A complete, honest guide to Prague, Czech Republic — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Gothic spires, baroque palaces & Europe's best beer..
Prague is a highlight of Europe, and Prague is the storybook capital of Bohemia — a city of spires, a medieval astronomical clock and a castle above the Vltava. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Prague
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Prague
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Break for lunch and try svíčková, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Old Town (Staré Město).
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Old Town Square and Josefov, then explore Malá Strana at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Kutná Hora (a Gothic town and bone church) is the easy favourite, or swap in Český Krumlov (a fairytale riverbend town).
Ready to book? Turn your Prague shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Prague experiences →Prague on a budget — costs & money tips
Prague is mid-priced by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Prague
- Accommodation£22–£85 / night
- Food£14–£38 / day
- Local transport£4–£12 / day
- Typical attraction£8–£25 / entry
See how Prague compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Prague
- Pick an apartment or guesthouse over a hotel for stays of 3+ nights — kitchens cut food costs sharply.
- A city tourist card can be worth it if you’ll hit 3+ paid sights in a day; do the maths first.
- Lunch menus and bakeries keep food costs down; save sit-down dinners for one or two standout meals.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Prague at a glance
A quick orientation for Prague. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Prague
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Prague specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Prague
Prague is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Old Town (Staré Město)
The medieval core.
Malá Strana
Baroque streets below the castle.
Vinohrady
Leafy, local and full of bars.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Prague further down the page.
Food & drink in Prague
Hearty Czech cooking — roast pork, dumplings and goulash, with the world's best beer.
Build your Prague food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Prague
The centre is very walkable; trams and the metro are cheap and easy.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Prague. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Prague is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Prague that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Prague
Spring and autumn are ideal; the Christmas markets are magical but cold. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Prague.
Day trips from Prague
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Kutná Hora — a Gothic town and bone church
- Český Krumlov — a fairytale riverbend town
Practical tips for Prague
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Old Town (Staré Město) is a smart base — the medieval core. If that’s not your style, Malá Strana works well too (baroque streets below the castle).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Prague without trying svíčková, roast pork & dumplings, trdelník or Czech beer. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. With a spare day, Kutná Hora (a Gothic town and bone church) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Prague, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Prague — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Prague, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Prague?
Three to four days is enough for Prague’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Old Town (Staré Město) — with an extra day for a trip to Kutná Hora if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Prague?
Spring and autumn are ideal; the Christmas markets are magical but cold.
What food is Prague known for?
Hearty Czech cooking — roast pork, dumplings and goulash, with the world's best beer.
Where should I stay in Prague?
Old Town (Staré Město) is a great first-time base (the medieval core). Malá Strana is another good option for baroque streets below the castle.
What are the best day trips from Prague?
Two rewarding day trips are Kutná Hora (a Gothic town and bone church) and Český Krumlov (a fairytale riverbend town).
How do you get around Prague?
The centre is very walkable; trams and the metro are cheap and easy.
