Prague Travel Guide: Old Town, Castle Views & Beer Culture

Prague’s beauty is unfair — Gothic spires, Baroque domes, a medieval castle perched over the Vltava, and a beer scene that takes itself rightfully seriously.

Quick Facts

• Best time: April–May, September–October
• Currency: Czech Koruna (€1 ≈ 25 CZK)
• Daily budget: Backpacker €40 · Mid-range €100 · Luxury €230+

Note: Use ATMs from banks (ČSOB, Komerční Banka). Avoid currency exchange offices on Old Town Square — some scam tourists.

Where to Stay

Old Town for first-timers, Lesser Town (Malá Strana) for atmosphere, Vinohrady for locals-feel, Žižkov for nightlife on a budget.

Where to book your stay

Best site depends on your budget and trip style. Quick guide:

• All-rounder, most inventory: Search Prague on Booking.com — free cancellation by default, biggest selection.
• Hostels & budget social stays: Prague hostels on Hostelworld — best for solo travelers and backpackers.
• Apartments & longer stays (kitchen included): Ferienwohnungen or eurocamp (camping + mobile homes across Europe).
• Boutique & luxury deals: touriDat — discounted European hotel deals with curated selection.
• Last-minute (within 7 days): lastminute.com or midnightdeal Hotels.
• Bundle hotel + flight: Expedia or Trip.com.

Compare 2–3 options before booking — takes 5 minutes, saves €30–100 per night.

Top Things to Do

Prague Castle Complex (largest ancient castle in the world), Charles Bridge at sunrise (empty), Old Town Square + Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter (Josefov), Letná Park for free views.

→ Prague Castle skip-the-line tickets

→ Top-rated Prague tours

Compare tour and ticket providers

Same Prague attraction often sells through different booking platforms — prices and inventory differ. Quick compare:

• GetYourGuide — biggest European tour platform, best filtering + cancellation policies.
• Viator — strong alternative, sometimes better prices on group tours.
• Tiqets — best for skip-the-line museum and attraction tickets.
• Go City Pass — if you’ll visit 3+ attractions in Prague, an all-inclusive pass often beats individual tickets.
• KKDay — strong on Asian + lesser-known European tours, sometimes better local pricing.
• WeGoTrip — best for self-guided audio tours at your own pace.

Pro tip: search the same activity on 2–3 platforms before booking. Cancellation policies vary.

Day Trips

• Kutná Hora — UNESCO town with the famous bone church
• Český Krumlov — medieval village in southern Bohemia

Getting Around

24-hour pass CZK 120 (€5). Airport: Bus 119 + Metro CZK 60. Avoid taxis hailed at the airport — only Taxi Praha or pre-booked.

→ Pre-book Prague airport transfer

Food & Beer

Try Svíčková (national dish), Goulash with dumplings, Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (Czech holy trinity). Beer: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Tankové pivo (tank beer). Best beer halls: U Fleků, Lokál Dlouhááá, Pivovarský Klub.

Stay Connected

→ Get an Airalo eSIM

Final Word

Get up early, stay out late, explore beyond the central tourist arc. A pilsner in a non-tourist beer hall in Vinohrady, with three Czech grandfathers playing chess — that’s the real Prague.