Everything in Prague is quite literal and also quite magical. Prague (Praha) actually means “door step”. The legend is that when the founders of the city went to the top of the hill to decide where Prague Castle would be situated, they saw a man who was already building something and had only completed the doorstep. And since they were quite literally building a new life and ruler ship themselves, they decided that Praha was an appropriate name. And thus began the journey that became Prague. A place of new beginnings.
If you’re heading to Prague I’d recommend doing some research before you go to maximize the experience. There is a ton to see in this city and it’s easy to get side tracked. When you first step into the heart of the city it’s like Hogwarts had a baby with The Shire. The gothic architecture cobbled together with black and gray stone is rivaled by no other city in Europe that I’ve seen.
Pro Tips For Prague
Tours are cheaper the first hour in operation
Most tours that are just that – tours (no food or drink included) and cost roughly 250-350 CZK. This price goes for museums as well. It doesn’t seem like much but if you are the one paying, it can add up quickly. However, many of these tours offer half price if you buy your tickets within the first hour the tour runs. Go early. Avoid the crowds. Save money.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Czech Republic and %10 is adequate enough for any service. For cash tips, don’t leave money (especially coins) on the table after you pay. This is considered rude and how you would tip a street performer. Instead, when you hand the service worker your cash, tell them the amount you want to tip as part of the total. For example, if the bill is 200 CZK and you hand them a 500 CZK bill, you would say “220 crown”. This implies they will return your change appropriately. For credit transactions it works similarly. When you pull out your card you give them the total before they run the card. In the example above, you would say “220 crown” and they will charge your card for the said amount.
Bring a water bottle
Buying a bottle of water can cost almost 100 CZK at a mini mart! The Czech figure if you are not going to drink beer, then they need to make money off you through water. The tap water in Prague is very safe and can be drunk. Invest in a Nalgene or some type of reusable water bottle to save money.
How long to stay
There is enough to see and do in Prague to easily fill a full week. If you just hitting the main sites though, I recommend 4 – 5 days to get the most out of the city.
Top 10 Things to Do
1.Tour the Astronomical Clock & Old Town Hall:
The history behind the clock and the Town Center City Hall it is attached to is fascinating. I recommend taking a guided tour that takes you inside city hall and into the clock tower. You can buy the tickets for the tour inside city hall and are half price if you get them within the first hour of opening (9:00AM – 10:00AM). The tour will take you behind the clock at the top of the tower where you can see the chapel and the saints that rotate in the windows as well as through the old court rooms and into the dungeon below where they would hold and execute the prisoners. For an extra 70 CZK you can take the elevator to the top of the clock tower. Prague has a lot of vantage points to see the city from, and most you will have to pay to get to. This by far is my favorite one because it plants you high in the middle of the city and gives you an appreciation for the variety of architecture.
2. Take a peddle boat out on the Vltava River
I loved this experience so much I made it a point to go once a week. It’s a great way to get away from the swarms of people you are normally shoulder to shoulder with and yet still feel like you are in the city. I recommend getting one from one of the various companies that are on the island connected to Legion Bridge. These ones will give you a good view of Charles Bridge, the Dancing House, as well as other very picturesque shots of the city. Fun fact: you can drink on the boats so make sure to bring a spirit you enjoy… as well as some water. There are a lot of different companies that offer pedal boats on the Vltava River. They all range around 300 CZK for an hour.
3. Explore Prague Castle
Prague Castle is a neat place to visit but be warned. There are a lot of stairs. Like a lot. When I went, only the east entrance was open so you might have better luck with the south side, but be ready to walk quite a bit. I also suggest going early. I got there right when it opened and it took all but 10 seconds to get through the security check. On my way out though, I saw a line of about roughly 150 people queued in the sun (it was 90 degrees that day) just to get through the checkpoint. Go early. Once you’re in the courtyard though the ground levels out and there is quite a bit to do. There are 12 main attractions in the castle. There is an information center marked with an “i” inside a green square next to the cathedral where you can buy your ticket. You can buy the most basic ticket for around 250 CZK which includes the St. George’s Basilica, the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Golden Lane. The best attraction I recommend is the South Grand Tower. It costs an extra 150 CZK in order to take the stairs to the top of the tower but the view is well worth it. Fair warning, I did say stairs and the tower has 280 steps to the top.
4. Take a stroll down Saint Charles Bridge
This is probably the most touristy thing people do in Prague but the bridge is indeed quite a site. I especially like it at night since the Old Town Bridge Tower is lit up and there are less people than during the day – although there are still a lot. For the best view I usually go to the center bridge facing east towards the tower. You can also pay 150 CZK if you want to hike the 138 steps to the top.
5. Visit the Jewish Quarter
There is a lot to see here packed into the smallest quarter of Prague. The old Jewish quarter has 6 synagogues with only one of them still functioning and the remaining 5 serving as museums. The Old New Synagogue is actually the oldest active synagogue in Europe and has tours available. Aesthetically speaking, the Spanish synagogue is probably the most gorgeous and has a mix of Muslim design in its architecture making it very unique. The Old Jewish Cemetery is also a very interesting (and dark) site. There are a number of tours you can book for the cemetery and self guided entry is not free, but it is well worth checking out.
