What to Expect When Visiting Prague?

With its stunning architecture and cobblestone streets, Prague is a beautiful city brimming with culture and plenty of outdoor activities. Travelers flock to the romantic capital of the Czech Republic to experience the vibrant ambiance and explore the iconic sites. For those planning an upcoming trip to Prague, here’s just a few tips for what to expect when visiting.

What to Expect When Visiting Prague

Weather

The climate in Prague is four-seasonal, with hot summers and cool winters. During the summer months, temperatures range from 60-80° Fahrenheit (16-27° Celsius). Rain is plentiful, so come prepared if you plan to do outdoor activities. Winters in Prague are quite chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 20-30° Fahrenheit (-2- 3° Celsius). Be sure to bring warm clothes and footwear, as the cobblestone streets can get slippery.

Public Transportation

Integrated public transportation covers the entire city with a network of buses, trams, and subways. While ticket machines are in English, most of the announcements are in Czech, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the different lines in advance. You can also buy comprehensive transport passes that cover all three systems.

Food & Drinks

Prague is known for its variety of traditional Czech cuisine including knedlíky (dumplings), svíčková na smetaně (beef and vegetable stew) and goulash (beef and potato stew). Prices for food in Prague are cheaper than most European cities, especially outside of tourist zones. Beer is also one of the most popular drinks in Prague due to its low price and good quality.

Currency

The local currency in Prague is Czech Crowns (Kč). To avoid ATM fees or credit card fees, it’s best to bring a few hundred euros or US dollars upon arrival to exchange if necessary. ATMs are quite common throughout the city and major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at most tourist spots.

Language

The majority of the population speaks Czech, so you may find it difficult to communicate. Learning at least some basic words or phrases like “thank you” and “hello” can go a long way towards helping you get around Prague’s attractions. Many restaurants also offer English-language menus so people who don’t speak Czech can still enjoy the local cuisine.

Entertainment & Sightseeing

Prague has a rich history and countless attractions to explore. Famous sites like Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are must-sees as they offer unique views of both old and new Prague. In addition to monuments, there are also dozens of markets scattered throughout the city selling artisan crafts and local souvenirs. For nightlife, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs offering a great variety of music, drinks, and people watching.

Overall Thoughts

Visiting Prague will be a memorable experience due to its stunning architecture, friendly locals and affordable prices. Whether you want to visit historical sites or its vibrant nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Pack your bags and get ready for a once in a lifetime adventure!

If you want to get an extensive overview about what to expect when visiting Prague, I recommend you to check out this great guide about Visiting Prague written by the travel bloggers The Crazy Loca that have visited multiple time already. I personally read it before heading to Prague and had a great time there due to their tips.

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Prague

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically significant cities. The city is known for its stunning architecture, cultural experiences, flavorful food, and much more. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a food enthusiast, Prague has something to offer everyone.

The Main Attractions

Prague’s main attractions are known across the world, and for a good reason, some like:

– Prague Castle: This grand castle complex is the biggest castle in the world, and it features several buildings with historical significance dating back to the 9th century.
– Charles Bridge: Dating back to the 14th century, Charles Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge featuring historical statues, offering beautiful views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
– Old Town Square: This square should be your first stop when exploring Prague. It’s home to the iconic Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, and the bustling market.
– Wenceslas Square: Named for the patron saint of Bohemia, Wenceslas Square is a hub of activity and is lined by shops and restaurants.

The Best Dining Spots

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Czech cuisine or just somewhere to grab a quick bite, Prague has got you covered. Here are a few of the best places to try while you’re in the city:

– Lokál Dlouhááá: A popular local spot where you can try traditional Czech dishes such as roasted pork and dumplings.
– Eska: A modern restaurant that serves contemporary takes on Czech cuisine and traditional bread.
– Mlejnice: Known for its homey atmosphere and cozy booths, Mlejnice is an excellent spot to try traditional Czech dishes. Try their famous “svickova” beef dish, or Czech goulash with dumplings.
– Café Savoy: This elegant brasserie serves deliciously authentic Czech cuisine, and a great place to get a taste of the city’s best pastries.

Cultural Experiences

Prague boasts a rich cultural history, and it offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Some cultural attractions to add to your itinerary include:

– The National Museum: This impressive museum houses several exhibitions showcasing Czech history, including archeology, arts, and science.
– The Jewish Quarter: This area was once a bustling hub of Jewish life in Prague, and it’s now home to several cultural attractions including the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Museum in Prague.
– The National Theatre: This grand building is one of the country’s most significant cultural institutions and is renowned for its opera, ballet, and drama performances.
– The Dancing House: This unique building represents a pair of dancers, and it’s an architectural masterpiece that has become a famous cultural destination.

Local History

Prague has a rich and varied history, and exploring the city’s past can be fascinating. You can visit:

– The Prague Castle complex: It sits atop a high hill and has served as the seat of Czech rulers for over a thousand years.
– Josefov: This area was once the Jewish ghetto during Nazi occupation, and it has multiple synagogues dedicated to the city’s Jewish history.
– The Museum of Communism: This museum features exhibitions showcasing life during the Communist era in Czechoslovakia.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those looking to venture off the main tourist path and explore a bit of local life, some suggestions include:

– Vyšehrad: This medieval fortress has a church and a beautiful park overlooking the city.
– The Petřín Lookout Tower: This 63.5-meter tower rewards those who climb with fantastic panoramic views of Prague.
– Letná Park: A big park filled with locals on sunny days, Letná offers a great view of Prague Castle and the Vltava River.
– The Žižkov Television Tower: Arguably the wackiest tower you’ll ever see, its observation deck offers panoramic views of the city.

End the guide with a section on how to navigate the city’s transportation system and any practical tips visitors should know to make the most of their time in this fantastic city.