Discover the best of the Czech Republic capital with this Prague travel guide with top sights, tips, and must-see spots to make your visit unforgettable.

Prague is one of those cities that sneaks up on you :).

My husband and I have been twice, and I’ll be honest, it wasn’t until our more recent visit in June 2025 that I felt like we really saw its magic.

During our first visit (in 2018 but also in June!) we did all the big sights and checked things off the list but were slightly taken aback with how crowded the Old Town was ;\.

For our second visit, we traveled with our two adult daughters and a group of friends to see Bruce Springsteen perform on Father’s Day in the city.

During this visit, we slowed down, wandered a little more, and found the less crowded and quieter parts of the city known as the Heart of Europe: the tucked-away courtyards, the glow of the Charles Bridge at dawn, and spent our evenings at some of the city’s best beer gardens.

That’s when Prague truly won us both over and I have no doubt it will win yours too :).

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Prague

Getting to Prague is easier than can be expected.

We booked our favorite nonstop flight on British Airways from San Diego to London, then connected straight through to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG).

We later used the PRG airport again to continue on to Slovenia for the second half of our trip (see our itinerary at the bottom of this Prague travel guide).

If you’re flying from the U.S., nonstop flights to Prague are available from cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, making it more accessible than you might think.

Another convenient option for arrival into Prague if you are already in continental Europe, is by train since the main station is right in the center.

Trains arrive daily from nearby gems like Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, and Munich, making it a convenient stop on any Central European adventure.

How to Get Around Prague

Getting around Prague is refreshingly simple since most of the city’s main sights are close together and easy to explore on foot – you will NOT need a rental car for your stay in Prague :).

The biggest elevation gain you’ll face in Prague is the walkway with some steps up to the Castle, which sits about 400 feet above the Old Town.

But I promise it’s worth it for the sweeping views you will be rewarded with once you get there :).

After our time at the Castle, we walked the streets behind the Castle to Strahov Monastery, that added another gentle uphill stretch (about 100 feet more).

There’s also a decent downhill walk after your visit (if you arrived the same way we did that is!) ~ but the peaceful setting (and a cold Czech beer) makes it worth the effort.

If you’d rather not walk everywhere in Prague, the city’s tram system is super convenient and easy to use ~ just grab your tickets at any tram stop kiosk, newsstand, or directly via the PID mobile app before hopping on.

If you prefer a more direct ride, Uber works well throughout the city and can be a comfy, hassle-free way to get from one neighborhood to another without juggling maps or schedules.

Best Time of Year to Visit Prague

As far as the best time of year to visit Prague: I can only speak from our own experience as we’ve only been in June.

The weather was lovely, sunny and warm for most of our days, however both visits to Prague for us had one or two cold rainy days – so it is best to be prepared for all sorts of weather no matter what time of year you visit ;0.

Worth noting for both of our June visits was that the city was definitely crowded, which sometimes made it harder to fully enjoy the charming streets and iconic sights.

Honestly, my recommendation would be to visit during a shoulder season month (April, May, or September) when the temperatures are cooler and the crowds are thinner which can be said for almost all of Europe lately ;0.

That said, Prague has been on my European Christmas market bucket list for years, and I’ve heard it’s truly magical in December, with the Old Town Square lit up and the scent of mulled wine in the air.

How Many Days You Need in Prague

When deciding how many days you need in Prague, I’d say give yourself at least three full days to really soak it all in.

One day can easily be spent wandering the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town, taking in the Astronomical Clock, and the bridges over the Vltava.

Another day is perfect for exploring the castle district with its stunning views and then Strahov Monastery.

By the third day, you’ll have time to slow down, maybe stroll through the artsy neighborhoods, enjoy a river cruise, or linger over a hearty Czech meal without feeling rushed.

If you have a fourth day, even better ~ you can take a relaxed day trip or simply savor more of the city’s hidden corners at your own pace.

Money and Plug Details in Prague

In the Czech Republic, the currency is the Euro (€), and while most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s always handy to carry a small amount of cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are also using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Prague

On our second visit to Prague, we fell in love with the Malo Strana (Lesser Town) neighborhood, with its charming cobblestone streets and quieter, more local vibe.

We actually preferred it over the Old Town, where we stayed on our first trip, which was lively and beautiful but a bit too bustling for our taste.

Because we were with a group of friends and family in June 2025, we stayed at a smaller boutique property in this neighborhood with options for multiple bedrooms which I have highlighted below for you.

However, there are multiple 5* hotel options in the Malostranska neighborhood that are listed below as well (and are on the map above to help you decide where to stay).

Malostranska Residences

Malostranska Residences is perfectly tucked in the heart of Prague’s charming Malá Strana, making it a fantastic base for wandering cobblestone streets and historic squares.

We stayed in the penthouse apartment with a rooftop that offers sweeping, jaw-dropping views of the entire city ~ 100% worth the extra costs :).

