Things to Do in Prague

About Prague

Prague rises from morning fog with Gothic spires and Baroque palaces lining the Vltava River. The Old Town packs in medieval architecture, from the Orloj astronomical clock to Prague Castle sitting above the rooftops. Every street corner shows off centuries of building styles—Gothic cathedrals, Art Nouveau facades, ornate concert halls. The light at dusk is impressive. Red-tiled roofs glow amber while church bells ring across the squares, and the effect works better than you'd expect from such an old city. What makes Prague different is how old and new sit side by side without much fuss. Czech beer is excellent in 300-year-old taverns, classical music fills concert halls most nights, and street art covers courtyard walls in neighborhoods tourists haven't found yet. The city works for history buffs and casual visitors—just expect crowds.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Prague's metro, trams, and buses all use the same ticket at CZK 40 ($1.75) for 90 minutes. Buy a 3-day pass for CZK 330 ($14.40) from machines at metro stations. Uber and Bolt work well, with rides across the city costing CZK 150-300 ($6.50-13). Avoid taxis at tourist spots that refuse to use meters.

Money: Czech koruna (CZK) is the local currency - do not accept euros at a bad exchange rate. A local meal at a hospoda (pub) costs CZK 150-300 ($6.50-13). Draft beer costs CZK 50-80 ($2.20-3.50) per half-liter. ATMs with the Euronet brand charge excessive fees - use bank-owned ATMs instead.

Cultural Respect: Czechs value directness and personal space. The greeting is a firm handshake. Tipping 10% is standard at restaurants - leave cash on the table rather than adding to the card payment. Remove shoes in Czech homes. Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral require modest dress covering shoulders and knees.

Food Safety: Try svickova (beef in cream sauce) at a traditional restaurant for CZK 180-280 ($7.85-12.20). Trdelnik (chimney cake) costs CZK 80-120 ($3.50-5.25) but is actually a tourist invention. For authentic Czech food, head to Lokil or Mlejnice. Prague's Christmas markets serve langos (fried dough) for CZK 80-100 ($3.50-4.35).

When to Visit

Spring (April-May) offers ideal conditions with temperatures ranging 12-20°C and moderate rainfall (30-40mm monthly). Expect 20-30% higher prices than winter but fewer crowds than summer. The city bursts with blooming gardens, perfect for photography and walking tours. Summer (June-August) brings peak tourist season with temperatures 18-25°C and occasional thunderstorms. Accommodation costs increase 40-60% above off-season rates, and major attractions become crowded. However, long daylight hours (16+ hours in June) maximize sightseeing opportunities, and numerous outdoor festivals enliven the city, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival (May 12-June 3) and Prague Food Festival (mid-May). Autumn (September-November) provides excellent value with crisp temperatures 8-18°C and impressive foliage. Prices drop 25-35% after September, making luxury accommodations more accessible. Winter (December-March) offers magical Christmas markets (late November-January 6) and snow-dusted architecture, with temperatures -2-8°C. Hotel rates plummet 50-70%, creating budget-friendly opportunities. However, limited daylight (8 hours) and potential for freezing rain require indoor backup plans. Budget travelers should target January-February, while photographers will love October's golden light and December's festive atmosphere.