23 Prague Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know
Need some Prague travel tips for your trip?
It’s funny how you can misremember things. The first time I traveled to Prague was almost 20 years ago, and I thought I knew everything there was to know about the city.
But when I finally did visit again, and I realized I knew absolutely nothing. That’s what inspired me to write this particular guide.
If you’re in the trip planning process, there are some practical things you’ll want to know before arriving in Prague.
We’re going to give your our top Prague travel tips on everything from planning and sightseeing to transportation and money matters. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip.
A Flair For Travel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our privacy policy.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Prague
We thought it would be best to start with the things that you should know for the planning phase of your trip.
Visiting Prague is fairly straightforward, but we did learn a few things while we were there which are worth noting. Some we learned on our own, while others we learned from our tour guides, and we want to pass them along to you.
1. You Probably Only Need 3 Full Days in Prague
If you’re trying to decide how many days you should spend in Prague, we can tell you that you probably don’t need more than 3 full days in the city.
On our most recent trip, we visited for about 3.5 days and if was more than enough time to see everything we wanted to see.
The one exception to this is if you plan to use Prague as a base for day trips. If that’s the case, you can easily spend a week since there are so many great places to see outside the city too.
Honestly though, if you’re going to venture outside the city, we recommend including overnight stays in other towns like Karlovy Vary or Český Krumlov. They’re well worth your time.
2. Book a Walking Tour
One of the first tours we booked, when planning our trip, was a walking tour of the city, and we’re so glad we did. While Prague is definitely a walkable city, there are several different neighborhoods to explore.
The walking tour helped us to get our bearings and come up with a plan for the rest of our stay.
We ended up booking a private tour instead of a shared one and it was well worth the splurge. Our guide met us at our hotel, and from there, we ventured out to see all the major sights in the city.
Basic walking tours don’t typically include inside visits, so we made notes about places we wanted to go back to as we went along.
One of the best things about a private tour versus a shared tour is that you can have more one-on-one conversations with your guide. It’s a little more difficult to do that on a shared tour since everyone likely has questions.
If you would prefer a shared tour, we recommend a small group tour.
Regardless of whether you book a shared tour or private tour, the guides are great at showing you things you may have missed on your own.
They’re also great resources for letting you know the best times to visit popular sights to potentially avoid crowds.
We also like to pick their brains about the best places to eat and drink. They tend to point you towards the more local establishments as opposed to the tourist-heavy ones.
3. Book Prague Castle Tickets Ahead of Time
Prague Castle is an impressive complex of buildings located within the Hradčany District. It sits high on a hill overlooking Malá Strana and Old Town, which means it’s very hard to miss.
It goes without saying that it’s one of the biggest sightseeing attractions in Prague.
This is why we highly recommend booking your castle tickets ahead of time. While you can get them the day of, lines can get extremely long.
By booking them in advance, it’ll save you the hassle and time of waiting in line with everyone else. We visited on our own and used the audio guides that are available. However, you can book guided tours as well.
Guided tours can be booked at Prague Castle, but they’re only an hour long so I question how thorough it is. If a guided tour is the way you want to go, we recommend booking your own. You’ll probably get more out of it.
4. Try a Food Tour
While there are an infinite number of restaurants, cafes and food vendors throughout Prague, do yourself a favor and book a food tour.
This was probably one of our favorite tours that we did in Prague, and we did quite a few.
The reason we liked it so much is because you visit places that are basically hidden in plain sight. We visited a floating brewery, a cafe located in an historic convent, and an indoor food market where you can purchase artisanal meats and other gourmet food items.
Some of these places were only steps from Old Town, and had it not been for the tour, we never would have known they were there.
Plus, if you’re the type of person that likes to try all the best local foods when you visit a city, a food tour lets you check most of them off your list.
We were also impressed with the amount of food they let us sample. We did not leave the tour hungry, that’s for sure. In fact, we ended up skipping dinner that night.
The other thing that we loved was that they also included beer and/or wine at most of the tastings so it was a win/win. Definitely worth the time and money.
Want to learn about more hidden gems in Prague?
→ 16 Hidden Gems in Prague Most Tourists Miss
5. Consider Staying Outside Old Town
When booking your hotel, don’t feel like you need to book one in Old Town.
