Why Visit Prague
Prague is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, and one of the best value destinations on the continent. The Czech capital emerged from decades behind the Iron Curtain with its medieval and baroque architecture miraculously intact — it was barely bombed during World War II. The result is a fairy-tale cityscape of Gothic spires, cobblestone lanes, a dramatic hilltop castle and a river spanned by one of the most photographed bridges in the world.
Beyond the postcard views, Prague offers world-class beer at astonishingly low prices (a half-litre of excellent Czech lager costs €1.50–2.50 in local pubs), hearty and satisfying cuisine, a thriving cultural scene and a nightlife that ranges from elegant jazz clubs to massive multi-floor clubs. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet rich enough to keep you busy for days.
Prague has become one of Europe's most visited cities, and the tourist crowds in the Old Town can be intense, especially in summer. But step just a few blocks away from the Charles Bridge and you'll find authentic neighbourhoods where locals actually live, eat and drink — and where your euros stretch remarkably far.
Top Neighbourhoods
Staré Město (Old Town) — The Historic Heart
Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) are all here. Stunning architecture but very tourist-heavy. Restaurants and shops are pricier than elsewhere in the city.
- Daily budget: €70–130
Malá Strana (Lesser Town) — Baroque Beauty
Nestled below Prague Castle, this is the most charming neighbourhood in the city. Narrow streets, hidden gardens, baroque churches and excellent restaurants like Lokál (Czech classics, mains €6–10) and Café Savoy (brunch €12–18).
- Daily budget: €60–110
Vinohrady — The Local Favourite
Prague's most liveable neighbourhood. Tree-lined streets, art nouveau buildings, excellent restaurants and wine bars along Mánesova and Vinohradská streets. This is where young professionals and expats live.
- Daily budget: €45–80
Žižkov — The Bohemian Quarter
Named after the Hussite warrior, this working-class neighbourhood has more pubs per capita than anywhere in Prague. The Žižkov TV Tower (with David Černý's crawling baby sculptures) offers panoramic views for €12. Gritty, authentic and cheap.
- Daily budget: €35–65
Holešovice — Art and Markets
A former industrial district now home to DOX Centre for Contemporary Art (€10), the National Gallery's Trade Fair Palace (€10) and the excellent Pražská tržnice (Prague Market) with Vietnamese and Czech food stalls. Growing craft beer and coffee scene.
- Daily budget: €40–70
Local Cuisine
Czech food is hearty, meat-heavy and designed to accompany beer. These are the essential dishes:
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Svíčková na smetaně: The national dish — marinated beef sirloin in a creamy root vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings (knedlíky) and a dollop of cranberry jam. €7–10 at local restaurants. Try it at Lokál Dlouhááá in Old Town (€8.50).
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Vepřo-knedlo-zelo: Roast pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings. The Czech Sunday lunch classic. €6–9. U Fleků (a brewery since 1499) serves a solid version for €9.
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Trdelník: A chimney cake made of rolled dough, grilled over charcoal and coated in sugar and cinnamon. Sold on every corner in the tourist areas for €4–5. Locals will tell you it's actually Slovak/Hungarian, not Czech — but it's delicious regardless.
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Smažený sýr: Deep-fried Edam cheese served with tartar sauce and fries. Czech comfort food. €5–7 at most pubs. The version at Lokal is excellent.
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Kulajda: A creamy mushroom and dill soup with a poached egg. Rich, warming and uniquely Czech. €3–5 as a starter.
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Guláš: Czech-style goulash — thicker and meatier than Hungarian versions, served in a bread bowl in tourist areas (€6–8) or with dumplings at local spots (€5–7). Krčma restaurant in Malá Strana does a great one.
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Palačinky: Czech-style crêpes, usually filled with jam, Nutella or ice cream. €3–5 at cafés.
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Chlebíčky: Open-faced sandwiches topped with combinations of ham, egg, cheese, pickles and mayonnaise-based salads. A traditional Czech snack. €1–2 each at delis like Sisters Bistro near Old Town Square.
Tip
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-Range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation (per night) | €12–25 (hostel dorm) | €50–90 (hotel) | €120–250 (boutique hotel) | | Food (per day) | €10–18 | €25–40 | €50–80 | | Transport (daily) | €1.20 (single ticket) | €5 (day pass) | €15–25 (taxis) | | Attractions (daily) | €0–8 | €12–20 | €25–40 | | Beer & nightlife | €3–8 | €10–20 | €25–50 | | Daily Total | €28–60 | €100–175 | €235–445 |
Getting Around
Public Transport (DPP)
Prague has an excellent integrated system of metro (3 lines), trams (30+ routes) and buses, all on the same ticket.
- 30-minute ticket: CZK 30 (€1.20)
- 90-minute ticket: CZK 40 (€1.60)
- 24-hour pass: CZK 120 (€5)
- 72-hour pass: CZK 330 (€13.50)
Tickets can be bought at yellow machines in metro stations, via the PID Lítačka app (most convenient) or at newsagents.
From Václav Havel Airport (PRG)
- Airport Express bus (AE): CZK 60 (€2.50), 35 minutes to Praha hlavní nádraží (main station)
- Bus 119 + Metro A: CZK 40 (€1.60), 45 minutes to city centre (cheapest option)
- Taxi/Bolt: €18–25 to city centre (avoid unlicensed taxis at the airport — use the Bolt or Liftago apps)
Walking
Prague's centre is very compact. Old Town Square to Charles Bridge is a 10-minute walk. Charles Bridge to Prague Castle takes 20 minutes uphill. Walking is the best way to explore.
Warning
Practical Tips
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Currency is Czech koruna (CZK), not euros. 1 EUR ≈ 25 CZK. While some tourist restaurants accept euros, the exchange rate they use is terrible. Always pay in CZK. Use ATMs from reputable banks and decline "dynamic currency conversion" if offered.
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Tipping. Round up to the nearest 10 CZK or add 10% at restaurants. Tell the waiter the total you want to pay (don't leave money on the table). At pubs, rounding up by 5–10 CZK is sufficient.
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Prague Castle is free to enter the grounds. You only pay if you want to enter the interiors (St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, etc.). Circuit B ticket: CZK 250 (€10). The castle grounds, gardens and the exterior of St. Vitus are free and worth visiting on their own.
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Avoid Wenceslas Square restaurants. The food is mediocre and overpriced. Walk 5 minutes in any direction for better and cheaper options. Vinohrady, Karlín and Holešovice have the best food scenes.
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The Astronomical Clock show is underwhelming. Every hour, tourists crowd around to watch the mechanical figures — and most walk away saying "that's it?" It's worth a quick look, but don't build your schedule around it. The real highlight is climbing the Old Town Hall Tower for the view (CZK 250 / €10).
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Tap water is safe but most restaurants will expect you to order a drink. A bottle of water costs CZK 30–50 (€1.20–2) at restaurants.
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Book popular spots in advance. Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter museums and rooftop bars like Cloud 9 at the Hilton can get very busy. Summer weekends are peak tourist season.
