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Prague
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Prague, Czechia: explore medieval streets, Gothic landmarks, riverside views, world-class museums, Czech beer culture and lively neighbourhoods.

A Historic City by the Vltava

Prague rises on both banks of the Vltava River in central Czechia, its historic centre unfolding through a succession of squares, lanes, courtyards and bridges. The city’s best-known views gather around the river: Prague Castle crowns the western heights, while the Old Town and Josefov spread across the eastern bank. Between them, Charles Bridge forms a remarkable pedestrian crossing lined with statues and animated by musicians, artists and passing visitors. The skyline is defined by church domes, Gothic towers and the pinnacles of St Vitus Cathedral.
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Layers of Architecture

Walking through Prague reveals an unusually broad architectural record. Romanesque remains, medieval Gothic churches, Renaissance palaces, Baroque interiors, Art Nouveau façades and Cubist buildings all stand within a compact urban area. Staroměstské náměstí, or Old Town Square, provides the classic introduction, with the Astronomical Clock and Church of Our Lady before Týn anchoring its historic ensemble. Across the river, Malá Strana combines elegant palaces with steep lanes and quiet gardens, while the former Jewish quarter preserves synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery.

Culture and Contemporary City Life

Prague is also shaped by music, literature, theatre and café culture. The National Theatre, Rudolfinum and Estates Theatre reflect the city’s long artistic tradition, while the National Gallery and Museum Kampa provide contrasting settings for Czech and international art. Beyond the central monuments, neighbourhoods such as Vinohrady, Žižkov, Holešovice and Karlín offer bakeries, independent cafés, galleries, design shops and restaurants in settings that feel more residential. Beer halls, riverside promenades and leafy parks add a relaxed dimension to a city whose historic grandeur remains closely connected to everyday life.

When is the best time to visit Prague?

Best: June–August · 23–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January220
February318
March822
April1429
May2043
June (best)2359
July (best)2469
August (best)2457
September2041
October1533
November828
December424

Getting to and around Prague

How to get there

Prague is served by Václav Havel Airport Prague, west of the city centre, with public transport connections into town. The main railway station, Praha hlavní nádraží, handles domestic and international trains, while Praha-Holešovice is also important for selected long-distance services. International coaches arrive principally at Florenc bus station. Prague is connected by road to other Czech cities and to neighbouring countries, although driving in the historic centre can be inconvenient because of restricted streets, limited parking and tram traffic. Travellers arriving by train or coach generally find the central stations more convenient than using a car.

Transportation

Prague has an integrated public transport system of metro lines, trams, buses and selected suburban rail services. The metro is useful for longer cross-city journeys, while trams provide some of the most practical routes through central and outer districts. Much of the historic centre is best explored on foot, though cobbles, slopes and crowded pavements can slow progress. Taxis and app-based vehicles operate, but visitors should use clearly identified, regulated services and confirm the fare method before travelling. Tickets and validation rules vary by ticket type, so travellers should follow the instructions carefully and retain tickets during their journey.

Best attractions in Prague

Prague’s principal attractions range from the castle complex above the Vltava to the medieval lanes of the Old Town. Prague Castle contains St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane, while Charles Bridge offers a pedestrian route between the castle district and Staré Město. Old Town Square gathers the Astronomical Clock, Church of Our Lady before Týn and historic civic buildings in one expansive urban setting. Josefov introduces the city’s Jewish history through preserved synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. For art and culture, the National Gallery’s collections, the National Museum and the National Theatre provide contrasting perspectives on Czech identity. Petřín Hill adds gardens, wooded paths and broad city views, while Vyšehrad combines fortress walls, a basilica, cemetery and river scenery away from the busiest central streets.

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Best landmarks in Prague

Prague’s landmarks express the city’s changing political, religious and artistic identity. Prague Castle is the historic seat of Czech rulers and presidents, with St Vitus Cathedral forming its most imposing architectural element through its Gothic structure and later completion. Charles Bridge, begun under Charles IV, is distinguished by its stone arches, fortified towers and Baroque statues. In the Old Town, the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall remains a celebrated medieval civic monument, while the twin towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn define the square’s skyline. St Nicholas Church in Malá Strana represents the mature Baroque style, and the National Theatre embodies nineteenth-century Czech cultural aspirations. The Old Jewish Cemetery and the surviving synagogues of Josefov provide solemn evidence of Prague’s Jewish history and the losses suffered during the Holocaust.

