For a custom Prague Google map containing all of these spots and more, see the Prague Travel Guide map referenced in this post.
Where to Stay Things to Do Where to Eat
I’m back with the final travel guide from our recent trip.
If you saw my Budapest Travel Guide, you know we spent a week visiting Budapest, Vienna, and Prague in early May. It was our first time to each city, and although the pace was brisk—three cities in seven days—we loved the route and recommend it as a compact way to experience Central Europe.
Each city felt distinct and full of character. Vienna was a quick stop for us, so this post focuses on Prague: why it belongs on your travel bucket list, how we planned our time, practical tips, the best neighborhoods to stay in, top things to do, and recommended places to eat and drink.
WHY YOU SHOULD ADD PRAGUE TO YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST:
Prague has been high on our travel list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. The city feels like a living storybook: stunning architecture, cobblestone streets, and an atmosphere that’s both historic and welcoming. Prague is beautiful, charming, and surprisingly walkable, which makes exploring on foot one of the highlights of any Prague travel guide.
The city blends culture, art, music, and delicious food, and while tourism has made some areas busier and pricier than they once were, Prague remains more affordable than many Western European capitals. If you’re budget-conscious, you’ll find strong value here.
One caveat: Prague is popular. Expect crowds, especially around Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. If you can travel in shoulder or low season, you’ll have a quieter experience.
HOW WE PLANNED OUR TRIP:
We combined Budapest, Vienna, and Prague into one trip using fast trains between cities. The connections are convenient and comfortable, making a multi-city Central Europe itinerary very feasible.
In Prague, we spent three nights—nearly three full days—which gave us time to see the major sights and wander different neighborhoods. If you prefer a slower pace or want to explore beyond the city, plan for four to five nights.
PRAGUE TRAVEL TIPS:
- Visit in low season (January–February) or shoulder season (March–May, September–October) to avoid the largest crowds and to find lower prices.
- Prague is very walkable. The tram and metro systems are affordable and easy to use; consider short-term tickets or 24/72-hour passes for convenience. Keep some Czech koruna on hand for older ticket machines that may not accept cards.
- Uber operates in Prague and is often more affordable than local taxis, including rides to Václav Havel Airport.
- Pack comfortable shoes: many streets are cobblestone or stone inlay.
- Download offline maps or save a custom Prague map to Google Maps before you go to reduce mobile data use.
Where to Stay in Prague:
The Jewish Quarter and Old Town are excellent bases for first-time visitors. Both neighborhoods are historic, centrally located, and within easy walking distance of major sights. Staying here means you can often walk to most attractions and enjoy the atmosphere after the day-tour buses leave.
We stayed in an Airbnb Plus apartment overlooking the Old Jewish Cemetery—bright, comfortable, and centrally located without excessive noise. Airbnbs are often more affordable and spacious than hotels, but note that many Prague apartments are in older buildings and may be walk-ups without elevators.
Things to Do in Prague:
Walk Across the Charles Bridge
The iconic 14th-century pedestrian bridge over the Vltava River is a must-see. It’s busiest during the day, so visit early morning for photos and a quieter experience.
Tour the Jewish Quarter and Old Jewish Cemetery
A guided tour of the Jewish Quarter, Spanish Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery was one of the most moving parts of our trip. Guided tours in English are typically offered daily and provide valuable historical context that enriches the visit.
Take in Old Town Square
Old Town Square is one of Prague’s most picturesque spots. Highlights include the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, the Astronomical Clock, and the baroque St. Nicholas Church. Expect crowds, so plan visits early or between the hourly crowds.
Relax on Kampa Island and in Piknik Park
Kampa Island in Mala Strana offers a peaceful riverside escape, modern art at Museum Kampa, and cafés along Devil’s Stream. It’s a lovely spot for a coffee or a relaxed afternoon.
Escape the Crowds at Vrtba Garden
This baroque terraced garden is quieter than the main tourist routes and offers excellent city views for a small entrance fee. It’s a peaceful place to wander and take photos.
Climb the Old Castle Stairs
Take the 121 steps from Lesser Town up to Prague Castle for picturesque viewpoints and great photo opportunities. It’s a scenic, more atmospheric route to the castle complex.
Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle Grounds
St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the Prague Castle skyline. While parts of the cathedral require a ticket, the exterior and castle grounds are stunning and worth exploring during quieter hours.
Pop into St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas is a fine example of European Baroque architecture. A small entrance fee grants access to its ornate interior, often considered one of the city’s most impressive churches.
Visit Naplavka Farmer’s Market
On weekends, Naplavka along the river hosts a lively farmer’s market with seasonal produce, baked goods, and local specialties. It’s a great place to sample Czech flavors and enjoy a local atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Prague:
Coffee Shops
Pauseteria — a cozy spot near Old Town Square with a good coffee and pastry selection. Ema Espresso Bar and Můj Šálek Kávy (in Karlin) are other well-regarded specialty cafés worth visiting for breakfast or a relaxed coffee break.
Breakfast and Lunch
Eska (Bib Gourmand) was our favorite meal: a modern café and bakery in a converted industrial space, known for fermented and house-made ingredients. Home Kitchen is a dependable spot for hearty breakfasts near central Prague, and Café Savoy is a classic choice if you want a historic setting—expect to book or wait during peak times.
Restaurants and Bistros
Hergetova Cihelna offers great sunset views of Charles Bridge and solid food. U Modré Kachničky serves traditional Czech dishes like roasted duck and veal with excellent value. For a special night out, consider Bellevue, Kampa Park, or one of Prague’s Michelin-starred options—reservations are recommended for upscale dining.
If you have questions, feel free to leave a comment and I’ll do my best to help. For reference, the Prague map mentioned above lists the places covered in this guide and other options to explore.
For the custom Google map referenced in this guide, see the Prague Travel Guide map.