Prague (Czech name: Praha) is the capital of the Czech Republic; the main economic, political and cultural center of the country.
Prague has long been included in the list of the most beautiful and visited cities in the world.
This is an amazingly beautiful city, so harmoniously combining several epochs and architectural styles, where monumental buildings, temples and palaces intersect with colorful low buildings, and narrow streets with dense multi-faceted buildings alternate with small and bright squares, while producing completely different, but undoubtedly stunning impressions.
For most tourists who decide to visit the Czech Republic, acquaintance with the country begins with Prague. First of all, because it is convenient to get to Prague and it becomes the starting point of many trips around the country.
In addition, Prague, and the Czech Republic as a whole, is not only a summer destination, as, for example, most coastal resorts; you can comfortably spend your vacation in Prague at any time of the year. So, in winter, these are Christmas fairs - a time when the city "burns with thousands of lights", in spring and autumn in Prague the weather is mostly comfortable, when it is not too hot and not cold, which makes it possible for long walks around the city, and in summer, of course, it is the sun, greenery and flowers.
Vltava River in Prague: Charles Bridge, islands, embankments
The Vltava River, which divides Prague into two parts, is an integral part of the appearance of the city.
Many tourist routes around the city run along the bridges that span the river. The most famous of the bridge is the medieval pedestrian Charles Bridge (Karluv most), decorated with three-dimensional sculptures of saints and on both sides of which towers with viewing platforms rise: Malostran bridge towers and Old Town Bridge Tower.
In Prague, you can take river boat trips along the Vltava River, thereby enjoying the views of the river itself, the islands of the river, bridges over the river and its banks with historical buildings.
There are islands on the Vltava River in Prague.
The most famous and visited is Kampa Island, which stretches between the Vltava River and the Chertovka Canal in Malaya Strana, which is an artificially created canal, probably dug in the 12th century. The devil takes its waters from the Vltava and after 740 meters flows back into the river, thereby forming a small island.
The island of Kampa with Chertovka is called "Little Prague Venice".
Here you can see the large mill wheel of the former Priory mill of the 15th century.
And on Slavic island (Slovanský ostrov), which is located on the Vltava River in the center of Prague, there is a playground, recreation areas, several rental points for rowing boats and catamarans, a children's steam train and a copy of the historical "steam locomotive". More about the Vltava River…
In terms of picturesqueness and architecture, the most attractive of Prague's embankments are embankments Masaryk or Masarikov (Masarykovo nabrezi) and Rashinov (Rasinovo nabrezi).
Bright tall Art Nouveau houses stretch along the embankments, and the embankments themselves are among the most photographed places in Prague. More about Masaryk and Rashinov embankments…
A walk along the Masaryk embankment begins with the beautiful main historical building of the National Theater (Národní divadlo) with architectural and sculptural decorations.
Address of the National Theatre building: Narodní 2, 110 00 Nové Město, Czech Republic. More about the National Theatre…
Next to Masarikova, the Rashinov Embankment is decorated with the famous Dancing House (Tančící dúm), which is part of modern Prague architecture.
The house was built in 1992-1996 according to the project of world famous architects Vlad Milunich and Frank O. Gehry.
In the Dancing House you can visit a gallery, a restaurant and a bar with an observation deck on the 7th floor.
In addition, on two floors of the Dancing House there is 4-star Dancing House hotel - Tančící dúm hotel with rooms overlooking Prague. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
Address of the Dancing House: Rašínovo nábřeží 80 / Jiráskovo náměstí 6, 120 00 Praha 2 - Nové Město. More about Dancing House…
Sights and museums of Prague
The main sights and museums of Prague are concentrated in the historical center of the city and near it: the Old Town (Staré Město) and the Small Town (Malá Strana).
These districts of Prague are full of riddles, legends, sights and just interesting places. There are also gardens for recreation, there is a fabulous atmosphere and bright diverse architecture, as well as street performers and artists, small squares, museums, souvenir shops, an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants.
