Prague Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Getting Around, Costs

Prague Travel Guide Overview

Popularly known as the city of a hundred spires, Prague is one of the best-preserved cities in Europe and boasts of historic squares and enchanting bridges. Prague is considered equivalent to Paris when it comes to beauty. Whether you are a wanderer, historian, art lover, or foodie, you’ll love everything Prague has to offer and we hope this Prague travel guide will help you plan your trip!

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

Photographs

FAQ

How many days do you need in Prague?

Two to three full days is enough to see Prague's main sights, including the Old Town, Charles Bridge and the castle area. Staying four days or more lets you add neighborhoods like Vinohrady, Vyšehrad and Petrin Hill at a slower pace. Because the center is compact and walkable, you can cover a lot without rushing.

Is Prague safe for tourists?

Prague is generally considered safe for visitors, and the main risk is petty theft rather than violent crime. Watch for pickpockets, especially on the crowded Charles Bridge, and be careful when using ATMs. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag, and check local advice before you travel for anything current.

Do you need a car in Prague?

No, you do not need a car in Prague. The old town is walkable, trams and the three-line metro connect the main areas, and a funicular takes you up Petrin Hill. Parking and cobbled streets in the center make driving more hassle than help. Only consider renting a car for day trips outside the city.

Is English widely spoken in Prague?

English is widely understood in Prague's tourist areas, including most hotels, restaurants and attractions. Away from the center, in smaller local places, you may find less English. Learning a few Czech phrases such as hello and thank you is appreciated, and keeping a translation app handy helps with menus and signs.

Is Prague expensive?

Prague is generally affordable compared with many Western European capitals, though prices climb in the busiest tourist areas. Staying in Stare Mesto usually costs more than other neighborhoods, so Vinohrady or Nove Mesto may save money. Off-season visits tend to bring the best hotel and flight deals, so confirm current rates before booking.

Do you need to validate public transport tickets in Prague?

Yes, you should validate your public transport ticket in Prague. Ticket inspections are a regular part of riding trams and the metro, and traveling with an unvalidated ticket can lead to a fine. Check the validation rules for your specific ticket type on the official transit site, and keep small change handy for buying tickets.