Prague

Prague is one of the rare European capitals that came through WWII unbombed — the streets really do still hold 700 years of Europe. Europe’s cheapest pints, fairy-tale architecture, and a compact core. A city where you can see everything in 3 days and still spend almost nothing.

Best time to visit

April–June and September–October are ideal: 15–22°C, manageable crowds. December’s Christmas markets are magical (Old Town Square + Wenceslas) but -2°C and hotels surge. July–August is 25°C+ and pilgrim-level crowded (especially Charles Bridge). January–February is -5°C, grey, but hotels are cheapest and museums calm.

How many days?

3 days covers the core: Old Town + Charles Bridge + Castle + Jewish Quarter. 4 days adds Vyšehrad and Letná Park. 5+ days = day-trip Český Krumlov (3-hour train, fairy-tale town) and Kutná Hora (bone church, 1 hour). 2 days works but you’ll sprint the Castle.

What to see

Old Town Square (astronomical clock — the hourly show is short but worth it), Charles Bridge (walk it at 7 AM, midday is pickpocket + busker chaos), Prague Castle (St. Vitus Cathedral is a must, Golden Lane is charming — go at 9 AM), Jewish Quarter (Old-New Synagogue + old cemetery), Petřín Tower (mini Eiffel, great view). Lesser known: Vyšehrad fortress (local picnic spot), Letná Park (best sunset), Lennon Wall, Náplavka riverside bars.

Food & drink

Goulash (gulasch) with houskové knedlíky (bread dumplings) — U Medvídků is classic. Svíčková (cream-sauce beef). Trdelník: a tourist trap and not actually traditional (19th-century Hungarian dessert), but tasty. Beer: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar — €1.50–2.50/pint (Europe’s cheapest). Pivovarský klub: 250 beers. Street food: smažený sýr (fried cheese), klobasa. Local breakfast: chlebíček (open-faced sandwiches).

Getting around

Metro + tram + bus: Litačka card or contactless. Single ticket 30 CZK (~€1.20), day pass 120 CZK. Center is walkable but hilly (tram 22 to the Castle). Václav Havel Airport: bus 119 + metro, 35 min, €2. Uber + Bolt cheap (€3–5 across town). Czechia is in the EU and Schengen — visa rules apply.

Things to watch out for

Charles Bridge and Old Town Square are pickpocket hotspots — backpack on the front. Restaurant “welcome bread” isn’t free — check the menu. Classic scam: someone “finding” a watch and offering to split — keep walking. Taxis: street cabs overcharge with rigged meters, use Bolt/Uber. ATMs: avoid yellow Euronet machines (terrible rates) — use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční). Read prices in CZK; EUR-displayed prices are usually +20%.

Budget estimate

Economy €40–60/day (hostel, cafeteria meals, transit). Mid €80–130/day (3★ hotel, restaurants, 2 activities). Luxury €200–400/day (4–5★, fine dining). 3-day mid trip €350–550 (flights excluded). Flights from Europe €40–200 (Ryanair/Easyjet/Smartwings). Don’t let the cheap beer derail the trip — pours are large. Prague Card (2/3/4-day) pays off if you’re hitting 4+ museums.