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🇨🇿Czech Republic

Complete Prague travel guide 2026

The City of a Hundred Spires: history, beer, and incredible prices

A fairy-tale city of Gothic spires, cobblestone streets, affordable beer, and the iconic Charles Bridge.

Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. The Czech capital looks like a fairy tale: Gothic bridges, astronomical clocks, imposing castles, and beer cheaper than water.

Less crowded than Paris or Rome and far more affordable, Prague offers a first-class cultural experience at prices unheard of in Western Europe.

This guide covers everything: must-see attractions, itineraries, the best hospodas (taverns), and tricks to enjoy this Central European gem.

What to see and do

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1.Prague Castle

Must See

The world's largest castle complex (70,000 m²). Includes St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and panoramic city views.

250 CZK (~€10)9:00-17:002-3hHradcany
Buy Circuit B (250 CZK): covers the essentials. Arrive at 9:00 to beat tour groups. Courtyards are free.
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2.Charles Bridge

Must See

The world's most famous Gothic bridge (1357). 30 Baroque statues on each side with stunning castle and river views.

Free30-45minKarluv most
At dawn (6:00-7:00) it's virtually empty. During the day it's packed. At night it's also spectacular.
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3.Astronomical Clock

Must See

The world's most famous medieval clock (1410) in Old Town Square. Every hour (9:00-23:00), the 12 apostles parade in the upper windows.

Free (tower: 250 CZK)15min (+30min tower)Staromestske namesti
The apostle show lasts only 45 seconds. Climb the tower (250 CZK) for the best square views.
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4.Old Town Square

Prague's heart. Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings surround this spectacular square. Tyn Church with its twin towers is unmistakable.

Free30min-1hStaromestske namesti
Avoid restaurants on the square (expensive and touristy). Walk 2 streets away for better food.
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5.Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

One of Europe's best-preserved Jewish quarters. Historic synagogues, the old cemetery, and a moving history.

350 CZK (~€14)9:00-17:002hJosefov
The combined ticket (350 CZK) includes synagogues and cemetery. The Spanish Synagogue is the most beautiful.
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6.Mala Strana

The Baroque quarter below the castle. Cobblestone streets, palaces, hidden gardens, and the best craft beer pubs.

Free2-3hMala Strana
Visit the Wallenstein Gardens (free) or climb Petrin Hill for incredible views.
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7.Petrin Hill

Prague's green hill with a mini Eiffel Tower, mirror maze, and the best panoramic city views. Take the funicular or walk up.

Funicular: transit ticket / Tower: 150 CZK1.5-2hPetrin
The funicular works with a regular transit ticket. Walk up and ride down (or vice versa).

Recommended Itinerary

1

Classic Prague

The big icons: castle, bridge, and old town.

09:00Prague Castle2.5h
11:30Mala Strana (walking down)1h
12:30Lunch in Mala Strana1h
14:00Charles Bridge30min
14:45Old Town Square & Clock1h
16:00Jewish Quarter1.5h
18:00Beer at a traditional pub2h
Tips
  • The castle is uphill: start there while you have energy
  • A beer (pivo) at a pub costs 40-60 CZK (€1.60-2.40)
2

Alternative Prague and beer

Local neighborhoods, markets, and the world's best beer.

09:00Vysehrad (fortress)1.5h
11:00Naplavka (Saturday market)1h
12:30Lunch in Vinohrady1h
14:30Zizkov (alternative quarter)1.5h
16:30Petrin Hill1.5h
18:30Beer tour in Mala Strana3h
Tips
  • Vinohrady and Zizkov are the most authentic local neighborhoods
  • Czech beer is the world's best: try Pilsner Urquell, Kozel, and Bernard

Gastronomy

Czech cuisine is hearty, honest, and perfect for pairing with beer. Meat dishes, bread dumplings (knedliky), and comforting desserts at incredible prices.

🍽️ Svickova na smetane

The national dish: beef sirloin with creamy vegetable sauce, knedliky, and cranberries. Delicious and unique.

Lokál, Cafe Savoy

🍽️ Trdelník

Sweet dough roll roasted over charcoal, coated in sugar and cinnamon. Ubiquitous street food (invented for tourists but delicious).

