PRAGUE
Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” is a European jewel on the Vltava River, where Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance history are written into every street. It’s a city of timeless beauty, legendary bridges, and a deeply-rooted, vibrant cultural life.
This magical city is the Czech Republic’s historic and modern heart, renowned for its fairy-tale castle, stunning architecture, and lively squares. It offers an enchanting blend of ancient grandeur and contemporary energy.
Most Popular Attractions
Old Town Core & Historic Center:
Charles Bridge (Karlův most): The iconic 14th-century pedestrian bridge connecting the Old Town and Lesser Town, lined with Baroque statues.
Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): The historic main square, home to colorful Baroque buildings and the famous Astronomical Clock.
Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj): A medieval clock on the Old Town Hall, famous for its hourly mechanical show of the Apostles.
Old Town Hall: Climb the tower for spectacular panoramic views of the Old Town Square.
Church of Our Lady before Týn: The imposing, Gothic church with characteristic twin spires that dominates the Old Town skyline.
St. Nicholas Church (Old Town): A beautiful Baroque church known for its stunning interior and acoustics.
Powder Tower (Prašná brána): A striking Gothic city gate that once served as a gunpowder store, marking the entrance to the Old Town.
Municipal House (Obecní dům): An Art Nouveau masterpiece and one of Prague’s most significant buildings, housing a major concert hall.
Castle District (Hradčany) & Lesser Town (Malá Strana):
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad): A vast complex that is the official residence of the President and includes palaces, churches, and gardens.
St. Vitus Cathedral: The largest and most important temple in Prague Castle, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička): A charming street of tiny, colorful former alchemists’ houses within the Castle grounds.
St. Nicholas Church (Lesser Town): Considered the finest example of High Baroque in Prague.
Wallenstein Palace and Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada): A magnificent early Baroque palace with a beautiful, tranquil garden.
Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí): The central square of the Lesser Town, surrounded by Baroque palaces.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov) & Riverside:
Old Jewish Cemetery: An ancient and unique cemetery where tombstones are layered upon each other due to lack of space.
Pinkas Synagogue: A memorial to the Czech and Moravian Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Spanish Synagogue: Known for its stunning, intricate Moorish interior.
Klausen Synagogue: The largest synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, next to the Old Jewish Cemetery.
Franz Kafka Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of Prague’s most famous literary son.
Lennon Wall: A constantly changing wall covered in graffiti and lyrics inspired by John Lennon and messages of peace.
Dancing House (Tančící dům): A striking example of modern deconstructivist architecture on the Vltava River.
Other Notable Sites & Parks:
Petřín Hill: A large hill offering spectacular views, accessible by funicular, and home to the Petřín Lookout Tower (a mini-Eiffel Tower).
Vyšehrad: A historic fort on a rock above the Vltava River, containing the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul and a national cemetery.
Museum of Communism: A museum detailing life under the post-WWII communist regime in Czechoslovakia.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Charles Bridge at Sunrise: Experience this iconic structure before the crowds arrive. This is the best time for photos and a peaceful moment overlooking the Vltava River.
Visit the Prague Castle Complex: Spend half a day exploring St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the picturesque Golden Lane.
Watch the Astronomical Clock Show: Join the crowds in the Old Town Square on the hour to see the procession of the Twelve Apostles, but also take time to appreciate the clock’s fascinating calendar and zodiac dials.
Explore the Jewish Quarter (Josefov): Tour the poignant Old Jewish Cemetery and visit the historic synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue (Staronová synagoga).
Go on a Traditional Czech Beer Tasting Tour: Sample world-renowned Czech lagers and learn about the country’s deep-rooted brewing history (Czechia has the highest per capita beer consumption globally).
Take a Funicular to Petřín Hill: Enjoy a scenic ride up the hill for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, and climb the miniature Eiffel Tower-like Petřín Lookout Tower for an even higher vantage point.
Find the John Lennon Wall: Visit this ever-evolving symbol of peace and freedom, where you can leave your own message or photo among the vibrant graffiti.
Tour the Strahov Monastery Library: Marvel at the breathtaking Baroque and Philosophical Halls of one of the world’s most beautiful historic libraries, a true hidden gem.
