Guide to Prague - An Essential, Friendly Blueprint for First-Time Visitors

Welcome to my Guide to Prague, your go-to checklist before arriving in the Czech capital. This essential travel guide covers the top 10 things to know when preparing for your trip to Prague. These are simple, helpful tips to get you oriented quickly and enjoyably.

And yes, I'm local! Scroll to the end to ask me a question or browse others' questions and answers. 

And don't forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter for deeper insights.

Summer rainbow over Charles Bridge

10 Essentials to Know Before You Visit Prague

1. Prague is Extremely Walkable

Prague’s historic center is compact and best explored on foot. If you book centrally located accommodation, then you can walk from your hotel or apartment to most major attractions.

From Prague Castle to Charles Bridge to the astronomical clock, the sights are surprisingly close to each other. All you have to do is walk from one to the next.

Of course comfortable shoes are a must!

2. Start With These Five Core Attractions

Prague offers plenty to see, but you can simplify your itinerary around these five essential highlights:

1. Prague Castle
2. Charles Bridge
3. Old Town Square
4. Jewish Quarter
5. Wenceslas Square

Use these as your anchor points to the city. Most other major and hidden sights are nearby.

For example, if you’re near Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), you’re just minutes from Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, and then Charles Bridge.

If you're looking for a specific destination, consider how it relates to one of the these 5 places. For example, want to see the Church of the Infant of Prague? Look for its relation to Charles Bridge, and find it 5 minutes away.

Unsure about organizing your time, figure out how many days in Prague are best for you.

3. Don’t Over-Plan. Use Local Resources!

While it’s good to have a loose plan, don’t feel pressured to schedule every detail. Prague has several Tourist Information Centres, including one at the Old Town Hall. The staff is helpful and offer up-to-date ideas for concerts, tours, and events.

Also, ask your hotel staff for personal recommendations or things to do. They know the city well and are usually happy to help. Or, strike up conversations with locals.

Many people in Prague speak English and are open to strangers.

4. Public Transport

Prague's fun funicular going up Petrin hill

Prague’s public transport system includes metro, trams, and buses.

• Use trams for short, scenic city rides (like tram #22 to Prague Castle).
• Use the metro for longer distances.
• Buses service areas outside the city center so you're unlikely to use them.

Tickets are time-based (e.g., 30 minutes, 90 minutes, daily). Buy them directly upon entering a tram and the ticket is marked with a time-stamp. Your time allowance starts at this time.

For the metro, buy a ticket at the yellow machines, before you go down to the metro's platform. Validate your ticket in the small yellow box next to the escalator, before going down the escalator. 

For schedules, download the PID Lítačka app.

For more detailed information, see my tips for getting around in Prague and using the metro.

5. Expect Crowds (Then Avoid Them)

Prague is popular and busy for much of the year. And its medieval layout makes things more congested.

If you want to enjoy the most famous sites, visit them early in the morning or late afternoon. Then head off the beaten path to see the countless quiet corners waiting to be explored, like New World Street or the Wallenstein Gardens.

You don't have to go far. Short detours can offer peaceful totally surprising experiences.

6. Is it Safe? Are Tourists Welcome?

Yes, Prague is very safe, even by European standards.

Violent crime is rare, and the city center is well-patrolled and tourist-friendly. Like any major city, it’s wise to stay alert in crowded areas for pickpockets, but overall, it’s a calm and welcoming place.

A clear sign Prague's safety is how young children move about. It's not surprising to see elementary aged kids going to and from school by themselves, often using public transportation alone.

And, yes, tourists are welcome. Hospitality is a key part of the city’s economy, and visitors are generally treated with friendliness and respect. 

Not everyone is over-joyed by navigating crowds on our small streets, or paying higher prices for services in central Prague - but I think locals have an acceptance of the situation.

Maybe there's more tolerance here than other cities. We haven't seen an outcry over tourism like in Venice or other places.

7. Use Czech Koruna, Not Euros

This subject causes some confusion.

Despite being in the EU, Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Some places accept euros, but you’ll lose money on bad exchange rates. Use local currency whenever possible.

The best option? Get cash from bank ATMs.

I would even suggest avoiding currency exchange altogether if possible. If you really need to exchange cash, avoid the free-standing kiosks and small offices, especially near tourist sites.

Also, the exchange offices at the airport or train stations are not as good as some in the city. Your hotel should be able to suggest the best option nearby.

I've got more about Czech currency and a little video as well.

8. Guide to Prague Weather

Prague’s weather is hard to predict, but we have four distinct seasons that offer typical patterns. Each has their charm and no season is perfect.

You can have great weather, or poor weather, any day of the year. It just depends on your luck.

Basically our seasons can be simplified...

• Spring: unpredictable, surge of blossoms, fresh air, and increasing temps - but can still be cold in April
• Summer: green parks, beer gardens, longer daylight hours, occasional thunderstor, and 2-3 weeks of hot weather
• Autumn: mild temps, crisp walks and colorful trees - all with chance of rain/sun/fog - like spring it's less predictable
• Winter: not much snow, cold, magical, and sometimes gray and dreary

My weather guide offers more in-depth info here.

9. What to Eat in Prague

Traditional Czech food is rich and hearty.

Dishes like roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut are popular, but if that’s not your taste, don’t worry. Prague has excellent international cuisine, vegetarian restaurants, and casual cafés.

Here are three traditional dishes to try...

• Svíčková na smetaně (Marinated Beef with Cream Sauce)
• Vepřo knedlo zelo (Roast Pork, Dumplings, and Sauerkraut)
• Koláče (Sweet Pastries)

Read more about traditional Czech food.

10. The Czech Language & Local Etiquette

Czech is not the easiest language, but you’ll get by with English in most places. Still, knowing a few local phrases makes a big difference. Start with:

• Dobrý den – Hello (formal)
• Na shledanou – Goodbye
• Prosím – Please
• Děkuji – Thank you

It’s polite to say “Dobrý den” when entering shops or speaking to staff. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

Want to Know More? Ask Me a Question!

This page isn’t just a guide, it’s an invitation.

Use the interactive Q&A from below to ask me anything about Prague. I'll answer your question and build a new page around it to help future travelers.

Ask about:

• Apartments, neighborhoods, or restaurant choices
• Off-the-beaten-path recommendations
• Day trip ideas or local customs

I love helping people experience the best of Prague, so go ahead and ask.

Final Tip

Take your time, explore without pressure, and let Prague surprise you. A little prep goes a long way, but the best memories come from spontaneous discovery.

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Franciscan Garden in Prague: A Hidden Gem Near Wenceslas Square

   Jul 15, 25 03:27 PM

   
   Hiding in plain sight, the Franciscan Garden in Prague. Will you miss it? This local favorite is just steps from Wenceslas Square but miles from its noise.

   Read More

2. Cubist Lamppost in Prague: A Hidden Design Gem in the City Center

   Jul 08, 25 11:55 AM

   
   This cubist lamppost in Prague is a one-of-a-kind landmark near Wenceslas Square. Learn its story and grab a traditional Czech meal and beer at nearby U Pinkasů.

   Read More

3. Hidden Details in Prague - Noticing the Tiny Curiosities

   Jul 07, 25 10:55 AM

   
   Discover hidden details in Prague, from tiny statues to quirky building facades. This guide reveals the city’s weird and fun elements you’d walk right past.

   Read More