Prague Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do, See & Experience

We visited Prague in June 2025, and the city was exactly the kind of place I had hoped it would be. I had high expectations before our trip. Thankfully, Prague lived up to them.

What impressed me most was the architecture. The historic buildings are beautifully preserved, and there is something interesting to look at almost everywhere you go. Gothic towers, Baroque churches, elegant façades and historic squares give Prague a very distinctive atmosphere.

There is also a modern side to the city. You can go from a medieval church to a contemporary sculpture or an unusual modern building within a short walk. There was one thing I wasn’t prepared for, though: the crowds.

Prague is very touristy. The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle can get extremely busy. At times, the number of people took away a little from the atmosphere. Even so, I still found Prague absolutely beautiful.

We spent around four days in the city. That gave us enough time to visit the main attractions without feeling like we had to rush constantly.

We also made a good choice with our accommodation. We stayed at Le Palais Art Hotel Prague, a five-star hotel in a quieter area outside the busiest part of the historic center. We found a very good offer at the time. It was actually cheaper than some four-star hotels in the same general area.

There was also a tram stop close to the hotel. We could reach the center in just two or three stops. This made getting around much easier. Food was another pleasant surprise. Everything we ate was tasty, and prices were higher than in Romania, as I expected. They were not, however, as high as in some other major European destinations.

If you’re planning your own trip, this Prague travel guide is based on what we actually did and saw during our four days in the city.

What to Do and See in Prague

Prague has enough attractions to keep you busy for several days. We didn’t try to see absolutely everything. Instead, we combined the major landmarks with a few quieter places.

This worked well for us. It meant that we could see the famous sights without spending every day running from one attraction to another.

Explore Prague Old Town and Old Town Square

The Old Town was where we spent a lot of our time. This is the part of Prague that probably looks most like the city you’ve seen in photographs. Historic buildings line the streets, and beautiful architectural details appear almost everywhere you look.

Old Town Square is the main focal point. It is also one of the busiest places in Prague.

When we visited in June 2025, there were plenty of tourists around. At times, it was difficult to stop and properly take in the architecture because of the crowds. Still, I wouldn’t skip it.

The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. The Church of Our Lady Before Týn is especially impressive, with its two Gothic towers rising above the rooftops. This is also where you’ll find the Astronomical Clock and Old Town Hall.

See the Astronomical Clock and Visit the Old Town Hall

We saw the Astronomical Clock from outside, but we also went inside the Old Town Hall. The clock itself is one of Prague’s most recognizable landmarks. Every hour, the Twelve Apostles appear as part of the famous mechanical display. If you want to see the show, you don’t have to spend money. You can simply stand in the square and watch.

For the Old Town Hall, however, we decided to go inside. Our visit included a guided tour of the historic interiors. I don’t remember exactly how much we paid in June 2025, so I don’t want to give you a made-up number.

For reference, the current standard admission is 350 CZK per adult. A guided tour of the historical interiors is available for an additional 150 CZK for Circuit A or 100 CZK for Circuit B. The basic ticket includes access to the tower and its viewing gallery.

The Old Town Hall is currently open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from April through December. You can find the current tickets, tour schedule and opening hours on the official Old Town Hall visitor information page.

I liked the fact that we didn’t have to organize everything weeks in advance. There were scheduled guided tours, and you can check what is available when you arrive.

Climb the Powder Tower

The Powder Tower was another place we admired from outside. We didn’t go up this one. After all the other towers and stairs during the trip, we had to choose our battles. If you do want to climb it, the viewing gallery is about 44 metres above street level.

The current adult ticket is 200 CZK. The tower also has seasonal opening hours. You can find the current information on the official Powder Gate Tower page.

Admire the Church of Our Lady Before Týn

The Church of Our Lady Before Týn is one of the buildings that made the biggest impression on me visually. Its two Gothic towers dominate the Old Town Square. They are also one of the most recognizable images of Prague.

The church dates back to the 14th century, although the interior was later remodeled in the Baroque style. Even if you don’t go inside, take a moment to look at it from the square. The proportions of the building and the two towers are spectacular.

For me, this is exactly the kind of architecture that makes Prague special.

Walk Across Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of those Prague attractions that you simply have to experience. There is no entrance fee. You just walk across it. The bridge connects the Old Town with Malá Strana and offers beautiful views of the Vltava, Prague Castle and the surrounding historic buildings.

It is also very crowded. That was probably the biggest downside for me. The bridge is beautiful, but it is hard to experience it as a peaceful historic landmark when you are surrounded by large groups of people.