Other 4 and 5 Star Options

Mala Strana Neighborhood ie Lesser Town {my personal neighborhood recommendation}:

Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Prague

Mandarin Oriental, Prague

Aria Hotel Prague

Hotel Pod Věží

Old Town Neighborhood:

Fairmont Golden Prague

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

NH Collection Prague Carlo IV

Hilton Prague Old Town

Best Places to Eat in Prague

U Fleků Beer Garden

Nestled in the heart of Prague, U Fleků Beer Garden is a lively, historic spot where the rich aroma of their famous dark beer mingles with the cheerful hum of locals and travelers alike.

While there seems to always be a long line outside ~ it goes really fast!! We waited less than 10 minutes in the line below :).

Čapadlo Summer Terrace

Capadlo Summer Terrace, open only in the warmer months, is a charming spot with fantastic sunset views, delicious pizza and impressively large steins of beer.

Letná Lookout Beer Garden

Perched atop a bit of a climb, Letna Lookout Beer Garden rewards you with sweeping city views, a lively selection of food booths, and cold beers that make the short elevation gain completely worth it.

Just a heads up – the beer carts are cash only so come prepared :).

Bistro Monk 2

At Bistro Monk, we enjoyed a cozy, flavorful lunch with dishes that represented simple, honest, yet tasty food.

Kuchyň

Sitting down at Kuchyň next to Prague Castle felt like stepping into a cozy, homey kitchen where each dish – from hearty goulash to fresh-baked bread – told a story of Czech comfort food done perfectly.

Other Recommended Dining Options

• Vyšehrad Beer Garden
• Kus Koláče (bakery)
• Cafe Savoy
• Lokál Dlouhááá (Prague local recommendation)

Top Things to See and Do in Prague

Charles Bridge

The Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century under King Charles IV, is one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, connecting Old Town with the historic Lesser Town.

As you stroll across, take in the 30 baroque statues lining the bridge (being sure to stop at the statue of St. John of Nepomuk ~ touching the plaque is said to bring good luck), enjoy the views of Prague Castle and the Vltava River, and stop to listen to local musicians and shop local artists’ stands.

I highly suggest making it a priority to walk across the bridge early in the morning before the rest of the tourists arise as well as after the sun has gone down.

My husband and I woke up early one morning (around 6:30am) and wandered the streets of Old Town watching the town wake up and truly enjoyed these moments of quiet in such a beautiful town.

Park Cihelná

Park Cihelná is a charming, quiet spot with one of the best views of the Charles Bridge ~ perfect for Instagram worthy (or blog :0) photos.

Beyond the views, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll, watch the Vltava River drift by, or relax on a bench and soak in Prague’s historic beauty.

Old Town Bridge Tower

The Old Town Tower of Charles Bridge, built in the 14th century as a grand Gothic gateway, has 138 steps leading to the top, and tickets (in 2025) are just around €6.

Climbing to the top was one of the first things my husband and I did in Prague during our June 2018 visit ~ we loved escaping the busy crowds below and soaking in the fantastic view of the bridge and the Vltava River from above.

Something to note – both sides of the bridge have towers you can climb, however the Old Town Tower will have views of the castle and the bridge :).

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square in Prague is pretty hard to miss ~ it’s where you’ll find the Astronomical Clock chiming away, Gothic spires all around, and Jan Hus standing proudly in the center, a statue honoring the Czech reformer who symbolizes truth and national pride.

During both of our summer visits, we loved the quirky freedom of grabbing cocktails to sip while strolling the cobblestone streets and also couldn’t resist the hearty meat and potato pancakes from the little market stalls tucked off to the side of the square (something we certainly do not find living in San Diego ;0).

Prague Astronomical Clock

Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock in Old Town draws crowds every hour (from 8am-11pm) to watch its little “walk of the Apostles” show, which honestly isn’t much, but somehow feels like a rite of passage when visiting the city.

What is worth your time is climbing (or ramp-walking) the Old Town Hall Tower for gorgeous views over the square and red rooftops.

Entry costs around $12 USD, it’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and while most of the 138 steps are actually ramps, you can also pay a little extra to ride two elevators instead.

Old Town Streets

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Prague’s Old Town was one of my favorite things to do – especially very early in the morning :).

For the most picture-perfect moments, be sure to stroll along Pařížská Street for elegant architecture and high end shopping and Karlova Street for colorful medieval buildings that practically beg for a photo.

Prague Castle

Visiting Prague Castle is a must while in the Czech Republic capital city.

While you can buy tickets to explore the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, and the Picture Gallery (learn more here), we only went inside the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral (see below) and soaked in the incredible views from the top of the hill.

Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch with a view at Kuchyň (see where to eat above), making it the perfect spot to take it all in.