From the main sights and museums of Prague
Prague Castle with St. Vitus Cathedral and gardens
Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is a majestic castle complex in Prague, which dates back to the 9th century and is one of the largest castle complexes in the world.
Prague Castle is a complex consisting of courtyards, main street, palaces-museums, auxiliary and residential buildings, basilicas of St. George, chapels of the Holy Cross, picturesque Golden streets and dominants of Prague Castle - St. Vitus Cathedral with a high tower, in which there is an observation deck.
The complex is surrounded by former fortifications - walls with towers and gates, which are adjacent to gardens with some buildings. From the terraces and grounds of the gardens near and under the Prague Castle there are wonderful views of the historical part of Prague.
Entrance to the territory of Prague Castle is free.
Visits to individual sites and some gardens, as well as climbing to the observation deck in the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral are paid.
Address of Prague Castle: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czech Republic. More about Prague Castle, observation Tower and gardens…
Clementinum
Clementinum (Klementinum) is a large historical complex, formerly the home of the Order of Jesuit Monks and which is currently occupied by the National Library of the Czech Republic.
In the Clementinum complex you can visit: beautiful baroque library hall, Meridian Hall with a collection of astronomical instruments, see a facsimile of the Visegrad Codex and climb to the observation deck of the astronomical tower, which offers panoramic views of Prague. You can visit these objects of the Clementinum with excursions. Also, as part of the tour, you can look into Mirror Chapel, but only if no other events are taking place in the chapel at this time.
The complex also includes: St. Clement's Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Klimenta), Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Vlas or Italian Chapel) and church of St. Salvator (Blessed Saviour, kostel Nejsvětějšího Salvatora).
Address of the Clementinum: Mariánské nám. 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czech Republic. More about Clementinum…
Old Town Square
Old town square (Staroměstske naměstí) is a historical and most famous square that acts as the heart of the old town of Prague.
The history of the square dates back to the 12th century.
The square hosts various celebrations and events, including a Christmas market.
The square is surrounded by an ensemble of bright historical buildings, and its center is decorated with:
- monument to the national hero Jan Hus (Památník Jana Husa), which is one of the most important symbolist works of Czech monumental sculpture in the Art Nouveau style;
- a copy of the Mariana Column, created by the sculptor Peter Vanya.
The main dominant of the Old Town Square is the Old Town Hall (Staroměstska radnice) with the famous Prague Astronomical Clock (Prazsky Orloj or staromestsky Orloj), showing the performance.
The Town Hall consists of an ensemble of different buildings in which you can visit the chapel with the mechanism of the Prague chimes, halls, dungeons and climb to the observation deck in the Town Hall Tower. More about the Old Town Hall…
Also on the Old Town Square are notable:
- Tyn Temple (Tynsky chram) is one of the most impressive Gothic sacred buildings in Prague;
- church of St. Nicholas (Kostel sv. Mikulaše) in the Baroque style, in the interior of which a large crystal crown chandelier is notable;
- the Kinsky Palace (Palac Kinskyc) with a rococo facade, which has a rich history and is an exhibition hall National Gallery Prague (Narodní galerie Praha).
- the house "At the stone bell" (Dům U Kamenného zvonu), which is one of the most valuable Gothic monuments of the city and serves as an exhibition space of the Gallery of the capital of Prague (Galerie hlavního města Prahy);
- the house "At the Minute" (Dům U Minuty), which is a typical example of the architecture of the Czech bourgeois Renaissance and stands out with graffiti on the facades. As well as other bright houses around the perimeter of the square. More about the Old Town Square…
Jewish Quarter
Josefov - the Jewish Quarter or the Jewish City (Židovská čtvrť) is a small quarter in Prague, which was the former Jewish ghetto of the city.
Currently, Josefov is built up mainly with buildings from the early 20th century, but also in the quarter you can see the "old witnesses of history" - the remains of the former Jewish ghetto of Prague: several synagogues, an old Jewish cemetery and the old Jewish town hall, which are now part of the Jewish Museum in Prague (Židovské muzeum v Praze). More about the Jewish Quarter, its objects and the museum…
Wenceslas Square and the National Museum of Prague
Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske namesti) is the largest and one of the most attractive squares in Prague.
