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: Purchase a 24-hour public transport pass (120 CZK) covering trams, buses, and metro. Walk the compact city center, but use Tram 22 for scenic castle views. Validate tickets immediately to avoid 800 CZK fines. Avoid tourist taxis—use Uber or Bolt instead.

Money: Use Czech crowns (CZK), not euros, despite being in the EU. Exchange money at legitimate exchange offices showing clear rates, avoiding those near tourist sites. Many restaurants add 10% service charges automatically—check your bill before tipping also.

Cultural Respect: Remove hats and maintain silence in churches. Czechs value personal space and quiet conversation in public transport. Learn basic greetings: 'Dobrý den' (good day) and 'Děkuji' (thank you). Photography inside churches often requires permission and fees.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe and high-quality throughout Prague. Traditional Czech portions are enormous—consider sharing dishes. Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus near major attractions. Seek out local hospoda (pubs) and ask for 'menu dne' (daily menu) for authentic, affordable meals.

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.