Country: Czech Republic (Prague is the capital)

Languages Spoken: Czech but English is widely spoken, atleast in the major tourist attractions.

Currency: Czech Koruna ( 1 Euro = 25,78 CZK)

By Air:

The largest and best-connected airport in Czech Republic is without doubt your best bet. Located approximately 9 miles (15 km) away from Prague’s city centre the Prague Ruzyne Airport (Václav Havel Airport Prague) has good connections into the city centre and the transfer takes about 30 mins.

You can get more information on airport transfers here.

By Train :

If you’re flying into another European destination, we suggest getting a train from any of these destinations ( Vienna, Budapest or Bratislava ) to Prague Central Railway Station.

Vienna Central Station to Prague with the ÖBB takes around 4 hours.

Budapest Keleti railway station to Prague takes about 7-8 hours.

Bratislava hl. Station to Prague takes about 4 hours. You can book your ticket on the Czech railway website.

By Road :

You can easily drive to Prague from its close neighbours. Make sure to get a toll vignette for your car. You can get them online here.

If your hotel doesn’t have a parking, there are plenty of public parking lots, just make sure to book a slot ahead, since they fill up pretty quick during the peak season and on weekends.

In our opinion Prague really is one of those places that you need to explore at your own pace, to soak it all in. Moreover, it really is a fantastic place to just go and get lost in.

We spent 3 days in Prague and we did actually get to see a lot and taste some amazing beer and food. 3-4 days in Prague is hence the ideal minimum.

Prague has typical European weather where it’s hot in the summer ( mid – June to mid – September) and cooler the rest of the year. So it’s always wise to pack accordingly. However we do recommend bringing really comfortable walking shoes – coz’ believe us when we say, you will be walking A LOT. And cobble stone streets, as pretty as they are, aren’t the most comfortable to walk on.

Now talking about the walking brings us to this next important question, and like we mentioned before one of the best ways to explore Prague is on foot. The city is not as big as you might think and its main attractions are infact pretty close to one another. But if that’s not your jam, Prague’s efficient public transportation system has you covered.

You can choose from the Metro (the fastest and easiest way to get around Prague), Trams -including those iconic red and white ones (our personal favourite, since you can see the city as you travel) and ofcourse Buses ( a good alternative to visit the neighbouring towns of Terezín or Karlovy Vary cheaply).

You can buy the public transportation tickets at most Metro stations, however make sure to validate them when you get on your ride.

NOTE : The Petrin Funicular is included if you take a public transportation ticket for 24 hrs or 72 hrs.

For more information on the prices, schedules and Travel Cards click here.

Staying in a centrally located hotel is of utmost importance if you want to maximise your travel experience. In Prague it means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time exploring the UNESCO World Heritage city, wandering the medieval streets and enjoying the fairytale atmosphere that places Prague on the world map.

We stayed at the NYX Hotel Prague, located an easy 10 mins walk away from the Prague Old Town Square (Staré Město pražské) and would totally stay here again.

The first thing you see when you walk into the property through its automatic doors (which are locked for safety after 10 pm, but don’t let that fact keep you from a party or enjoying Prague’S vibrant night life, you can open them by scanning your room keys) is the artsy and modest lobby with a sort of spotlight in the centre. The reception staff were super friendly and helpful (gave us a city map and marked the main attractions, nearby tram and metro stations and also directed us to a good currency exchange centre) at all times of the day. Our room was located on the fourth floor and what we found extra nice was the fact that the door to our corridor could only be opened with the keys to the 10 rooms in our corridor. That meant a lot of privacy and less noise from random people in the hallway. The room itself was cosy and modest and came with a TV, a wardrobe, a small coffee bar, free Wifi, air conditioning, a large king size bed and daily housekeeping. The bathroom was clean and came with a shower. The breakfast spread (which needs to be booked in advance) was decent. There’s an Asian restaurant in the building as well. The hotel however didn’t have guest parking, but there was a public lot right across the street.(Make sure to book a spot in advance though).

You can book your NYX Experience here.

So now that we have all the HOW’S covered, let’s get moving.

Day 1 – The Old Town, Charles Bridge and Sunset at Letná Park

Okay, let’s start with a tip in mind : If you’re visiting Prague during the peak season or even during its popular Christmas Markets, chance is you will be lost in the sea of people at these major attractions. So we recommend that you start your day super early, because it’s totally worth having the city pretty much all to yourself.

