague?

The best time to visit Prague is in late spring or early fall, just before and after the peak summer tourist season. Plan to arrive in May or September for comfortable temperatures around 18 to 20°C, ideal for sightseeing without having to battle big crowds.

Is the water drinkable in Prague?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink all over the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic’s government regulates tap water several times a day and closely monitors water quality.

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