Prague Travel Guide (Central Bohemia/Czech Republic/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Prague

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a historic city located in Central Europe. Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, Prague is a popular tourist destination. The city has many attractions for visitors including museums, historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and outdoor activities. In this guide, we will provide tourists with the necessary information to explore Prague.

List of Places to Visit in Prague

To make the most of your visit to Prague, don’t miss out on these must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Prague Castle: This beautiful castle complex is the most visited attraction in Prague. It offers stunning views of the city, a history-infused ambiance, and many diverse sights to explore.
Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock: This iconic landmark is the most famous of the Old Town Square and one of the oldest working clocks in the world.
National Museum: This Prague attraction offers visitors an insight into Czech history, art, and culture, with many exhibitions to explore.

Natural Attractions of Prague: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Vltava River: The river flows through the heart of Prague and offers a unique view of the city from its cruises.
Letná Park: This historic park offers beautiful views of the city, and stunning metropolis spreads across the city center.
Petřín Park: This is the perfect location to enjoy the outdoors in Prague. It offers a mini replica of the Eiffel Tower and numerous other outdoor activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Prague

With many hills and parks, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking in Prague. Here are some popular routes:

Prokopské údolí: This nature park offers stunning views of Prague combined with great trails for hiking and biking.
Dobříšská čtyřka: Located an hour’s drive away, this circular track that passes through some fascinating landscapes and ancient ruins.

Best Things to Do in Prague: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Prague:

Prague Pub Crawl: This is the perfect way to experience the city’s nightlife and taste locally brewed beer.
Prague Ghost Tour: this is perfect for those who love spooky experiences, and are fascinated with Prague’s mysteries and legends.
Prague Castle Tour: This offers visitors an excellent opportunity to learn the history of the castle too.

Week-Long Itinerary for Prague

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Prague:

Day	Activity
1	Explore the Old Town Square, and visit the Astronomical Clock
2	Visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral
3	Go hiking at Prokopské údolí
4	Visit the Kampa Island and the John Lennon Wall
5	Visit the National Museum and the Wenceslas Square
6	Explore Letná Park and Petřín Hill & Tower
7	Take a day trip to Terězin

Food and Drink Scene of Prague

Prague’s food scene is famous for delicious dishes and beer. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Trdelník: This traditional sweet dish is a pastry filled with nutella, ice-cream and other toppings.
Guláš: This is the Czech version of the stew and is usually served with dumplings or bread. A hot pot of Guláš is heaven in cold months.
Knědel soup: This is a Czech dumpling soup which is perfect as a main course or starter soup.

Local Beverages

Pilsner Urquell: This is a famous Czech beer that you must try while in Prague.
Becherovka: This is a herbal liquor, which is popular as a digestive drink after meals.

Where to Stay in Prague: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Prague offers a wide range of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some great options:

Four Seasons Hotel: This is a luxurious hotel located in the Old Town. It offers guests access to a rooftop terrace that provides an excellent view of the city.
Mosaic House: This eco-friendly hostel is located in the New Town. It offers guests good food, comfortable rooms, and excellent atmosphere.
Boho Hotel Prague: Located in the Old Town, this hotel offers guests modern amenities in a historic building.

What to Buy in Prague: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Prague has a rich culture that offers plenty of traditional souvenirs and products. Here are some souvenirs to bring home:

Bohemian crystal and porcelain products.
Marionettes or puppets.
Traditional Czech garnet jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Prague

Prague has a rich culture and traditional customs that every tourist must learn about.

Best Time to Visit Prague

The best time to visit Prague is in the spring and the fall. The weather is mild, which makes it perfect for tourists to explore the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Prague

Here are some do’s and don’ts of Prague:

Do:

Watch your belongings in crowded areas.
Learn some basic Czech phrases, and attempt speaking to locals.
Observe local customs and manners.

Don’t:

Don’t visit Charles Bridge on a sunny day, the crowds will ruin the experience.
Don’t dress inappropriately while visiting churches and cathedrals.
Don’t forget to tip in restaurants. The standard is usually 10-15% for good service.

Safety and Health

Safety in Prague

Prague is a relatively safe city, but like any other tourist destination in the world, tourists must take precautions and watch their belongings.

Health in Prague

Prague has an excellent healthcare system. Travelers should have personal health insurance before visiting the city.

Getting to Prague: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Prague

Prague has two airports that offer international and local flights:

Václav Havel Airport Prague
Brno–Tuřany Airport

Bus Stations Near Prague

Florence Bus Station and Na Knížecí Bus Station are the main bus stations of Prague.

Other Options

Prague is well connected to other nearby cities by train and road. RegioJet and Flixbus are the popular providers.

How to Get Around in Prague

Prague offers excellent public transportation options, including metro, bus, and tram services. Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a bike.

Where to Go Next from Prague: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many nearby destinations and excursions from Prague that tourists can visit. Here are some suggestions:

Kutná Hora: This town located an hour away from Prague offers famous attractions like the Sedlec Ossuary and the Gothic St. Barbara’s Church.
Karlovy Vary: This spa town is famous for its hot springs and beautiful architecture.
Český Krumlov: This is a historic city located in Southern Bohemia that offers tourists a unique experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prague is an amazing city to visit with its beautiful architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. This comprehensive travel guide details all of the essential information that visitors may need to enjoy their stay in Prague. With this guide in hand, tourists are sure to have a memorable experience.