Prague is what I once saw described as a “medieval metropolis” by the person who made the claim. The Czech Republic’s capital does not have glass buildings or well-connected roadways, unlike many other capitals.
Prague’s architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries is so well-preserved that entering it is almost like entering a time machine.
The city of Prague is adept at surprising visitors. As you explore its stunning medieval center, you’ll come across both picturesque views from a storybook and thought-provoking street art.
Small, poorly lit passageways at night may lead to enormous, sociable beer halls, while raucous music clubs may be concealed behind opulent Art Deco facades.
Whatever brought you to the colorful capital of the Czech Republic, it’s important not to be taken completely by surprise.
It is not surprising that Prague draws so many tourists each year.
However, I should caution you about visiting this city because of my previous trip to Prague. There are some unstated rules and a certain cultural shock that I encountered when I first arrived here, which I could have avoided had I done more research.
Here are 7 Things To Know Before Visiting Prague
1. Prague Affordability
The Czech Koruna, or CZK, is the unit of money in Prague. At the moment, 10 CZK is worth USD 0.46 and 1 USD is worth K21.71 CZK.
Here are the average costs for travelers in USD:
Accommodation
- If you can’t afford these high summer rates, think about traveling during the off-season as lodging in Prague varies quite a bit with the seasons.
- The typical cost of a hotel stay is about $190 for a 3-star hotel and $275 for a 4-star establishment.
- Prague is home to some excellent 5-star hotels with average nightly rates of around $350. The Grand Mark is the perfect place to live if you’ve always wanted to. Prague is housed in a palace from the 17th century, and hotel rooms there cost between $330 to $9000 a night.
- If you’re on a tight budget, a bed in a dorm at a hostel in Prague will cost you between $15 and $25, or between $50 and $80 for a private room with an ensuite bathroom.
Food
- A three-course supper for two at a midrange restaurant costs about $55.
- Expect to pay around $10 for a basic supper at a cheap restaurant.
- A cappuccino costs roughly $3, and a beer is priced between $2 and $3.
Transportation
- Prague has fantastic public transport. You can get anywhere you need to go using trains, trams, or buses. For a 30-minute trip (including transfers), tickets cost $1.40. You may also purchase a pass for 24 or 72 hours for $5.50 or $15.
- Taxi fares begin at $2 and increase by $2.20 every mile. There is also Uber, which is often less expensive.
- Bike tours are a great way to see Prague. Rekola and Nextbike, two bike-share providers, offer bikes across the city for roughly $1.40 every half-hour.
2. Top Attractions in Prague
There are so many amazing things to do, see, and eat in Prague. Here are a handful of the top attractions in the city that you simply must see:
- Prague Castle was erected around 870 and comprises more than 700 rooms. It is situated in the heart of Prague’s historic district. The crown jewels, important artifacts, and other historical records are kept in the 18-acre castle. On their own or with a guide, visitors can tour the castle.
- National Museum – The National Museum in Prague houses more than 2,000 exhibits with more than 14 million artifacts. The structure was recently shuttered but has now undergone major renovations.
- Astronomical clock – The Old Town Square is home to this 15th-century clock, which is a famous tourist destination. Figures of the 12 Apostles parade past on the hour every hour.
3. Culture And Etiquette In Prague
Before your vacation, check this list! The main Prague Dos and Don’ts are listed below.
- DO show respect by removing your hat and sunglasses before entering a church, museum, or other historically significant building, and refrain from climbing on statues and monuments.
- Remember to bring a water bottle: Prague has public drinking fountains all across the city, and the tap water is safe to drink. To reduce the amount of plastic waste, bring your refillable bottle.
- DON’T STAND TO THE RIGHT: If you’re using an escalator, make sure to stand to the right so that walkers can pass you on the left.
- AVOID wasting time in lines To prevent long lineups, purchase your tickets in advance for major tourist attractions.
- DO take a Czech course: Travelling is always a challenge.
4. How Safe Is It For Tourists?
It is very safe to travel to Prague. To ensure their safety when visiting, visitors should nevertheless bear the following in mind:
- Be on the lookout for thieves; in Prague, pickpocketing and small-time theft is the most frequent crimes that visitors run against. At crowded intersections and tourist destinations, keep your valuables close by.
- Purchase tickets from the venue: On the street, several con artists try to sell bogus tickets for shows and attractions. Always buy tickets directly from the supplier to avoid being duped.
- Learn how to make a help call: You can access emergency services by dialing 112.
- Purchase Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can assist with covering the costs of any travel accidents during your vacation to Prague as well as in the event of a medical emergency.
5. Local Eats And Drinks
- Prague is a wonderful location to indulge in delectable cuisine. Try a few of these time-honored favorites.
- Koleno is a large chunk of pig knuckle that is often served with a dipping sauce after being slow-roasted for hours with herbs and beer.
- Knedliky is savory dumplings made of potato or bread that are frequently eaten with meat dishes.
- Crispy potato pancakes known as bramborak are typically consumed for lunch.
- Utopenci is a well-liked pub food consisting of banger, onion, and pepper that goes well with Czech beer.
6. How’s the WiFi?
The average internet speeds in Prague for April 2023, as measured by the internet speed testing agency Ookla, were 59.93 Mbps download and 17.54 Mbps upload.
7. How Long Can I Stay?
Americans traveling to the Czech Republic can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days without needing a visa. Passports need to have at least six months of validity past the date of departure and contain a minimum of 2 blank pages.
Consider taking a day excursion from Prague at least once if you want to get away from the rush and bustle of the city and learn more about what else Prague has to offer. Esk Krumlov and Kutna Hora are a couple of the most popular day trips from the Czech Republic.