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Explore Prague on the map

Plan your Prague trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Prague

Best restaurants in Prague

Prague’s food culture reflects Bohemian cooking, Austro-Hungarian influences and a newer interest in regional ingredients and contemporary technique. Traditional hospoda serve dishes such as svíčková, beef with a creamy vegetable sauce and bread dumplings, alongside guláš, roast duck, schnitzel and fried cheese. Czech beer remains central to the dining experience, while bakeries and cafés offer koláče, sweet pastries and coffee in settings ranging from ornate historic rooms to modern neighbourhood spaces. The central districts contain plenty of international dining, but Vinohrady, Karlín, Holešovice and Náplavka provide a broader contemporary scene. Farmers’ markets and food halls vary by season and are useful places to sample local produce, open sandwiches, cakes and regional specialities without turning the city’s cuisine into a single fixed tradition.

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Best bars in Prague

Prague’s evenings range from old-fashioned pubs and beer halls to cocktail lounges, wine bars, jazz rooms and late-night clubs. Staré Město and the lanes around Dlouhá Street have a concentration of bars, while Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín and Holešovice offer a more local, neighbourhood-oriented atmosphere. Czech beer is often enjoyed in unhurried hospoda, where the setting may be as important as the drinks, and Moravian wines appear on many modern wine-bar menus. Live music has a strong presence, from jazz and classical concerts to alternative and electronic events in converted industrial spaces. Along the Vltava, seasonal riverside venues provide relaxed evening settings. Dress is generally informal, though theatres, concert halls and some cocktail bars call for smarter clothing.

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Best nightclubs in Prague

Prague’s evenings range from old-fashioned pubs and beer halls to cocktail lounges, wine bars, jazz rooms and late-night clubs. Staré Město and the lanes around Dlouhá Street have a concentration of bars, while Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín and Holešovice offer a more local, neighbourhood-oriented atmosphere. Czech beer is often enjoyed in unhurried hospoda, where the setting may be as important as the drinks, and Moravian wines appear on many modern wine-bar menus. Live music has a strong presence, from jazz and classical concerts to alternative and electronic events in converted industrial spaces. Along the Vltava, seasonal riverside venues provide relaxed evening settings. Dress is generally informal, though theatres, concert halls and some cocktail bars call for smarter clothing.

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Best shops in Prague

Prague’s retail landscape combines historic lanes, design studios, traditional markets and modern shopping centres. Na Příkopě and the area around Wenceslas Square contain mainstream shops and department stores, while Pařížská Street is known for international luxury brands. For independent design, fashion, books and stationery, visitors can look towards Vinohrady, Holešovice and selected streets in the Old Town and New Town. Havelský trh is a long-established central market where seasonal produce and souvenirs appear alongside everyday goods, although shoppers should assess quality and provenance carefully. Czech glass, porcelain, wooden toys, graphic design, jewellery and products made with local herbs or beer are more distinctive purchases than generic replicas. Antique shops and weekend markets can yield prints, posters and decorative objects, but export rules may apply to certain cultural goods.

