A few practical tips make the difference between a good trip to Prague and a great one. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
📅 Best Time to Visit Prague
May, September and December are the three best windows. May offers warm weather and manageable pre-summer crowds. September sees the summer rush end with excellent weather continuing. December's Christmas markets (Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square) are among Europe's finest — atmospheric, if cold. July and August are the most crowded months but still excellent.
🌉 Charles Bridge — Timing Is Everything
The single most important Prague tip: visit Charles Bridge at dawn (5–6am in summer) or at dusk. At 10am it becomes a heaving tourist thoroughfare. At dawn it's empty, beautiful and one of Europe's great photographic experiences. Stay for 45 minutes then head to a nearby café for breakfast.
💰 Money
Prague uses the Czech Koruna (CZK) — not the euro, even though the Czech Republic is in the EU. Always pay in CZK, never in euros or your home currency (dynamic currency conversion rates are very poor). ATMs are widely available — use bank ATMs not independent machines in tourist areas. Budget €80–120/day for comfortable mid-range travel.
🍺 Beer Culture
Czech pilsner is the finest in the world — Pilsner Urquell at the source (Plzeň is 90 minutes by train) is a day trip worth doing. In Prague: Lokal, Pivovar Vinohrady and U Fleků (historic brewery, 1499) are the best beer halls. A 0.5L of excellent Czech beer costs €2–3 in local pubs; €4–6 in tourist areas.
🚇 Getting Around
Prague's Metro (lines A, B, C) is clean, cheap and efficient — €1.40/journey, 24-hour pass €5.40. Trams cover areas the metro misses. The city centre is very walkable — Old Town to the castle is 20 minutes on foot across the bridge. Taxis: use Bolt or Uber app for transparent pricing; avoid street hailing.
🏰 Prague Castle Tips
The castle complex is the largest in the world — allow 3–4 hours. The combined ticket (€17) covers St Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Golden Lane and more. The Cathedral is free to enter the nave but the ticket is needed for the tower and full access. Go early morning (9am opening) to avoid tour groups.
🌃 Neighbourhoods Worth Knowing
Old Town (Staré Město) for sights and tourists. Malá Strana (Lesser Town, below the castle) for beautiful baroque streets and local wine bars. Vinohrady for excellent restaurants and local life. Žižkov for unpretentious pubs and the TV tower (extraordinary views). Smíchov for a less touristic residential alternative.
🧳 Practical Tips
Prague's cobblestones are hard on rolling luggage and slippery when wet — pack light or bring a backpack. The public transport runs 24/7 (night trams). Tipping is expected (10%) but not mandatory. Most menus in tourist areas are in English. Prague is extremely safe — the main risk is tourist scams around money exchange booths (avoid all exchange booths and use ATMs instead).
FAQs
Is Prague expensive?
Cheaper than most Western European cities but not as cheap as it was. Budget €80–120/day for a comfortable mid-range experience.
Is Prague safe?
Very safe. Main risks: tourist scams (fake police, bad exchange rates), pickpockets in crowded areas like the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.
Do I need to speak Czech?
Not at all — English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few words (prosím = please, děkuji = thank you) is appreciated.