Prague is one of Central Europe’s largest cities and the centuries-old capital of Bohemia. These bridges, cathedrals, gilded spires and church domes have been reflected in the waters of Vltava for over 10 centuries. It survived almost unscathed during the Second World War. The city is a medieval treasure, with paved streets and courtyards, countless towers and benches. But Prague is also a modern and vibrant city, full of young energy, music, culture in all its manifestations and gourmet restaurants. Prague is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Europe. Prague is a city you will fall in love with immediately and will want to come back again and again. Make sure you have comfortable shoes to explore new places, a good appetite for sampling local cuisine and a roomy suitcase to carry lots of shopping and souvenirs.
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Prague is an “every-weather city”, but the peak tourist season is spring, summer and winter holidays. Spring, summer and the first half of autumn are good for long walks. All the gardens, parks and museums are open, the beer terraces are inviting and festivals are held. Autumn in Prague is beautiful when the trees turn yellow. Autumn sales are also just around the corner. Prague’s winters are mild but windy. Prague’s Christmas market in a snowy idyll captures the heart. Decide when to go on holiday in Prague and book your flight and choose the most wonderful hotel in Prague’s idyllic countryside.
There is something for everyone in Prague: historical monuments, theatre performances, interesting museum tours, incredibly delicious local food and famous Czech beer.
If you are the type who likes to shop, visit restaurants, relax in a spa hotel, take long walks through the city streets and discover architectural masterpieces – Prague is your city. Perhaps you’ll stop on every street corner in your tracks to admire the tall spires of the cathedrals and the beauty of the buildings.
For the tourist, the most interesting and visited places are in the historic city centre. The spirit of the Middle Ages is strongly present there. A visit to the legendary Charles Bridge is a must. From the bridge, the holidaymaker continues to the adjacent Prague Castle. It is one of the largest castle districts in the world, with many attractions such as palaces, churches, museums and gardens.
The best way to explore the city’s non-touristy areas is to rent a bicycle (classic or electric). Prague has a number of great cycling routes that take you to places where even the locals relax. Like the locals, go to Rieger Gardens for a picnic. The park is beautiful and offers charming views of the city. On the banks of the Vltava River, Naplavka also helps you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, you’ll find open-air concerts and bars and the absolutely fantastic Naplavka Market – a farmers’ market. Held on Saturdays, you can buy fresh vegetables, meat, fruit, bread and pastries, fish, cheese, beer and much more. From October to April you can take a dip in one of the boats moored on the beach!
If you’re holidaying with children in Prague, check out the Prague Zoo, one of the largest in Europe and covering over 60 hectares. The zoo includes a “jungle” where orangutans and gibbons live. The zoo is well worth a day: it really is huge. You will see animals from all over the world, including some very rare ones.
Like most big European cities, Prague has a lively nightlife. You’ll find plenty of bars and clubs to party in. After sunset, the Czech capital changes before your eyes. People who go to bed at 22.00 don’t see Prague in all its glory. The glow of the city lights in the dark is something to remember.
Prague’s nightlife is very diverse: everyone can find something to do. You can dance the night away in Prague’s clubs, drink excellent Czech beer at the bar and listen to live music. Despite the fact that restaurants and pubs close at midnight, bars and local clubs are open until dawn and until 2.45am! Many nightclubs are located near Wenceslas Square. They are very easy to find, even for tourists. The price of entrance tickets and drinks varies greatly depending on the venue. But one thing is for sure, beer in Prague is cheap!
The favourite entertainment for adults in Prague is to gather in beer taverns. Small cosy taverns with their own brewery are around every corner in Prague. In the evenings, many locals gather to spend the evening and socialise over a frothy drink.
Shopping in Prague is a pleasure! Prices are generally lower than the European average. There is a wide range of brands to suit even the most discerning tastes. Shopping is a nice addition to a weekend trip to Prague. In Prague, it’s worth buying clothes and shoes from popular brands, as well as accessories handmade by local designers. Buy beer-based cosmetics, the famous Czech pomegranate, original beers, handmade waffles and sweets and at least one souvenir item featuring the popular Czech cartoon character ‘The Mole’.
Most shops in Prague are open from 9.00 to 18.00, while the big supermarkets and shopping centres close later – from 21.00 to 22.00. Grocery stores are open until 12.00 on Saturdays and on Sundays almost all shops are closed, except for small convenience stores.
There are two main shopping routes in Prague. Depending on your goals, budget and time, you should choose the route that suits you best. Paris street is associated with famous designer boutiques, chic shops and famous luxury brands.
In Prague, as elsewhere in Europe, there are two sale seasons: summer and winter. However, the Czech Republic also has two other big sales, in April and October. The spring sales start in April and last until mid-May, and the next one starts in July and August. The remaining summer collections go on sale in October and the biggest sale traditionally starts before Christmas. Discounts range from 70-80%.
Airlines: many airlines fly to Prague. Many airlines fly to Prague.
Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague
Flight time: 2 h 30 min
Distance from airport:40-50 minutes (20 km)
Language:czech
Time difference: -1
Population: around 1.3 million
Passport: you must carry a valid passport or identity card issued after 1.3.1999 for the duration of the trip.
Currency: Czech koruna (TZK)
Tip: It is common to give around 10 – 20% of the amount of the bill.
Tourist tax: €2 – €7 payable to the hotel
Water: tap water is drinkable but bottled water is recommended
Electricity: voltage 220 – 230V. In general, sockets are similar to those in Finland.
Millions of tourists come to Prague every year to stroll through its parks and walk across its bridges, visit its museums, admire the city from the towers and observation platforms, see its famous sights, have a glass of Czech beer and dive into the treasures of Prague Castle. Prague Castle is an ancient fortress covering 45 hectares with a palace complex, magnificent towers, gardens, historic buildings and museums. In addition to the castle, the main attractions are the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Vitus, Wenceslas , Adalbert and Zlata Street or Golden Street, where you can see what an alchemist’s or goldsmith’s shop looked like in the Middle Ages in the small houses along the way. In these alleys and streets you will catch the spirit and atmosphere of the Middle Ages and be amazed by the beauty of the buildings.
Take a stroll along Charles Bridge and admire the old town. It is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Prague. On the bridge you can wish and legend has it that it will come true. Perhaps the most spectacular view from the bridge is at night, when Prague is shrouded in twilight and the castle glows with hundreds of bright lights.
In the evening you can go to one of the traditional Czech restaurants (there are many in the old town). Try the national Czech cuisine with an open mind. Trdelník (sweet cake) and Pečené vepřové koleno (Czech roast pork) are typical. And don’t forget the Czech beer! Every tourist knows you can’t get better beer anywhere else. Many local restaurants have their own breweries, where they produce the frothy drink in all the ancient traditions.
1. Prague is a city of towers. According to statistics, there are about 1,000 towers on its territory, including water towers and towers of private houses. Each tower has its own fascinating history.
2. Prague was honoured in the Guinness Book of Records. Prague Castle was rated by professionals as the largest castle in the world. The magnificent building is 570 metres long and 130 metres wide. It can take 40-60 just to go around it!
3. There are no satellite dishes on the roofs of Prague’s old houses – it is forbidden to install them. They would spoil the appearance and charm of the old city.