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Voykit pocket guide · Czech Republic
Prague
Praha
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'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.
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Local name
- Praha
- Best months
- Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Sep · Oct
- Time zone
- Europe/Prague
- Stay
- 2 days: Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- CZK
- Money
- Cards and contactless work almost everywhere, including most pubs and taxis. Carry CZK 500 in small notes and coins for public toilets, small stalls and tips. Avoid exchange booths; use a bank ATM.
- Daily spend
- Budget CZK 1000–1800 excl. bed · Mid CZK 1800–3200 excl. bed · High CZK 3200+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Install an eSIM before you fly, or buy a prepaid SIM at a Vodafone, O2 or T-Mobile shop (passport needed).
- Emergency
- All emergencies 112 · Ambulance 155 · Police 158
- Plugs
- 230 V, 50 Hz; type C and E plugs (two round pins). US travellers need an adapter and dual-voltage chargers.
- Tipping
- Round up or add about 10% in sit-down restaurants when service is good; check the bill for an added service charge. Say the final total when you pay by card rather than leaving cash. Taxi drivers: round up.
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink; it may be charged in a restaurant.
- Toilets
- Cafés, museums, shopping centres and some pubs; public toilets usually cost CZK 10-30.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Half-litre of beer in a normal pub | CZK 55-95 |
| Beer on Old Town Square terraces | CZK 110-170 |
| Coffee (flat white or cappuccino) | CZK 65-105 |
| Lunch set menu on a weekday (polední menu) | CZK 170-280 |
| Czech main course in a pub | CZK 250-450 |
| Dinner main in a mid-range restaurant | CZK 350-650 |
| Trdelník (chimney cake) in the centre | CZK 100-180 |
| Single public transport ticket (90 min) | CZK 40 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
- PRG to the Old Town: one ride-hailing car or taxi, about 35 minutes — there is no rail link, so decide the car before you land and avoid street taxis.
By rail and road
| Station | Serves | To the centre |
|---|---|---|
| Praha hlavní nádraží (main station) (Praha hlavní nádraží) | Long-distance trains to Vienna, Berlin, Dresden, Budapest, Brno, Kutná Hora and Karlštejn | Walk 10-15 min to Wenceslas Square; metro C to Muzeum or I. P. Pavlova |
| Florenc bus station (ÚAN Florenc) | Long-distance buses to Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, Český Krumlov and many others (FlixBus, RegioJet) | Metro B or C at Florenc, 10 min; walk 20 min |
| Nádraží Holešovice | Some trains to Germany and the Czech north; metro C | Metro C, 10 min |
| Praha Masarykovo nádraží (Masarykovo nádraží) | Regional trains north and east | Walk 10 min to Old Town |
| Airport bus (PRG) (Letiště Václava Havla) | Bus 119 to metro A Nádraží Veleslavín; Airport Express to the main station | Bus 119 plus metro A, 45-60 min; Airport Express 35 min |
Typical fares
- PRG to Old Town, ride-hail or licensed taxi
- CZK 600-900, 30 to 45 minutes; fix the price in the app
- PRG to the city by bus 119 plus metro A
- About CZK 40 (a 90-minute ticket), about 45 to 60 minutes (check)
- Airport Express bus to Praha hlavní nádraží
- About CZK 100 (check), about 35 minutes
Show 8 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Eat, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walk inside a cluster, tram or metro between clusters, taxi or ride-hail at night and up the castle hill. The centre is compact; most first-time trips need no more than a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket, and some travellers walk everything.
| How | Fare | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Free | Old Town, Josefov, the bridge, Malá Strana and Wenceslas Square |
| Metro | CZK 40 for 90 minutes (2026 estimate; check) | Lines A (green), B (yellow), C (red); useful for Wenceslas Square, the main station and Vyšehrad |
| Tram | Same ticket as the metro | Tram 22 to the castle, 9 and 17 along the river, and night trams 91 to 99 |
| Bus | Same ticket | Airport bus 119, night buses |
| Taxi or ride-hail | CZK 150-350 for a short city ride; CZK 600-900 from the airport | Late at night, with luggage, up to the castle |
| Funicular (Petřín) | Covered by a 90-minute transit ticket at the time (check) | The hill above Malá Strana |
| Historic trams and river boats | CZK 300-500 for river cruises | Sightseeing rather than transport |
Fares are estimates; check before you ride.
