Nuts and Bolts: Travel Tips for Visiting Prague
- Rand Blimes
- May 30
- 13 min read
Nuts and Bolts posts give you the practical information you need, but without stripping away the humor, mishaps, and little victories that make real travel what it is. These aren’t just guides. They’re how we actually did it—mistakes, triumphs, and all.
This page has some travel tips for visiting Prague to aid in planning your own trip. I travel mainly with my wife, and we love to simply wander and eat when we explore a new place. We were in Prague in July, 2023. If your trip to Prague is significantly longer/shorter/with a different focus, you may have a very different experience.
Our trip to Prague was a bit of serendipity. My wife and I were headed to Egypt, but we found a great deal on tickets from Honolulu to Prague. So we added a five-day whirlwind road trip through the Balkans, and almost a week in Prague to the front of our trip to Egypt.
The Wonderful Weirdness of Prague
Prague has the soul of a poet, the spirit of a rebel, and the face of a supermodel who just rolled out of a Kafka dream. It’s the kind of city that could recite you a melancholy sonnet in perfect iambic pentameter, then throw on a leather jacket and ride off on a motorcycle made of medieval spires. If that sounds dramatic, well—so is Prague.
Nowhere captures this chaotic charisma better than the statue of King Wenceslas riding an upside-down dead horse, dangling triumphantly from the ceiling of Lucerna Palace. Yes, you read that right. It’s a beautiful work of art—truly—but also completely deranged in the most delightful way. Here’s the Czech national patron saint, astride his noble steed… except the horse is belly-up, hooves stiff to the sky, tongue lolling, and apparently quite deceased. The entire monument is majestic, absurd, haunting, and somehow hilarious all at once.
And that, really, is Prague. A place where history hangs heavy in the air—but sometimes also ridiculously from the rafters. Where reverence and irreverence are the best of friends. Where beauty shows up wearing a mask, and meaning might be there too, lurking in the corners, if you squint just right.
Welcome to Prague.
Travel Tips for Visiting Prague: Weather
So, when should you visit Prague? That depends. Do you prefer your fairytale cities misty and mysterious, or sun-drenched and selfie-ready? Because Prague does both—and everything in between—with a flair that suggests it’s auditioning for a starring role in a gothic romance or a travel influencer’s Instagram reel. Or both.
Spring (April–June) is when the city begins to thaw and bloom. The days grow longer, the cherry blossoms around Petřín Hill erupt in pink, and café tables begin to spill back onto cobbled sidewalks like exclamation points. The air smells like rain and possibility. It’s a lovely time to wander, though you might still need a jacket—and an umbrella. Prague likes to keep things poetic that way.
Summer (July–August) is when the crowds arrive, sun hats and selfie sticks in hand. It’s lively and vibrant and absolutely worth it, as long as you don’t mind sharing your Charles Bridge walk with about seven hundred new friends. The weather is warm, often flirting with hot, and the evenings stretch long into golden hour—perfect for castle gazing and riverside dinners.
NOTE: the party crowd is also in full swing, so make sure you don’t get run down by the bachelorette party rushing the square on Segways (seriously, that was almost how I died).
Autumn (September–October) might be Prague’s sweet spot. The leaves go full drama queen, turning amber and crimson against a backdrop of slate roofs and stone towers. The air turns crisp, the crowds thin, and the whole city seems to exhale.
Winter (November–February) brings short days, long nights, and the distinct possibility of snow turning Old Town into a snow globe. Yes, it’s cold. But also: Christmas markets, and the magic of Prague Castle dusted in white. Just bring your thermal layers—and perhaps a tolerance for medieval-level wind chill.
In short: Prague is always beautiful. Just choose the kind of beautiful you’re in the mood for.
Getting to Prague
Getting to Prague is easier than it probably should be for a place that feels this enchanted. The city may look like it materialized out of a storybook, but it’s well connected to the real world—planes, trains, buses, and all.
If you’re flying in, Václav Havel Airport sits about 30 minutes from the city center. It’s not a massive airport. It’s efficient and friendly, and there’s something charming about landing in a place where the airport is named after a dissident playwright-president.