Street stalls in the center

🍽️ Vepro knedlo zelo

Roast pork with knedliky and sauerkraut. The classic Czech trio. Hearty and tasty.

Lokál, U Medvídků

🍽️ Smažený sýr

Breaded fried cheese with fries and tartar sauce. The ultimate Czech comfort food.

Any hospoda (tavern)

🍽️ Pivo (beer)

Czechia is the world's top beer-consuming country. Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen, Kozel. At a pub: 40-60 CZK (€1.60-2.40).

Lokál, U Zlatého Tygra, Pivovarský Dům

🍽️ Kolache

Sweet buns filled with cream, jam, or poppy seeds. Traditional Czech pastry.

Local bakeries (pekárna)

🍴 Recommended Restaurants

LokálModern hospoda

Best beer (unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell) and authentic Czech food. Multiple locations.

U MedvídkůHistoric brewery
€€

Brewery since 1466. Their X-Beer 33 is Czechia's strongest.

Cafe SavoyCafe/restaurant
€€

Spectacular breakfast and brunch in a historic cafe. The svíčková is top.

KantýnaButcher/restaurant
€€

Best meat in Prague. Incredible burgers and steaks.

U Zlatého TygraClassic pub

Vaclav Havel's favorite pub. Perfect Pilsner Urquell. Pure Czech atmosphere.

EskaContemporary
€€

New Czech cuisine: ferments, artisan bread, and creative dishes.

Neighborhoods & Areas

Stare Mesto (Old Town)

Historic and touristy

Historic center with the square, clock, and Charles Bridge. Monumental but very touristy.

Ideal for: First visit

SquareClockCharles Bridge

Mala Strana

Romantic and Baroque

Baroque quarter below the castle. Romantic, with hidden gardens and excellent beer pubs.

Ideal for: Romantics and beer lovers

Wallenstein GardensSt. Nicholas ChurchLennon Wall

Vinohrady

Residential and elegant

Prague's prettiest residential neighborhood. Art Nouveau buildings, local cafes, and parks.

Ideal for: Local experience, good restaurants

Namesti MiruRiegrovy Sady (park)Cafes

Zizkov

Alternative and nocturnal

Alternative working-class quarter with more pubs per capita than anywhere in the world.

Ideal for: Nightlife and cheap beer

Zizkov TV TowerLocal pubsVitkov Hill

Getting Around

Vaclav Havel (PRG)

TransportDurationPrice
Bus 119 + metro
Bus 119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin (metro A). Best option.
40-50 min40 CZK (~€1.60)
Airport Express (AE)
Direct to main station (Hlavni nadrazi).
35 min100 CZK (~€4)
Taxi/Bolt
Use Bolt or Liftago apps. Avoid airport taxis.
25-35 min500-700 CZK (~€20-28)

Public Transport

Prague has metro (3 lines), trams, and buses. The system is efficient and very cheap.

  • The 30-min ticket (30 CZK/€1.20) or 90-min (40 CZK/€1.60) covers metro+tram+bus
  • 24h pass (120 CZK/~€5) or 72h (330 CZK/~€13) is ideal for tourists
  • Metro closes at midnight. Night trams (numbers 91-99) cover the city 24/7
  • Always validate your ticket (fines are 1,500 CZK)
Prague's historic center is very walkable. From the castle to Old Town is 20 min across Charles Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones).

Practical Tips

  • Currency is Czech koruna (CZK), not euros. €1 ≈ 25 CZK. Exchange at banks, never at city center exchange offices.
  • Beware tourist exchange offices (směnárna): they charge abusive commissions. Use ATMs instead.
  • Beer is cheaper than bottled water. At a pub: 40-60 CZK (€1.60-2.40).
  • Restaurants on Old Town Square are expensive and mediocre. Eat 2 streets away.
  • Tap water is drinkable.
  • Supermarkets are closed on Sundays (by law). Plan ahead.
  • Prague is very safe. Main risk is pickpockets in tourist areas and tram 22.
  • Learn 'Děkuji' (thank you) and 'Pivo, prosím' (a beer, please).

Frequently Asked Questions

Daily budget

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Budget

33

/day

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Mid-range

55

/day

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Luxury

99

/day

Weather

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Plan your trip to Prague

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