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Writer's pictureLucie Plchotová

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Prague

Updated: Jun 6, 2023


Prague is the Czech Republic's capital, the largest city, and the 13th largest city in Europe. It is rightly regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Its historic center contains several beautiful monuments, breathtaking views, and the world's largest castle complex, which is on the UNESCO list. One could spend weeks here and still discover new things, so our article focused on classic monuments, famous places, and the most appealing attractions for singles, couples, and families with children.



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What not to miss?



Charles Bridge


Charles Bridge is one of Prague's most well-known landmarks, but there are several good reasons for this. From the open-air gallery feel of the Baroque statues that line the bridge to the spectacular views of the Vltava river, it's no surprise that this place has inspired poets, novelists, and artists for over 600 years. It's also an incredibly romantic place to stroll. Our advice? Avoid the crowds by going to the Charles late at night or early in the morning. It will almost certainly be marvelously, surprisingly quiet in both cases.




Prague Castle


Prague Castle, the most visited monument in the Czech Republic, clearly dominates the city's skyline. It is open to visitors annually and includes attractions such as the Old Royal Palace, the Golden Lane, a long row of picturesque houses, the Prague Castle Gallery, and the St. Wenceslas vineyard. At noon, the ceremonial changing of the castle guard with fanfare takes place in the first courtyard.




Wenceslas Square


Wenceslas Square, just a short walk from the Old Town, is the city's central shopping district and the location for large public gatherings ranging from protests and rallies to parades and celebrations. Jan Palach set himself on fire in 1968 to protest the Communist crackdown, and locals jingled their keys in the air to celebrate Czech independence during the Velvet Revolution of 1989. Near the National Museum, at one end of the square, is a massive statue of St. Wenceslas astride his horse.




Astronomical clock


The Astronomical Clock, another famous city landmark, is one of the most popular free things to do in Prague, but its hourly procession of mechanical figures leaves some tourists disappointed. Come here instead between showtimes for a closer look at the clock itself. The two clock faces are not only intricately beautiful and rich in symbolism, but they are also information fonts. They display the time (look for the point where the golden hand meets the Roman numerals), the day and month of the year, the zodiac sign, sunset and sunrise times, the current phase of the moon, and much more. That is okay for a timepiece installed in 1410.




St. Vitus Cathedral


It was the first cathedral church in Bohemia, the seat church of the church's head (the archbishop of Prague), and the court church of the Czech state's head. The Church of St. Vita was transformed into a coronation temple, a national pantheon where the bodies of our saints, princes, kings and Roman emperors were interred. There have been works of art and creations from all branches of art from the beginning to the present.





What else to visit?



Petrin tower


Petrin hill, topped by what appears to be a miniature Eiffel Tower, is one of Prague's most popular playgrounds. Come for the woodland walkways, blooming rose gardens, and breathtaking views of the city below - and don't miss the Hunger Wall, a structure built in 1362 that takes its name from the claim that the wall was built not for strategic value but to provide income to Prague's starving population after a famine.







Vysehrad


Though Prague lacks scenic viewpoints and photo opportunities, the tourist crowds can be annoying. If you like a little breathing room when traveling, Vysehrad is the place to go. The hillside views are a bonus to its statue-studded parks, a peaceful cemetery, an eye-catching cathedral, and one of the city's best beer gardens. The red line (also known as the C line) terminates here, making it easy to reach the fort's gothic spires and relaxing grounds off the banks of the Vltava.




Rudolfinum


Most exhibitions in the Rudolfinum Gallery (below the concert halls) are free; check their website for the most up-to-date schedule. Curve around the side closest to the river, where two sphinxes guard the door rather than up the steps to the main entrance. Head upstairs for free exhibits or downstairs for Art Park, which is primarily geared toward children. This is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon if you want to brush up on art history, learn about famous museums worldwide, or experiment with art on your terms. If that isn't enough, pop into the Rudolfinum Café and browse through art books or play the grand piano.




The Dancing House


There are many exciting places to visit in Prague, Czech Republic, and the Dancing House is one of the city's most photogenic (and photographed). The Dancing House, located along the Moldau River in Prague's New Town, is notable for its unusual shape. It is squeezed between the buildings to its left and right. The Dancing House, which houses the Dutch insurance company Nationale-Nederlanden, is best viewed across the river or the Jiraskuv Most bridge. On the top floor, there is a restaurant and a cafe. Both are open to the public.




Letná park


Climb up to Letná Park for yet another breathtaking view of Prague. Prague 7 (first-time visitors, take note: Prague is divided into sections and assigned numbers) has transformed from a sleepy residential neighborhood to one that's vibrant and full of fabulous boutiques and restaurants in the last decade. Letná Park is home to a massive kinetic sculpture of a moving metronome; it was once the foundation of a gigantic Stalin monument demolished in 1962. Letná beer garden's park benches and views of the Old Town across the Vltava make it a popular after-work destination for locals, dog walkers, and international visitors. Remember that, despite the idyllic picnic setting, you are not permitted to bring food or drink from outside into the beer garden.




How to travel there?



Prague has a very well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy to get there from almost anywhere. If you are coming from another part of the Czech Republic, you can take the bus or train without any problems. Prague has five bus stations, which serve hundreds of regular lines daily and are popular with tourists and locals. Florenc, Černý most, Roztyly, Zličín, and Holešovice all have bus stations. There are connections to almost every country in Europe from here. Railway transport in the Czech Republic has a more than 150-year history, and there are several railway stations in Prague, including Smíchovské and Vrsovické nádraží. The most popular is Prague Central Station, which has connections to Germany, Slovakia, and Poland, among other places. If you intend to travel from a greater distance, Václav Havel Airport in Ruzyně provides international air transport.