Even so, I wouldn’t miss it. If you want to see it with fewer people, try going early in the morning. During the middle of the day, prepare for crowds.

Visit the Clementinum and Its Baroque Library

The Clementinum was one of my favorite visits in Prague. We bought our tickets online while we were literally standing in front of the building. I would recommend doing this rather than waiting at the ticket office. There can be a queue at the box office, while the online option is much more convenient.

We joined a guided tour with a guide. The tour takes around 45 minutes and includes the Baroque Library, Meridian Hall and Astronomical Tower. The library was the part I was most excited about. It is beautiful, with old books, ornate details and large historical globes. It feels like stepping into another period.

There is one important detail, though. You don’t actually walk into the library. You only see it from the entrance. I remember being slightly disappointed by that because I would have loved to walk between the shelves. But even from the doorway, it is impressive.

There are also quite a few stairs during the tour. They weren’t exactly comfortable, especially after already walking around Prague all day.

The current standard ticket is 380 CZK, and the official site states that tickets must be purchased as eTickets. New tickets are released every Monday for the following two weeks. You can also book the guided experience through GetYourGuide’s Clementinum Library & Astronomical Tower tour.

See the Moving Head of Franz Kafka

The Franz Kafka Head is one of the more unusual attractions in Prague. The sculpture was created by Czech artist David Černý. The individual sections of the huge metallic head rotate and constantly change its appearance.

It doesn’t take long to see. Still, I liked the contrast. After spending so much time looking at Gothic and Baroque architecture, seeing something completely different was refreshing.

Photograph the Dancing House

Dancing House is another very different side of Prague. Its unusual shape immediately stands out among the historic buildings along the Vltava. We didn’t go inside. We simply stopped to admire the building and take some photos.

For me, that’s enough unless you specifically want to visit the interior or go to the rooftop. It’s easy to combine with a walk along the river, so you don’t need to dedicate a large part of your day to it.

Find Some Peace at Vrtba Garden

Vrtba Garden was one of the places that really won me over. After the crowds in the Old Town, I appreciated having somewhere quieter to slow down.

The Baroque garden is located in Malá Strana. It has several terraces, sculptures and beautiful views over the surrounding area. It isn’t huge. That is part of its charm.

You can visit without spending hours there. We found it to be a lovely break between the busier attractions. If you’re looking for a quieter place in central Prague, I would definitely add Vrtba Garden to your itinerary.

Spend Several Hours at Prague Castle

Prague Castle deserves time. We spent around four hours here in total. That included visiting interiors and exploring the castle grounds. We didn’t climb any of the towers, but there was still plenty to see.

One of my favorite parts was the garden area that felt almost like a forest. After spending so much time around buildings and crowds, it was nice to have some greenery around us.

I also loved Golden Lane. The tiny colorful medieval houses are probably one of the most charming parts of the complex. They are small, unusual and very different from the grand buildings elsewhere in the castle.

We bought our tickets on site.

The official Prague Castle website currently lists tickets for the main circuits, with tickets available from information centers within the castle complex. Online tickets for the Main Circuit are also available through GetYourGuide. You can check the latest options through the official Prague Castle ticket page.

My biggest piece of advice here is simple: don’t schedule Prague Castle between two other attractions as if it were a quick one-hour visit. Give yourself at least half a day.

Explore Malá Strana and St. Nicholas Church

Malá Strana, or Lesser Town, was another part of Prague that I really enjoyed walking through.

The streets feel different from the Old Town, with elegant Baroque buildings, historic façades and a slightly more intimate atmosphere. It is still very touristy, but I found it particularly beautiful.

At the center of Malá Strana stands St. Nicholas Church, one of Prague’s most impressive Baroque buildings. Its enormous dome and richly decorated interior are spectacular, and the church is considered one of the most significant Baroque buildings north of the Alps.

The church currently has an adult admission fee of 150 CZK, with opening hours varying throughout the year.

Visit Loreto and Hradčany

If you’re already visiting Prague Castle, continue exploring Hradčany rather than immediately heading back toward the center.

The district around the castle is full of historic buildings, churches and beautiful streets. Loreto is one of the places worth adding to your route, particularly if you enjoy religious architecture and historic interiors.

Hradčany itself is also worth experiencing simply by walking through it. I found this area much more enjoyable when we weren’t rushing from one attraction to another.

Add Lobkowicz Palace to Your Prague Itinerary

Lobkowicz Palace is another beautiful addition to a Prague Castle day.