Take a Vltava River Paddleboat Ride: Rent a paddleboat (or “šlapadlo”) near Charles Bridge or Žofín Island for a fun, up-close view of the Castle and the waterfront.
Attend a Classical Concert: Experience a performance of Czech classical music (like Dvořák or Smetana) in one of the city’s beautiful Baroque churches or concert halls.
Take a Czech Cooking Class: Learn to prepare hearty, traditional dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce), goulash, or fruit dumplings.
Local Tips & Transport
Integrated Public Transport: Prague boasts one of Europe’s most efficient public transport systems, combining three metro lines, extensive tram routes, and buses. It operates on a single-ticket system, meaning the same ticket is valid for all modes, including the funicular.
- Tickets: Purchase time-based tickets (e.g., 30 minutes, 90 minutes, 24 hours, 72 hours) from ticket machines (now accepting cards) or newsagents (Trafika). Crucially, the ticket must be validated by punching it into the yellow machines before entering the metro platform or boarding a tram/bus. Traveling with an unvalidated ticket results in a hefty fine.
- Trams: The backbone of the city’s transport. Tram No. 22 is particularly useful for sightseeing, passing near Prague Castle, the Lesser Town, and the New Town.
Walking is Primary: The historic center—Old Town, New Town, and Lesser Town—is highly walkable. Most major sights are within a comfortable distance of each other.
From the Airport: The cheapest and most efficient route is to take Bus 119 from the airport to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (Line A), or the Airport Express (AE) bus, which runs directly to the Main Train Station (Hlavní nádraží). Avoid unsolicited taxi drivers; use a reputable app or pre-booked service.
Currency & Card Use: The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK), though many major tourist spots will accept Euros (often at a poor exchange rate). Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s wise to have some Koruna cash for small street vendors or local pubs. Avoid Euronet ATMs—use machines from a reputable Czech bank like Česká spořitelna or Komerční banka.
Dining Culture: Czech cuisine is hearty and revolves around meat, potatoes, and dumplings.
- Lunch is typically the main, heaviest meal.
- Dinner can be earlier than in Southern Europe, often between 6 PM and 8 PM.
- Tipping is customary for good service—typically 10% or simply rounding up the bill.
Czech Beer: Beer (pivo) is a source of national pride and is often cheaper than water! It is consumed year-round, typically Pilsner-style lager. Try a local pub like a Hospoda or Pivovar for the most authentic experience. Look for the different foam pours like Hladinka (the standard) or Mlíko (a glass of almost all foam, often drunk for dessert).
Crowd-Beating Tips: Prague’s main sights (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Prague Castle) get extremely crowded. Plan to visit these early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the evening to enjoy them peacefully.
Hidden Gems:
- Nový Svět: A charming, picturesque neighborhood near Prague Castle with tiny, crooked houses and a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds.
- Letná Park Beer Garden: Offers one of the best panoramic views of the Vltava River and Prague’s bridges—a popular spot for locals in the warmer months.
- Municipal Library of Prague’s Book Tunnel: A fascinating, free-to-see art installation made of thousands of books and mirrors that create the illusion of an infinite column of books.
- Vyšehrad Castle: An ancient fort complex with a stunning basilica and a national cemetery, offering great views and a quieter, less touristy atmosphere.
Safety: Prague is generally very safe, but pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, public transport). Be vigilant and keep valuables secure.
Top Restaurants
Restaurace U Bansethů [$15-$25] – A classic, highly-regarded local pub in the Michle district, far from the main tourist crowds, famous for its excellent traditional Czech dishes like roast duck and goulash.
Havelská Koruna [$10-$20] – A no-frills, traditional Czech jídelna (canteen) right in the city center, offering cheap, quick, and authentic Czech meals where you pay for your food ticket style.
U Červeného páva [$15-$25] – Located near the Old Town Square, but often frequented by locals for its reasonably priced, high-quality traditional Czech fare like svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce).
U Medvidku [$15-$25] – A historic pub and mini-brewery near the city center, known for its strong OldGott beer and generously portioned, classic Czech meals.
Restaurace U Jídlů [$15-$25] – A traditional Czech restaurant with a local feel in the Vinohrady neighborhood, serving staples like goulash and excellent draft beer.
