Prague, Czech Republic

About Prague

Prague's old town is so well preserved it feels like a stage set — which is exactly the problem on summer afternoons when it floods with stag parties and selfie sticks. The solution is simple: be there before 8am when the cobblestones are empty and the light is extraordinary. The Castle district, Malá Strana's baroque palaces, and the Charles Bridge at dawn are genuinely magical. Vinohrady and Žižkov are where the city actually lives — excellent Czech restaurants, beer gardens, and not a tourist in sight. Czech beer is serious business here; pilsner from the tap at a neighbourhood hospoda is one of Europe's great budget pleasures.

Highlights

Charles Bridge at dawn — empty, atmospheric, and worth the early alarm

Prague Castle complex — the largest ancient castle in the world

Lokál restaurant — the definitive Czech pub food experience, Pilsner Urquell unfiltered

Vinohrady neighbourhood — tree-lined art nouveau streets and zero tourist menus

Old Jewish Cemetery — layers of gravestones stacked over centuries in Josefov

Stromovka Park — the city's most underrated green space, great for cycling

Neighbourhoods

Staré Město

Historic heart with medieval charm and bustling squares

Best for sightseeing, architecture, souvenir shopping, nightlife

Malá Strana

Baroque elegance, cobbled streets, and riverside serenity

Best for romantic walks, historic palaces, panoramic views

Žižkov

Gritty, artsy, and packed with dive bars and locals

Best for alternative culture, drinks, offbeat vibes

Vinohrady

Leafy, upscale, and full of cafés and boutique shops

Best for brunch spots, LGBTQ+ scene, relaxed strolls

Holešovice

Industrial-chic with galleries, markets, and riverfront cool

Best for modern art, flea markets, craft beer, hipster hangouts

Vyšehrad

Quiet fortress with lush parks and sweeping city views

Best for picnics, history, peaceful escapes, photography

Practical Info

Entry

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Check before you travel: European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs)

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK). Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small vendors and rural areas.

Tipping

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave a tip in restaurants if the service was good. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected but appreciated.

Safety

Prague is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas like Charles Bridge and public transport.

SIM / Data

Local SIMs from Vodafone, T-Mobile or O2 are sold in their shops; eSIMs are also available.

Language

The official language is Czech, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.