Pretty Prague – my favorite addresses for you to explore

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Romantic. Exciting. Beautiful. Those are some of the words that come to my mind when thinking about Prague. One thing is for sure: I can strongly recommend to come here! It’s one of my absolute favorite cities on earth. A place that I visited many times and a city where I could live. I hope you will enjoy Prague just as much as I always do, with the help of these tips.

Honestly I do not know exactly how many times I have been in Prague, but it must be quite a lot. It started with my first travel by air about 20 years ago, destination: Prague. There was also a time (2014/2015) when I came to Prague almost every week. I just can’t get enough of it!

Tips Prague

I guess because I have been to Prague so often, frequently people ask me for tips. Where to go, what to see and do, etc. So I decided to write this blog with my favorite addresses in Prague. Favorites so far, because even after all these visits, there are still so many more things to explore! Never a dull moment in Prague…

So what to see? Actually just walking around in this city is already a great pleasure because of its great architecture and history. More and more people discover what a good place this is to live in, property prices are rising. Czech Republic actually ranks #6 on the list of Safest Countries in the World. Let’s go a bit into more detail of all that the capital Prague has to offer.

Must see in Prague

Okay, so for those who have never been in Prague before, let’s start with the most obvious highlights. For your orientation: most of them are in Old Town (Staré Město) or Mala Strana. Prague is divided into numbered parts (1, 2, 3, etc.), Prague 1 is the main center of the city.

• Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí, picture above) the big central square where it seems like always something is happening and yet time has stood still.
• Old Town Hall & Astronomical Steam Clock
• Charles Bridge (Karlův most) one of the most beautiful, romantic bridges in the world. Pedestrians only! If you go early in the morning (before 07:00 am) you might see some Asian newlyweds having their pictures taken, as this is particularly popular among Chinese, including famous people.  Don’t forget to check out the beautiful entrance gate (you can go inside), Saint Salvator Church (Kostel Nejsvětějšího Salvátora) and Klementium at the Old Town side of the bridge (east of the river).

• Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) on the hill west of the Vltava River (Moldau). Hradčany is the name of the area surrounding the Castle.
• Josefov the Jewish neighborhood in the northwest part of Old Town here you will find many beautiful houses, synagogues and the statue of Franz Kafka (Czech writer 1883-1924).

Less famous but worth a visit too

• Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) is one of the main squares in Prague. A World Heritage Site where many historical events took place. On the uphill end of the square you will see the National Museum, which was renovated between 2016 and 2019.
• Close the Prague Castle (see above) there are many other sights worth visiting, such as the Cathedral of Saint Vitus, Golden Gate, the Old Royal Palace, Saint George Basilica and the Golden Lane.
• Strahov Monastery at Strahovské nádvoří 1/132, especially its stunning Library. Worth the steep walk up the hills, good for your calf muscles! The entrance fee will be higher if you want to take pictures.
• Petřínská rozhledna a.k.a. Petřín watch tower at Petřínské sady for a breathtaking view of the city. The tower is not far from Strahov Monastery (west of the river).

• Kampa is an island in the Vltava River with live music during long summer evenings. In the Kampa area you will also find the Bronze Babies of David Černý, a museum, restaurants with nice view on the Charles Bridge (especially for dinner, see Restaurants below), houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, lots of green, etc. Go and enjoy!
• John Lennon Wall to remember the great artist and where you may feel free to express own creativity. It’s between Kampa and the west side of Charles Bridge, at Velkopřevorské náměstí. Nearby there is also a John Lennon Pub with many collectables. Besides you can take a picture with a wax version of John Lennon at the Grévin Museum at Celetná 15 (east of Old Town Square).
• Museum of Communism at Na Příkopě 10 is a unique museum where you can learn more about post-World War II the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia in general and Prague in particular.
• U Fleků at Křemencova 11 is the oldest and most famous beer brewery in Prague, since 1499. Large place in New Town which includes a restaurant (1200 seats), beer garden, museum and live cabaret entertainment. Quite a touristy place, you’ll hate it or you’ll love it.