- Passes
- No pass needed for a short stay: a 24-hour or 72-hour ticket pays back after a few rides.
- Late at night
- Metro runs to about midnight; night trams and buses run after that (times unverified).
See and do
01Prague CastlePražský hrad
The largest castle complex in Europe by area, with St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane; go at opening.
Hours: best Opening time on a weekday · Price: CZK 250-450 · Time: 3-4 h · 50.0909, 14.4005
02Charles BridgeKarlův most
The famous 14th-century bridge with about 30 statues; free and best at sunrise or after dark.
Hours: best Before 07:30 or after 21:00 · Price: Free · Time: 30-45 minHours: best Before 7:30 AM or after 9:00 PM · Price: Free · Time: 30-45 min · 50.0865, 14.4114
03Old Town Hall and the astronomical clockStaroměstská radnice a Orloj
A 15th-century clock with a moving show on the hour and a tower with a view over the square.
Hours: best 08:00 or after 20:00 · Price: Show free; tower about CZK 250 · Time: 45-75 minHours: best 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM · Price: Show free; tower about CZK 250 · Time: 45-75 min · 50.0870, 14.4208
04Jewish Museum and Old Jewish CemeteryŽidovské Město (Josefov)
Synagogues and a cemetery with thousands of layered gravestones; the most serious and quiet sight in the city.
Hours: best Weekday morning · Price: About CZK 500-600 · Time: 2-3 h · 50.0906, 14.4185
05Kampa Island and the Lennon WallKampa a Lennonova zeď
A calm river island with lawns and a millstream; walk down from the bridge.
Hours: best Late afternoon · Price: Free · Time: 1 h · 50.0839, 14.4086
06Wenceslas SquareVáclavské náměstí
The long boulevard of the 1989 revolution, with the National Museum at the top.
Hours: best Evening · Price: Free · Time: 30-60 min · 50.0810, 14.4265
07Old Town Square
The main square with Týn Church and the clock: go early and sit away from the tourist terraces.
Hours: best Early morning · Price: Free · Time: 30 min
08Petřín Hill and the funicular
A green hill above Malá Strana with a lookout tower and views; walk down.
Hours: best Late afternoon in clear weather · Price: About CZK 200-250 for the tower · Time: 2 h
09Vyšehrad
A quiet fort hill and cemetery with the best sunset view over the river.
Hours: best Late afternoon · Price: Free · Time: 1.5 h
10A Czech pub dinner
Fresh tank beer and dumplings: the local way to spend an evening.
Hours: best 18:00 · Price: CZK 300-600 · Time: 1.5-2 hHours: best 6:00 PM · Price: CZK 300-600 · Time: 1.5-2 h · 50.0898, 14.4238
Hours and prices are desk estimates (checked 2026-09); anything marked (check) is not confirmed. Coordinates open in any map app.
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kutná Hora | Train about 1 h from the main station | Full day |
| Karlštejn Castle | Train about 40 min, then a 20-minute uphill walk | Half to full day |
| Terezín | Bus about 1 h | Half day |
| Plzeň (Pilsen) | Train or bus about 1 h 20 min | Full day |
Eat
| Where | What · area | Price | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Havelské tržiště (Havel's Market) | Market snack and fruit · Havelské tržiště | CZK 60-150 | Budget |
| Lokál Dlouhá | Svíčková or goulash with a beer · Old Town, Dlouhá street | CZK 300-550 | Mid-range |
| U Fleků | Roast duck and dark lager · New Town brewery hall | CZK 350-650 | Mid-range |
| U Medvídků | Beef in cream sauce and beer · Old brewery restaurant | CZK 300-600 | Mid-range |
| Café Louvre | Coffee and strudel in a grand café · Národní street | CZK 250-500 | Mid-range |
Per person, one dish or one meal, 2026 estimate in CZK. Addresses change: check before you go.
