Visiting Prague for the first time? This is all you need to know about visiting the 'City of a Hundred Spires.'

Prague, Czechia

First Timer's Guide To Prague

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic (Czechia for short) and its largest city. Prague’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 14th-century medieval architecture. 

Nove Mesto or the New Town refers to the area surrounding the south and east of the Old Town. It’s a little less convenient but still close enough and has a few notable attractions of its own like the National Theater and the Dancing House.

Mala Strana or Lesser Town refers to the area on the other side of the Vltava River, just south of Prague Castle. It’s a quieter area and a good choice for people looking for a calmer stay in Prague’s historical center.

Staromestske namesti or the Old Town Square is the heart of Prague’s historic district. This is one of the busiest areas in the city. Any first-time visit to Prague begins in the Old Town Square. It features many of the city’s most spectacular buildings like St. Nicholas Church, the Prague Orloj, and the Church of Our Lady before Tyn (pictured in the guide's cover photo!)  

Many airlines fly to Prague's main airport, Vaclav Havel Airport (PRG). The airport is about 18 km west of downtown Prague. You can make your way to the city center in one of the following ways.

Czechia is a member of the European Union (EU) but the country’s unit of currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). You can withdraw CZK from ATMs so you don't have to exchange any currency. 

NOTE: Many ATMs in Europe will ask if you’d like to proceed “with or without conversion”. Always proceed WITHOUT conversion. Proceeding with conversion authorizes the foreign bank operating the ATM to do the conversion for you, usually at terrible exchange rates.

Stare Mesto or the Old Town is the busiest and most touristy part of Prague. In my opinion, it's the most beautiful. This is where you’ll find many of the city’s top tourist attractions like the Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock, and the Charles Bridge. 

Prague is very walkable, particularly between Old Town & New Town which is connected by the Charles Bridge!

Serviced apartment in Praha 1 · ★4.76 · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath

This is where I stayed in Old Town. It's a quaint apartment, with cafes and shops around every corner. It's also within walking distance to all major highlights in Prague! 

First Timer's Guide To Prague

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