CZ
Prague
A city of spires, bridges and Gothic towers on the Vltava, with one of Europe’s best-preserved historic centres
A city of spires, bridges and Gothic towers on the Vltava, with one of Europe’s best-preserved historic centres
A vast complex of palaces, courtyards and churches, including the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and Golden Lane. The grounds are free; the main buildings need a ticket.
Arrive at opening time, or come in the evening when the courtyards are quiet.
Photo: Jorge Láscar, CC BY 2.0
The stone bridge, begun in 1357, links the Old Town and the Lesser Town and is lined with Baroque statues. It is busiest from late morning to evening.
Cross at sunrise for photos without the crowds.
Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0
The historic heart of the city, framed by the Týn Church and the Old Town Hall, whose astronomical clock dates from 1410 and puts on a short show every hour.
Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Several historic synagogues, including the medieval Old-New Synagogue and the ornate Spanish Synagogue, and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Most are covered by a Jewish Museum ticket.
Photo: Jerrye and Roy Klotz MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try svíčková (beef in cream sauce with dumplings), roast pork with sauerkraut, guláš, fried cheese and Czech lager, often cheaper than water.
Restaurants on Old Town Square are expensive; neighbourhoods such as Vinohrady, Karlín and Letén have better-value pubs and cafés.
Václav Havel Airport (PRG) is about 17km west of the centre. City buses connect to metro line A, and the Airport Express bus runs to the main railway station. In 2026 a 30-minute public transport ticket costs CZK 39 (CZK 36 in the Litáčka app) and a 24-hour ticket CZK 150.
Czechia is in the EU and the Schengen area. EU citizens need only an ID card; citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with biometric registration under the EU Entry/Exit System. An ETIAS travel authorisation is also due to be introduced. Check current rules before you travel.
Prague is the most expensive Czech city but still good value compared with Western European capitals. Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; avoid exchange offices advertising “0% commission” and decline card payments in euros.
Castle, Old Town and beyond.
Visit Prague Castle early, walk down through the Lesser Town to Charles Bridge, and watch sunset from the riverbank.
Explore Old Town Square and the astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square.
Ride the funicular up Petřín Hill and climb the lookout tower, then visit Vyšehrad fortress and its cemetery.
🛂 Entry rules: EES and ETIAS
Czech Republic is in the Schengen area, which has two EU border systems for non-EU visitors.
EES (in force): since 10 April 2026 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors’ passport details, fingerprints and a photo the first time they enter the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip; later crossings are quicker. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not registered.
ETIAS (not yet running): a €20 online travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. It hasn’t started and no start date has been confirmed, so nobody can apply yet; ignore websites that offer to “pre-register” you for a fee.
Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not per country.
Official information: EU: Travel to Europe (EES & ETIAS) · Reviewed September 2026
When a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency or euros, choose CZK for a better rate.
Buy and validate a ticket before boarding, or use the Litáčka app; inspectors fine passengers without one.
Use ride-hailing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street.
Visit the big sights early in the morning to avoid tour groups.
Quick answers for planning time in Prague.
No. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Some places accept euros, but usually at a poor rate.
Three days covers the main sights at a comfortable pace.
By city bus to metro line A, by the Airport Express bus to the main station, or by taxi or ride-hailing app.
Yes, the historic centre is compact, though there are hills and cobbles around the castle.
Spring and early autumn have pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer; December brings Christmas markets.
Google Maps and Mapy.com (the Czech map app, excellent for hiking) both work well.
Free
Czech is the language; English is common in Prague and tourist areas, less so elsewhere.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Czech Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.