Sleep
| Band | Price a night | Where | What |
|---|---|---|---|
| budget | CZK 450-900 dorm bed | CZK 1,600-2,600 double | New Town, Žižkov, Vinohrady | Hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels |
| mid | CZK 2,800-4,800 | Old Town side streets, New Town, Malá Strana | 3 and 4-star hotels and apartments |
| high | CZK 5,500-12,000 | Old Town, Malá Strana, castle side | Boutique and 5-star hotels |
| apartment | CZK 2,500-5,500 for 2 to 4 people | Vinohrady, Karlín, New Town | Serviced apartments |
Per room per night in koruna, 2026 estimate; New Year, Easter, Christmas markets and summer weekends can double prices.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | Dobrý denDOH-bree den |
| Goodbye | Na shledanounah SKHLEH-dah-noh |
| Thank you | DěkujiDYEH-kwee |
| Please / You are welcome | ProsímPRO-seem |
| Excuse me / Sorry | PromiňtePRO-min-teh |
| Cheers | Na zdravínah ZDRAH-vee |
| One beer, please | Jedno pivo, prosímYED-no PIH-vo PRO-seem |
| The bill, please | Účet, prosímOO-chet PRO-seem |
| How much is it? | Kolik to stojí?KOH-lik toh STOH-yee |
| Toilets (men / women) | Muži / ŽenyMOO-zhee / ZHEH-nee |
| Exit | VýchodVEE-khod |
| Station | NádražíNAH-drah-zhee |
| Airport | LetištěLEH-tish-tyeh |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- 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.
- Metro and trams: Validate paper tickets in the yellow machines when you board or enter the metro. Stand on the right on escalators; inspectors fine on the spot (CZK 1,000 or more).
- Shoes: Take shoes off in a Czech home if you are invited; in public places keep them on.
- Toilets: Keep small coins for public toilets. Cafés and pubs may ask you to buy something to use theirs.
- Photos: Ask before photographing people; inside churches and synagogues follow the signs. In the Jewish Cemetery, keep to the path and be quiet.
- Scooters: Electric scooters are banned or restricted in parts of the centre; do not ride on cobbled pedestrian zones.
Red lines
- Do not change money at street booths.
- Validate transport tickets when you board; inspectors fine on the spot.
Scams and watch-outs
- Exchange booths advertising 0% commission near Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square: the rate is poor and fees are hidden. Use a bank ATM.
- Street-hailed taxis in the centre: overcharging is common. Book by app or use the official rank and fix the price.
- Restaurants on Old Town Square and Charles Bridge that add cover, service and 'per-person' charges: read the menu and bill.
- Beers or drinks in a club sold by a tout: a bill of CZK 5,000+ can follow. Skip clubs advertised by street touts.
- Pickpockets on tram 22, the metro and the bridge: keep phones and wallets in front pockets.
- Fake ticket inspectors: real inspectors carry a badge and only fine at a stop; ask to see the badge.
One and two days
1 day
A stopover or a day before a train onward. Skip: Vyšehrad, Petřín and any day trip: they need a second day.
- 07:307:30 AMCharles Bridge at sunrise
- 09:009:00 AMPrague Castle at opening
- 13:001:00 PMLunch in Malá Strana
- 14:302:30 PMKampa Island and the Lennon Wall
- 16:004:00 PMOld Town Square and the astronomical clock
- 19:007:00 PMDinner at a Czech pub
2 days
The usual Prague stay. Skip: Day trips and Vyšehrad.
Day 1 - Castle and Lesser Town
- 08:308:30 AMPrague Castle circuit
- 13:001:00 PMLunch in Malá Strana
- 14:302:30 PMKampa Island
- 16:004:00 PMCharles Bridge in the afternoon light
- 19:007:00 PMU Medvídků brewery dinner
Day 2 - Old Town and Josefov
- 08:008:00 AMAstronomical clock and Old Town Square
- 09:309:30 AMJewish Museum and cemetery
- 13:001:00 PMLunch at Lokál Dlouhá
- 15:003:00 PMWenceslas Square and the National Museum
- 19:007:00 PMBeer and dinner at U Fleků
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Prague City Tourism: www.prague.eu/en
- Prague Airport (official): www.prg.aero/en
- Wikivoyage — Prague: en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Prague
- Czech Tourism — Prague: www.czechtourism.com/
- Wikitravel — Prague: wikitravel.org/en/Prague
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
PraguePraha
Zavezte mě prosím na tuto adresu
Please take me to this address
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
Take me to
- Pražský hradPrague Castle
- Karlův mostCharles Bridge
- Staroměstská radnice a OrlojOld Town Hall and the astronomical clock
- Židovské Město (Josefov)Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and the Jewish Museum
- Kampa a Lennonova zeďKampa Island and the Lennon Wall
- Václavské náměstíWenceslas Square and the National Museum
Most embassies are in Malá Strana near the castle (US, UK and Ireland), so allow a tram ride from the Old Town.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas; a greeting in Czech is appreciated.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/prague). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.