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Overview
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River in the heart of Bohemia. It is one of Europe's most visited cities, attracting travellers drawn to its largely intact medieval and Baroque architecture, vibrant cultural life, and relatively compact, walkable historic core.
The city is divided into districts with distinct characters. Staré Město (Old Town) and Josefov (the former Jewish quarter) sit on the east bank of the river. Malá Strana (Lesser Town) and Hradčany—home to Prague Castle—occupy the west bank on a hill. Nové Město (New Town), laid out in the 14th century, surrounds Wenceslas Square and functions as a commercial and transport hub.
Prague has a rich history spanning more than a millennium. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, was a centre of the Holy Roman Empire under Charles IV, and later became a major city within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the 20th century it was the site of the Prague Spring of 1968 and the Velvet Revolution of 1989, both defining moments in Central European history.
Note on the guide title: The prompt references 'Slovakia (state)', but Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic—a separate sovereign country from Slovakia. The two nations formed Czechoslovakia until their peaceful separation in 1993. This guide covers Prague, Czech Republic.
Before You Go
Visas
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. For accurate, up-to-date information, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Do not rely on third-party summaries for entry requirements.
Health
No routine vaccinations are specifically required for Prague beyond those recommended for general European travel. Tap water is safe to drink. EU citizens should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); non-EU travellers should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure. Pharmacies (lékárna) are widespread and well stocked.
Money
Prague uses the Czech Koruna (CZK), not the euro. ATMs are widely available throughout the city; withdrawing koruna from a bank-affiliated ATM generally gives better rates than currency exchange booths in tourist areas. Avoid dynamic currency conversion when offered at ATMs or card terminals. Many restaurants and shops accept card payment, but having some cash is useful for smaller vendors, markets, and tipping.
Connectivity
EU roaming rules mean EU-based SIM cards typically work without extra charges. Non-EU visitors can purchase a local SIM card at the airport or mobile network shops in the city. Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and many public areas.
Getting There
By Air
Václav Havel Airport Prague (IATA: PRG) is the country's main international airport, located approximately 17 km west of the city centre. It serves a wide range of European and intercontinental destinations. Verify current carriers and routes on the airport's official website or through your preferred booking platform.
By Train
Prague's main railway station, Praha Hlavní Nádraží, connects the city to major European destinations including Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and Warsaw. High-speed and intercity rail services are operated by Czech Railways (České dráhy) and various international operators. Booking in advance typically secures lower fares; check schedules and tickets on the official railway websites.
By Bus
Long-distance coach services connect Prague to cities across Europe. Several operators serve routes to Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Kraków, and beyond. The main intercity bus terminals are Florenc and, for some services, the Prague UAN Florenc station.
By Car
Prague sits at the intersection of several major European motorways. If driving, note that a motorway vignette (toll sticker) is required for Czech motorways—verify current formats and purchase requirements before travel, as these rules can change.
Getting Around
Public Transport
Prague has an integrated public transport system operated by DPP (Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy), comprising metro, tram, bus, and ferry lines. The metro has three lines (A, B, C) covering most of the city efficiently. Trams are extensive and a practical way to travel between districts not well served by metro. Night trams operate on select routes after regular service ends.
Tickets are valid across all modes within a single time-based fare. Multiple ticket types exist (single journey, 24-hour, 72-hour, etc.); verify current pricing and purchase options on the official DPP website or at metro station machines. Validate your ticket before boarding—inspectors carry out regular checks.
Walking
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot. Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Castle district are all within reasonable walking distance of each other, though the climb to Hradčany is steep.
Taxis and Rideshare
Licensed taxi companies and app-based rideshare services (including Bolt and Uber) operate in Prague. Using an app to book a ride is generally recommended to avoid pricing disputes, which have historically been an issue with street-hailed taxis in tourist areas.
Cycling
Cycle lanes exist but coverage is uneven in the historic centre. Several bike-share schemes and rental shops are available for those who wish to explore the riverbanks and outer districts by bicycle.
Things to See & Do
Historic Landmarks
- Prague Castle (Pražský hrad): One of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. It encompasses St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. Admission fees vary by circuit; verify current pricing on the Prague Castle official website.
- Charles Bridge (Karlův most): A 14th-century stone bridge lined with Baroque statues connecting Old Town to Malá Strana. Busiest midday; quieter in early morning.
- Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): Home to the Astronomical Clock (Orloj), the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the Jan Hus Memorial. The Astronomical Clock performs a mechanical show on the hour.
