Could Prague be Europe’s coolest little capital? It’s a strong contender for the title. Modern-day Prague has been shaped by centuries of historical, artistic, and outside influences. That means it’s a visual feast and a must-visit for anyone interested in history, from medieval to communist. Many things to do in Prague revolve around its well-preserved architecture, quirky museums, 20th-century history, and thriving arts scene. And with so much to see and do, it’s a good thing it's so compact and easy to get around.
Prague is a lovely place to visit all year round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for enjoying all that the city has to offer. Temperatures are mild (though sometimes a little wet), and there are far fewer visitors during these seasons than in the summer. Spring also boasts a number of notable events, including the 17-day-long Czech Beer Festival and the Spring International Music Festival, both of which take place in May.
Prague’s compact historic center can be easily explored on foot. The city also boasts an excellent public transit system. It is cheap, reliable, and integrated, with tickets valid on the metro, trams, and buses—and for transfers between them. If you’re traveling after midnight, when public transit shuts down, a taxi is your best bet for getting around, but if you hail a cab on the street, make sure to agree to a price before taking a ride.
Art lovers will enjoy the public works of contemporary artist David Černý. He has made his mark on Prague with a variety of peculiar sculptures, including gigantic babies installed climbing on the Žižkov Television Tower and an upside-down horse, which can be seen in the a gallery in the Lucerna Palace shopping gallery, off Wenceslas Square. Černý also founded MeetFactory gallery and theater in the Smíchov district, which showcases the country’s alternative art scene through exhibitions, workshops, and theatrical and musical performances.
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Prague turned Elen into a beer drinker (or, rather, into a pilsner drinker). She studied Czech art history, literature, and theater at Charles University, one of the oldest universities in Europe.
walk between the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. The traditional and contemporary hearts of the city present an interesting contrast.
Visit Kampa Island, on the west bank of the Vltava River. In summer, paddle a boat on the river from here, and check out the fantastic Museum Kampa showcasing contemporary art.
Old Town Square. The architecture of the churches and civic buildings on the square is simply gorgeous.
get around by tram. The tram network is so extensive that you can get almost anywhere this way.
head to the viewing platform in the Zizkov Television Tower in the eastern neighborhood of Zizkov.
is thinking that Prague is only good for a booze-fueled night out. You’ll certainly see stag do groups around, but it’s easy to avoid them by heading to Prague’s art galleries, history museums, theaters, churches, and other cultural attractions.
Known as the City of a Hundred Spires, Prague is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Gothic spires, and hilltop castle perched above a long river. Prague's maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards invite long days of exploration, and regular refreshment with its famous beer.
...MorePrague is a popular weekend destination and while it is certainly possible to check off all the major attractions in a couple of days, it’s worth aiming for at least four days to get more of a feel for the city without rushing from one place to the next. Some of the best experiences in Prague come from simply strolling around without a plan.
...MoreYes. Although English is not spoken by everyone, as a short-term visitor who spends most of their time in the touristy areas, you will find that most people you interact with (waiters, hotel staff, etc.) speak at least basic English. Czech is a notoriously complex language, but at least try to learn a few words.
...MoreWhat you’ll consider the best part of Prague will depend on your interests, but first timers will likely want to head first for fairy tale-like Staré Město (Old Town) in the center of the city. This is where you’ll find such attractions as the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn.
...MoreApril, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Prague. Temperatures in those seasons are mild (although you should pack an umbrella and raincoat), and there are far fewer visitors than in the peak summer months. May visitors can also enjoy the much-loved Czech Beer Festival.
...MoreNo. While Prague is not quite the steal it used to be, costs are still much lower here than in many European capitals. Public transportation and eating out are cheap—the beer famously so—and you can save money on admission prices by buying multi-attractions passes and booking combination tours.
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