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Prague essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Czech koruna, written as Kč and coded CZK; Czechia has not adopted the euro as its official currency. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants and transport ticket outlets, particularly in central areas, but smaller businesses, market stalls and some traditional venues may prefer cash. Cash machines are common, although visitors should use bank-operated or reputable ATMs and review the exchange-rate option before confirming a withdrawal. When paying by card or withdrawing cash, choosing payment in Czech koruna rather than a home currency usually avoids unfavourable dynamic currency conversion.
Safety
Prague is generally manageable for visitors, but crowded tourist areas require ordinary urban precautions. Keep phones, wallets and bags secure around Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, metro stations, tram stops and busy public transport, where pickpocketing can occur. At night, remain aware in entertainment areas and on quiet streets, and use reputable transport services rather than accepting unsolicited offers. Take care on tram tracks, crossings and wet cobblestones, and stay alert when walking or cycling near the river. Follow marked paths in parks and respect barriers around historic buildings, viewpoints and construction areas.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency, call 112, the European emergency number, for assistance in English or other languages where available. Czech emergency numbers include 155 for medical rescue, 150 for fire and 158 for the police; municipal police can be reached on 156. State the location clearly, especially in the winding historic centre, and provide a mobile number if requested. European visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card where applicable, while travellers from elsewhere need appropriate insurance. For non-urgent medical help, contact a pharmacy, doctor or hotel reception rather than using emergency services.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet staff politely and maintain a respectful tone in shops, restaurants, churches and museums. In religious buildings, dress modestly, keep voices low and follow photography rules; the same consideration applies at the Jewish Museum sites and Old Jewish Cemetery. Queue patiently, allow passengers to leave trams and metro carriages before boarding, and give priority seats to those who need them. Tipping is customary for good restaurant service, with the amount chosen by the customer rather than imposed automatically. Do not confuse Czech koruna with euros, accept unsolicited currency-exchange offers or obstruct tram tracks and doorways while sightseeing.
Local Tips
The central monuments are concentrated enough for several rewarding walks, but Prague becomes more varied once visitors explore Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín and Holešovice. Naplavka and the riverbanks offer a different perspective from the formal historic squares, while Petřín and Letná provide open space and elevated views. Prague’s tram network is particularly useful for linking districts without lengthy detours through the centre. Traditional cafés, bakeries and hospoda—local pubs serving Czech food and beer—offer a more everyday view of the city than attractions alone. Check museum and concert schedules in advance, as opening arrangements vary by institution.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeNa shledanou[na shledanou]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dyeh-koo-yee]
Excuse me/SorryPromiňte[proh-meen-tyeh]
How are you?Jak se máte?[yak seh mah-teh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A vy?[dob-zheh. ah vee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíte anglicky?[mloo-vee-teh ahn-gleet-skee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zoo-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseRád bych viděl menu, prosím[rahd bikh vee-dyehl meh-noo, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNemám maso[neh-mahm mah-soh]
Cheers!Na zdraví![na zdrah-vee]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[khteel bikh zah-pla-teet, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mohts]
Go away!Jdi pryč![ydee preets]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-vo-leh-yeh poh-lee-tsee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte lékaře![zah-vo-leh-yeh lay-kar-zheh]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztrah-teel yehm seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[yehm neh-mohts-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[khteel bikh koh-oo-peet]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yehn seh dee-vaam]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[ko-leek toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensiveTo je příliš drahé[toh yeh przh-leezh dra-heh]
Can you lower the price?Můžete snížit cenu?[moo-zheh-teh snee-zheet tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[ko-leek yeh hoh-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yehd-nah hoh-dee-nah]
Half past (10)Půl jedenácté[pool yeh-de-nyahk-theh]
MorningRáno[rah-noh]
AfternoonOdpoledne[ohd-poh-lehd-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-chehr]
YesterdayVčera[v-cheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zheet-rah]
1Jedna[yehd-nah]
2Dva[dvah]
3Tři[trzhee]
4Čtyři[chtih-zhee]
5Pět[pyet]
6Šest[shest]
7Sedm[sedm]
8Osm[oh-sm]
9Devět[deh-vyet]
10Deset[deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...[kdeh yeh]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[ya-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžete mi to ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zheh-teh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy jede další (autobus)?[kdee yeh-deh dah-lee-shee (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jedno jízdenka (do ....)[yed-noh yeez-dehn-kah (doh)]

History of Prague

Early Settlements and Medieval Foundations

The Prague area was settled long before the medieval city emerged, with communities drawn to the defensible hills and crossing points of the Vltava. Prague’s later development centred on several settlements, including the Old Town on the river’s eastern bank and the Lesser Town beneath the castle. The Přemyslid dynasty established Prague as an important seat of power, and in 973 the city became the centre of a bishopric. Prague Castle, founded in the late ninth century according to traditional accounts, developed into the principal dynastic residence. Trade along regional routes encouraged the growth of markets, craft districts and religious institutions, laying the foundations for the urban pattern still visible around the castle, Malá Strana and the Old Town.