Old Town is fairly small and some of the other neighborhoods are just as convenient to the main tourist areas. Plus, you’ll probably save some money by not being right in Old Town.
We’ve stayed in Old Town and Malá Strana, and we actually prefer Malá Strana. It’s quieter than Old Town and convenient to many sights like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Check out our guides for some of our favorite hotel stays in Prague:
→ Four Seasons vs Mandarin Oriental Prague: How They Compare
→ Mandarin Oriental Prague Review: Luxury Stay in Malá Strana
→ Four Seasons Prague Review: Luxury Hotel Stay in Old Town
6. Only Rent a Car for Exploring Outside Prague
If you’re staying in Prague, we recommend skipping the rental car, at least while you’re in the city. It’s easy enough to get around without one since the public transportation is so easy to use. Plus, Prague is a very walkable city.
Also, many hotels charge for parking, so you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money.
If you decide you want to travel outside of the city, it’s easy enough to rent a car from one of the city rental offices for the day you need it.
Tips for Getting Around Prague
I have to say, Prague is one of the easier cities to navigate without a car. It helps that it’s such a walkable city.
That said, sometimes the public transportation comes in handy, especially if you want to avoid some of the steeper hill climbs near the castle.
There are a few things we learned about transportation in and around the city, including which ones you should use and which ones to avoid. Let’s take a look.
7. Skip Taxis Whenever Possible
We didn’t actually take any taxis when we were in Prague because we walked everywhere, and I mean everywhere.
In fact, we walked so much, our phones sent us notifications that our activity was considerably higher than normal. When we got home, I shut that notification off. No one wants to be judged.
Anyway, we did learn, from one of our guides, that we should avoid taking taxis in Prague. Apparently, they’re not regulated, which means you may end up being overcharged.
It’s best to stick to the public transportation within the city. There are tram stops everywhere, so they’re very convenient, plus, it’s much less expensive.
8. Get a Metro Pass
Public transportation is, by far, the best way to get around Prague. There are trams everywhere, and they service all the major sights in the city.
Tickets are available for varying lengths of time between 30 minutes and 72 hours. Prices range from 39 CZK to 350 CZK (Approximately $1.85 to $16.50 USD)
Prices are sometimes lower if you purchase your tickets in advance through the official app which you can download here.
9. Validate Your Transit Ticket When Required
Make sure you validate your metro pass. You can do this by stamping them at the yellow machines located in the metro station or on the trams and buses when you board.
10. Bring Very Comfortable Shoes
Even though the main tourist area in Prague is fairly compact, you’re still going to do quite a bit of walking.
If you plan to visit places like Letna Garden or Petrin Hill, they’re actually further outside Old Town and Malá Strana. Since getting to them requires walking uphill, you’ll definitely get a workout.
Make sure to bring some of your best walking shoes, and I definitely recommend leaving the sandals at home. You’re going to need something sturdy for navigating the cobblestone streets, and the stairs near Prague Castle.
Sightseeing Tips We Learned in Prague
There’s a little bit of a learning curve when it comes to sightseeing in Prague. Nothing crazy, but after spending time exploring the city, we picked up a few sightseeing tips that you might find helpful.
This includes the best walking routes as well as going against what other guides say.
11. Don’t Spend Your Entire Trip in Old Town
Now don’t get me wrong, we love Old Town Prague. But to be honest, we liked some of the areas outside Old Town even better. Our absolute favorite areas are Malá Strana and Kampa Island.
Obviously, you need to visit Old Town, because, well, it’s Old Town. Seeing the Astronomical Clock is a must, along with wandering through the narrow streets, and maybe grabbing a drink at a cafe while people-watching.
But if you really want to see the best parts of Prague, explore some of the side streets near the castle or stop for lunch at a cafe in Malá Strana. Venturing beyond Old Town is going to give you some of the best and most memorable experiences.
We have a complete guide about sightseeing in Malá Strana and Hradčany. Check it out:
→ What to See in Malá Strana & Hradčany Prague: 15 Top Sights
12. Visit Charles Bridge More Than Once
Most guides will probably tell you to visit Charles Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds. We actually agree with that, mainly because it’s the perfect time to take pictures and enjoy it before the crowds descend upon it.
