Places / Europe / Czech Republic
Prague
Visited in 2018 and 2024
At a glance
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Region
- Czech Republic
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
- Coordinates
- 50.08°N, 14.43°E
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Overview
Prague came through the 20th century largely unscathed, so its skyline of spires, domes and red roofs is much as it looked centuries ago. The Vltava divides the Old Town from the castle hill and the baroque lanes of Malá Strana.
The centre gets very busy, but you only need to step a few streets away, or out to neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Letná, to find quiet squares, local pubs and the best beer you'll drink anywhere.
Things to see
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Photo: Tilman2007, CC BY-SA 4.0 Prague Castle
A vast hilltop complex of palaces, courtyards and the soaring Gothic St Vitus Cathedral.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: A.Savin, FAL Charles Bridge
A medieval stone bridge lined with baroque statues; cross at dawn to have it almost to yourself.
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Photo: Steve Collis from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0 Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
Watch the medieval clock's procession of apostles on the hour, then admire the Týn Church's spires.
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Photo: Martin Pauer ( Power ), CC BY-SA 2.5 Jewish Quarter
Historic synagogues and an old cemetery of crowded, tilting headstones.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Stanislav Jelen, CC BY-SA 3.0 Vyšehrad
A quieter clifftop fortress over the river, with a cemetery where Dvořák and Smetana are buried.
Things to do
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Photo: User:Aktron, CC BY-SA 3.0 Beer garden at Letná
Join locals at the park's beer garden for a cold pint and one of the city's best views.
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Photo: che, CC BY-SA 2.5 Concert at the Rudolfinum
Hear the Czech Philharmonic in a grand neo-Renaissance hall by the river.
Find tours -
Photo: al.trcka, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Kutná Hora
A Gothic cathedral and the bone-decorated Sedlec Ossuary, about an hour away by train.
Find tours -
Photo: Ludek, CC BY-SA 3.0 Walk up Petřín Hill
Climb through orchards and gardens to a lookout tower and views across the rooftops.
Where to stay
Old Town (Staré Město)
Right among the sights, but busy and pricier.
Hotels in Old Town (Staré Město)Malá Strana
Beautiful baroque streets below the castle, quieter at night.
Hotels in Malá StranaVinohrady
Leafy residential area with great cafés and bars, a short tram ride from the centre.
Hotels in VinohradyKarlín
A revived riverside district with good restaurants and modern hotels.
Hotels in Karlín
Getting around
Trams and the Metro are cheap, fast and frequent; buy a time-based ticket or a day pass and validate it. The centre itself is best walked.
Bus 119 links the airport with Nádraží Veleslavín Metro station for the centre, about 40 minutes in all, and the Airport Express bus runs to the main railway station.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are mild and less crowded. Summer is warm and very busy, while December brings Christmas markets to the Old Town Square, and winters are cold.
Plan your trip to Prague
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
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- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.