The 16th-century palace houses the Lobkowicz Collections, with art, historical objects and other treasures connected to the Lobkowicz family. It also has a café and restaurant and a wonderful panoramic setting within the Prague Castle complex.

The palace is currently open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the museum tour takes around 90 minutes. If you’re already spending several hours around Prague Castle, I think it’s worth considering rather than treating the castle complex as just a quick visit to St. Vitus Cathedral.

A Different Side of Prague: Grébovka and Havlíčkovy sady

One of the places I remember particularly well was the area around Havlíčkovy sady, also known as Grébovka.

We stopped for coffee and a dessert at a café on the hill. The food itself wasn’t particularly memorable. The view was. From the terrace, we could see the city from above. Just below us was a small vineyard. There was also a park further down the steps.

The area is known for its romantic atmosphere, vineyards, views and artificial grotto. The grotto was built as part of the historic Grébovka estate in the 19th century.

The park is open daily. From April through October, it is generally open from 6:00 AM until midnight. This was one of those places that felt very different from the packed streets around the Old Town. If you have extra time in Prague, I think it is worth getting away from the main tourist route for a while.

Getting Around Prague

We didn’t actually use public transport that much. Our hotel was relatively close to the center, so we walked a lot. We used the tram around two or three times. Once, we took it from our hotel towards the center. Another time, we were coming from the other side of the river and were simply too tired to walk the whole distance back.

We also used the metro once. That was mainly to get towards the area where we were heading for the Imagine Dragons concert. For us, the combination of walking and occasional public transport worked perfectly.

The Prague tram network is particularly convenient for visitors. The metro is useful for longer distances.

The current public transport system uses time-based tickets. A 30-minute ticket currently costs 36 CZK through the PID Lítačka app or 39 CZK as a paper ticket. A 90-minute ticket costs 46 CZK through the app or 50 CZK on paper. Prices can change, so check the official Prague public transport information before your trip.

Where to Stay in Prague

We stayed at Le Palais Art Hotel Prague, a five-star hotel located outside the busiest part of the historic center.

Le Palais Art Hotel Prague on Booking.com

The hotel was a little farther from the main tourist attractions than staying directly in Old Town. For us, that wasn’t a problem. There was a tram stop nearby, and we could reach the center in just two or three stops.

The best part was the price. When we booked, we found an offer that made this five-star hotel surprisingly affordable. It was actually cheaper than some four-star hotels we had looked at in the same general area.

I would therefore recommend looking beyond the immediate Old Town when searching for accommodation. A hotel doesn’t have to be within walking distance of every attraction. If you have a tram or metro station nearby, you can save money without sacrificing convenience.

Other areas worth considering include:

Old Town – best for being close to the main attractions.
New Town – central and well connected.
Malá Strana – beautiful and atmospheric.
Hradčany – convenient for Prague Castle.
Vinohrady – quieter and full of restaurants and cafés.

For our trip, having easy tram access was more important than staying right beside an attraction.

Where to Eat in Prague

We had some really good food in Prague. Prices were higher than in Romania, but I expected that. I didn’t find the prices shocking compared with other major European cities.

One restaurant I remember particularly well was an Italian-style restaurant in or near the Jewish Quarter. I believe it may have been called Pepe Nero, although I’m not completely certain. My husband had a Roman-style pinsa, while I ordered pasta. Both were very good.

This is also something I appreciated about Prague. You don’t have to eat only Czech food during your trip. The city has a wide variety of restaurants, from traditional Czech places to Italian restaurants, cafés and international cuisine.

Where to Eat Like a Local

If you want to experience Prague beyond the tourist center, don’t make every meal an Old Town Square meal.

Look for traditional Czech restaurants outside the most heavily visited streets, particularly around residential neighborhoods. This is where you’ll generally get a better sense of everyday Prague rather than eating surrounded by groups of tourists.

I’d also leave room for cafes and bakeries. Prague is a great city for taking a break between sightseeing, especially when your feet have had enough of Gothic towers and endless stairs.

Best Time to Visit Prague

We visited in June 2025. The city was lively and full of tourists. That was probably the biggest downside of travelling during this period. The weather was suitable for spending long days outside, which was important because we walked a lot. If you don’t mind crowds, June is a great time for sightseeing. You have long days and plenty of time to explore.

If avoiding crowds is a priority, I’d consider spring or early autumn instead. Regardless of the month, I’d visit the busiest attractions earlier in the day whenever possible. Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are particularly different when you compare a quieter morning with the middle of the day.

Currency, Cash & Paying by Card

The currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK).

