First time · Prague
First time in PraguePraha
Prague is an early-morning and evening city: the bridge and the castle before 09:00, the crowds gone by dinner, and one long pub table once the tour groups have left.Prague is an early-morning and evening city: the bridge and the castle before 9:00 AM, the crowds gone by dinner, and one long pub table once the tour groups have left.
The honest verdict
Prague's sights are close together and so are the crowds. The trips that go wrong walk the bridge at noon, push suitcases over Old Town cobbles, or change money at street booths. Four walking clusters cover a first visit; Kutná Hora and Karlštejn are day trips from one kept bed.
You will like
- Early bridge walks
- Pub dinners
- Compact centre
What wears you down
- Midday crowds on the bridge
- Cobbles with a suitcase
- Street exchange booths
Five things not to miss
- 1Prague CastleThe largest castle complex in Europe by area, with St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane; go at opening.Best Opening time on a weekday · CZK 250-450 (≈ US$12–25)
- 2Charles BridgeThe famous 14th-century bridge with about 30 statues; free and best at sunrise or after dark.Best Before 07:30 or after 21:00 · Free
- 3Old Town Hall and the astronomical clockA 15th-century clock with a moving show on the hour and a tower with a view over the square.Best 08:00 or after 20:00 · Show free; tower about CZK 250 (≈ US$12)
- 4Jewish Museum and Old Jewish CemeterySynagogues and a cemetery with thousands of layered gravestones; the most serious and quiet sight in the city.Best Weekday morning · About CZK 500-600 (≈ US$25–30)
- 5Kampa Island and the Lennon WallA calm river island with lawns and a millstream; walk down from the bridge.Best Late afternoon · Free
Where to stay on a first visit
- Old Town (Staré Město)For: First visit, 2 to 3 nights, on footShortest walk to the square and bridge; choose a side street and a lift.
From the airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
- Fastest
- Ride-hailing car or taxi to the door · about 35 min · about CZK 700 (≈ US$35)
- Cheapest
- Airport bus to the metro at Nádraží Veleslavín (route and last departure unverified) · about 45 min · about CZK 40 (≈ US$2)
Typical ride times and fares, 2026 desk estimates (check). Last services and night options are on the gateway page.
How long to stay
- 1 day
- A stopover or a day before a train onward
- 2 days
- The usual Prague stay
- 3 days
- A relaxed first visit; the 3-day plan has timed anchors
- 5 days
- Two days for the sights, one for a day trip, one slow
Show 5 more blocksHideThree mistakes to avoid, Money and SIM, Etiquette, The best time to go, A first day
Three mistakes to avoid
- Exchange booths advertising 0% commission near Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square: the rate is poor and fees are hidden. Use a bank ATM.(Scams)
- Do not change money at street booths.(Survive · red lines)
- Pickpockets work the bridge, Old Town Square, tram 22 and the metro.(Survive · safety)
Money and SIM
- Budget day
- CZK 1000–1800 (≈ US$50–90) excl. bed
- Paying
- Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, including most pubs and taxis. Carry CZK 500 (≈ US$25) in small notes and coins for public toilets, small stalls and tips. Avoid exchange booths; use a bank ATM.
- Cash
- Keep CZK 500 (≈ US$25) in small notes for toilets and kiosks; withdraw at bank ATMs, not standalone machines.
- SIM
- Tourist eSIM installed before you fly: No queue and easy to set up; most plans are data only, and EU roaming rules do not cover non-EU visitors, so check the plan's coverage.
Etiquette: the top three
- Greetings
- Say 'dobrý den' (good day) when you enter a shop, café or pub, and 'na shledanou' when you leave. It is normal and small things like this earn better service.
- Pubs
- Wait to be seated in a restaurant; in a pub you can sit at any free table but ask 'je tu volno?' if the table looks shared. The waiter keeps a tally on a beer mat; stop the flow by placing the mat over your glass.
- Tipping
- Round up or leave 10% in restaurants if service is good; say the total you want when you pay ('deset procent' or the final sum) rather than leaving cash on the table.
The best time to go
Mar: Cool; quiet before Easter.
Spring (Mar-May): Blossom in the gardens, Easter markets and the Prague Spring festival.
A first day
Day 1 — Prague Castle at opening, a 13:00 lunch table in Malá Strana
Start about 09:00
Fixed point: Lunch table 13:00 (Malá Strana)
Hotel or an air-conditioned café 14:30–17:00; crowds on the streets peak in the afternoon.Hotel or an air-conditioned café 2:30 PM–5:00 PM; crowds on the streets peak in the afternoon.
Timed version: Prague in 3 daysYour Prague checklist
The money points and the first-timer mistakes from this page in one list. Tick each one when you have handled it.
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