U Kroka [$20-$30] – Located in Vyšehrad, this spot is popular for its elevated take on classic Czech cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. Reservations are highly recommended.
Bredovský Dvůr [$15-$25] – A large, traditional Czech pub restaurant near Wenceslas Square, popular with locals and known for its unpasteurized Plzeň beer and hearty meals.
U Pinkasů [$15-$25] – The first pub in Prague to pour Pilsner Urquell, located near Wenceslas Square, famous for its traditional beer hall atmosphere and classic Czech pub food.
Pivovar Hostivar [$15-$25] – A brewery located outside the city center, popular with locals for its excellent craft beer and a menu of Czech pub classics.
Zlatá Hvězda [$15-$25] – A classic Czech restaurant in the New Town, serving traditional dishes and known for its old-school atmosphere.
Restaurace Pod Mariánským obrazem [$15-$25] – A highly-recommended local gem in Žižkov, away from the tourist path, offering consistently good, authentic Czech food.
Restaurace U Svejka [$15-$25] – A traditional restaurant near Strahov Monastery, known for its authentic atmosphere inspired by the Czech novel The Good Soldier Švejk and classic Bohemian cuisine.
Kozlovna Apropos [$20-$30] – Part of a popular chain, the Apropos location near the river offers quality traditional Czech food and great Kozel beer in a pleasant environment.
Naše Maso [$25-$40] – A famous butcher shop in Old Town that doubles as a bistro, serving fantastic quality meat dishes, sausages, and hamburgers. It’s popular but well worth it for the quality.
Kolkovna Celnice [$20-$30] – Located near the Powder Tower, this establishment is part of a popular local chain known for its great Pilsner Urquell and traditional Czech dishes.
Lokál Dlouhááá [$20-$30] – Part of the popular Lokál chain, this spot near Old Town is famous for its fresh Pilsner Urquell and simple, high-quality, made-from-scratch Czech classics.
U Kalendů [$20-$30] – A traditional restaurant in the New Town with a lovely courtyard, offering classic Czech dishes with a focus on quality ingredients.
Husinec [$20-$30] – Located near Wenceslas Square, this restaurant specializes in roasted duck and other hearty, traditional Czech meals.
Restaurace U Fleků [$25-$40] – A historic brewery and restaurant (dating back to 1499), it’s touristy but unique for its dark 13° beer brewed on site and lively atmosphere with traditional music.
The Eatery [$30-$50] – A critically acclaimed restaurant in Holešovice that offers modern, fine-dining twists on traditional Czech flavors, focusing on high-quality ingredients.
Eska [$35-$60] – Located in Karlín, this Ambiente group restaurant has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, serving inventive New Czech cuisine with a focus on fermentation and local ingredients.
Kantýna [$30-$50] – Another Ambiente group spot in the New Town. Part butcher shop, part restaurant, it offers high-quality meat dishes and modern takes on Czech specialties in a lively, communal setting.
Next Door by Imperial [$40-$70] – A modern bistro by Chef Zdeněk Pohlreich, located in the city center, offering a creative and refined take on Czech and international cuisine.
Field Restaurant [$80-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering an innovative and contemporary tasting menu with a strong emphasis on seasonal and local produce.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise [$120-$180] – Prague’s other Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an exceptional, multi-course tasting menu of refined, historical Czech recipes.
Mincovna [$25-$45] – A modern pub-style restaurant right on Old Town Square, offering a good balance of traditional dishes and modern cuisine in a smart setting.
Café Savoy [$25-$45] – A grand, historic café and restaurant near the river, known for its beautiful Art Nouveau interior and refined Czech and French breakfast, brunch, and dinner dishes.
V Zátiší [$50-$80] – A long-established fine dining restaurant offering a blend of modern international and Indian cuisine, often cited for its sophisticated service and atmosphere.
Zdenek’s Oyster Bar [$40-$70] – A chic spot in the Old Town focusing on high-quality seafood, including a great selection of oysters, often less crowded than other spots.
U Matěje [$40-$60] – Located outside the center, this restaurant by celebrity chef Jan Punčochář offers modern Czech and international cuisine in a beautifully designed space.