St. Vitus Cathedral

When wandering Prague Castle, don’t miss the breathtaking St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to 1344, used for coronations and as the resting place of Czech kings.

Open daily from 9 AM–5 PM (till 6 PM in summer), tickets cost around $12USD, available online or at the entrance.

Don’t worry about lines around the corner ~ they usually move quickly :).

Wallenstein Garden and Grotto Dripstone Wall

Wallenstein Garden is one of Prague’s most beautiful Baroque gardens and home to the unique Dripstone Wall. It is open daily from April to October, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with free admission.

Once part of the grand Wallenstein Palace (which is now the seat of the Czech Senate), the garden features classical statues, fountains, and the Grotto Dripstone wall, an artificial stalactite formation.

Strahov Monastery

Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12th century, is a stunning historical site known for its impressive library and rich monastic history (it is still home to monks!), with admission costing around $7USD and open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Beyond exploring its impressive library, the monastery offers a cozy beer garden, the famous cellar restaurant Na Pekle, and breathtaking red-roof views that make the visit completely worth it.

Prague’s Narrowest Street and Čertovka Canal

Prague’s Narrowest Street, Vinárna Čertovka, is tucked near the Certovka Canal in the Old Town (see map above for exact location).

It has a streetlight that signals when someone is coming from the other direction, making this tiny passage even more memorable and a fun place for a quick photo :).

The canal, nicknamed Little Prague Venice, is home to the historic Grand Priory Mill.

If you are in the mood for a boat ride, you can enjoy the views from a small boat ride along the canals waters.

Old Jewish Cemetery

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is one of Europe’s most historic Jewish burial grounds, where over 12,000 people, including prominent rabbis and community leaders, rest in layers of graves that date back to the 15th century, giving a profound glimpse into Czech Jewish history and its resilience through WWII.

It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is around $17USD, making it a meaningful stop for anyone wanting to connect with Prague’s past.

John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon Wall in Prague is a colorful symbol of peace, love, and freedom, filled with graffiti inspired by John Lennon and messages of hope.

It first appeared in the 1980s as a quiet protest against the communist regime, and over the years it has become a beloved spot for visitors to reflect and leave their own mark.

Klementinum Library

The Klementinum Library is a must-see for book lovers, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most beautiful Baroque libraries.

Admission is around $20USD for adults and tours are available daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

However, you cannot visit the Klementinum Library on a self-guided tour.

Access is only permitted through a guided tour, which includes viewing the Baroque Library Hall from behind a barrier to preserve its delicate interior.

To ensure a spot on a tour, it’s recommended to book your tickets online at least 48 hours in advance, as tours often sell out quickly. You can find more information here.

Franz Kafka Museum

The Franz Kafka Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and works of the renowned writer, featuring original manuscripts, letters, and immersive multimedia exhibits.

Located on the Vltava River in Malá Strana, it’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and admission is about $20USD for adults.

If you’re a fan of Kafka’s work or interested in exploring Prague’s literary history, this museum is definitely worth a visit.

The exhibits provide a unique insight into Kafka’s world, making it a memorable stop during your Prague adventure.

Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience

The Pilsner Urquell Experience offers a self-guided journey through the history of the world’s first golden lager.

Just a heads up: this experience is not a traditional brewery tour but rather a modern museum showcasing the brewing process through interactive exhibits, 3D audio, and video mapping.

The exhibition is open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with the last entry at 7:00 PM.

Tickets are priced at approximately $27 USD and include two beer tastings ~ learn more and buy your tickets here.

A Flytographer Photo Shoot

The first Flytographer photo shoot we ever did was in Prague back in 2018 when we were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.

We instantly fell in love with our local photographer, Khiria, and all the unique, off-the-beaten-path spots she showed us.

Honestly, doing a shoot like this is the best “souvenir” you can give yourself ~ beautiful, personal memories you’ll treasure forever.

And if it is your first photo shoot with Flytographer, you can save $25 if you use this link here.

Day Trip Options

There are several day trips from Prague that are easy to reach and are full of history, beauty, and local flavor.

If you haven’t used the company Daytrip before – they are an incredibly convenient and helpful company to use for any country you visit – learn more here.

Here are my recommendations for a day away from Prague easily reachable by car (use the company Daytrip!) or train :).

1. Kutná Hora – Just about an hour from Prague, this UNESCO-listed town is famous for its stunning Gothic St. Barbara’s Church and the quirky Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church. Perfect for history lovers with a sense of adventure.
2. Karlštejn Castle – A short 40-minute train ride takes you to this fairytale castle tucked into the Czech countryside. The walk up to the castle offers incredible views and a taste of medieval life.
3. Český Krumlov – While a bit further (about 2.5 hours), this picture-perfect town with its winding cobblestone streets and river views is worth the trip. It’s like stepping into a storybook.
4. Terezín – For a reflective day trip, Terezín is an important historical site about an hour north of Prague. The former fortress and WWII ghetto are sobering but beautifully preserved and very accessible.
5. Plzeň (Pilsen) – Beer lovers rejoice! Just 90 minutes away, Plzeň is home to the world-famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where you can tour, taste, and enjoy Czech beer culture firsthand.
6. Dresden, Germany – Just a 2-hour train ride across the border, Dresden is a stunning German city with baroque architecture, the restored Frauenkirche, and a lively riverside scene. It’s an easy international adventure that feels completely doable as a day trip.

