Chris Caines / CC BY 2.0 — Wikimedia CommonsThe city of a hundred spires above the Vltava
Prague is the capital of Czechia and one of Europe's best-preserved historic cities, a storybook skyline of spires, bridges and red rooftops rising above the River Vltava. Its heart is the medieval Old Town, centred on a grand square with the famous astronomical clock, linked by the statue-lined Charles Bridge to the Lesser Town and the great hilltop castle above. The compact centre is made for walking, though an efficient metro and tram network run by the city transport authority makes longer hops easy and cheap. Prague is also a beer city, home to some of the world's finest lagers poured for less than a coffee in many parts of the world. It draws big crowds, so early mornings and evenings reward you with quieter lanes and softer light, and a short walk from the main sights quickly leads to fair prices and local life.
Les attractions et expériences qui méritent votre temps — avec des prix justes.
A vast hilltop castle complex, said to be the largest ancient castle in the world, with a cathedral, palaces and lanes. The grounds are free to enter; a ticket covers the main buildings. Allow half a day.
The famous medieval stone bridge lined with statues, linking the Old Town with the castle side. Free to cross and busiest at midday, so come at dawn or after dark for space and better photos.
The grand central square ringed by pastel facades, the Gothic Tyn Church and cafes. Free to enjoy, though the terrace tables around it charge a premium for the setting.
The medieval clock on the Old Town Hall that puts on a small hourly show. Watching from the square is free; climbing the tower for the view over the rooftops is ticketed.
The historic Jewish quarter with several preserved synagogues and the moving old cemetery, usually covered by a combined museum ticket. A powerful and important half-day visit.
A boat trip on the river for classic views of the bridges and castle. Short sightseeing cruises are reasonable; longer dinner cruises cost more, so check what is included before booking.
A green hill above the Lesser Town with gardens, orchards and a lookout tower resembling a small Eiffel Tower. Walk up for free or take the funicular on a normal transport ticket.
Ce que paient les locaux — vérifiez une offre avant de payer en espèces.
The grounds are free to walk through; you only pay to enter the main buildings. Choose the shorter circuit if time is limited, and buy at the official ticket offices inside the complex.
One time-based ticket covers the metro, trams and buses for the whole window with transfers. A 24-hour or 72-hour pass is better value if you ride several times a day.
A city bus to a metro station and then the metro is by far the cheapest way into town. Buy a standard transport ticket that covers the whole journey, and allow extra time for luggage.
Local lager is famously cheap and excellent, often costing less than soft drinks. Prices right on the tourist squares are higher, so a short walk into side streets saves money.
Eat a street or two off the main squares for honest Czech food at fair prices. Check the menu for prices and any cover charge, and confirm whether items are priced per 100 grams.
Coffee is reasonable in ordinary cafes but marked up sharply on the main squares. Step one street back for a better price and a more local atmosphere.
Use a pre-booked transfer or a ride-hailing app for a fair, known price. Avoid unmarked drivers touting for fares at the airport, who often charge far above the going rate.
Comment ça fonctionne: Unofficial or unmarked taxis waiting at the airport, stations and tourist spots quote no meter or run a rigged one, then demand a hugely inflated fare, sometimes in euros at a poor rate.
Comment l'éviter: Book taxis through a reputable app or your hotel, insist on the meter, and know the rough fare in advance. Avoid cars touting for passengers, and note the plate and company before getting in.
Comment ça fonctionne: Street exchange booths advertise a tempting rate that applies only to large sums or add heavy fees, and card machines offer to charge you in your home currency at a poor built-in rate.
Comment l'éviter: Change money only at reputable offices that show the net rate you will receive, or use a bank ATM. When paying by card, always choose to be charged in Czech koruna, not your home currency.
Comment ça fonctionne: Some bars, especially near the tourist core, add items you did not order, charge inflated 'tourist' prices, or bring an unrequested round, producing a shocking bill enforced by staff.
Comment l'éviter: Check prices before ordering, keep track of what arrives, and ask for an itemised bill. Refuse and query anything you did not order, and choose busy places with clearly printed prices.
Comment ça fonctionne: Touts or a friendly local invite men to a club or bar, sometimes with a 'free drink' flyer. Inside, hostesses run up an enormous bill and staff pressure or intimidate you into paying.
Comment l'éviter: Ignore club touts and flyers, and be wary of strangers steering you to a specific venue. Choose your own bar, keep your tab visible, and leave if anything feels staged or aggressive.
Les vrais tarifs, pas les prix touristiques.
A city bus links the airport to the metro, which runs into the centre. The cheapest option on a standard transport ticket, with one easy change. Allow extra time with luggage.
A direct express coach connects the airport with the main railway station in the centre. Costs a little more than the local bus but is simpler with luggage.
A pre-booked transfer or ride-hailing app gives a fair, fixed price. Avoid unmarked drivers touting at the airport, who often charge far above the proper fare.
A clean, fast three-line metro covers the city and connects with trams and buses. Easy to use and cheap on time-based tickets, though many central sights are close together on foot.
An extensive tram network is scenic and handy for the hills up to the castle and across the river. The same time-based ticket covers trams, metro and buses.
The historic core is compact and full of pedestrian lanes, best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes help on the cobbles and the climb up to the castle.
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) bring mild, pleasant weather and thinner crowds than midsummer. July and August are warm and very busy, while winter is cold but atmospheric, especially around the Christmas markets.
Two to three days covers the Old Town, Charles Bridge, the castle and a river view at a comfortable pace, with time for a beer hall and a quieter neighbourhood.
No. Czechia uses the Czech koruna, not the euro. Pay in koruna, use ATMs rather than street exchange booths, and always choose koruna when a card machine offers your home currency.
It is cheaper than most of Western Europe, especially for food and beer, but prices right on the main tourist squares are inflated. A short walk into side streets brings fair local prices.
A city bus to the metro, then the metro, on a standard transport ticket is the cheapest option. An express bus to the main station is simpler with luggage, and pre-booked transfers avoid taxi scams.
The historic centre is compact and very walkable, with most sights close together. Cobbles and the castle hill can be tiring, so comfortable shoes and the odd tram ride help.