Start your day at the Old Town Square, where you can see the Astronomical Clock. Walk along the Vltava River to reach Charles Bridge before noon to avoid crowds. Visit Prague Castle in the afternoon; entry to the grounds costs 250 CZK. Don’t miss the Lennon Wall, covered in colorful graffiti since the 1980s. End your evening with a traditional Czech meal at a local pub serving goulash and dumplings.
Key Attractions in Prague
Prague Castle spans over 70,000 square meters and includes St. Vitus Cathedral, which took nearly 600 years to complete. The castle grounds provide views of the city’s red rooftops and the river below. Charles Bridge, built in 1357, connects the Old Town with Lesser Town and is lined with statues of saints. The Jewish Quarter houses six synagogues, including the Spanish Synagogue with its gold-leaf interior. Petřín Hill has a lookout tower resembling the Eiffel Tower and walking paths through orchards.
Local Food and Drink
Czech cuisine focuses on hearty dishes like roast pork, sauerkraut, and bread dumplings. Try svíčková, beef in a creamy vegetable sauce, often served with cranberries. Many pubs serve Pilsner Urquell, a pale lager brewed in Plzeň since 1842. Farmers’ markets, such as the one at Náplavka, sell fresh produce and homemade pastries on weekends. For dessert, trdelník—a sugar-coated pastry cooked over open flames—is popular but originated in Slovakia, not the Czech Republic.
Getting Around the City
Prague’s metro system runs three lines that stop near major landmarks, with trains every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. Trams operate 24/7 on key routes, including the historic Line 23, which passes the National Theatre. Purchase tickets from yellow machines at stations or via a mobile app; validate them before boarding. Walking is the best way to explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Avoid taxis near tourist areas—some drivers overcharge visitors.
Day Trips Nearby
Kutná Hora, an hour by train, has the Sedlec Ossuary decorated with human bones. Český Krumlov, a three-hour bus ride south, includes a 13th-century castle with a Baroque theater. Karlštejn Castle, 40 minutes from Prague, was built to protect royal treasures. Terezín, a former Nazi concentration camp, now serves as a memorial with guided tours. For outdoor time, the Bohemian Switzerland National Park has sandstone cliffs and hiking trails accessible by train and ferry.
Practical Tips
Spring and fall bring mild weather and fewer tourists than summer. Learn basic Czech phrases like “dobrý den” (hello) and “děkuji” (thank you)—locals appreciate the effort. Carry cash for small purchases; some cafes and shops don’t accept cards. Museums and galleries close on Mondays or Tuesdays, so check schedules in advance. Public restrooms often charge 10-20 CZK, so keep coins handy.