- Josefov: The former Jewish quarter, containing six synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. The Jewish Museum manages several sites here; combined tickets are available—verify current scope and pricing on the Jewish Museum's official website.
- Vyšehrad: A hilltop fortress south of the centre with panoramic views, a cemetery containing the graves of notable Czech figures, and a quieter atmosphere than the Castle district.
Museums and Galleries
- The National Museum on Wenceslas Square covers natural history and Czech history. Verify opening hours on its official site.
- The National Gallery operates across multiple venues, including the Trade Fair Palace (Veletržní palác), which holds an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
- The Mucha Museum is dedicated to Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha.
Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Vinohrady and Žižkov: Residential districts east of the centre with a local restaurant and café scene and the distinctive Žižkov Television Tower.
- Holešovice: An emerging arts and creative district with galleries, design shops, and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.
Food & Drink
Czech Cuisine
Traditional Czech food is hearty and meat-centred. Common dishes include svíčková (beef sirloin in cream sauce served with bread dumplings and cranberry), vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings), guláš (goulard-style stew), and smažený sýr (fried cheese). Bread dumplings (knedlíky) are a staple side dish.
Beer Culture
The Czech Republic has one of the highest per-capita beer consumption rates in the world and is the origin of Pilsner-style lager. Czech lager—poured slowly in a traditional style to produce a thick foam head—is a point of local pride. Breweries and pubs (hospoda) are central to social life. Both large brands and a growing craft beer scene are present in Prague.
Where to Eat
The area immediately around Old Town Square and Charles Bridge tends to have the highest prices and most tourist-oriented menus. Venturing a few streets away, or to neighbourhoods like Vinohrady, Žižkov, or Holešovice, typically yields better value and more locally frequented restaurants. Lunch menus (denní menu) offered by many restaurants on weekdays are usually good value.
Coffee and Cafés
Prague has a strong café culture with a mix of traditional coffee houses, specialty third-wave coffee shops, and Viennese-style establishments. The city's café scene has expanded significantly in recent years.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General European emergency number: 112
- Police: 158
- Ambulance: 155
- Fire: 150
Verify these numbers are current on arrival, as they are widely reported but should be confirmed locally.
Electricity
The Czech Republic uses Type E plugs and sockets at 230V/50Hz, standard across most of Continental Europe.
Tipping
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 10–15% for good service is common. Tipping is done by telling the server how much to take when paying, rather than leaving cash on the table after the fact.
Language
Czech is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist services, and restaurants in the centre, and among younger residents generally. German is also useful given proximity to Germany and Austria. Learning a few basic Czech phrases (thank you: děkuji; excuse me: promiňte) is appreciated.
Business Hours
Hours vary by establishment. Many museums close on Mondays. Always verify current opening times on official websites before visiting, as hours can change seasonally.
Safety
Prague is generally considered a safe city for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. However, petty crime—particularly pickpocketing—is a known concern in heavily crowded tourist areas such as Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, the metro (especially Line A through the tourist centre), and busy tram routes.
Common precautions include using a money belt or inside pocket for valuables, being attentive to your belongings in crowds, and avoiding unofficial currency exchange booths that advertise misleading rates. Taxi scams have historically occurred; using app-based services is advisable.
Overcharging in bars and restaurants, while not universal, has been reported—particularly in establishments that approach tourists on the street. Checking menus for prices before ordering is a sensible habit.
As with any travel, check your government's official travel advisory for the Czech Republic before departure for the most current information.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Czech culture places a high value on education, literature, music, and a certain dry, self-deprecating humour. The country has produced internationally significant figures in literature (Franz Kafka, Milan Kundera, Jaroslav Hašek), classical music (Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana), and visual art (Alfons Mucha).
Prague's cultural calendar is active year-round. The Prague Spring International Music Festival (held in May–June) is a major classical music event. The city also has a lively theatre scene, including the internationally known Black Light Theatre genre and the National Theatre (Národní divadlo).
Religious sites should be visited respectfully—dress modestly when entering churches and cathedrals, and be mindful of services in progress. Photography restrictions vary by site.
The Czech Republic has a secular majority, and religion is not a dominant factor in everyday public life. Greetings are typically formal until familiarity is established—a handshake is the standard greeting in most contexts. Czechs tend to be reserved with strangers initially, which should not be mistaken for unfriendliness.