Le Degustation’s Bistro [$40-$60] – An offshoot of the Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a slightly more casual but still refined menu of Czech-inspired dishes.
Sia Restaurant [$40-$70] – A beautiful, modern Asian fusion restaurant near the city center, known for its Peking duck and dim sum, prepared in an open kitchen.
San’grita [$30-$50] – A highly-rated, authentic Mexican restaurant offering great tacos, mole, and cocktails in the New Town, away from tourist traps.
Luka Lu [$25-$45] – A colorful, quirky restaurant in Malá Strana specializing in Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine, known for its lively, artistic atmosphere.
Burrito Loco [$15-$25] – A popular local chain for late-night Mexican food and a great alternative to traditional Czech pub fare.
Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan [$15-$25] – Located in the Vinohrady area, this is considered one of the most authentic and best Vietnamese Pho restaurants in the city, popular with locals and the expat community.
Las Adelitas [$25-$40] – With multiple locations, this restaurant is praised for its authentic Mexican food and extensive cocktail menu.
Wokin [$15-$25] – A local favorite for quick, fresh, and customizable Asian wok dishes, with several locations across Prague.
Mistral Café & Restaurant [$25-$45] – A modern café and restaurant near the Old Town Square, offering a varied international menu with good healthy options and a relaxed atmosphere.
Kavárna co hledá jméno [$20-$35] – A trendy spot in Smíchov (Prague 5) popular with locals for brunch and evening drinks, offering a varied international menu and a great industrial-chic atmosphere.
Dhàba Beas [$10-$20] – A chain of vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurants, very popular with locals for its cheap, buffet-style meals.
Maso a Kobliha [$20-$35] – A small, modern bistro near Old Town focusing on high-quality ingredients, known for its scotch eggs and unique Czech pastries.
Yamato [$40-$70] – A highly-regarded Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi and other Japanese delicacies, offering a more high-end experience.
Tricafé [$15-$25] – A small, cozy café and bistro near the Charles Bridge, offering excellent coffee, cakes, and light lunch options.
EMA espresso bar [$10-$20] – A minimalist, modern coffee shop known for serving some of the best specialty coffee in Prague.
Coffee Corner Bakery [$15-$25] – A highly-rated spot in the Vinohrady neighborhood, popular for its excellent breakfast, brunch, and fresh-baked goods.
Pekárna Kabát [$10-$20] – A popular local bakery chain offering traditional Czech pastries like koláče and chlebíčky (open-faced sandwiches).
Crème de la Crème [$10-$20] – Widely considered to serve some of the best Italian-style ice cream in Prague, with a location near Wenceslas Square and another in Vinohrady.
Artic Bakehouse [$10-$20] – A popular artisanal bakery known for its sourdough bread and excellent pastries, with a location near the National Theatre.
La Bottega Linka [$25-$40] – An Italian-style bistro in Old Town offering fresh, high-quality Italian food and a daily menu for lunch and dinner.
Bakeshop Praha [$15-$30] – A popular bakery and café in Old Town known for its American-style baked goods, quiches, and sandwiches.
Cafefin [$20-$35] – A hip, Vietnamese-inspired café in Vinohrady, popular for its creative brunch and good coffee.
Můj šálek kávy [$15-$25] – A highly-regarded specialty coffee shop and brunch spot in Karlín, popular with locals and digital nomads.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Hemingway Bar: Located in the Old Town (Staré Město), this sophisticated spot is dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, offering an exceptional selection of rums, absinthes, and expertly crafted, creative cocktails in an intimate, speakeasy-style setting.
Black Angel’s Bar: Tucked away in the cellar of the Hotel U Prince right on the Old Town Square, this award-winning bar has a unique ‘First Republic’ theme and is known for its spectacular mixology in a luxurious, Gothic-style setting.
Anonymous Bar: A secretive, speakeasy-style bar in the Old Town with a theme inspired by the historical figure Guy Fawkes and the hacker group Anonymous. The cocktail menu and presentation are highly inventive and often feature hidden messages.
Bugsy’s Bar: Found in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of Prague’s original and most glamorous cocktail lounges, known for its elegant interior, impeccable service, and a comprehensive, stylish cocktail list.
