Why You Should Visit Prague
Beer, bridges, and just the right amount of Bohemian rhapsody.
Getting There: Planes, Trains, and the Odd Bus
Prague sits right in the heart of Europe, and it knows it. Getting there is as easy as ordering another pint of Pilsner.
- By Plane: Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is your gateway. Direct flights come in daily from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, New York, Dubai, and just about everywhere else. Budget carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Eurowings, and Smartwings keep fares low, while the likes of Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, and British Airways ensure luxury seekers are catered to.
- By Train: Prague’s main station, Hlavní Nádraží, connects you to Berlin (4.5 hours), Vienna (4 hours), Budapest (6.5 hours), and Munich (5 hours). These trains are fast, comfortable, and often cheaper than flying.
- By Bus: Student Agency (RegioJet) and FlixBus run surprisingly comfortable buses linking Prague with nearby European cities.
Getting Around Prague
The city is compact enough to walk, though cobblestones may test your shoes. When your feet give out:
- Metro: Three lines, clean, and easy to use.
- Trams: Frequent and scenic—tram No. 22 is basically a moving sightseeing tour.
- Tickets: Buy at kiosks, metro stations, or via the PID Lítačka app. One ticket works on all public transport.
- Taxis: Notorious for tourist overcharging. Use Bolt or Uber instead.
Pro Tip: Always validate your paper ticket before boarding—inspectors have no sympathy for “confused visitors.”
Major Sights: Castles, Bridges, and Gothic Grandeur
- Prague Castle: The largest ancient castle complex in the world, home to St. Vitus Cathedral and centuries of intrigue. Tickets can be bought online to dodge lines.
- Charles Bridge: Iconic, romantic, and perpetually crowded. Go at dawn for peace, or stay late for street musicians and a touch of magic.
- Old Town Square: Astronomical Clock, Gothic spires, pastel facades—it’s like walking into a fairytale.
- Jewish Quarter (Josefov): Historic synagogues and the haunting Old Jewish Cemetery.
- Wenceslas Square: A mix of history, shopping, and occasional protests.
- Petrín Hill & Observation Tower: A leafy climb and miniature Eiffel Tower with sweeping city views.
Museum Moments
- National Museum: Recently refurbished, packed with history.
- Kafka Museum: A quirky homage to Prague’s most famous existentialist.
- DOX Centre for Contemporary Art: Bold, modern exhibitions.
Prague at Night: Beer, Bars, and Bohemian Beats
Czechs take nightlife seriously—and often with a half-liter in hand.
- Beer Culture: The birthplace of Pilsner, beer is cheaper than water in many places. Traditional pubs like U Fleků or U Medvídků offer hearty food and flowing lager.
- Trendy Bars: Head to Vinohrady or Žižkov for hip cocktails and student-friendly spots.
- Clubbing: Karlovy Lázně claims to be the largest club in Central Europe, with multiple floors of different music styles.
Pro Tip: When ordering beer, simply say “pivo.” A server will assume you mean a half-liter of the local stuff. Specify otherwise if you don’t want to look like a lightweight.
Eating in Prague
- Breakfast: Cafés like Café Savoy or Můj šálek kávy serve decadent pastries and strong coffee.
- Cheap Eats: Lokál is a modern chain serving classic Czech comfort food—goulash, svíčková, schnitzels—without tourist-trap prices.
- Fine Dining: Try La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise for Michelin-starred Czech cuisine with a modern twist.
- Vegetarian & Vegan: Etnosvět and Maitrea are favorites for plant-based travelers.
Parks and Strolls
- Letná Park: Views of the Vltava and its many bridges. Bring a picnic.
- Stromovka Park: A massive green space perfect for lazy afternoons.
- Vyšehrad: A quieter hilltop fortress with legends, churches, and fewer tourists.
Language and Locals
Most young Czechs speak decent English, especially in hospitality. Older generations may not, but smiles and gestures go far. A polite “Děkuji” (thank you) always earns you points.
Where to Stay
- Luxury: Four Seasons Prague, Aria Hotel, Augustine.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Josef, NYX Hotel Prague.
- Budget: Sir Toby’s Hostel or The RoadHouse.
Prague’s accommodation spectrum stretches from baroque palaces to stylish hostels—something for every wallet.
History in Brief
Prague’s story is one of resilience and reinvention:
- Founded over 1,000 years ago, the city became the seat of Holy Roman Emperors.
- Survived wars, occupations, and revolutions with its beauty intact.
- Today, it thrives as a modern European capital with medieval charm.
Pro Tip: Beer Etiquette
Clinking glasses? Look your drinking partner in the eyes—or risk seven years of bad luck in love.
Final Thoughts
Prague is equal parts romantic fairytale and no-nonsense beer hall. One moment you’re wandering cobblestone alleys under Gothic spires, the next you’re clinking mugs with locals in a smoky pub. With history layered on every facade, riverside strolls that rival Paris, and a nightlife that can hold its own against Berlin, Prague offers the perfect European getaway.
A city this beautiful knows it’s irresistible. And like the best kind of romance, it leaves you wanting more.