We mostly relied on card payments during our trip, which was convenient, but I would still carry a small amount of cash with you. Having some Czech koruna is useful for smaller purchases, markets or places where card payments aren’t available.

One thing I would definitely avoid is exchanging money at the first tourist exchange office you see. Compare rates and fees before exchanging a larger amount. You can also find official tourist information centers around the city if you need help with tickets, transport or other practical questions.

How Many Days Do You Need in Prague?

If you’re wondering how many days to include in your Prague travel guide itinerary, I’d recommend at least four days in Prague if you want to see the main sights without constantly feeling rushed.

We spent four days there, and I felt that was a comfortable amount of time for a first visit. We could explore the Old Town, visit Prague Castle, walk across Charles Bridge, see Malá Strana, visit several interiors and still have time to stop for food and simply wander.

Could you see the highlights in two days? Yes. But you’d have to be much more selective.

And if you’re interested in museums, palaces, gardens, churches and viewpoints, I’d happily spend five days or more. Prague rewards slowing down because some of the best moments aren’t necessarily inside a famous attraction — they’re the moments when you turn down a beautiful street and discover something you weren’t looking for.

Day Trips from Prague

If you’re staying in Prague for more than four days, you can also use the city as a base for several excellent day trips.

Some destinations worth considering are:

Karlovy Vary – famous for its elegant spa architecture and thermal springs.
Kutná Hora – a historic town known especially for the Sedlec Ossuary and St. Barbara’s Cathedral.
Český Krumlov – one of the most picturesque historic towns in the Czech Republic.
Pilsen – a great option if you’re interested in Czech beer and industrial history.
Brno – a lively Moravian city with a beautiful historic center and plenty to explore.

I’d probably dedicate a full day to each rather than trying to combine destinations, especially if you want your trip to feel like a holiday rather than a checklist.

Extra Experiences to Add to Your Prague Itinerary

We didn’t do a Vltava cruise during our trip, but it’s an experience I’d consider adding if you have extra time.

Seeing Prague from the river gives you a completely different perspective. You can see landmarks such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle from the water. For example, there are currently 45-minute canal cruises around Charles Bridge with audio commentary available through GetYourGuide.

You can also find longer Vltava cruises if you’d prefer a more relaxed experience. For a first-time visitor, I’d consider adding a cruise after a busy sightseeing day. It gives your feet a break while still allowing you to see more of the city.

Prague Travel Guide – FAQs

Is Prague expensive?

Prague is more expensive than Romania, particularly in the most touristy areas, but I didn’t find it as expensive as some other major European destinations. Accommodation, restaurants and attractions can add up, so it’s worth comparing prices and avoiding restaurants directly beside the busiest landmarks.

Is Prague walkable?

Yes. The historic center is compact and many major attractions can be reached on foot. However, Prague’s public transport system is excellent, so trams and the metro are useful when you want to save your legs after a long day of sightseeing.

How many days should I spend in Prague?

For a first visit, I’d recommend around four days. That gives you enough time for Prague Castle, Old Town, Charles Bridge, Malá Strana, Clementinum and several other attractions without having to rush constantly.

Is Prague worth visiting despite the crowds?

For me, yes. Prague can be extremely crowded, particularly around its most famous landmarks, and that’s something I’d prepare for before visiting. But the city’s architecture, historic buildings, towers, churches and beautiful streets make it a destination I would still gladly return to.

Prague Travel Guide – Final Thoughts

After spending several days exploring Prague, I came away feeling that this is a city that deserves more than a quick weekend.

Sometimes it was a Gothic tower, sometimes an elaborate façade, sometimes a church dome or an old building I hadn’t even planned to photograph. The architecture is genuinely beautiful, and the fact that so many historic buildings have been preserved makes simply walking through the city feel special.

At the same time, I wouldn’t pretend Prague is a hidden gem. It is very touristy, and in the most famous areas, the crowds can be intense. Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, in particular, can feel almost overwhelmingly busy at certain times.

But once you accept that and give yourself enough time, Prague becomes much more enjoyable. Leave room for a quiet garden like Vrtba, stop for a Czech meal, take the tram through the city, climb a tower even if your legs complain halfway up, and don’t plan every minute of the day.

We spent around four days in Prague, and I think that was a good introduction — enough to see the highlights without rushing through them. But if you have more time, I’d absolutely use it. Prague isn’t a city I’d recommend rushing through just to say you’ve seen the highlights. It’s much more enjoyable when you have enough time to look around, wander, and actually experience it.