Senior travel: Prague
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 94 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Wenceslas Square and the National MuseumStep-free: yes · about 50 minFlat boulevard with kerbs cut at crossings; the metro stations have lifts (check).
- Charles BridgeStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 40 minThe deck is level, but the cobbles are rough and there are steps at both towers and to Kampa; the Old Town side approach is flat.
- Old Town Hall and the astronomical clockStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 40 minThe square is level and cobbled; the tower has a lift in part (check).
- Kampa Island and the Lennon WallStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 75 minSteps from the bridge; a level route via Na Kampě street from the south end (check).
- Jewish Quarter (Josefov) and the Jewish MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 150 minThe cemetery is uneven; the museum sites vary and some have lifts (check).
- Prague CastleStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 210 minCourtyards are level but cobbled; several buildings have steps; ask at the information office for a step-free route (check).
Getting around in Prague
Prague is hard on wheels: the old centre is cobbled, the castle is steep, and many older buildings have steps. The metro and newer trams are step-free in places; a few sights have lifts. Plan short days and use taxis between clusters.
- Pavements:
- Cobbles and setts in the Old Town and Malá Strana; narrow pavements on side streets. Wider and smoother on Wenceslas Square and the main roads.
- Metro:
- Lines A, B and C have lifts at many stations (not all); check the PID website for step-free stations.
- Trams:
- Newer low-floor trams are step-free at many stops; older ones have steps.
- Castle:
- The castle grounds have a slope and uneven stone; the cathedral and palace have partial step-free routes (check).
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in museums and modern shopping centres; check before you go.
- Taxi:
- Taxis and ride-hailing are the practical way between clusters; accessible vehicles need booking ahead (check).
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance · before flying: Required for visa applicants (€30,000 medical cover); strongly advised for everyone.
- Tap water:
- Safe to drink. Ask for 'voda z kohoutku' in a restaurant; it may be charged.
- Cold and ice:
- Frost and ice make the cobbles slippery in winter; wear shoes with grip and dress in layers.
- Heat:
- Summer days reach 30 °C with little shade in the old streets; carry water and sun cream.
- Ticks:
- Ticks live in long grass and woods around Prague: use repellent and check your skin after walks; tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is available (ask your doctor).
- Pharmacies:
- A pharmacy is a lékárna; staff give advice for minor illness. Pharmacies close on Sunday except for a rota; check the door.
- Food:
- Food hygiene is good; pubs and market stalls are safe if busy.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.