What to Wear in Prague in Early Summer

If you’re visiting Prague in June like I did, pack mostly light, breathable clothes.

Cute and light sundresses were my go-to during a small heat wave when we arrived.

By our last day, it had cooled down quite a bit, so I switched to a light sweater with shorts and felt perfectly comfortable exploring the city.

I never travel in summer without a light raincoat as well because you never know when those dark clouds will appear when far away from home ;0.

Our 2025 Prague and Slovenia Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Prague on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Prague 5pm | Stay 5 nights at Malostranka Residences

DAY 3 | Prague: Walk around Old Town, Charles Bridge, go up Astronomical Clock tower, Dinner at Letna Beer Garden

DAY 4 | Prague: Early morning walk around Old Town, brunch at Monk, John Lennon Wall, dinner at U Fleků

DAY 5 | Prague: Bruce Springsteen concert with family & friends at Letnany Airport

DAY 6 | Prague: Prague Castle, Brunch at Restaurace Kuchyň, Strahov Monastery, Dinner at Čapadlo Summer Terrace

DAY 7 | Fly Prague to Ljubljana on Lufthansa via Munich | Pick up rental car and drive to Kamnik, Slovenia then Logar Valley | Stay 3 nights at Hotel Plesnik Logarska Dolina

DAY 8 | Logar Valley, Slovenia: Hike the Logarska Dolina Walking Trail to Rinka Waterfall

DAY 9 | Velika Planina | Overnight in Logar Valley (3rd night)

DAY 10 | Drive to Julian Alps with afternoon stop in Lake Bled | Spend 3 nights at Boutique Hotel Milka in Kranjska Gora

DAY 11 | Kranjska Gora: Walk around village, dinner at Gostilna Pri Martinu

DAY 12 | Kranjska Gora: Hike on Vrsic Pass, Lunch at Poštarski dom na Vrsicu Mountain Hut, Dinner at Erjavčeva Mountain Hut

DAY 13 | Drive to Predjama Castle, then to Ljubljana Airport to drop off rental car | Spend 3 nights in Ljubljana at Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel | Dinner at Spajza Restaurant

DAY 14 | Ljubljana: 6am photo shoot with Flytographer afterwards walk around city as it was waking up, funicular to Ljubljana Castle then walk back down to Central Market, dinner at Pop’s Burgers

DAY 15 | Ljubljana: Go inside Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and Museum, drinks at Nebotičnik rooftop cafe, Ljubljana City Museum, Dinner at Breg

DAY 16 | Ljubljana: walk to Metelkova artist district, return to Old Town and go inside Ljubljana Cathedral | 7pm flight from Ljubljana to London on British Airways | Spend 2 nights at Raffles London at the OWO

DAY 17 | London: walk to Borough Market and Queens Walk then walk across Tower Bridge, get drinks at The Ned, dinner at Ship Tavern, attend Just for One Day musical performance at Shaftesbury Theatre

DAY 18 | Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

Our 2018 Prague, Vienna, and Switzerland Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Prague

DAY 2 | Arrive Prague 9am | Stay 3 nights at Hilton Prague Old Town

DAY 3 | Prague

DAY 4 | Prague

DAY 5 | Train to Vienna (4 hours) | Stay 3 nights at Park Hyatt Vienna

DAY 6 | Vienna

DAY 7 | Vienna

DAY 8 | Train to Hallstatt, Austria (4 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Seewirt Zauner

DAY 9 | Hallstatt, Austria

DAY 10 | Train to Innsbruck, Austria (4 hours) | Stay 1 night at Grand Hotel Europa

DAY 11 | Train to Lucerne, Switzerland (4.5 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

DAY 12 | Lucerne

DAY 13 | Train to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland (3 hours) | Stay 4 nights at Hotel Silberhorn

DAY 14 | Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

DAY 15 | Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

DAY 16 | Day trip from Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt

DAY 17 | Train to Zurich (3 hours) | Stay 2 nights at Widder Hotel

DAY 18 | Zurich

DAY 19 | Fly Zurich to San Diego

I hope this Prague travel guide gives you a helpful starting point for planning your own Czech adventures and inspires you to soak in all the beauty, history, and charm this incredible city has to offer.

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Life is short, the world is wide.

I want to make some memories.

~Mamma Mia

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).