When to Visit Prague
Summer in Prague is hot with heavy thunderstorms. Winter is freezing. The best time to head to Prague is spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant. Spring brings additional beauty to the city with magnolia flowers blossoming everywhere. Fall mostly has long warm days, giving you enough opportunities to move around till late evenings. However, if you visit during the wintertime (November to January), you will have the city with sights glazed under the thick layers of snow all to yourself as it has lesser crowds.
Where to Stay in Prague
Prague proper is divided into 10 areas. The area known as Prague 1 is where most major tourism locations are located, and is ideal for those wanting to stay near these sites. This is also where most establishments are located.
Stare Mesto & Josefov – This is the best area for first-timers as it’s right in the old town and near all the main things to see in Prague. There is also a lot of nightlife going on so if you want some quieter this probably isn’t the best place. It will also be a little more expensive than other parts of the city.
Nove Mesto & Vyšehrad – Nove Mesto actually just means New Town. In this context, the word “New” doesn’t actually signify new. This area of Prague dates back to the 14th century. It is largely level, easy to navigate on foot, and well connected to trams and the subway. There is a lot to see in Nove Mesto, as well as a wide variety of cafes, pubs, Eat and Drinks, and shops.
Vinohrady- If you are looking for an alternative to the two popular neighborhoods above then Vinohrady might be the spot for you. Vinohrady is a quiet neighborhood in the middle of the city with streets surrounded by trees. The district is popular with Prague’s international community since it is full of eateries, bars, and cafés.
Getting Around Prague
By Foot Prague is a walkable city, especially in the old town. Put on comfortable walking shoes as the streets are cobbled.
By Tram The tram system in the heart of Prague is first-rate, and once you are in the historical area, we advise you to use it to get from top attractions to top attractions so you may see as much as possible.
By Metro There are now only three lines in Prague: the A (green line), the B (yellow line), and the C (blue line) (red line). At transfer stations referred to as Florenc, Muzeum, and Mustek, you can switch between the lines.
By Funicular Try the funicular which runs from Ujezd street in the Lesser Town to the top of Petrin Hill.
By Bus The city center of Prague is not a particularly handy place to travel by bus, and we don’t think normal tourists need to use bus lines at all.
Prague Travel Tips
Money
- Czech koruna (crowns) is the official currency
- Keep small change handy for tram tickets, public toilets etc.
- Currency exchange is best done at banks
- ATMS have a surcharge. Travel operators charge 2% extra. Hotels charge 5-8% extra
Hotels and Eat and Drinks
- Tipping is normal in hotel and Eat and Drinks
- Eat and Drinks bills are rounded off
- Best hotel deals, as well as airline deals, are available in the off-season
Health & Safety
- Beware of pickpockets, especially on the Charles Bridge
- Beware of ATM thefts
- Validate your transport ticket. Ticket checking is a ritual in Prague.
Typical Costs in Prague
On a Budget
- Around $35-50 USD should do it.
- Hostel beds are around $20
- Cheap meals for the day can be around $15
- $5 for transportation
- Another $10-15 for attractions
Mid-Range
- Expect around $80-100 a day
- Around $40-60 could get you a cheap hotel room
- Around $30 could get your meals
- $5 for transportation
- Another $10-15 for attractions
Luxury
- Closer to $300+ a day although if you plan on eating fine dining it’ll be quite a bit more.
- A higher end hotel will be at least around $200
- Meals you may expect to spend $60. Although as menioned if you are doing michelin star dining it will be a lot more.
- Assuming you’ll Uber or Taxi everywhere this could be $50 a day depending on where all you go and how many rides