However, we highly recommend visiting it later in the day as well. Yes, it will be more crowded, but this is also when you’ll find many of the street performers, musicians, and other vendors there.
It’s a completely different experience and one we don’t think you should miss.
13. Walk to Prague Castle via Nerudova Street, not the Old Castle Stairs
Remember when I said the guides are very good at giving you tips? This is one of the things we learned on day one from our guide, and we still didn’t listen.
She told us about the two main routes to get to the castle, Nerudova Street and the Old Castle Stairs. She advised us not to take the stairs up to the castle.
While the views from the stairs are stunning, taking this route up to the castle will require you to climb over 120 steps.
Initially, it may not sound that bad, but trust me, after walking a considerable distance already, by the time you get to the stairs, it’s going to require a considerable amount of effort to get to the top.
Nerudova Street is a more gradual climb along a scenic street. She brought us up Nerudova Street during the tour, and while it’s still an uphill climb, it is more manageable than the steps.
We went back to the castle the next day via the stairs, and that was a huge mistake. It was a fairly hot day and we had already been walking through the city for quite a while.
By the time we got to the stairs, most of my energy was spent. Standing at the bottom, looking up nearly broke my spirit, but somehow we did manage to make it to the top.
Looking back on it now, I prefer to think of it as research as opposed to not listening to really good advice.
So remember, Nerudova Street up, Old Castle Stairs down.
14. There’s Usually a Small Fee for Public Restrooms
When you’re venturing out for a day of sightseeing, don’t forget to bring a small amount of cash with you.
At some point, you may need to use one of the public restrooms, and there’s usually a small fee for this. It’s not a lot, but you don’t want to get caught off guard.
15. Watch for Pickpockets
Another handy tip we learned from our walking tour guide, is to be mindful of anything valuable we placed in our pockets. Apparently, pickpockets can be common in larger crowds.
One of the most common places for this to happen is at the Astronomical Clock since large crowds gather here at the top of every hour.
We didn’t have any issues while we were there, but make sure you’re vigilant about keeping anything truly valuable in your hotel room safe.
Whenever we’re out and about, I prefer using a crossbody bag. It’s comfortable to wear all day, keeps my hands free for taking pictures, and feels more secure than a shoulder bag.
Practical Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know
Eating your way through Prague is one of the highlights of any visit. You can’t go more than a few feet without passing a restaurant, cafe, beer garden, or takeaway window.
If you plan to do your fair share of sampling the local food and beer, be sure to read through these tips so you know what to expect.
16. Czech Food is Comfort Food
Now that we’ve raved about the food tour, we do want to mention that Czech cuisine can definitely be described as comfort food. We’re talking schnitzel, fried cheese, goulash, heavy sauces, meats, and more.
You’ll definitely want to pace yourself when trying the local dishes, especially if you aren’t used to eating such hearty dishes. Your stomach will thank you.
17. Beer Gardens Usually Require a Deposit for Cups and Glasses
If you plan to visit one of the many beer gardens around the city, keep in mind that there’s usually a mandatory deposit required for the reusable cups and glasses.
It’s not a lot, usually around $2.00 USD. It’ll be returned to you when you return it before you leave.
Want to learn about our favorite places to grab a beer in Prague?
→ 10 Best Beer Spots in Prague You Shouldn’t Miss
18. Some Beer Gardens are Cash-Only
Before heading out to one of the beer gardens, make sure you have some cash on hand.
Some, like Letna Beer Garden, only accept cash, which we didn’t realize this beforehand. After walking quite a ways in the summer heat, uphill, we were exhausted and ready for a beer.
We were so disappointed to realize we didn’t have any cash with us. Live and learn.
Fortunately, there is an ATM located right behind the building where you place your order. Crisis averted, but we paid a hefty service fee to use the ATM.
19. Skip the Hotel Breakfast and Visit a Cafe When Possible
We’re huge fans of visiting as many cafes as we can when we travel. That’s why we usually skip the hotel breakfast if it’s an optional add-on to the room rate. In Europe, you can generally find a cafe around every corner, and Prague is no exception.
They usually have much better coffee and food at a much more reasonable price. Also, many offer outdoor seating which is always a plus in our opinion.
