Prague is Central Europe’s crown jewel, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We want you to have the best possible experience when you visit Prague, ideally one that is completely tailored to you. There are a few general hints that apply for every visit to Prague that we wanted to share with you.
Consider this a pre-trip checklist or handy tips before you set off sightseeing in Prague.
The local currency in the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (Česká koruna) - abbreviated to Kč or CZK. Euros are accepted in some shops and restaurants, though far from all of them, and not at the best rate. Credit and debit cards are nearly universally accepted in shops and restaurants. You can use your credit card here, though check your bank’s fees in advance. You can use your bank’s debit card to withdraw Czech crowns from any bank’s ATM - check your bank’s fees for this, too. You can use a Revolut account or similar service that allows you to convert your currency into Czech crowns on the fly as you need them. With the number of options available, we do not recommend using any money exchange office, and advise you against using Euronet ATMs due to their poor exchange rates and high fees.
Both Uber and Bolt apps work in Prague and are a very effective way to move around the city in taxis. You can also use Liftago, a locally-developed app. It takes just minutes to download one of the apps and create an account. If you don’t have access to any taxi app, ask the hotel, restaurant or the establishment you are in to call a taxi for you. We recommend you avoid taking taxis parked on the street or flagging one down.
A tip of 10% or slightly more is fine in restaurants if you have been satisfied with the service. We will be glad to share our personal restaurant recommendations. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
Prague has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. While taxis are sufficiently affordable, safe and easy to use if you use one of the apps above, you might find yourself tempted to take a ride on one of the newer or historical trams. You can buy a tram ticket from a tobacco shop or grocery in the center. Make sure you stamp your ticket once you enter the tram using one of the brightly-colored validation boxes. In some newer trams, you can even buy a ticket using a contactless credit or debit card on the spot.
No visit to Prague would be complete without walking across the Charles Bridge, crossing Old Town Square, or exploring the grounds of the Prague Castle. Most of these sights are open all day, and the best time to experience them is either early in the morning or late in the evening, when you can explore in relative peace and quiet without large crowds in your way.
The city of Prague, especially the center, is very walkable, and walking is one of the best ways to discover the beauty and magic the city has to offer. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes (taking into account that you will be walking on cobblestones) and make time for plenty of breaks to stop to soak in a view, whether it’s from a table on a cafe or the interior of a magnificent church you happened to walk past.
Once you have taken in the most important sights on both sides of the river, don’t hesitate to wander just a bit further to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. Prague is one of the safest cities in the world, so you don’t have to worry. We recommend you take some time to explore the neighborhoods of Vinohrady, Karlín, Letná and Vyšehrad.
Prague is a city of many winding streets and cobblestone lanes. There are usually many ways to travel around the city, even by all means, take the road less traveled. You are sure to stumble across a building, a statue, a church, a well, or an intersection that will make an impact on you and stay with you long after you have returned home. There’s at least one unexpected magical moment waiting for you in this city - you have to go out there and find it.