When to travel there?



May to September is the best month for sightseeing.

There is no wrong time to visit Prague, but spring and fall shoulder seasons are ideal for sightseeing. The weather is usually pleasant, and there are fewer people than in the summer. If you're planning a winter trip, remember that many attractions are closed from mid-November to March.


Backpackers should visit in February, March, and November. The summer months are ideal for backpackers to visit Prague. The weather is pleasant, and numerous events and activities are taking place. However, lodging prices can be high during this time of year, and there are more tourists. Consider visiting Prague in the spring or fall if you want to save money.



Average costs



How much money will you need for your Prague trip? You should budget 2,042 CZK (91) per day for your vacation in Prague, as this is the average daily price based on other visitors' expenses. Previous visitors spent an average of 489 CZK (22) on one-day meals and 154 CZK (6.82) on local transportation. In addition, the average hotel room in Prague costs 2,480 CZK (110). So, a one-week trip to Prague for two people costs, on average, 28,585 CZK (1,268). All of these average travel prices were gathered from other travelers to assist you in planning your travel budget.



Where to eat & drink?



Coffee lovers

SmetanaQ


SmetanaQ Café & Bistro is a gathering place for students, artists, and people of all ages over a cup of well-prepared specialty coffee or loose-leaf tea. Every morning, our confectioner comes to the kitchen and bakes a variety of homemade cakes, pies, and desserts for you, as well as delicious sourdough bread. Savory desserts and quiches, as well as hot breakfasts, afternoon menus, and good soups made from fresh vegetables and homemade broths, are prepared by our chefs. In the evening, you can enjoy a glass of good wine with friends in our garden, which is shady and pleasant, especially in hot weather.



Myšák


The famous confectionary on Vodičková street opened in 1911 and was frequented by many influential personalities during the First Republic. It traces the history of Frantiek Myák's confectionery and confectionary art. It serves traditional Czech desserts, cakes, and cups, as well as breakfast and a variety of coffees.




Ema espresso bar


EMA... is a coffee shop. Grinding stones grind select coffee from our and other micro roasters quickly and consistently. With a smile, that's how the baristas work as well. They will act according to what they see in your eyes. He counsels, suggests, and explains. The coffee took them in. Caution, this is highly addictive!






Spižírna 1902


Spižírna, 1902. Their philosophy is straightforward: serve fresh, healthy, locally prepared food that is also delicious. Just pantry items, which is where half of our name comes from. The menu changes daily based on the season and our ideas, and we bake homemade buns, cakes, and other pastries every morning using a family recipe. Rich breakfasts, weekend brunches, light lunches, and sophisticated evening canapés for carnivores and vegans alike are the result. You can also order our homemade lemonade, good coffee, wine, microbrew beer, or something stronger.



Amazing food



Lokál


The main draw of Lokál, part of the Ambiente restaurant group, is nostalgia for Czech cuisine from the 1970s and 1980s. There are classic takeaways, dishes from your grandmother's kitchen, and school canteens, which are familiar to all Czechs. In Lokál, you can also be sure that all meals have been prepared without substitutions or typical "pub tricks," resulting in less expensive food that lasts longer and requires little effort. Fresh ingredients are purchased to the greatest extent possible, with preference given to well-known regional producers, and ready meals are prepared several times per day.




L'Osteria


Visit this pizzeria after seeing Karlin Church. L'Osteria serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Many visitors come to sample the well-prepared pizza, carpaccio, and salads. Visitors frequently order good tiramisu here. Guests are served a selection of delicious prosecco, beer, or white wine.




Knedlín


Do sweet dumplings entice you? We've got them! Do you prefer a salty flavor? Could you give it to yourself? We make nearly 20 different types of fresh potato dough dumplings with various fillings. You can also order sweet and salty sauces to go with your dumpling. Remember to wash it down with one of the Kamenice microbrewery's homemade lemonades, coffee, or beer!



Events



Czech Beer Festival


Although it may feel like a beer festival every day in Prague, this gathering of 150 Czech breweries at Letná Park is not to be missed. Every day from noon to midnight, you can explore the steadily growing Czech microbrewery scene and branch out beyond Pilsner Urquell and Budvar. Expect traditional costumed servers (and local beer fans), piles of Czech meats, and various DJs and bands to keep the party going. The Czech Beer Festival takes place in May.




Designblok


When a city is brimming with designers, you know the design festival will be vital. Designblok, Central Europe's most significant event of its kind, showcases cutting-edge Czech and European design talent and completely transforms the Výstaviště exhibition center each year. Festival events and displays can also be found throughout the city in pop-up shops, public spaces, galleries, cafés, and bookstores.




Signal Light festival


For five days in October, artists from around the world create a series of interactive light-based artworks using the city's iconic landmarks and historic buildings as their playground. Light begins to fade by five o'clock at this time of year, but these light art installations brighten the mood in Prague and bring the city's ancient façades to life. Take a tram (9, 18, or 20 have good routes) for a warmer way to enjoy the festival.





We've reached the end of the article about Prague. This city has an unforgettable atmosphere, and we believe you will love it as much as we did! Try dumplings and Czech food, and remember the beer! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our blog. How about planning a trip to Gdansk or Poznan? Remember to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!


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