The square was created during the foundation of the New City by Charles IV in 1348.
The length of the square is 750 meters, and its width reaches 63 meters.
Monumental buildings of various architectural styles rise along the square, some of which are historically significant. In the buildings of the square there are cafes and restaurants, shops and banks, offices and hotels
The dominants of Wenceslas Square are:
- monumental equestrian monument to the Czech Prince St. Vaclav (Pomník svateho Vaclava), made in the style of monumental realism;
- The National Museum of Prague (Narodni muzeum Praha) is the largest state museum in Prague, consisting of several museum buildings in the city of Prague and beyond, containing extensive collections with exhibits from the fields of natural history, history, art, music and librarianship. More about Wenceslas Square…
Visegrad
Visegrad (Vyšehrad) is an ancient fortress (castle), which was the first residence of the Czech princes.
Visegrad is located on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River.
On the territory of Visegrad there are: the remains of former defensive structures (gates, walls), the Romanesque rotunda of St. Martin, the Neo-Gothic church of Saints Peter and Paul, the Slavin National Cemetery, casemates, a Gothic cellar, a gallery in the remains of the tower, the Old House of the Burgrave, an open-air theater, statues and monuments, a plague column etc.
From the Visegrad observation decks at the former fortress wall and in the gardens there are panoramic views of different parts of Prague.
Visegrad site visits are paid. Entrance to the territory is free.
Visegrad website: praha-vysehrad.cz.
Address of Visegrad: V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2 - Vyšehrad.
Petřín Hill
Petřín Hill is a green hill located in the center of Prague on the left bank of the Vltava River and is one of the highest hills of the Czech capital.
On the hill there are gardens, paths and alleys for walking, places to relax, fountains, monuments and sculptures, observation decks, as well as some important sights of the city.
The most visited object of the Petrshinsky Hill is the Petrshinsky Tower (Petřínská rozhledna) - a steel tower, which is a free reduced copy parisian Eiffel Tower.
In the upper part of the Petrshin tower there is a public observation deck, and on the underground level there is a small exposition about Petrshin.
The ascent to the observation deck is paid. More about the Petrshinskaya Observation Tower…
On the Petřín hill are also notable: memorial to the victims of communism (Pomník obětem komunismu), Mirror Maze (Zrcadlove bludiště), st. Lawrence Church and the Way of the Cross (Katedralní chram sv. Vavřince), the Stefanik Observatory (Štefánikova hvězdárna) with a permanent astronomical exhibition and the possibility of observing the sky, the Hungry Wall (Hladová zeď), the Ethnographic Museum of the National Museum of Prague (Národopisné muzeum Národního muzea), as well as panoramic cafes and restaurants.
On Petřín is 4-star apart-hotel Nebozizek Hotel a Restaurant, from the rooms of which offer panoramic views of Prague Castle and the Old Town. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Link to the hotel
You can take a walk on the Petrshin Hill for free. Visits to the objects (museums) of the hill are paid.
You can climb the hill on foot or by funicular. More about Petřín Hill…
Strahovsky Monastery
Strahovsky Monastery (Strahovský klášter) is an ancient monastery in Prague, which belongs to the oldest monasteries of the order of premonstrant monks.
The Strahovsky Monastery is a complex in which you can visit: the Strahov library with Baroque Theological and classical Philosophical halls, the Strahov Art Gallery with Baroque and Rococo paintings, the Basilica of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, the Church of St. Roch and the monastery brewery "Strahov".
On the slope, near the monastery, Strahovsky garden with vineyards (Strahovská zahrada), which was founded in the early Middle Ages as a subsidiary farm.
From the platform above the garden, which is near the monastery, there are wonderful panoramic views of the garden and Prague.
Address of the Strahovsky Monastery: Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, 118 00 Praha 1. More about the Strahovsky Monastery…
Prague Loreta
The Prague Loreta (Loreta Praha) - the Prague Holy Hut, is a grandiose complex of historical buildings, leading the history since 1626.