The easiest way to get into the city from the airport is to call an Uber. If you hate convenience and simplicity, you could always hop on a bus (the 119 to the metro works well), or arrange a shuttle or taxi. Just avoid the ones that loiter outside with mystery pricing—Prague is a fair city, but airport taxi scams are a near-universal language.
If you're already in Europe, trains are a relaxed and scenic way to arrive. Prague’s main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) is a blend of art nouveau architecture and utilitarian transit hub. It’s centrally located and well connected to the metro, and trams.
Budget buses also run from cities all over Europe. Companies like FlixBus and RegioJet offer inexpensive and surprisingly comfortable options, especially if you're coming from places like Berlin, Vienna, or Budapest. They’re not glamorous, but they’ll get you there—and if you snag a window seat, you might even enjoy the ride. Just don’t forget snacks. Always bring snacks.
No matter how you get here, crossing into Prague feels like entering a different world. One where the rooftops are red, the clocks are astronomical, and even the air feels a little more literary.
Getting Around Prague
Getting around Prague is a bit like navigating a living museum—except the exhibits move, the streets are cobblestone, and your ride might be a 19th-century tram or a 21st-century app.
Walking: The City's Best Feature
Prague is a walker’s dream. The historic center is compact, and many of the city's most iconic sites are within strolling distance of each other. Wandering through the narrow lanes of Old Town or across the Charles Bridge is not just transportation—it's part of the experience.
Scooters and Bikes
For something a bit more breezy, Prague has joined the shared mobility revolution. Companies like Lime and Rekola offer electric scooters and bikes you can unlock with your phone, ride to wherever you’re going, and check in at a different location. They're a fun, flexible way to hop across town—just mind the cobblestones, which are less charming at 20 kilometers an hour.
Ride-Sharing: Convenient and Affordable
Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Prague and are often more affordable than traditional taxis. They're especially handy when you're traveling with luggage, heading to the airport, or out late at night when public transport options are limited
Metro: Fast and Efficient
The Prague Metro is clean, reliable, and covers the city efficiently. With three lines (A, B, and C), it connects major hubs and operates from early morning until midnight. Trains run every 2–4 minutes during peak times and every 4–10 minutes off-peak.
Trams: Charming but Quirky
Trams are the city's vintage charmers. They crisscross Prague, offering scenic routes through neighborhoods and past landmarks. While they add a romantic touch to your journey, they might not always be the fastest option, especially during peak hours. Still, for a leisurely ride with a view, they're hard to beat.
Tickets and Passes
Prague's Integrated Transport system (PID) uses a unified ticketing system across metro, trams, and buses. Tickets can be purchased at machines in metro stations, some tram stops, or via the PID Lítačka mobile app. Options include 30-minute, 90-minute, 24-hour, and 72-hour passes .
Remember to validate your ticket before boarding. Failure to do so can result in fines during random inspections.
In summary, Prague offers a variety of transportation options to suit your needs, whether you're in a hurry or looking to soak in the city's atmosphere. Choose your mode of travel based on your schedule, destination, and desire for adventure.
Sleeping in Prague for the Budget Conscious Traveler
In Prague, where you stay matters. A lot. This isn’t the kind of city where you want to waste half your day commuting from a suburban hotel near a ring road that looks like it belongs in a spreadsheet. Prague rewards proximity. The closer you are to the historic center, the more magic you get per step.
We stayed at High Heaven Residence, a simple, reasonably priced spot tucked just outside Old Town Square. Nothing flashy—no velvet chaise lounges or rooftop infinity pools—but what it did have was location, location, and also… location. From our door, we could be standing under the Astronomical Clock in about two minutes. Or at Charles Bridge in under ten, depending on how often we stopped to gawk at something pretty.
And that’s really the key here: choose a place that lets you walk. Prague is best experienced on foot, and staying in or just outside Old Town, Malá Strana, or the Jewish Quarter means the city unfolds for you the way it’s meant to—organically, serendipitously, and with minimal reliance on maps or metro timetables.