For more details and directions, please use Google Maps or visit for example the Lonely Planet or Tripadvisor webpages about Prague.

Restaurants in Prague

What is life without good food?! Exactly, every man and woman needs to eat properly! Here are some personal recommendations.

• Cafe-Cafe at Rytířská 10 is a classy yet not expensive bar-bistro in Old Town, serving delicious modern dishes like risotto with Hungarian sausage and fab salads. Ignore the sometimes-a-tiny-bit-arrogant-staff, reservation is recommended.
• Butcher’s Grill & Pasta (Beef House) at Mlynářská 3 serves steaks to-die-for, grilled on classic charcoal. They have many more delicious options, such as the spicy slow-roasted short-rib burger, nachos with guacamole, grilled salmon, spaghetti & meatballs, etc. Good red wine. Nice modern interior and open kitchen.
• Looking for a place with a good view? Terasa U Prince on the 4th floor of Hotel U Prince at Staroměstské náměstí 29 is a popular roof top restaurant at Old Town Square. Not cheap and not the absolute best food in town, but definitely a remarkable view from the terrace! Reservation is a must-do.
• Hergetova Cihelna, restaurant of the Kampa Group, is mentioned in the Michelin Guide 2016. To give you a rough idea about the prices here: their smooth veal tenderloin is about €33 and their crispy New Zealand Marlborough white wine is ±€6.50 per glass. All high quality, delicious food, friendly staff and a beautiful view from the terrace to the Charles Bridge as a big bonus!
• If you happen to be in New Town, looking for a good place for breakfast, lunch or something sweet with tea or coffee, I suggest to go to Les Kamarades at Myslikova 13 or Petite France at Myslikova 22.
• According to my friends in Prague, Monarch is the best new place to eat. I don’t have a chance to go there myself because of COVID-19, but didn’t want to withhold this local tip… Let me know if you’ve been!

Bars and clubs in Prague

Prague is an excellent city to go out for a drink and -if you want- a dance! Whether you want to sit on a sunny terrace or go loose in a rousing underground club, there is something for everyone.

• Wine O’Clock at Liliova 16 is a pretty wine bar close to the Charles Bridge, excellent local and Italian wines, fantastic ‘Italian tapas’ and small oven dishes. Cash only, very nice staff, reservations highly recommended due to limited seating.
• Restaurace Jáma at V Jámě 7 is a typical Czech bar/restaurant, come here for just drinks with friends or colleagues, also serve snacks and other non-complicated dishes such as nuclear wings, burgers, Czech sausages, fries, etc. A good start of a long night out!
• U Bileho Lva at Na Bělidle 310/30 is a typical Czech bar/restaurant. There are multiple locations; I was in Prague 5, southwest of the river, which you can easily access by tram to Andel or by foot crossing the old Palacký Bridge (Palackého most). Beer, wine, Czech food, long wooden tables, live music… Enjoy!
• Čili bar at Kožná 499/8 is a small yet very pleasant cocktail bar where you can try everything and hang out until 2:00 am, reasonable prices.
• Nebe cocktail & music club at Křemencova 10 (New Town) is a good place to go to when you are in the mood to dance. Nice decor underground, possible to pay by credit card, no entrance fee (when I was there).
• Nominanza River Restaurant at Smetanovo nábřeží 6 is an outdoor terrace at the river bank with some nice live music. Sipping a glass of wine in the sun with some good company, watching people paddling their rental boats in different shapes and sizes, gave me that fantastic summer feeling. So if you are looking for a refreshing beer or a simple glass of wine, a unique river view with a summer vibe, this is a nice place to spend some time. Move on to somewhere else for super high quality wine, food, seating or service. Cash only! 

Shopping in Prague

Marionettes, wooden toys, Swarovski crystals, souvenirs, trendy wannahaves… Anything you want, shop till you drop in Prague!