Today the complex is a place of pilgrimage and a museum that can be visited. It contains: the courtyard, the chapels, the Church of the Nativity of the Lord, the treasures of Loreto and the Loreta itself (the Holy Hut).
Entrance to the loreta is paid. There are guided tours around Loreta. Exhibitions and concerts of organ music are also held in the Prague Loreta.
Loreta's address: Loretánské náměstí 7, 118 00 Praha 1 - Hradčany. More about the Prague Loreta…
The Palace of Troja
The Summer Palace of Troja or the Castle of Troja (Trojský zámek) is one of the most beautiful Baroque monuments in Prague. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful French garden.
The palace, as a summer residence, was built in 1679 by Vaclav Wojteh, Count of Sternberk. The author of the castle project was the architect of French origin Jean Baptiste Matey.
In the interior of the castle, you can admire the unique fresco decor and exhibitions prepared by the Gallery of the capital City of Prague (Galerie hlavního města Prahy). Concerts are also held on the territory of the castle.
Adjacent to the castle is an extensive French Baroque garden, which is one of the most beautiful gardens in Prague and is decorated with terracotta vases, pergolas, labyrinths, fountains and busts of emperors.
Entrance to the palace premises is paid.
Website of the Gallery of the Capital Prague: ghmp.cz.
Address of the palace-castle of Troja: Адрес: U Trojského zámku 4/1, 170 00 Prague 7.
Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo (Zoo Praha, Zoologická zahrada hl. m. Prahy) is one of the largest and most famous zoos in Europe.
On 58 hectares there are pavilions and more than 5,000 individuals belonging to more than 650 species: from beetles, fish, turtles and snakes to penguins, giraffes, antelopes, tigers and lions.
The pride of the Prague Zoo is the Elephant Valley - a vast territory inhabited by a herd of Indian elephants.
The zoo also attracts attention: the pavilion of rare parrots, the aquarium, the pavilion of the Indonesian jungle with tropical plants and Komodo lizards, the African house with giraffes and other herbivores from the savannah, the gorilla pavilion and the Darwin crater with Tasmanian and Australian animals.
Prague Zoo website: zoopraha.cz.
Address of the Prague Zoo: U Trojského zámku 3/120, 171 00 Praha 7 - Troja. Learn more about the sights and museums of Prague…
The Royal Way in Prague
In the center of Prague, with an inspection and (or) a visit to the main dominants of the city, you can walk along the Royal Way (Královská cesta) - the name of the historical route in Prague, along which future Czech kings passed to the coronation, and today this path is a popular tourist route in Prague.
The tradition of the Royal Way was established by Emperor Charles IV.
The route passes through the central historical part of Prague and leads from Republic Square (Namesti Republiky) in Prague Castle. More about the Royal Way…
The narrowest street in Prague - Chertovka
Of the variety of streets in the historical center of Prague, the narrowest street in Prague (Nejuzsi prazska ulicka), which is also called Vinarna Chertovka (Vinárna Čertovka), attracts attention, which is a staircase passing between the walls of buildings, which was once a fire passageway.
The street has traffic lights at both ends, designed for pedestrians and installed in order not to create traffic jams, since the street is so narrow that it will be quite difficult for even two people to disperse on it.
At the bottom of the street, by the waters of the Vltava River, there is a restaurant "Čertovka".
The street is located near the Charles bridge, between the houses 100/24 and 101/26 on the street U lužického semináře. More about the narrowest street in Prague…
Prague observation decks
There are many viewing platforms and observation points in Prague, the best of which are:
- observation deck in the tower of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle. There are also viewing platforms in the gardens near and under Prague Castle and near the east and west gates of Prague Castle;
- from the street near the slope with the vineyards of the Strahovsky Monastery (Strahovsky klašter);
- in the gallery of the high city bell tower St. Nicholas Church in Malaya-Strana (Kostel svatého Mikuláše Mala Strana);
- in the towers of Charles Bridge;
- open observation deck at the top of the Astronomical Tower of Clementinum;
- in the galleries of the upper part of the Town Hall Tower in the Old Town Hall;
- observation terraces and platforms in Leten gardens (Letenské sady);
- observation platforms on the Petrshin Hill and in the Petrshin Tower;
- observation deck in Zhizhkovsoy TV tower (Žižkovská televizní věž);
- views from the Vitkov Hill (Vítkově) with the National Memorial (National Memorial on Vítkov Hill).