There are plenty of boutique hotels, cozy guesthouses, and apartment-style stays sprinkled throughout the historic districts. Many are surprisingly affordable, especially if you book in advance or travel slightly off-season. You don’t need luxury. You need cobblestones outside your door.
Because in Prague, waking up in the middle of it all isn’t just convenient. It’s pretty much the point.
What to Eat in Prague
If you come to Prague for the architecture and stay for the food… well, no one would blame you. Czech cuisine is hearty, flavorful, a little indulgent, and full of surprises—especially if you’re willing to venture beyond the tourist menus and dig in with curiosity (and maybe an elastic waistband).
Let’s start where most visitors do: Old Town Square. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. And yes—you should absolutely buy food from the carts. The Prague ham, slow-roasted over an open flame and sliced to order, is smoky, tender, and deeply satisfying. Grab a portion with a hunk of bread and some sauerkraut, find a perch on the edge of the square, and you’ve got yourself a meal with a view.
NOTE: other than the carts peddling Prague Ham, I would stay away from the food on the square. Unless you are OK with sacrificing great food for a great view.
For a more refined take on traditional Czech food, Krčma is a cozy cellar restaurant that delivers the classics—think roast meats, dumplings, and rich sauces—in a setting that feels straight out of the 15th century. It’s warm, hearty, and exactly what you want after a day of cobblestone wandering.
Bistro Sisters is a must for a lighter, more modern take on Czech flavors. They specialize in obložené chlebíčky, traditional open-faced sandwiches dressed up with cured meats, spreads, pickles, and fresh herbs. Bring friends. You’ll want to sample everything.
Then, walk ten steps next door to Naše Maso, a butcher shop that moonlights as one of the best casual eateries in town. Burgers? Good. Cured meat sandwiches? Better. But the real star is their bone marrow sandwich—not on the menu, but very much worth asking for. Don’t worry about the language barrier. There’s always someone nearby who’ll help translate your delicious intentions if you don’t speak Czech. It’s crowded, chaotic, and completely worth it. Along with The Eatery, Naše Maso was one of my favorite food experiences in Prague.
Speaking of The Eatery, this one requires a little effort—it’s outside the city center—but it’s one of those meals you remember long after your return flight. Unpretentious fine dining, creative and clean flavors, and a staff that makes you feel like you just got let in on a very delicious secret.
For something more classic and grand, Café Imperial offers a throwback to the golden age of European cafés. The mosaic-tiled walls are gorgeous, the service is polished, and the food—elegant versions of Czech staples—is excellent. Perfect for a quiet dinner or just an excuse to pretend you’re in a period film.
Breakfast? Café Savoy is a gem. High ceilings, marble tabletops, and the kind of breakfast menu that makes you wish morning lasted all day. You’ll find fresh breads, buttery eggs, and pastries that dare you to eat just one.
And for a proper sweet stop, head to Choco Café. Their hot chocolate is thick, rich, and closer to melted candy bar than drink—and it pairs perfectly with Hořické trubičky (Hořice Rolls), delicate rolled wafers filled with cream. The kind of dessert that makes you reconsider your life choices in the best possible way.
In short: come hungry. Stay curious. And don’t be afraid to follow your nose or a chalkboard menu into some tiny spot you’ve never heard of. Prague is generous with its flavors—if you let it be.
What To Do in Prague
Prague is like a choose-your-own-adventure novel written by an architect, edited by a surrealist, and footnoted by a historian with a flair for the dramatic. Still, if you’re looking for a starting point, here are some highlights.
Wander the Old Town (and then keep wandering)
In most European cities, the old town is a single square or street. In Prague, it’s a sprawl—a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, Gothic spires, Baroque facades, and medieval neighborhoods that seem to go on forever. You could spend days walking exclusively on cobbles without retracing your steps. Along the way, you’ll stumble across the Charles Bridge, the castle on the hill, countless old churches, and tucked-away courtyards that feel like you’ve slipped through time.