Start the day with sunrise at Charles Bridge –

Charles Bridge is an absolutely stunning structure connecting Mala Strana (Little Quarter) and Stare Mesto (The Old Town) and was built sometime in the 14^th Century. Our top tip though is to head to the bridge just before sunrise and wait. It is much quieter with only a handful of people and the sunrise here was one of the best city sunrises we have watched till date and the way the sky was painted all shades of pink is unforgettable. You can also visit the Charles Bridge Tower later in the day. Infact legend has it that if you rub the plaque on the statue of John of Nepomuk (that has been polished to a shine by many people who have touched it over the centuries) three times, you will one day return to Prague.

Now once you have taken in the sunrise, it’s time to make your way to the old town.

The Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock –

You haven’t really been to Prague unless you’ve stepped foot in its most recognisable square, the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)!

The Square has been Prague’s heart since the 12th century and it’s a treat to take in the beautiful architecture of the well preserved buildings here.

The major attraction is of course the Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj). Located in the tower of the Old Town Hall, this intriguing gem of Prague has been attracting visitors to marvel at its hourly Procession of the Apostles for over 600 years. First installed in 1410, it’s the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world. But while you’re watching the procession don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the spooky dancing skeleton that pulls the bell chain and represents death! This amazing timepiece not only keeps track of the day, week and month but also Babylonian time.

Legend has it, that the clockmaker Hanuš was blinded on order of the Prague Councillers so that he could not repeat his work. He in turn took revenge by disabling the clock and no one could fix it for the next 100 years. In 1552 it was repaired by Jan Táborský. The figures of the Apostles and the golden rooster were added in subsequent repairs. You can visit the Old Town Hall and climb the Astronomical Tower for some beautiful views.

Opening Hours – Monday 11:00-20:00; Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-20:00

Entry fee : 250 CZK/ adult (The entrance fee includes also the entry to the Old Town Hall’s chapel, historical halls and medieval underground.)

Other remarkable structures in the old town include the Church of Our Lady Upon Tyn (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem) , the Jan Hus Monument (Pomník Mistra Jana Husa) and the Goltz Kinsky Palace (palác Kinských) with its beautiful Rococo facades.

Once you are done marvelling at the medieval wonders in the old town square, fill your tummies with some breakfast.

Get Lost in Time at the the Clementinum (Klementinum) –

A very underrated Prague attraction, at Klementinum you’ll be able to follow in the footsteps of Galileo and Kepler at the Astronomical Tower (not to be confused with the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square).

Visiting the Astronomical Tower at Klementinum can only be done via a guided tour which is definitely worth the 45 minutes for your time. The tour also allows you access to the Meridian Hall and Baroque Library Hall, which is considered the most beautiful library in the world (keep in mind you won’t be allowed to take photos in there though, unfortunately).

From the 68m tall tower you can get 360 views over the city’s terracotta rooftops, the Charles Bridge, The Church of Our Lady Upon Tyn & Old Town Hall Tower, Prague Castle and Petrin Tower in the distance.

A Klementinum Guided Tour costs around 300 CZK per adult.

Get Another Phenomenal view over the Rooftops of Prague at the Vrtba Gardens –

One of several fine High Baroque gardens in the Czech capital, the Vrtba Garden is situated on the slope of Petřín Hill, in the Malá Strana section of the city. Studded with beautiful plantations, the highlight certainly are the incredible views from the very top of the garden. This is definitely worth a visit when in Prague.

The gardens are open daily (April – October) from 10am – 7 pm

Entry fee : 100 CZK/ adult

The Garden climb ought to work up an appetite, so we headed for lunch and a quick nap before our next stop.

Spend the Evening in the New Town (Nové Město)

With many points of interest, it’s well worth spending a couple of hours in the new town of Prague. This is also where you will find a lot of stores to shop from.

Check out the Powder Tower (Prašná brána) – Darkened with age, this tower dates back to the 15th century and is one of the few medieval gates that remain in Prague today (there were originally 13 gates and a moat safeguarding the old city). In the 18th century the tower was used to store gunpowder, hence its name.

From the Powder Tower, walk down picturesque Na Prikope street and turn left down towards Wenceslas Square. From the proclamation of independence of Czechoslovakia to Nazi demonstrations, violent protests, mysterious assassinations and coloured revolutions, Wenceslas Sqaure has seen many events throughout Prague’s turbulent history. The Jan Palach memorial can also be found here.

Right Opposite the Wenceslas Square (in the direction of the central station) you will find the Prague National Museum (Národní muzeum). If you’re a history and art lover, then don’t hesitate to visit.

Opening Hours : daily 9.00 am to 18.00 pm. Entry Fee : 300 CZK/ Adult

You need to pre book your tickets online here.

