The capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague has to be one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Europe. There's the incomparable Old Town, with its famous landmarks like its Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, as well as a wealth of other things to do across the rest of the city.
In fact, Prague is a great choice no matter what sort of trip you're after, from a family holiday to a fun-filled group holiday with mates. And it's one of those places that can be visited throughout the year, even during winter when Prague's famous Christmas markets make their appearance. Find all the best and cheapest Prague holiday deals right here.
Even if you've been to Prague before, we'd always recommend reacquainting yourself with the latest holiday tips. We've included all the information you might need, from the best time to visit Prague to how you can get to and around the city.
Here are our top Prague holiday tips.
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour 55 minutes
Main airport: Vaclav Havel Airport Prague
Population: 1.4 million
Language: Czech
Currency: Czech koruna
Socket types: Types C and E (adapter required)
Time zone: Central European Time; 1 hour ahead of the UK
Like many popular destinations in Europe, Prague is one of those cities that can be visited all year round. However, if you have particular weather or events in mind, here is a breakdown of Prague's seasons.
🌸 Spring: This is a great time to be in Prague, as the weather is gradually getting warmer and the city's parks and gardens will be in bloom. You'll also find better availability and cheaper holiday prices during spring, with the exception of the long Easter weekend, which is always very popular.
☀️ Summer: With hot weather and a range of festivals and events going on, summer is the most popular time to be in Prague. Expect many fellow holidaymakers and more expensive holiday prices. If this is when you plan to visit, make sure you book your flights, accommodation and activities well in advance.
🍁 Autumn: Autumn is a lovely period to be in Prague, with autumnal colours bringing out the best of the city. The weather is still pretty mild in September and October, and holiday prices will be much more reasonable after the summer crowds have left.
❄️ Winter: Despite the cold, snowy weather, winter is a pretty popular time to be in Prague, especially during the run up to Christmas. This is due to the city's excellent Christmas markets. If you're willing to brave the cold, a winter holiday here is wonderful, where sightseeing in the cold can quickly be remedied by stopping in cosy cafes and pubs.
With a flight time of just under 2 hours, most UK holidaymakers choose to fly to Prague. A number of UK cities offer direct flights to Prague, including London, Bristol, Belfast, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Manchester. More flights may be added according to seasonal demand. British Airways operates this route, as do many low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air.
Once you get to Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, which is located about 7 miles from the city centre, there are a few options for getting to central Prague. The easiest option is taking the Airport Express (AE) bus, which connects the airport and Prague's main train station. Another affordable option is catching a local bus to the nearest Metro station: catch bus 119 to the Nadrazi Veleslavin stop, where you can hop on the Metro A line, or take bus 100 to the Zlicin stop, which connects to Metro B. If you're happy to splash out a little more, private transfers are also available from the airport.
Once you're in Prague, the good news is that much of the city's biggest landmarks are located in or close to Stare Mesto, Prague's Old Town. That means you'll be able to get to most places on foot. However, if you need to get further afield or if the weather simply isn't playing along, Prague has an affordable and efficient public transport system.
For simplicity, this consists of the metro, trams and buses. You can buy tickets on buses and trams, as well as at ticket machines located in metro stations and at the bigger bus and tram stops. You'll buy a ticket based on its length of validity, ranging from 30 minutes to one month. During that time period, you'll be able to make unlimited changes within the transport system. Just remember to validate your ticket at a yellow box; tickets bought on buses and trams are automatically validated.
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Prague is a large city filled with a variety of neighbourhoods, and each one of these has its own unique offerings and benefits. When you pick an area to be your holiday base in Prague, you should consider what's important to you, like activities, proximity to major attractions, the food scene and the overall vibe.
Here are some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Prague:
Stare Mesto (Old Town): As central as you can get, Prague's Old Town is the most iconic neighbourhood to stay in, especially for first-time visitors. You'll be super close to all the main attractions, including Old Town Square, the Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge. Because of this, it's very popular so you can expect higher prices to stay here, especially during peak holiday periods.
Mala Strana (Lesser Town): The area below Prague Castle, Lesser Town is another charming and central choice, with cobblestone streets, baroque buildings and a romantic vibe. If you love architecture and views, this is the neighbourhood for you.
Nove Mesto (New Town): As the name suggests, Prague's New Town may be more modern but it still contains important landmarks like Wenceslas Square and Na Prikope Street, a lively shopping street. Nove Mesto is filled with affordable accommodation options and you'll have easy access to public transport.
Vinohrady: A great option for families and those looking for a quieter neighbourhood, Vinohrady is known for its tree-lined streets, parks and relaxed atmosphere. You'll also find a good selection of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants.
Hradcany: Situatred right next to Prague Castle, Hradcany is an elegant and quiet neighborhood. If Hradcany is your base, you'll be within walking distance of sights like the castle, St Vitus Cathedral and other attractions.
Smichov: You'll find Smichov on the west bank of the Vltava River. If you love picking an up-and-coming neighbourhood, Smichov is the place to be and offers affordable accommodation options. Plus you'll have access to the most exciting restaurants and bars, while Kinsky Park is nearby, which is a great spot for a stroll.
There are many reasons behind Prague's never-ending appeal as a city break destination. But one of these reasons has to be the sheer amount of things to do in the city. No matter what you're into or who you're travelling with, there'll always be numerous activities or places to choose from.
Although it's genuinely difficult to only pick a few, here are some of our top things to do in Prague.
Explore Prague's Old Town
Take advantage of a free walking tour of Prague
Stroll along the Charles Bridge
Find a hidden gem at Vysehrad Castle
Spend a half-day at Prague Castle
Marvel at the view from Petrin Hill
Pause at the John Lennon Wall
Stop by the Dancing House
Sail away on a boat cruise of the Vltava
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Prague?
A: If you have a British passport, you'll be able to visit Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you're planning to visit other countries in the Schengen area, make sure that the entire holiday doesn't exceed the 90 days. Always stay up to date with the latest entry requirements.
Q: Is Prague safe for tourists?
A: While Prague is considered to be a safe destination for holidaymakers, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Always remain vigilant of your surroundings and belongings.
Q: What is the tipping etiquette in Prague?
A: 10% of the total bill is expected in restaurants. When riding in taxis, it's customary to round up to the nearest koruna.
Q: Is Prague expensive?
A: Actually, Prague is considered to be one of the cheaper holiday destinations in Europe. This is generally the case for most accommodation, restaurant meal and grocery prices, although these prices might be higher in peak tourist seasons and in hotspots.
Q: Which dishes should I try in Prague?
A: If you're there during the colder months and crave something hearty, try goulash (a meat stew) or svickova (a beef dish served with a creamy sauce). For something sweet, try the ever-popular trdelnik, rolled pastry that's coated in sugar or a variety of other sweet toppings.
Q: What are the most popular day trips from Prague?
A: There are quite a few options, but most holidaymakers opt for Kutna Hora, Cesky Krumlov or Karlstejn Castle.
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