If you're traveling to Prague, this guide has it all. From what typical foods you can find in Prague and where to eat them, the best hostel recommendation for a peaceful but friendly visit, and what to do during your time in the Czech Republic, and unique bars. Whether you're traveling for 3 - 5 days, this guide is perfect to discover the best of museums, sights to see, and restaurants to eat at. This covers the different districts of Prague's city center and a day trip. Whether you're traveling on a budget, or just want Prague's most local vibe, this is the guide for you.
This guide will continue to be updated with more recommendations so be sure to save and purchase this guide for future travels.
Prague is the beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic. It is situated in the heart of Europe and is a charming city, with a vibrant cultural and economic center. It's architectural history is rich and reflects a time of uncertainty in Bohemia and dates back more than 1,000 years.
Prague is bisected by the Vltava River and is called “the City of a Hundred Spires.” Its historic Old Town Square, complete with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and a medieval Astronomical Clock, animate the town.
Take a river cruise, and make sure to try the famous Czech beer.
What to Eat
Guláš – Czech-style goulash is a thick, paprika-laced stew with chunks of braised beef and usually served with dumplings.
Řízek – schnitzel (generally pork)
Bread dumplings -Made with slightly stale bread that’s formed in a roll before being boiled or steamed, and then sliced. It’s often served as a side dish soaked in gravy.
Svíčková - slices of pork tenderloin, a rich savory gravy sauce topped with cream and cranberry sauce
Knedliky - Potato dumplings
Smažený sýr - Fried cheese generally served with tartar sauce or ketchup
Trdelník - You will see these everywhere in Prague, however they are not actually a traditional Czech dessert. It is delicious however, made from dough, wrapped around a stick, grilled over coals, and then rolled in sugar
Lokál is one of the most popular Czech restaurants in Prague, filled with, as the name states, locals. There are several locations throughout the city, and it is worth a stop (and a reservation)
One of the grandest cafes in Prague and located inside the Imperial Hotel. This classy cafe has an upscale vibe and is decorated with elaborately carved walls & an art nouveau finish.
This is another local favorite, which offers a daily menu of Czech classics plus a variety of universal dishes. Try the Kofola (a Czech soft drink) or beer on tap, to go with your traditional Czech meal, like the Czech classic, beef tartar.
When in Prague, one must stroll across the Charles Bridge (Karlov Most), one of the most famous pedestrian bridges in the world. It connects the Old Town to Mala Strana. It’s gorgeous at sunset, it’s crowded midday, but always pleasant to stroll across.
This pedestrian bridge was completed in 1402, and is lined with statues of Catholic saints.
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Visit the Old Town Square
The Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) has been the market square for Prague since the 11th century. Now it is Prague's defining square that is a popular tourist attraction in and of itself.
The astronomical clock is a complicated mechanism that shows several different versions of time.
Every hour, the clock puts on a brief show, so make sure to look up on the hour. A skeleton rings his bell, twelve apostles walk by, a rooster crows, and then the clock chimes.
For the best view over the Old Town Square, climb to the top of the Old Town Hall Tower, located next to the astronomical clock. It's definitely worth the view.
This historic complex houses the National Library of the Czech Republic.
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Stroll through Mala Strana
Opposite Old Town, split by the Charles Bridge, is Mala Strana, the "Lesser Town". It is home to some of Prague’s most famous sites, including the Prague Castle and St. Nicholas Church. It's a great area to go for a stroll, shop around, and explore more of the charming city.
This wall became a symbol of freedom during the Communist rule in the Czech Republic. When John Lennon was killed in 1980, this wall was covered with memorial graffiti overnight and even though each night the police would cover it, by painting over the graffiti, the next day it would reappear, which felt like a sign of resilience.
No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the Prague Castle. It stands tall above the city overlooking the river and the historic neighborhood of Malistrana.
Inside the Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral. This gothic cathedral dates back to 1344. The St Vitus Cathedral is the site of coronation of Czech kings and queens and the place of burial for saints and noblemen.
For an incredible panoramic view of Prague, climb the 287 steps to the top of the spire of the cathedral.
This Baroque church is located in Mala Strana just down the hill from the Prague Castle. There is a lovely viewpoint from the bell tower, and from this vantage point you can also see the Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral
The Vrtba Garden is one of several fine High Baroque gardens in the Czech capital. It is located on the slope of Petřín Hill, in the Malá Strana district of the city.
Hidden away on top of a hill is the Strahov Monastery, the second-oldest monestary in the city.
It was built in 1140 and has been rebuilt numerous times, due to the various wars. However, it is not the monestary that attracts visitors but what's inside.
The library is divided into two major halls: the Baroque Theological Hall contains 18,000 religious texts, and the grand Philosophical Hall has over 42,000 ancient philosophical texts. The libraries hold many rare volumes, are masterfully frescoed, and contain 17th-century geographical globes.
The Jewish Quarter, which was also called the Jewish Ghetto or Josefov, dates back to the 13th century, and is a small area near the Old Town where Jewish people of Prague were forced to live until the mid-1800s. It is one of the largest Jewish ghettos in Europe. It now looks much different than in the past, where at one time, over 18,000 people lived, crowded together in this small space. There are 4 Synagogues (Maisel, Pinkas, Spanish, and Klausen synagogues) that are still intact and a Jewish Cemetery.
Here you can really see how crowded the Jewish Quarter was as a living condition. Tombstones are literally stacked one on top of another. It is one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds in the world where some 12,000 tombstones are crammed together dating back to 1439.
Make your way to Petrín Park located on the left bank of the Vitava River and take the funicular up the Petrín Hill (318 meters) to the Petrín Lookout Tower. If you buy a day pass transit ticket, the funicular fare is included. You can also hike to the top of the hill and it takes about 30 minutes. This is a great place to visit for its incredible views of the city.
A 17th-century brewery within a historic monastery founded in 1142, restored & reopened as a craft brewery in 2000, with restaurant & courtyard and great views. It is located not far from the Prague Castle.
A speakeasy vibe, with no signs outside, no menu, no Wi-Fi, no credit cards, and no reservations for more than four people. It is easy to miss the entrance, so if you get lost, look for the doors with a small picture of a horse on them.
There is no menu, rather the bartender asks what your mood is or what taste you feel like drinking and according to that mixes you a personalized cocktail
Reservations recommended! This bar was voted top 15 in Europe
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Where to Stay?
If you're traveling on a budget or a solo traveler the RoadHouse Hostel was one of my favorite hostels I've ever stayed in. Super clean, safe, and not overly crowded or large. There were only 2 or 3 rooms, so the environment felt like a new family, with fresh baked goods put out in the kitchen each mornin. It was very fun and social, but respectful, if you wanted to party you could all go out together, but the party was not at the hostel once it got late.
I hope you have a great trip! If you appreciated this map at all, please consider leaving a tip and spreading the word to anyone you know about this service. Thank you so much for your support!
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