• Týn, also known as Tyn Hof or Ungelt, is an idyllic, historical courtyard with 18 houses and some very cute shops. Close to Old Town Square but not very well known among tourists.
• Celetná connects Old Town Square with the Powder Gate. It’s part of the Royal Route and named after bread that was baked in the area during the Middle Ages. Gallery Kubista on the corner of Celetná and Ovocný trh fruit market includes amazing accessories, fabrics and pieces of furniture.
• Pařížská with its luxury boutiques of brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Hugo Boss. Lots of window shopping!
• In the streets between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, such as Karlova, you will also find many small shops with for example souvenirs, jewelry, candy and casseroles.
• Palladium is a well-known modern shopping mall in Old Town, with numerous shops for clothes, beauty products, etc.

For information about shopping at Christmas markets in Prague please see the next paragraph.

Christmas markets in Prague

Christmas Market season in Prague usually runs from the last week of November till the beginning of January. This year, they will be open from November 27, 2021 till January 6, 2022. The Christmas Markets in Prague (in Czech: Vánoční trhy) are open on a daily basis, also on Christmas Evening (Dec 24), and in some cases also Christmas Day (Dec 26) and New Year’s Day (Jan 1). Dress warm as it’s usually just below freezing point this time of year in Prague.

Prague Christmas markets 2021-2022

Update: the opening dates of most Christmas markets in Prague are now known:

• Old Town Square Christmas market from 27 Nov 2021 till 6 Jan 2022
• Nám. Republiky Christmas market from 25 Nov 2021 till 24 Dec 2021
• Prague Castle Christmas market from 26 Nov 2021 till 2 Jan 2022
• Náměstí Míru Christmas market from 20 Nov 2021 till 24 Dec 2021
• Tyl’s Square Christmas Market from 26 Nov 2021 till 24 Dec 2021
• Anděl Christmas Market from 24 Nov 2021 till 24 Dec 2021

Where to stay in Prague

There are so many hotels in Prague, the list may feel endless when searching for a good one. Partly it depends ofcourse on your budget, but even if you have a good budget, there are too many not-so-good hotels around! I have been to Hilton, Novotel, Barceló, etc. but they don’t really have “it” for me. Here are my favorite hotels in Prague.

INNSIDE by Meliá Prague Old Town

Address: Soukenická 1188/25, Prague

A pleasant, stylish design hotel I recently discovered. The best bed in Old Town! INNSIDE by Meliá is on a great location with all attractions on walking distance. Yet it’s noise free, super friendly staff, great food, delicious pineapple and my favorite tea at breakfast… Sometimes it’s simply the little things, all together this is what it makes a top experience, right?! Prices start from €68/78 per night for a double room including breakfast. Previously, this hotel was called Hotel UNIC.

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Alcron Hotel Prague 

Address: Štěpánská 624/40, Prague

A luxurious hotel in Art Deco style, right next to Wenceslas Square. The best steak I ever had was in their restaurant. Professional staff. Room prices start from €107 per night excluding breakfast. This hotel used to be part of Radisson Blu.

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Art Deco Imperial Hotel 

Address: Na Poříčí 1072/15

The ultimate Art Deco Hotel experience! The extravagant decoration is everywhere, especially in the restaurant and lobby. Great location, the central streets of Prague’s old Town are all right around the corner so everything is on walking distance.

The rooms at Art Deco Imperial Hotel are classic. Some might say a bit old fashioned, but it definitely has style and all is up to standard! Prices start from €98 per night excluding breakfast.

Not exactly what you are looking for? Or unavailable when you plan to visit Prague? Then check out plenty of other accommodation options below.

Booking.com

Bike Tour

Want to see the best of Prague? See the city with a local? Discover the hidden gems and hotspots? Experience the city by bike or foot? Do a ‘biergarten’ or Czech wine tour? With a guide that speaks your language fluently? For a reasonable price? My Prague Tours offers all of it, and more!

My Prague Tours is the best tour company in town! Years of experience, offering exclusive private tours with lots of humor, by bike or by foot. There are lots of possibilities, tours can be customized according to your wishes, and can be given in languages such as English, Dutch or German.

