Holidays to Prague are big on old-town sights, buzzy squares and some of the best beer in Europe.
The City of a 100+ Spires
Okay, so it’s technically called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, but Prague’s skyline actually flexes over 500 of them. From the fairy-tale Prague Castle to the grand St Nicholas Cathedral, this city’s basically an open-air museum of different eras. Renaissance and Baroque buildings meet contemporary Cubist edges and Art Nouveau swirls. For the best photo op, head up the Petřín Lookout Tower. The city views are totally worth the 299 steps to the top.
Old vs new
Prague loves a mega main square – it’s got one in the old town and in the new town, so people-watching outside cafés and bars is so on. The Old Town Square’s home to an 80-metre-high church and the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. In Wenceslas Square, you’ll find the National Museum, the statue of St Wenceslas and a line-up of shops, cafés and nightclubs.
Arty babe
Art and culture are Prague’s main personality traits, with 800+ years of history and stories lining its cobbled streets. Ofc, there are the classic paintings and sculptures on display at places like St Agnes’ Convent, or you could just step outside and admire the street art. The John Lennon Wall is iconic – it’s giving Berlin Wall but make it Beatles’ themed. Check out the decades of graffiti and read all the different lyrics.
The Jewish Quarter
Prague’s Jewish Quarter – AKA Josefov – sits between the Old Town and the Vltava River. There’s a lot more to this area than just pretty streets – it’s packed with powerful history, from centuries-old synagogues to the Jewish Museum, where artefacts that survived WWII are still telling stories. Don’t miss the Spanish Synagogue, one of the prettiest in Europe – think golden-domed ceilings and ornate Arabic-inspired designs.
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) hit the sweet spot. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller and the city’s gardens and riverside spots are blooming and thriving. Summer (June to August) is lively with open-air concerts and beer gardens, but it’s also peak season, so expect more tourists and spennier prices. Winter (November to February) brings frosty vibes and festive Christmas markets – pack warm layers and get cosy with a mug of mulled wine.
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Prague FAQs
If you’re travelling from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, you can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days without a visa.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
Compared to other major European capitals, Prague is pretty budget-friendly. Beer is famously cheap, hearty meals aren’t spenny and public transport is super affordable. That said, prices in touristy areas (like Old Town Square) can be steeper. For better value, try local pubs (hospoda) or neighbourhood cafés a few streets away from the main attractions.
Totally. It’s safe, walkable and packed with things to do. Hostels and walking tours make it easy to meet people, and there’s a good mix of nightlife culture, and chill spots if you want to mix it up.
Yes, especially in restaurants, hotels and touristy areas. Czech is the local language, but English is understood in most places, particularly in central areas. Learning a few Czech phrases is always appreciated, though – even a simple “Děkuji” (thank you) goes a long way.
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Prague travel advice
Good to know
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter the Czech Republic but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Czech Republic using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/czech-republic/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Czech nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/czech-republic/health
Healthcare – Prague has a great healthcare system with plenty of pharmacies (look for the green cross signs) and clinics. Pharmacists can often help with minor health issues or recommend over-the-counter meds. Travel insurance is a must for non-EU visitors, as you may need to pay upfront for treatment. In emergencies, dial 112 – it works EU-wide.
Water – Tap water in Prague is perfectly safe to drink and widely available. Refill your bottle at the hotel or in restaurants to keep hydrated while sightseeing – especially in warmer months. Bottled water is sold everywhere, but you won’t need it unless you prefer sparkling.
Language
Czech is the official language of the Czech Republic, and in Prague, you’ll definitely hear it everywhere. That said, English is widely spoken in tourist hotspots, hotels, restaurants and museums. German is also fairly common, especially in more local areas. A friendly “dobrý den” (hello) goes a long way – locals really appreciate the effort.
Basic phrases
Here are some handy Czech phrases to have up your sleeve:
• Hello! How are you? – Dobrý den! Jak se máte?
• Thank you! – Děkuji!
• Excuse me, do you speak English? – Promiňte, mluvíte anglicky?
• How much does this cost? – Kolik to stojí?
Social norms and etiquette
Tipping – Tipping is expected in Prague, especially in restaurants and cafés. The standard is to round up the bill or leave around 10% in bars, and for taxis, just add a small tip if the service was good. Tour guides and hotel staff will appreciate a few extra koruna for great service.
Dress code – Prague style is smart-casual. Locals dress neatly even for casual outings, especially in the evening. Comfy shoes are a must for walking the cobbled streets, but ditch the tracksuits unless you’re heading to the gym, especially if you’re heading somewhere fancy. At religious and cultural sites, covered shoulders and respectful outfits are the way to go.
Money
Currency – Prague uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro – so you’ll need to swap your cash or pay by card.
Exchange – Avoid exchanging money on the street or at airports, as rates can be poor. Use reputable exchange offices in the city centre or withdraw koruna from an ATM for a fairer rate. Most hotels, shops and restaurants accept credit and debit cards.
Mobile payments – Contactless is huge in Prague. Apple Pay, Google Pay and card tap-to-pay are widely accepted almost everywhere – from metro tickets to beer halls. Smaller bakeries or market stalls might prefer cash, though, so it’s handy to carry a few coins or small notes just in case.
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