Prague Travel Guide
Our perspectives and tips for visiting Prague.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a city that enchants visitors with its stunning blend of history, architecture, and cultural scene. Known as “The City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague’s skyline is dotted with historic churches and medieval towers, creating a picturesque setting that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the majestic Prague Castle, the charming Charles Bridge, and the quaint Old Town Square, where the astronomical clock captivates onlookers. Prague continues to be a popular destination in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.
What I Would’ve Wanted From a Prague Travel Guide
Spoiler alert: I love Prague. If you haven’t read any other pieces I’ve done on this incredible city, you must know that it captured my heart. You can read every travel guide out there and still feel woefully unprepared for visiting Prague — I know I did. If you get nothing else out of this guide, please at least remember some of these fast mentions:
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Population
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Welcome to Prague
Best Time to Visit
There is truly no bad time to visit Prague. When you’re meandering along the calming Vltava River, dining on Czech cuisine, or exploring Prague Castle, it will matter very little to you if it’s sweater weather. That said, there are some timing considerations when planning your trip to the Czech Republic.
June to August: I’ll admit to visiting Prague in the latter part of July. It wasn’t terrible, though I was sweating buckets and miserable a few hours into our visit to Prague Castle. The summer months are the hottest, with highs in the 80s and lots of crowds. This will also be the most expensive time to visit.
May or September: These two months are the shoulder season for Prague tourism. They aren’t quite the cheapest times to visit, though they are cheaper, less crowded, and with more mild weather than the summer months. You’ll have plenty of sunshine to enjoy the sights without bustling to get places in the early morning to beat the crowds.
October to December: These months will be among the cheapest to see Prague. This beautiful city will be the least crowded except late November through December when some visitors return for the Christmas market season. Average temps, even in January, generally stay above freezing.
January to March: These months will be the least busy following the late fall and early winter months. Tourism drops off significantly during the winter, leaving the cobblestone streets of the town square freer than you’ve likely seen. Bundle up and visit Prague in its glistening, snowy elegance.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Any Prague travel guide would be remiss, not to mention some of how the culture of the Czech Republic differs slightly from that of the United States. Regarding etiquette, a general rule of thumb would be to remember that Czech culture is more formal and reserved than an American might be used to.
Like many Americans, Czechs prefer a fair amount of personal space. You don’t need to worry about getting crowded, even during the tourist season, by Czech nationals on public transportation or the street because they also tend to keep a fair distance from strangers. There will be less personal space if an area is crowded, but the intention is generally there.
Dining etiquette in the Czech Republic is generally more formal than in most of the United States, save for formal occasions. You’ll want to remember to keep elbows off the table and dress modestly for dinner.
Punctuality is also a deeply appreciated element of Czech culture. If you have a set time you need to be somewhere to meet someone or attend a meal, make sure you are early but never late.
A Few Phrases to Know:
The majority of folks you encounter in Prague will know at least some English. Even so, arriving in a place with a small understanding of the language is always nice. If you know no other words in Czech, at least try to remember these:
- Ano (ano): Yes
- Ne (ne): No
- Prosím (proseem): Please
- Děkuju (dyeh-kooyoo): Thank You
- Ahoj (ahoy): Hello
- Dobrý den (dob-ree den): Good Day
- Nashledanou (nus-hle-dah-no): Goodbye
Money
Cash
If you stay primarily in the city center, you are less likely to come up against cash-only locations. Even so, it’s a good idea to have a little cash on you just in case. In a pinch, you can use an ATM; the exchange rates are pretty fair.
Although this European city is a member of the European Union, the Czech Republic does not use the Euro as currency. You might be able to get away with using Euros at large hotels or chain shops; however, it’s better not to. In Czechia, they use Czech koruna or Czech crown (Kč / CZK). If you plan on exchanging cash, do so in the city proper and not at the airport for better rates.
Credit Cards
As one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Prague spots widely accept cards and mobile pay options. Cards and digital payments are more widely accepted in the city’s tourist areas or shops.
Always pay foreign transaction fees with a credit card in the local currency. You will pay less additional fees than if you paid in USD.
Plan Your Trip to Prague
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Prague, Czech Republic. From its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant neighborhoods, this destination offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler.