Guide to Prague

Prague offers a thousand years of architecture at a fraction of Western Europe’s prices. Largely untouched by WWII bombing, Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Cubist styles stand side by side within walking distance: Prague Castle—the world’s largest castle complex—Charles Bridge with its 30 Baroque statues, and Old Town Square with its still-functioning 1410 astronomical clock. Beyond the classics, neighborhoods like Vinohrady, Žižkov, and Holešovice hide craft beer, contemporary galleries, and cafés at half the price of the city center. Beer here is cheaper than bottled water, and that’s no joke.

• Pražský hrad (Prague Castle)

  The world’s largest castle complex, home to St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. Courtyard entry is free, but circuit tickets cost around CZK 450; arrive before 9 AM to skip security lines.

• Karlův most (Charles Bridge)

  A 14th-century stone bridge lined with Baroque statues and towers at both ends. The only quiet time is before 7 AM; afterward, it’s packed with painters, musicians, and tour groups.

• Astronomical Clock (Orloj)

  The 1410 astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall, featuring the Apostles’ parade on the hour. The show lasts just 45 seconds, so the real value is climbing the town hall tower for red-roofed city views.

• Vyšehrad

  A hilltop fortress above the Vltava, with St. Peter and Paul Basilica and a cemetery where Dvořák and Smetana are buried. Far quieter than Prague Castle, with free fortress grounds—ideal for sunset.

• Josefov (Jewish Quarter)

  Six historic sites including the Old Jewish Cemetery with its stacked gravestones and the opulent Spanish Synagogue. A combined ticket costs around CZK 600; closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

• Petřín Hill and observation tower

  A green hill in Mala Strana with a mini Eiffel-like tower you can climb via 299 steps. Ride the funicular with a standard transport ticket, then walk down through rose gardens and terraced parks.

• Svickova na smetane

  Beef sirloin in a creamy root-vegetable sauce, served with cranberry and dumplings; local pub portions run CZK 200–280. Lokanda and Cestr offer refined versions at higher prices.

• Gulas with knedliky

  Rich beef goulash served with bread dumplings, typically CZK 180–260 in traditional pubs. Best paired with a fresh draught beer, not bottled.

• Local beer pubs: U Fleku and Lokal

  U Fleku has brewed its own beer since 1499, while the Lokal chain serves tank Pilsner Urquell with a half-liter costing around CZK 55–70. Avoid street trdelník—it’s marketed as traditional Czech but isn’t.

• Chlebicky from Sisters

  Classic Czech open-faced sandwiches topped with potato salad, egg, or herring, around CZK 45–70 each. A quick, budget-friendly lunch between sightseeing stops.

• 24-hour PID ticket

  A day ticket costs around CZK 120 and covers metro, trams, buses, and the Petřín funicular. 30-minute tickets are CZK 30 and 90-minute tickets CZK 40; validate at the yellow machines on entry—inspectors are active in the metro.

• Bus 119 and metro from the airport

  From Václav Havel Airport, take bus 119 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then metro line A to the center—about 35 minutes total with a 90-minute CZK 40 ticket. The Airport Express to Main Station costs around CZK 100.

• Tram 22 as a budget tour

  Tram 22’s route passes through Nové Město, Malá Strana, and up to Prague Castle’s gate at Pohorelc. The easiest way to reach the castle without hiking—and it only requires a standard transport ticket.

• Trains to Kutná Hora or Český Krumlov

  České dráhy trains to Kutná Hora take about an hour, with one-way fares around CZK 120–180. Český Krumlov is farther (about three hours) and more practical by RegioJet or FlixBus.