The Ultimate Guide to Prague
Dobrý den!
Prague is one of my favorite cities. My first visit was on a weekend in September 2017 while I was studying abroad in Milan, but two nights wasn’t nearly enough to experience it… So I made Prague the main destination of my college graduation trip in November 2019.
With its vast history, colorful architecture, and lively locals, there is so much to see. At least three full days are definitely needed to explore Prague.
WHEN TO VISIT:
I recommend visiting during the shoulder-season in April/May or September/October when the weather is mild, and there are much fewer tourists.
GETTING AROUND PRAGUE:
Walk! Prague is known as the “Paris of the East” and I couldn’t agree more. The best way to see and experience it all is by foot. I walked over 13 miles one of the days I was there—just think of all the trdelník (a popular cinnamon pastry you can find in any touristy spot) you can shamelessly eat when you’ve burned that many calories!
WHERE TO STAY:
Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel — I stayed in this five-star hotel for three nights on my last visit to Prague. The Augustine is located in the Lesser Town (the castle side of the river) which is the best area to stay in my opinion since it’s much less crowded than the Old Town. The hotel made up of several buildings including a 13th century Augustinian monastery that is still functioning today with four monks living there! You can even arrange a tour of the monastery and the library through the hotel. One morning when I was walking through the hotel’s courtyard, I could hear the monks singing.
“Bright and Cozy apartment” Airbnb — On my first visit to Prague I stayed at this Airbnb for two nights. It’s cute, charming, and located in a residential section which is perfect if you’re looking for a more local and affordable experience.
WHERE TO EAT:
IF Café III — Trendy cafe in a beautiful building in the Lesser Town. They also have two other locations in the city.
Černá Madona — Cubism (everything is shaped in cube form) cafe/restaurant in the Old Town.
Café Louvre — One of the most famous and oldest restaurants in Prague. Einstein and other famous figures were known to eat here! The food is pretty cheap but still really good, and the portions are huge!
Waffle Point U Kajetana — Really good trdelník and on one of the oldest and prettiest streets in the city (Nerudova Street).
Velkopřevorský Mlýn — Cute restaurant with all types of food in “Little Venice” by the John Lennon Wall.
MAITRE — Vegan/vegetarian restaurant with all different types of food in the Old Town. Check out my spicy goulash with dumplings (and a Pilsner beer).
Perníkový panáček — Cool gingerbread cookie shop with hundreds of cookies, and they make them right in front of you! Pro tip: if you want to find one of the best photo spots in Prague, turn around with Pernikovy panacek behind you, walk across the square and down the little hill.
Vegan’s Prague — Vegan/vegetarian restaurant in the Lesser Town with a rooftop overlooking the castle. Pictured below: eggplant-stuffed peppers and more goulash and beer!
WHAT TO DO:
Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock — As the name suggests, this is the main square in the Old Town. It’s usually packed with tourists but is a must-see. The Old Town Hall, the Týn Church, and the Astronomical Clock are all sights to see in the square. The medieval Astronomical Clock was mounted on the Old Town Hall in 1410, making it one of the oldest astronomical clocks in the world. Every hour on the hour from 9:00am to 11:00pm, the clock puts on a 45-second show called the Procession of the Apostles—its figures, which represent the four vices and four virtues, move around while the Death figure rings his bell twelve times. It’s kind of creepy but you gotta see it at least once.
Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Lubkowicz Palace — The 9th century castle complex is the largest in the world, so I recommend planning to spend several hours here. Take Nerudova Street to enter the castle’s east side for the prettiest and least crowded walk. You can choose a ticket package that determines which buildings you can enter. St. Vitus Cathedral is a must. It’s over one thousand years old, massive, and definitely one of the most extraordinary churches I’ve seen. If you’re visiting during the warmer seasons while the gardens are open, make sure you take a walk through. They are incredible and overlook the entire city. The Lubkowicz Palace is also on the castle grounds and houses the Lubkowicz family’s private art collection. It’s a beautiful museum with unique works and artifacts, including many of Mozart’s original manuscripts. There’s even a room dedicated to portraits of the family’s pets!
Charles Bridge — Prague’s oldest and most famous bridge. It’s pedestrian-only and connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town. Construction began in 1357 by Charles IV and was completed in 1402. The bridge is usually packed with tourists, so I recommend strolling across in the early morning or at night for the best photos.
“See colorful Prague with a fun local!” Walking Tour — I highly recommend this walking tour that you can book on Airbnb Experiences. The tour guide, Petr, is a professor from Prague and will teach and show you SO many incredible and interesting things about the city. You will learn things from him that you won’t be able to learn from anyone else. Book! This! Tour! Seriously.
Colloredo-Mansfeld Palace — A spot that Petr recommended that I otherwise probably would have never heard of. Although steps from the Charles Bridge in the Old Town, this place is basically unknown to tourists, so you will get an authentic and intimate experience to walk around rooms that have been basically untouched since the 1730s. The ballroom, which Mozart likely performed in, has beautiful frescoed ceilings and an incredible Baroque chandelier. The admission fee is 60 CZK which is equivalent to only about $2.60 USD! LIKE what?
Artisème — A beautifully curated Czech design store with local jewelry and decor directly behind the John Lennon Wall in the Maltese Embassy. I bought a ring here by Czech designer Janja Prokić.
Vzorkovna — A unique underground bar/club with super cheap drinks.