Parlour: Situated slightly outside the main tourist hub in New Town (Nové Město), this acclaimed bar has no physical menu, offering a personalized experience where the bartender crafts a drink based on your preferences.
The Alchemist Bar: Positioned near the Old Town Square, this magical bar features a mysterious, theatrical ambiance and a cocktail menu inspired by alchemy, with drinks served in unique vessels and with unexpected presentations.
T-Anker Bar: A stunning rooftop terrace bar located atop the Kotva department store in the Old Town, offering a magnificent view of Prague Castle and the Old Town rooftops, perfect for a sunset cocktail.
L’Fleur: An intimate and sophisticated champagne and cocktail bar in the New Town, offering a concise but perfectly executed menu focusing on premium spirits and French influence.
Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge: Located on the rooftop of the Hilton Prague in Karlín, this modern bar provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Vltava River and the city skyline, specializing in inventive signature cocktails and premium spirits.
Tiki Taky: A small, cozy bar in the Žižkov district, known for its fun, tropical theme and a wide array of rum-based cocktails and classic tiki drinks at reasonable prices.
Cash Only Bar: A popular spot in the Old Town known for its fast service, laid-back atmosphere, and a compact menu of high-quality, pre-batched classic cocktails served only with cash payment, as the name suggests.
Bar & Books Týnská: Situated right next to the Týn Church in the Old Town, this is a luxurious, quiet sanctuary where guests can enjoy premium cocktails, whiskeys, and cigars in a sophisticated, library-like setting.
Crazy Daisy: A trendy bar in the Old Town offering spectacular, visually stunning, and often molecular cocktails in a vibrant, modern setting.
Bar Pilotů: A stylish, aviation-themed bar in Vinohrady, popular with locals, that offers a high-quality cocktail list and a comfortable, modern atmosphere away from the busiest center.
Anonymous Shrink’s Office: A sister bar to Anonymous, this unique venue in the Old Town carries a therapist’s office theme, offering a highly personalized cocktail experience that involves filling out a ‘patient’s report.’
Karlovy Lázně: Right by the Charles Bridge in the Old Town, this is the largest music club in Central Europe, featuring five themed dance floors, each playing a different genre (EDM, Oldies, Mainstream, Latino, Silent Disco).
DupleX Club: An iconic club located in the New Town on Wenceslas Square, recognizable by its huge glass cube on the roof. It operates as a restaurant/bar during the day and transforms into a high-energy dance club at night, offering panoramic city views.
EPIC Prague: A state-of-the-art nightclub in the Old Town, boasting one of the most advanced sound and light systems in Europe, focusing on EDM, house, and techno with regular international DJ headliners.
ROXY Prague: A long-standing Prague institution in the Old Town, known for its industrial, warehouse-style setting and its focus on quality electronic music, including house and techno, and hosting both local and international acts.
Cross Club: Located in the Holešovice district, this unique, multi-genre club is famous for its elaborate, kinetic, and industrial steampunk-inspired interior design. It hosts diverse events from Drum & Bass and dubstep to rock and cultural events across its multiple stages.
Lucerna Music Bar: Situated near Wenceslas Square in the New Town, this popular venue is known for its legendary 80s & 90s video dance parties every Friday and Saturday, as well as hosting live music acts.
Chapeau Rouge: A multi-level club in the Old Town with an international, alternative, and bohemian vibe. It features a street bar, a first-floor club, and an underground stage, playing a mix of electro, techno, and indie music.
Ankali: An underground club located further out in Prague 10, renowned for its focus on quality techno and house music, attracting a dedicated crowd and often featuring acclaimed international underground DJs.
Storm Club: A popular club specializing in Drum & Bass and other bass-heavy electronic music genres, located near the Žižkov district. It offers a high-quality sound system and a high-energy atmosphere.
Mecca: A modern, stylish club in the Holešovice district known for hosting high-profile parties, fashion events, and featuring a mix of house and commercial music.
Vzorkovna Dog Bar: An unconventional and gritty spot near the Old Town, known for its unique ‘pay-what-you-want’ or token-based system, eccentric crowd, and live alternative music, with dogs roaming freely—definitely for a unique, local experience.