There are also view cafes, bars and restaurants in Prague. Learn more about observation decks and observation points in Prague…
Christmas markets in Prague
On Christmas Eve (Advent) in Prague there are Christmas markets (Czech name: Vánoční trhy Praha), which become one of the most visited places in the city.
There are stalls and tents at the fairs, from which they sell food, including local street food, sweets, drinks, including beer, mulled wine and mead, Christmas products, as well as souvenirs, products of local craftsmen and festive paraphernalia.
Christmas markets in Prague function both in the historical center of the city and beyond. Basically, fairs are open from November 20-30 to December 24, and some until January 6; but every year the schedule of bazaars changes, so we recommend specifying the schedule and opening hours of fairs, as well as the cultural and entertainment Christmas program in Prague closer to Advent (usually the schedule is already known from the end of May) and on official websites.
The main Christmas Market of Prague takes place on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square under the building of the National Museum.
Also, the most visited fairs operate at and in Prague Castle, on Republic Square, Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí), Peace Square (Náměstí Míru), Tylovo Square (Tylovo náměstí), in the Anděl pedestrian zone (Nádražní street, in front of the entrance to metro) and a small fair on the island of Kampa.
Beer and food in Prague
Oh, this Czech cuisine! Hearty, high-calorie and, undoubtedly, delicious. And beer, beer in the Czech Republic is already a legend and pride.
You can taste beer in Prague on almost every corner. In bars, bakeries and beer establishments in the city there are varieties of beer, ranging from the well-known and most common (Pilsner Urquell, Krusovice, Staropramen, Velkopopovicky Kozel, Budweiser Budvar, Bernard and others), and ending with craft from mini breweries.
In some establishments, you can order a beer tasting menu, which includes several beers, often from 8 to 10, in small glasses, with a volume of about 0.1 liters each. The purpose of such a menu is the opportunity to try different beers at a time.
Various cocktails are also made on the basis of beer.
There are in Prague and beer museum More about beer in Prague/Czech Republic…
Of the dishes in the Czech Republic, local soups are appreciated, wild boar knee (pork knuckle in Czech) baked in beer, pork on sour cream - beef in white sauce, goulash, ribs, duck and other meat dishes, as well as fish dishes, mainly from carp, cheeses, including fried, pickled sausages "Utopians", and side dishes, including potato and dumplings - steamed pieces of boiled flour or potato dough. Learn more about Czech cuisine…
Street food in the Czech Republic, especially in the center of its capital, Prague, is very common and is sold almost every step.
These are: wild boar knee, potatoes with bacon, vegetables, sweets (especially trdelniki), draniki, famous sausages, fried cheese and, of course, beer. Learn more about street food in Prague...
To Prague with children
For families with children, Prague presents many interesting places, entertainment and museums that are suitable for a family stay in the Czech capital. Many of these places will be interesting for both children and adults.
There are also a sufficient number of parks in Prague, including amusement parks and walks, there is a water park, an oceanarium, a zoo, a world of jellyfish, a crocodile zoo, a planetarium and singing fountains.
It is simply unrealistic to list places where you can go with children in Prague within the framework of this article, so we have prepared a separate article "To Prague with children", which lists all Prague objects and places that may be interesting and suitable for family holidays with children. More about holidays with children in Prague…
Sightseeing tourist trams and buses in Prague
Sightseeing buses and two historical tourist trams of lines 42 and 43 run through Prague, which pass through the historical center of the city and operate on the hop-on hop-off principle.
By taking a trip on these buses and (or) trams, you can see and (or) visit the main sights and museums of Prague.
Excursions in Prague
Prague offers many excursions, both classic group and individual and more interesting with unusual routes.