Heading back towards the Old Town, visit the Lucerna Passage to see the the sculpture of a man riding an upside down horse dangling from the dome ceiling. This sculpture is said to be a mockery of the statue of King Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square.

If you’re adventurous, you can continue the hunt for more funky statues in Prague. There certainly are plenty – from the mysterious hanging man, urinating men and giant babies, there’s no dearth of choice (more on that later).

Keep going down street to see the chunky Cubist Lamp post. Tucked away in a small square, apparently it’s the only one of its kind in the world.

Another stop worth mentioning is the Old Havelské tržiště Market (Havel’s Market), a place buy some souvenirs and fresh local produce.

Board the Tram to Letná Park for Sunset

Board the tram connection to Letná park from Václavské Náměstí.

The sunset views from Letná Park over the Vltava are unarguably some of the best in Prague. The park is also a lively beer garden with plenty of drinks options and lively music. It’s the best place to unwind after a day full of exploring.

As the sun slowly disappeared, we made our way back into town and went to dinner.

Day 2 – The Prague Castle Complex, Gardens below Prague Castle, Malá Strana, Vyšehrad, Boating in the Vltava and Kampa Park

After Breakfast at our hotel, we started out day by visiting the Prague Castle.

The Prague Castle Complex

Towering high over the medieval old town below, the district of Hradčany (Castle District) is one for the culture and heritage lovers and is a must for any Prague itinerary. The Prague Castle may be the obvious attraction here but there are a few other stops in the Castle complex that we recommend you “Czech” out.

Boasting over 1,000 years of history, the Castle Complex is part of the Historic Centre of Prague listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural and cultural significance. Within the complex you can visit:

• Old Royal Palace • The Story of Prague Castle Exhibition • St George’s Basilica • Treasury of St Vitus Cathedral • Golden Lane • Picture Gallery • Powder Tower • St Vitus Cathedral • Rosenberg Palace

The ticket that covers all sights above is the “Circuit A” which costs 350 CZK/ Adult. Tickets are valid for two days. Opening hours vary depending on the season and building type within the castle complex. You can check Prague Castle’s official website for the full details to help you plan your visit.

You can also purchase tickets for the more popular Circuit B (which is what we took) that covers:

• St Vitus Cathedral • Old Royal Palace • St George’s Basilica • Golden Lane, with a skip-the-line option available for a little extra cost! The regular ticket cost us 250 CZK.

The grandiose St Vitus Cathedral with its incredible stained glass windows and the colourful Golden Lane (the name is derived from the Goldsmiths that once lived there) were our favourites besides the palace itself.

You can walk to the Castle from the Old Town Square in about 20-30 mins. However if that’s not for you, catch the Tram no 22 that goes to the Castle.

Tip : The tram does the most touristy circuit and gets awfully busy. So please take care of your belongings to avoid getting pick-pocketed.

And once at the entrance, you can’t miss the dressed up guards with guns and cast-iron gates.

The Palace Gardens below Prague Castle ( Palácové zahrady pod Pražským hradem )

An often overlooked gem of a place is this garden located on the southern slopes below Prague Castle in Malá Strana, that’s a couple minutes walk down from the castle.

This is a complex of interconnected historical gardens, namely the Ledebour, Small and Great Palffy and Small Fürstenberg Gardens. All of these palatial terrace gardens are rich in architectural beauty and have decorative staircases, balustrades, scenic terraces, garden-houses and pavilions carefully integrated into the vegetation to create a picturesque whole.

This was one of our most favourite spots in Prague.

Opening Times : 10am – 18.00 pm

Entry Fee : 100CZK/ Adult

Walking further down from the gardens you come to the heart of Malá Strana.

Explore Malá Strana (The Lesser Town) and the John Lenon Wall –

Honestly speaking, we have no idea how this quarter of the town is lesser in anyway than the rest. Lined by beautiful buildings and some traditional and authentic Czech Cuisine restaurants, this was our favourite place to hang out for a Czech beer, two or more!

When in Malá Strana, do not  miss out visiting the colourful John Lennon Wall. Built as a memorial, it received its first decoration connected to John Lennon, a symbol of freedom, western culture, and political struggle, following the 1980 assassination of John Lennon when an unknown artist painted a single image of the singer-songwriter and some lyrics. Also make a stop at the beautiful St.Nicholas Church.

Malá Strana is also a great spot to grab lunch and relax, and we did just that before exploring further.

check out the Vyšehrad Quarter–

Located a short tram ride away from the Old Town is the quarter of Vyšehrad, which according to ancient legends, is the oldest seat of Czech princes and was supposedly established in the mid-10 th century.

Situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, it offers stunning views of the city, and the park area holds hidden architectural treasures including the rare Romanesque Rotunda of St Martin, the neo-Gothic Church of St Peter and St Paul and the national cemetery Slavín.

We came here primarily for the stunning views, but fell more in love with the architecture of the neo-gothic church! And soon it was time for the final stop of the day.

Boating in the Vltava and Relaxing at Kampa Park –

Sunset boating by the Charles Bridge was undoubtedly the most romantic part of our 3 day Prague trip. The views are gorgeous, there are birds flying home and you get to skip the long afternoon queues to rent a boat.

There are a couple of Boating services available close to the Charles Bridge offering both paddle and row boats. We took a paddle boat that cost us about 300 CZK for an hour’s ride.

Alternatively you can take a sunset cruise/ rent a private small boat with a captain at your service.

We ended the evening relaxing at Kampa Park, a small garden island on the Vltava. Don’t miss the row of yellow penguins when there.

Day 3 – The Paternoster Elevators at the New City Hall, The Tunnel of Books at the Municipal Library, The Dancing House, Rotating Head of Franz Kafka and the Petřín Lookout Tower.

The New City Hall and the Paternoster Elevators –

We started our day at the New City Hall (not to be mistaken for the new town hall) visiting the Elevator of Death aka the Paternoster Elevators. They are passenger elevators which consists of a chain of open compartments (each usually designed for two persons) that move slowly in a loop up and down inside a building without stopping. Passengers can step on or off at any floor they like.

Although they have the elevators in various parts of Europe, only very few are accessible to the public and this was our first experience in one. We totally recommend the experience to you too.

PS: The New City Hall is an official building and therefore please be respectful to the people working there and those coming there for official matters whilst you’re visiting.

The Municipal Library and the Tower of Books

Located right next to the new city hall is the municipal library of Prague. While its collections include the printed copy of the old Prague Bible, the reason you must visit is the tunnel of books. The tower of books with strategically placed mirrors give the appearance of a never ending spiral of knowledge, and is something you have got to check out for yourselves.

Another aspect to Prague that you will straight away notice (or just as easily miss altogether) is the fact that the city has quirky architecture and figurines all around. Be that the two men peeing into a pool in front of the Franz Kafka Museum, the big creepy babies crawling in Kampa Park, the Statue of King Wenceslas Riding an Upside-Down Dead Horse (what we mentioned previously) or Sigmund Freud (rather his statue) hanging out like he is about to commit suicide, there is certainly no dearth of them in the city!

But our personal favourites are those in our opinion, the ones you SHOULDN’T MISS!

The Dancing House

The Dancing House or rather Fred and Ginger (after the dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – the house resembles a pair of dancers), is the nickname given to the building on the Rašínovo nábřeží (Rašín Embankment) in Prague. It was designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry and was completed in 1996.

The non-traditional design was controversial at the time because the house stands out among the Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau buildings for which Prague is famous.

Two floors of the building were renovated into a 21-room hotel by Luxury Suites . The Ginger & Fred Restaurant now operates on the seventh floor. There is now a glass bar on the eighth floor. The building which also houses an art gallery is a must see when in Prague.

Rotating Head of Franz Kafka

This outdoor sculpture by David Černý depicting Bohemian German-language writer Franz Kafka is installed outside the Quadrio shopping centre in Prague. The kinetic sculpture is 11 metres tall and made of 42 individually motorised rotating panels that in a particular alignment form the face of a man. The Metalmorphosis as they call it, is pretty cool to watch and I totally recommend you stop by.

Petřín Lookout Tower (Petřínská rozhledna)

Our next stop in Prague was the Petřín Lookout Tower on Petřín Hill. We took the funicular up and down the hill due to lack of time (we totally recommend taking the funicular up and walking down if you have the time to enjoy some beautiful views). The tickets to the funicular are included with the 24hr and 72hr public transportation tickets.

Built as part of the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891 as a loose copy inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the tower is 58.70 metres high with 299 steps leading to its peak, which is at the same altitude as the real Eiffel Tower. The tower offers some incredible views over the city all the way to the horizon on a clear day. The Petřín Hill also houses a Mirror Maze that was built as part of the exhibition and is a super fun visit, especially for children.

The Jewish Quarter

Our last stop in Prague was the Jewish Quarter. This is such a beautiful part of the city and one you shouldn’t miss when in Prague.

The structure that particularly caught our attention was the Spanish Synagogue, that’s as beautiful inside as it is outside. It can be visited on a guided tour that you can book at the counter.

Back in the city centre, we treated ourselves to one last Trdelník with ice cream  before driving back home.

We will be back soon though!