Prague travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October have mild weather and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are warm and the busiest. Winter is cold, but the Christmas markets from late November are popular.

Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square are crowded from mid-morning. Visit at sunrise or after 8 pm for fewer people.

How many days you need

Three days cover the Old Town and Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and Lesser Town, Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter and a walk in Vinohrady or Letná. A fourth day suits Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Castle.

Kutná Hora is about one hour by train. Karlštejn is about 40 minutes.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is west of the city. Trolleybus 59 goes to Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (line A) in about 17 minutes, and from there the metro takes you to the centre. Bus 100 goes to Zličín (line B) in about 18 minutes. The Airport Express bus goes from Terminal 1 to the main railway station in about 40 minutes and has its own fare.

Use the airport taxi desk, an official taxi or a ride-hailing app. Do not accept offers from drivers who approach you in the hall.

Getting around

The metro, trams and buses make up the city network run by Prague Integrated Transport (PID). Buy a timed ticket from a machine, in the PID Lítačka app, or with a contactless bank card at the terminals on trams, buses and in the metro. Paper tickets must be validated in a yellow machine before the first ride. Tickets bought on board or at a metro terminal need no validation.

The centre is walkable. The cobbles are hard on small wheels and heels. Tram 22 passes the castle. The funicular goes up Petřín Hill.

Where to stay

Old Town (Staré Město) is central and close to the major sights, but busy and noisy. Lesser Town (Malá Strana) is quiet near the castle and bridge.

New Town (Nové Město) has shops and good transport. Vinohrady has cafes, parks and good local restaurants. Karlín suits visitors who prefer a modern area.

What to book in advance

Prague Castle has a security check and several ticket circuits, so choose the circuit that includes St Vitus Cathedral. Tickets are sold on site and online. Queues are shorter in the morning.

The Jewish Museum tickets also cover several synagogues in the Jewish Quarter. The museum is closed on Saturdays and on Jewish holidays. Concerts in churches and the National Theatre sell out in season. Check opening days, as some sights close on Mondays.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not exchange money at street booths with signs that promise no commission. Use banks or ATMs and decline dynamic currency conversion. Do not use street taxis near the Old Town. Use apps or phone a company.

Do not eat in restaurants directly on the Old Town Square without checking the menu. Prices are higher and quality is mixed. Do not forget to validate paper tickets.

Do not take photos of the guards at the castle in a way that blocks them. Do not cross against trams.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the Czech koruna, not the euro. Cards are widely accepted. Some small pubs prefer cash. Tipping is about 10 percent or rounding up.

Plug types C and E are used, at 230 volts. Tap water is safe. A small accommodation fee applies to hotel stays. The Czech Republic is in the Schengen area. Check official government sources for entry rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Prague