I can personally and honestly say that My Prague Tours is a very reliable company, offering the highest quality. This may all sound pretty subjective, and of course in a way it is; I know the owners and some of the guides very well, after all this is my humble, personal opinion.

Just read the reviews on their Facebook and Tripadvisor pages and you will know. Trust me, these guys are not the average, even liked by people who do not like regular group tours (such as… me)!

Besides the 3 hours bike tour, there are several other options to choose from, such as:

• Wine Tasting and Walking Tour Prague 2 hours
• Beer Garden Tour 3 hours
• Delicious Beer Tour
• Hidden Prague Bike Tour 3 hours

I would highly recommend to book the tour that you would like to join as soon as possible, especially in high season (May-Sep), to avoid disappointment.

To read more about my bike tour experience in Prague, and the hidden gems I most recently discovered, check out the articles:

• Cycling my way along the hidden gems of Prague
• Prague: my new discoveries for off the beaten path, hidden gems & local hot spot tips

Getting around

I usually like getting around by foot, but sometimes you might want to take a taxi, tram or metro. For all options I suggest to make sure you have cash (Czech Koruna, CZK), although there are many taxis now with the possibility to pay by credit card. For more information on metro lines and trains to other Czech cities check out this website or here for national bus info.

Like in every large city there are taxi drivers who take advantage of tourists and try to rip them off. Like those losers standing in front of the Municipal House and Powder Tower who ask 1000 crowns for a 5 min ride grr Crazy folks. I highly recommend using Modrý anděl, shared shuttle service or Uber.

I used to like AAA, never had any problems myself. However, my Czech friends recently warned me that there have been issues with them, including fraud. So we all switched to Modrý Anděl and I must say they are really good and cheaper than AAA! A taxi ride from/to the airport costs 400-500 CZK (EUR 15-20), depending on exact location. 

Getting to Prague

Prague is easy to reach by air via Václav Havel International Airport Prague (PRG). The national airline is called Czech Airlines, which is a Sky Team member (like KLM, Air France, etc.). For flight possibilities and prices check Skyscanner.

Alternatively you can take a cheap Flixbus ride from/to nearby cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Krakow or Bratislava.

Show me the money!

Not only for transport, but also numerous restaurants and other places in Prague still only accept cash payments. Upon arrival at Prague airport, you will find multiple ATM’s (cash machines) and exchange offices, for example at the entrance of the C gates and at the baggage belts. 1000 CZK is about €37. For more information on exchange rates see for example the website of Travelex including a handy calculator. I personally like using the Currency Converter app from netzfrequenz software GmbH on my smartphone.

By the way, when getting cash from the local ATM, always choose the option “Without conversion”, meaning that your own bank will determine the exchange rate and not the bank that owns the ATM. This will save you money as local ATM’s tend to charge higher rates. This is a general rule when traveling, not just for Prague!

Best time to go

For good weather and smaller crowds, it is best to avoid holidays and to visit late/mid Spring or early/mid Fall. I must warn you that, especially during the summer months, Prague can be super busy. For example visiting the beautiful Charles Bridge may feel like walking through an ant’s nest sometimes, unless you come very early (before 7:00 am).

The good thing about the summer season is that you may expect excellent weather (average between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius) and weekly food and music festivals to enjoy! The everlasting dilemma… I also really enjoy the winter season in Prague, with the Christmas markets and trees for instance, as mentioned earlier in this article. Basically Prague is fun any time of the year! It depends on what you are looking for.

Map Prague

This map includes places and spots mentioned in this article (and more). This one is ‘smartphone friendly’; you can easily use it via the Google Maps app. Click the icon at the top left to open the menu and see the categories. To adapt the map to your own preferences and interests, (de)select a category. Via Google Drive you can copy the map to your own My Google Maps account.

Explore Central & Eastern Europe

Check out my other articles of Central & Eastern European cities:

• Budapest
• Bratislava
• Krakow
• Vienna
• Prague
• Sofia

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Last Updated on 11/21/2021 by Elisa Flitter Fever