For example, mystical Prague, helicopter flight over Prague, walks along the Vltava River, gastronomic and beer routes, photo shoots, quests, excursions for children, etc.
Excursions around Prague are possible view and purchase here
Where to go from Prague
The bulk of tourists who come to Prague go in two directions: the famous health resort Karlovy Vary and the Cesky Krumlov Museum city. You can get to these two cities from Prague on your own by public transport or with one of the many excursions.
Traveling in the Czech Republic is most convenient by car. You can choose and order a car in advance, even from home. Your car will be waiting for you near the airport or another selected place in the city at the appointed time. Car Rental in Prague (all places) →
You can also go to other cities of the Czech Republic and (or) leave the country.
Many excursions to neighboring cities and countries are offered from Prague. The duration of the tour depends on the place of the trip. There are both one-day and multi-day excursions.
What to take with you to Prague
This issue is very sensitive and individual.
In winter, you will need one garment - warm, in summer the other - light. One thing is for sure, you will definitely need comfortable shoes. The center of Prague is mostly paved with paving stones and you will have to walk around the city a lot, so you definitely can't do without a pair of comfortable sneakers or boots.
Also, even in the summer, you may need a jacket, sweatshirt or light jacket, in case of bad weather and cool evenings.
The currency of the Czech Republic (Prague). Currency exchange in Prague
Although the Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, however, it is not part of the Euro area, therefore, today, the official currency of the Czech Republic and Prague, including, is the Czech Crown (CZK or Kč).
Euros, dollars and other currencies are accepted for exchange. Exchangers in the center of Prague are located on almost every corner; the exchange rate is different everywhere, you can walk around the city and take a closer look to find a more favorable rate (if there is such a need).
You can also withdraw cash from bank cards and pay with bank cards in many establishments.
In the center of Prague and other major tourist cities of the Czech Republic, both local currency Czech crowns and Euros are accepted for payment. It is more economically profitable to pay in crowns, it turns out to be more expensive in euros.
How to get to Prague
There are several ways to get to Prague. By private or rented car, train, bus or plane.
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Prague is by plane. Prague is home to the Vaclav Havel International Airport (Letiště Václava Havla Praha), which regularly sends and receives flights from many European countries, including direct flights connecting Prague with Great Britain, Ireland, Cyprus, Romania, as well as Bulgaria, Russia and intercontinental flights. Flights to Prague →
You can also get to Prague by train and bus.
As an option, you can first get to the cities of neighboring and not only countries, for example to Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Warsaw (Poland), Munich, Nuremberg or Dresden (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Istanbul (Turkey), etc., and from there to Prague. Such routes will require additional time, but you can visit two or more countries at a time.
From Prague Airport to the center of Prague can be reached by public transport, express buses, taxi / transfer or car. Learn more about how to get from Prague airport and the city center...
Trains (commuter trains) to and from Prague →
If you have the time or you have a transit flight through Prague, then there is a great opportunity to combine a transfer from the airport with a sightseeing tour of Prague. After the tour, you will be taken back to the airport, if you have a transit flight, or to the hotel.
Также есть пивные трансферы с неограниченным количеством пива во время пути.
Where to stay in Prague (Prague hotels)
Like everything else, there are many hotels, apartments and more budget accommodation facilities in Prague. Here everyone will find something to afford. It does not make sense to recommend certain hotels, since there are many good accommodation facilities in Prague that correspond to the declared categories.
What you can advise is to stay in the historical center of the city or in general in the Prague 1 area. All the main attractions are located in this area. And if, trying to save money on a hotel, you stay far from the historical center, then you will have to go back and forth by public transport or taxi every day, which in the end, and the most unpleasant thing in such trips, will take time and effort.
All accommodation in Prague can view and book here
Visas and travel insurance
Visa issues for entry to the Czech Republic and also the city of Prague depend on your country of residence (citizenship) and the time you are going to spend in the Czech Republic (Prague). Therefore, we recommend checking this information and all other conditions of entry / exit to the country on the websites of consulates (embassies) of the Czech Republic.
To visit the Czech Republic, you must have travel insurance