If you’re a history buff—or just enjoy a good act of rebellion—visit the Bohemian Chancellery at the Old Royal Palace. This is where, in 1618, some indignant Protestant nobles threw two Habsburg governors out the window in a grand act of defenestration that kicked off the Thirty Years’ War. The governors survived, thanks to what Catholics called divine intervention and Protestants called manure. While you’re there, take a stroll down the Golden Lane, a tiny and picturesque stretch of brightly colored houses that once lodged castle guards and alchemists.
Seek out Prague’s Weird Side (it's not hard)
There’s a walking tour to be made entirely from Prague’s delightfully strange public art. Start with David Černý’s statue of King Wenceslas riding an upside-down dead horse, hanging triumphantly inside Lucerna Palace. Add to that:
The giant crawling babies. These creepy babies can be found throughout the city . . . some climbing high on the TV tower.
Freud dangling one-handed above a street
The ever-shifting Kafka head made of spinning mirrored plates
Bronze women floating below umbrellas like Czech Mary Poppins
Oversized insects perched on walls
And, of course, “Piss”—a sculpture of two bronze men urinating on a map of Czechia. Interpret as you will.
If you look closely, you can see two of Pragues quirky works of public art. The woman hanging from the umbrella is obvious. But look just over my left ear, and you will see a sculpture of a huge fly clinging to the side of the building
Catch the Astronomical Clock Show (or at least pretend to)
Every hour, a crowd gathers in Old Town Square to watch the Astronomical Clock do its thing. Is it the most thrilling mechanical spectacle in Europe? Nope. But you sort of have to watch it anyway—it’s tradition. And the clock itself, with its celestial dials and medieval artistry, in deep blues and golds, is genuinely beautiful.
Ride the Paternoster Lift
Want a dose of mechanical whimsy? Head to Prague City Hall and hop on the paternoster lift—a chain of open, slowly rotating elevator compartments that never stop moving. Getting on and off requires a bit of timing and faith, but it’s oddly fun. Just don’t think too hard about safety regulations.
Visit a Mall with Roman Ruins
Only in Prague can you go shopping at Palladium and accidentally find Roman ruins in the basement. It’s commercial archaeology at its finest.
See the Dancing House
Part deconstructed gingerbread house, part office building, the Dancing House (aka “Fred and Ginger”) is a standout piece of modern architecture. It's best appreciated from the outside—unless you're in the market for a fancy dinner or an art gallery visit.
Take the Endless Book Photo
At the Municipal Library of Prague, you’ll find a tower made of stacked books. Look inside, and mirrors give the illusion that it spirals upward forever. It’s a popular photo spot, usually with a small queue. Fun? Yes. Essential? Not really—but hey, if you’re nearby, why not?
Museums, Museums, Museums
If you like museums, you’ll find plenty here—classical art, modern art, Jewish history, communism, torture, and more (including sex machines). Pick based on your interests and stamina. You’re never far from one.
The Lennon Wall
Tucked away near the Charles Bridge, the Lennon Wall is Prague’s ever-evolving canvas of rebellion, peace, and pop culture. What started in the 1980s as a tribute to John Lennon and a quiet protest against the communist regime has since exploded into a riot of graffiti, lyrics, political messages, and artistic chaos. It’s constantly changing—layers upon layers of paint, protest, and poetry. Is it a profound symbol of freedom? A tourist photo op? Yes. Both. And probably something else entirely by tomorrow.
Classical Music
There is no shortage of cultural events to take in while in Prague. We went to hear a quartet play Vivaldi inside the St Clement Cathedral. Can you say "atmospheric"?
Prague is a city that doesn’t just invite exploration—it demands it. It seduces you with its skyline of spires and then throws you off balance with bronze statues that pee on maps. It whispers the weight of centuries through stone archways, then grins at you from the mirrored face of a spinning Kafka head. It’s a place where beauty and absurdity walk hand in hand, and where every alley feels like it might lead to a revelation—or at least a very good sandwich.
You come to Prague to wander, to wonder, to get a little lost and not mind at all. You come to tilt your head at strange art and listen for history in the echo of your own footsteps. You come, in short, for Prague. Because travel should offer the kind of layered, poetic, slightly off-kilter experience that reminds you why we put up with long flights and over-stuffed suitcases in the first place.
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