6. Do a pub crawl
This was one of my favorite things to do in Prague. You can come as a solo traveler and bam – you’re thrown into the mix with other travelers drinking beer and chopping it up. It’s a great way to get to know people if that is your vibe. My favorites were the Drunken Monkey Pub crawl and The Riverside Party. Check with your hostel or hotel, they sometimes have discounted deals worked out with the local promoters.
7. Relax in a beer garden
If being thrown into a tour and talking to others is not quite your thing, a beer garden might suit you more. Keeping to yourself is normal as well as chatting it up with the person you are sitting next to. There are endless gardens that list the amount of seats they have in their garden. The beer is cheap and they often have food vendors there selling delicious meats.
9. Visit the Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall is a symbol of freedom to the Czech people. Prior to the fall of communism in 1991, music was not allowed to be imported into the country from other nations because of the ideas that the lyrics contained was perceived to be a threat to the communist party. Eventually music was smuggled into the country and the titles of songs like “Imagine” were written on the wall. The Lennon Wall is also a bit touristy, but right now it’s filled with poems strung up in front of it from Ukrainian refugees. It’s very touching reading their stories, what they have experienced escaping their country, and how grateful they are to be safe in Czech Republic. Reading them will definitely give you some perspective. Note – You can no longer use spray paint on the Lennon Wall, only paint markers.
10. Watch the sunset in Vyšehrad
Vyšehrad is a fortress that sits on the east bank of the Vltava River in the south part of the city. It’s home to one of the oldest castles in Prague and served as a seat to many of its princes. Today, it’s a quiet park and a hidden gem of the city. The castle itself and the cemetery next to it is remarkably beautiful and will give you a few good photo ops. If you head around to the back of the castle there is a beer garden with lots of seating and food vendors. Once you’re done drinking you can take a stroll along the castle walls and get a nice view of the inner city along the river.
Prague Nightlife
If late night drinking and clubbing is your thing, you will find something every single day of the week. Clubs tend to get busy after 11:30 PM and are normally open till 4:00 AM.
Karlovy Lazne: Karlovy Lazne holds the record for the largest club in central Europe standing at five stories tall. Every floor has a different genre of music from rock & roll to techno. Entry is 250 CZK during the week and 300 CZK during the weekend.
Zlaty Strom: Also known as “The Golden Tree” is one of my favorite club in Prague. It is a three story underground complex with the top layer being a lounge, the middle a full bar with gogo dancers, and the most bottom floor having a DJ spinning US top 40’s all night. Entry is 200 CZK.
Duplex: Duplex has a huge dance floor with a balcony rimming it as well as an outdoor rooftop bar which gives you a nice view of the local area. It does have a stricter dress code. It’s not terribly strict but look online for specifics before you go. Drinks are a little more expensive here but it’s a pretty class environment. Entry is 200 CZK
One Club: The vibe here is a bit touristy, but I love One Club for their Thursday all you can drink nights. The drinks are not terribly great but if you are on a budget, all you can drink for 100 CZK is a pretty great deal. Selections are beer, red or white wine, and sangria.
London Underground Bar: This place is a pretty fun karaoke bar that doesn’t seem to mind you bringing in your own drinks. At least if you do it discreetly. No entry fee here and the drinks are cheap. The host YouTubes your karaoke song so guaranteed you will not have any problems finding a song you like.
The Dutch Pub: This place is great if you want a change from your standard Czech pilsner and lager and are craving something heavier from the Netherlands. They also have massive screens for football (soccer) matches and it gets pretty routy.
The Dubliner Irish Bar: This is a pretty rocking place. A full on Irish bar with live music and Genius pouring from every tap. This place gets pretty packed on weekends and there is often live music. I remember walking in one Saturday as a band was setting up. I wasn’t sure what to expect being in an Irish bar in Czech Republic, but I was there to have a drink and enjoy the show. Suddenly, they start belting out American 90s songs. My jaw dropped as a room of nearly 150 people started singing Chumbawamba! They went on to cover Shake It Up Baby and a load of popular American hits. I was floored. Who are all these young Europeans screaming 90s songs at the top of their lungs? It didn’t matter, I joined in and had a blast.
Absintherie Jilská: While it technically doesn’t have to be night time to try absinthe, I recommend it. One is usually all you need as it is quite potent. I chose Absintherie Jilská to put on this list because the staff is really friendly and made good recommendations. I suggest the traditional Czech preparation (burned sugar cube) and if you feel like something not on fire, Butterfly is a delicious preparation where a slow drip of ice water is used to separate the oils in the absinthe turning it green. Note – Do not buy or order absinthe that is already “green”. This is usually cut with vodka and dyed green. Real absinthe is clear and the color changes depending on the preparation.
If the above isn’t something that grabs your interest then worry not, there are still lots you can do to enjoy a relaxing evening:
Týn Church: Right in the heart of Old Town Prague is Týn Church which has classical musical performances a few days a week. Ticket prices depend on where you sit but range from 500 – 1100 CZK.