That said, if the hotel breakfast is automatically included in the room rate, we usually take advantage of that.
20. Use the Correct Currency
Even though the Czech Republic is a member of the EU, the country has not officially adopted the euro as its currency.
The official currency is still the Czech koruna and it’s the currency you should use when visiting.
You might come across a shop here or there that will accept the euro, but it’s best to not use it. You’ll most likely get an unfavorable exchange rate.
21. Use Credit Cards Whenever Possible
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Prague, and the Czech Republic in general.
Using a credit card can also help you avoid unnecessary ATM fees and often provides a better exchange rate than exchanging cash or accepting an ATM’s currency conversion.
Just be sure to pay in Czech koruna (CZK) whenever you’re given the choice instead of your home currency. This allows your credit card issuer to handle the conversion, which is typically the less expensive option.
22. Tipping at Restaurants is Common
One of the most common questions people have when visiting any new country is whether tipping is common.
Tipping is common in the Czech Republic, but it’s usually less than what you might be used to if you’re from the U.S. For cafes and restaurants, a standard tip is anywhere from 5 to 10%.
23. Avoid Euronet ATMs
If you need cash in Prague, try to avoid the blue-and-yellow Euronet ATMs that are scattered throughout the city’s busiest tourist areas.
While they’re convenient, they often charge higher withdrawal fees and encourage travelers to accept Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which typically uses a much less favorable exchange rate than your own bank.
Instead, use an ATM attached to a local bank whenever possible, and always choose to be charged in Czech koruna (CZK) rather than your home currency. You’ll almost always get a better exchange rate and avoid paying more than necessary for your cash.
Pro Tip:
When the ATM asks whether you want to be charged in Czech koruna (CZK) or your home currency, always choose CZK (sometimes shown as “without conversion”). This lets your bank handle the exchange rate, which is usually much better than the ATM’s offered rate.
Helpful Apps to Download Before Your Trip
If you want to be completely prepared for your trip to Prague, consider downloading some of our favorite apps. They’ll make getting around Prague much easier.
Google Maps
Google Maps is our go-to navigation app for finding directions, restaurants, attractions, and hotels. You can also download offline maps before your trip, so you can navigate even without a cell signal or Wi-Fi.
PID Lítačka (Public Transportation)
PID Lítačka is Prague’s official public transportation app and it makes getting around the city easy. You can purchase tickets, plan routes, and view real-time schedules for the metro, trams, buses, and trains, all in one place.
Uber/Bolt
Uber and Bolt are reliable alternatives to traditional taxis in Prague and other larger cities. They’re often more affordable, let you see the fare before you book, and help you avoid language barriers since everything is handled through the app.
Google Translate
Google Translate is helpful for translating signs, menus, and conversations while traveling. You can also download the Czech language offline so you’ll still have access even without an internet connection.
Answering Your Questions About Prague
Is it rude to not tip in Prague?
Tipping is a standard practice in Prague. A 5-10% tip is usually sufficient in restaurants and cafes.
Is it okay to speak English in Prague?
Yes, it’s okay to speak English in Prague. Almost everyone does.
Is Prague safe?
Prague is considered a safe city. However, you’ll want to take normal safety precautions when visiting as you would in any city.
More Prague Travel Guides
Planning Guides
- Four Seasons vs Mandarin Oriental Prague: How They Compare
- Mandarin Oriental Prague Review: Luxury Stay in Mala Strana
- Four Seasons Prague Review: Luxury Hotel Stay in Old Town
Destination Guides
Our Final Take: Prague Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors
So that’s our complete list of Prague travel tips. If we think of anything else, we’ll add to it, but this is a good starting point if you’re in the planning process.
Prague is one of our favorite cities in Europe, and these are the tips we think will be the most helpful for anyone visiting for the first time.
Hopefully they’ll help you avoid a few common mistakes, spend less time figuring things out, and more time enjoying everything this incredible city has to offer.
We already can’t wait to go back, and we hope you fall in love with Prague just as much as we did. It’s a great city to visit and you’ll be glad you did.
If you have any questions about Prague or the Czech Republic in general, feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Talk soon!
Found this helpful? Save it to Pinterest for your Prague trip planning!
