Prague Castle
World's largest ancient castle complex with stunning views over Prague
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About Prague
Prague, the Golden City, is one of Central Europe's most beautiful capitals, sitting along the banks of the Vltava River. The city's historic center is a treasure trove of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture, with the iconic Prague Castle complex dominating the skyline. Visitors come for the cobblestone streets, world-class museums, thriving arts scene, excellent Czech cuisine and beer, and legendary nightlife. Prague is highly accessible, compact enough to explore on foot, and offers exceptional value compared to other European capitals.
- Capital
- Prague
- Largest city
- Prague
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Languages
- Czech
- Currency
- Czech Koruna
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)
Explore Prague by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Prague
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Charles Bridge
Iconic 14th-century stone bridge with 30 Baroque statues
Old Town Square
Historic square with Astronomical Clock and colorful baroque buildings
Josefov
Well-preserved Jewish Quarter with six synagogues and Old Jewish Cemetery
Wenceslas Square
Main boulevard and commercial center with important historical significance
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Prague Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Prague, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Prague
- Days 1-2Prague city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Prague
- Days 1-3Prague comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Prague, departure
Where to stay in Prague
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $40
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $100
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
One of Prague's most iconic luxury hotels, situated directly on the Vltava riverbank with unrivalled views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The hotel occupies three historic buildings including a Baroque, Neo-Classical, and a modern wing. Features the acclaimed CottoCrudo restaurant, a luxurious spa, and impeccable service.
Mandarin Oriental Prague
Set in a beautifully restored 14th-century Dominican monastery and adjacent Baroque church in Malá Strana, the Mandarin Oriental Prague is a masterpiece of heritage luxury. The hotel features a stunning spa in a former monastery chapel with original Baroque frescoes, an exceptional restaurant, and serene gardens.
Augustine Hotel Prague
The Augustine Hotel, a member of The Luxury Collection, occupies a cluster of seven historic buildings in Malá Strana including a 13th-century Augustinian monastery. The hotel has a distinctive character with Gothic vaulted ceilings, original frescos, and carefully preserved historical elements combined with contemporary luxury. The on-site spa and the monastery bar (serving beer brewed by Augustine monks) are highlights.
Aria Hotel Prague
A unique boutique luxury hotel dedicated to music, the Aria Hotel is set in a former Baroque palace in Malá Strana. Each floor is themed around a musical genre (Classical, Opera, Jazz, Contemporary) and each room is dedicated to a specific musician. The hotel features a music library, regular concerts, a rooftop terrace garden with castle views, and is adjacent to the Vrtba Garden.
Where to eat in Prague
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise
La Degustation is Prague's most celebrated fine dining restaurant and holds a Michelin star. Chef Oldřich Sahajdák serves innovative tasting menus that reinterpret historical Czech cuisine through a modern lens, drawing on recipes from 19th-century Czech cookbooks. The restaurant offers 7 or 11-course tasting menus with optional wine pairings. Intimate setting with outstanding service.
Field Restaurant
Field holds a Michelin star and showcases the finest Czech and European ingredients in creative, beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant champions local producers and seasonal ingredients, with menus that change regularly to reflect what is freshest and best. The elegant, light-filled dining room and attentive service make for an exceptional dining experience.
Alcron Restaurant
Alcron is an intimate, award-winning restaurant in the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel, famous for its exceptional seafood and French-inspired cuisine. The Art Deco dining room, seating only 40 guests, creates an exclusive atmosphere. The tasting menus feature the finest seasonal ingredients and the wine list is outstanding.
SaSaZu
SaSaZu is Prague's premier pan-Asian restaurant and one of the city's most celebrated dining destinations. Set in a dramatic converted warehouse in Holešovice, the restaurant serves sophisticated Asian fusion cuisine inspired by Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and China. The menu features fresh seafood and premium ingredients. The attached club is one of Prague's best nightlife venues.
Eska
Eska is a celebrated bakery-restaurant in Karlín that has helped define Prague's modern dining scene. The restaurant occupies a beautifully converted historic bakery building, retaining the original industrial character. The menu focuses on wood-fired cooking, fermentation, and locally-sourced ingredients with Czech and Scandinavian influences. The in-house bakery produces exceptional breads and pastries.
Lokál
Lokál is Prague's most beloved traditional Czech pub restaurant, always buzzing with a mix of locals and savvy visitors. The long, vaulted space on Dlouhá Street is famous for serving perfectly conditioned tankové (tank) Pilsner Urquell, considered among the best pints in the Czech Republic. The menu covers classic Czech pub food including svíčková, goulash, schnitzel, and excellent Czech snacks.
Getting around Prague
Prague has an excellent, integrated public transport network operated by DPP (Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy) covering metro, trams, and buses. A single ticket is valid across all modes of transport. The historic city center is very walkable, and many top attractions can be reached on foot. Prague is also well-served by Bolt and Uber rideshare apps.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CZK, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $60 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $12 | $25 | $70 |
| Transportation | $5 | $8 | $20 |
| Activities | $8 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily total | $40 | $100 | $300+ |
Best time to visit Prague
Essential travel tips
- Buy a 3-day transit pass for unlimited travel on metro, trams and buses
- Visit Prague Castle early morning to beat the crowds
- Czech Republic uses the Czech Koruna, not the Euro
- Many restaurants add a bread/appetizer charge automatically - you can decline
- Tipping 10% is customary at sit-down restaurants
Safety information
Watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas
Use licensed taxis or Bolt/Uber apps
Avoid money changers on the street - use ATMs or banks
Be aware of overpriced restaurants near tourist sites
Keep copies of important documents
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Prague?
Entry requirements follow Czech Republic rules. EU citizens can enter freely; US, Canadian, Australian, and UK citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Area. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Prague?
The currency in Prague is the Czech Koruna (CZK). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Prague?
The main language(s) spoken in Prague: Czech. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.