Jazz clubs: Jazz clubs are popular in Prague, especially in Old Town. Jazz Republic is a fun one I visited which had a relaxed environment where you could still hold a conversation during the performance. If you want specific types of jazz take a look at the schedule on the clubs website and check the line up. You can often look up the musician or band that is performing to get an idea about what to expect.
Prague Beer Museum: Located a block west of the Astronomical Clock, this place is more of a low key pub with quiet music than a museum. Its dimly lit and relaxed environment can be enjoyed as early as 12:00 PM and boasts over 30 beers on tap from micro breweries around Prague. They serve a flight where you can choose from 5 different beers to get a taste of the local offerings. Asking for recommendations, I was advised to try the moonberry and cherry cider, both of which were delicious and not overly sweet compared to American ciders.
Where to Stay
Prague offers a lot of options depending on your level of comfort. For a chain hotel you can expect to spend 2000 – 3500 CZK. If you are a fellow backpacker then I suggest booking with hostelworld.com and read the reviews. They are honest and give a good idea about what to expect. Prices range from 290 CZK to 1400 CZK. Before you book your hostel, make sure you check out what amenities they offer. Often you are paying for things like a pool, onsite cafe, or things that you might not use or value. Book accordingly and save. Below are a few in Prague I stayed in and I would absolutely recommend them. They are a great bang for your buck and are great if you need a clean place to sleep.
- Ahoy! Hostel: The owners Ondrej and Petr are the funniest and nicest guys ever. They host drinking games every night (I used to proudly host them) and sell beer and cider for 1 & 2 Euro respectively, which is as cheap as you would pay in a grocery store. They also have a fully equipped kitchen.
- The Clock Tower Inn: This place has big showers which is nice and lots of them to accommodate their size. They have a lounge area on the top floor with drinks as well as a stocked bar in the downstairs lobby.
Food In Prague
Czech food is hearty, delicious, and affordable! Your more traditional dishes at a sit down restaurant will run you 200 – 450 CZK. If you are going to a restaurant with these prices, expect a sit down experience and a 10% service charge to be automatically added if you are in a touristy area. My two favorite dishes are roasted pork knuckle and the duck confit. These are in the 350 – 450 CZK range.
Eating on a budget is easy as well in Prague. Some of the best spots for getting a full belly are to go only places that will cost 120 – 280 CZK. Usually these are some of my favorite foods. You can find more traditional Czech foods like goulash and smažený sýr (fried cheese) in restaurants all around town. They will usually say “Traditional Czech Food” on the sign outside and are reasonably priced. Places that serve doner often serve toasted pita bread loaded with pickled cabbage, savory sauces, and chicken/beef shawarma or falafel. You can also find Czech bratwurst for around 100 CZK usually near beer gardens. There are many places that serve this to-go style dotted all throughout the city and are normally open to 4:00 AM. A perfect ending to a night spent hopping from pub to pub. Below are a few places I recommend:
Louvre Cafe: Louvre is famous for its historical attendees. The likes of Franz Kafka & Einstein as well as many other prestigious individuals spent their mornings eating pastries and sipping coffee. The food is delicious (try the cranberry Pâté!) and the inside is beautifully decorated.
Terasa U Prince: Immaculately prepaird food with a view to match. This place is one of the only restaurants with a rooftop terrace that overlooks Prague city center. Get the duck confit.
Pork’s: As the name implies, they specialize in pork. Best place on the Malastrana side of the city for pork knuckle.
Safety In Prague
While Prague is an incredibly safe city there are a few things you should aware of:
Pick pockets: Thanks to COVID, most of these rogues had to find another profession and today it is far less common to be pick pocketed in Prague. But be mindful of your valuables and pockets in places like train stations or heavily toursitie spots like Old Town Square.
Taxis: Don’t take them. Especially when coming out of a club or bar. Taxis are notorious for taking you around the block several times and running up the meter. Use Uber, it is much more regulated and a safer option. If you must take a taxi, make sure to agree on the fare to your destination before you get into the car.
Women who approach you offering either a date or sexual service (usually a massage) for a set fee: Normally one will stop you to offer their service and within seconds, their posse comes from the sides and shoves their hands in your pockets taking anything they can. Just say no and keep walking, they move on quickly.
112 is the emergency line that will connect you to the police.
Getting Around
As with most places in Europe, the public transportation system is outstanding. They have a metro, bus, and trolly to help you find your way. You will pay very little for transit throughout Prague (30 CZK) and if you want to take a day trip outside the city, you will pay roughly 400 CZK. Mustek is the primary metro that will get you from the airport into the city center and back again. It is also the hub where you can leave from to get to any day trips. Note: When you buy a train ticket, you pay for the amount of time and the time is sold in increments ie. 5, 15, 30 minutes, and 1.5 hours. Make sure you buy a ticket that will last the length of your ride. Additionally make sure to scan it when you go through the gate. If an authority official asks for your ticket and it hasn’t been scanned, you will be paying a 50 Euro ticket.
Where To Buy Necessities
- Billa & DeliMart: Grocery stores/small grab and go meals.
- DM: Toiletries, feminine products, non-prescription medicines.
- PEPCO: Cheap wears like flip flops, hats, water bottles, and odds and ends.