Charles IV and the Bohemian Capital

Prague reached exceptional political and cultural importance under Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor from 1346. His programme of expansion transformed the city: the New Town was founded in 1348, Charles Bridge was begun in 1357, and construction started on the present St Vitus Cathedral. Charles also established Charles University in 1348, the first university in Central Europe. The four principal urban areas—Old Town, New Town, Malá Strana and the castle district—were connected through institutions, markets and monumental building projects. This period gave Prague much of its medieval scale and explains the concentration of Gothic architecture around the Old Town, New Town and castle precinct.

Religious Conflict and the Hussite Era

Religious reform became a defining force in Prague during the early fifteenth century. Jan Hus, a preacher and university master influenced by calls for church reform, preached at Bethlehem Chapel and was executed at the Council of Constance in 1415. His condemnation helped provoke the Hussite movement, which challenged ecclesiastical authority and divided Bohemian society. In 1419, the First Defenestration of Prague marked the beginning of the Hussite Wars. The city became a major centre of the reform movement, and political and religious tensions continued through the fifteenth century. Bethlehem Chapel, although extensively reconstructed, remains associated with Hus and the intellectual and religious debates that reshaped Bohemia.

Habsburg Rule and Baroque Transformation

After the defeat of the Bohemian estates at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, Prague became part of the Habsburg Monarchy and underwent major religious and architectural change. Catholic orders and noble families commissioned churches, monasteries, palaces and gardens, giving Malá Strana and the castle area their characteristic Baroque character. The city was affected by the Thirty Years’ War, including the Swedish attack of 1648, but continued to develop as an administrative and cultural centre. In 1784, the previously separate Prague towns were formally united under one municipal administration. The Baroque legacy survives in buildings such as St Nicholas Church, the Černín Palace and the landscaped grounds around Wallenstein Palace.

National Revival and Industrial Growth

During the nineteenth century, Prague became a focal point of the Czech National Revival, a movement that strengthened Czech language, literature, historical consciousness and cultural institutions within the Habsburg Empire. The National Museum, founded in 1818, and the National Theatre, opened in 1881 and rebuilt after fire, embodied this cultural programme. Industrialisation, railway construction and municipal expansion changed the city beyond its historic core, while the removal of sections of the old fortifications allowed new boulevards and neighbourhoods to develop. Czech and German-speaking communities lived alongside one another, although national tensions intensified towards the end of the century. Art Nouveau buildings and grand civic projects from this period remain prominent around Wenceslas Square and the New Town.

From Czechoslovakia to the Velvet Revolution

Prague became the capital of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918 after the break-up of Austria-Hungary. The interwar republic encouraged modern architecture, public institutions and cultural experimentation, but the city was later marked by Nazi occupation during the Second World War and the destruction of much of its Jewish community. Communist rule followed the 1948 coup, bringing political repression and state socialism. In 1968, the Prague Spring sought to reform the communist system before being suppressed by Warsaw Pact forces. Mass demonstrations in Prague during the Velvet Revolution of November and December 1989 helped bring an end to communist rule. Since the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, Prague has served as the capital of the Czech Republic, now commonly referred to internationally as Czechia.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Prague

Discover Prague with Evendo - a 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the best of Prague with Evendo, your free travel guide app. Discover top attractions, local tips, and book hotels, tours, and experiences all in one place.

  • Travel essentials and the history of Prague
  • Curated local tips to experience Prague like a local
  • Easy navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel guide to Prague, Czechia. Imagine strolling through the historic streets of Prague, knowing exactly where to go and what to see, all thanks to our comprehensive app. With Evendo, you can explore famous landmarks like the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the Astronomical Clock. Dive into the local culture by visiting top-rated attractions, restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs.

Evendo provides detailed information on all the best spots in Prague. From the bustling Old Town Square to the serene Vltava River, our app features images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Looking for a place to eat? Discover renowned restaurants like La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise or Lokal, all curated to enhance your culinary experience.

Planning your trip has never been easier. With Evendo, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and unique experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to do and how to get there. Our app offers everything you need in one place, including travel essentials, the history of Prague, and curated local advice to help you experience the city like a true local.

Navigate effortlessly with our easy-to-use interface and the 'Near me' feature, which shows you what's around no matter where you are in the city. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. And it doesn't stop at Prague; our app covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, so your next adventure is just a download away.

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