Prague Travel Guide 2026
A fairy-tale old town, castle views over the Vltava, and some of Europe’s cheapest world-class beer.
Search flightsWhy Prague
Prague’s old town survived World War II largely intact, which means the astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and the castle complex overlooking the Vltava River all feel genuinely medieval rather than reconstructed. Add in beer that’s both excellent and remarkably cheap, and it’s an easy city to fall for.
What to know before you go
Czechia is in the Schengen Area (euro is not used — the currency is the Czech Koruna). Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Best time to visit
April-May and September-October offer mild weather and noticeably thinner crowds than the July-August peak, when the old town’s narrow streets get genuinely packed.
Getting there
Václav Havel Airport Prague has good connections across Europe, especially on budget carriers, making it an easy weekend-trip destination.
Getting around
The old town, castle district, and most major sights are walkable from a central base. The metro and tram network handles anything further out efficiently and cheaply.
Where to stay
Old Town (Staré Město) for maximum walkability to major sights; Malá Strana for quieter, castle-side charm just across the river.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is reliable throughout the city and most of the country.
Travel insurance for Prague
Standard Schengen-destination coverage is sufficient for most trips.
Everything else for your trip
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Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Prague
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Comfortable walking shoes for Prague’s cobblestone old town
- A warm layer — evenings cool down even in summer
- Universal power adapter (Type C/E sockets)
- A reusable water bottle
Nice to have
- Cash (Koruna, not euro) for smaller shops and markets
- A light rain jacket for spring/autumn
- Comfortable shoes for the steep walk up to Prague Castle
- A phrasebook — English is common in tourist areas, less so beyond
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Prague Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $40 | $100 |
| Food | $10 | $20 | $42 |
| Local transport | $3 | $8 | $18 |
| Activities | $6 | $15 | $38 |
| Total / day | $34 | $83 | $198 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Prague Castle complex
- Charles Bridge
- Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock
- Jewish Quarter (Josefov)
- A traditional beer hall in Zizkov
Culture & Etiquette
Prague is famously beer-forward — the Czech Republic has one of the highest per-capita beer consumption rates in the world, and pub culture is central to social life. A quiet, understated politeness is the norm; loud behavior in public draws more attention than it would in some neighboring countries.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
CZK exchange has a well-known scam pattern: some central exchange booths near the Old Town Square advertise a great headline rate for large amounts only, then apply a far worse rate below that threshold, or add a steep hidden commission. Stick to reputable chains (eXchange, Travelex) and always ask for the exact CZK total before handing over cash. Bank ATMs are the simplest safe alternative.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: C and E (European round 2-pin)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.