Prague
Food | Wine | ArchitecturePrague Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go
We spent the entire month of May exploring Prague’s traditional food, local wine, and historic architecture.
In this guide, we share our favorite discoveries in Prague’s food, wine, and architecture scenes, along with some helpful travel tips we picked up along the way.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prague Food
Prague’s food scene offers a delicious dive into hearty Czech traditions. Classic dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin in creamy sauce), guláš (beef stew), vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut), and smažený sýr (fried cheese) highlight the city’s love for rich, comforting flavors. Traditional meals often come with generous portions, lots of gravy, and fresh Czech beer.
To taste authentic Czech food, visit Lokál (a popular chain specializing in old-school dishes done right), U Modré Kachničky (elegant takes on game meats), or historic taverns like U Fleků, one of the oldest breweries in Prague.
For a lively local experience, explore markets like Havelské tržiště in the Old Town, where you’ll find fresh produce, sausages, and traditional pastries like trdelník (though this one’s more touristy) and koláče.
Check out the Prague Food page for more information.
Prague Wine
While Prague is better known for its beer, its wine culture is thriving — and it’s a great place to discover Czech and Moravian wines. Local specialties include crisp whites like Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Pálava, as well as light, fruity reds like Pinot Noir and Frankovka. Most wines come from the southern region of Moravia, but you can also taste wines from Prague’s own historic vineyards, like St. Wenceslas Vineyard near Prague Castle.
Top spots to try local wines include cozy wine bars like Veltlin (focusing on natural wines from Central Europe), Vinograf (with a massive Czech wine list), and Red Pif (for a trendy, natural wine vibe). Wine shops like Cellarius and Víno Sklep offer bottles to take home, while nearby wineries such as Salabka Vineyard in Troja even offer tastings right within city limits.
Whether sipping in a historic cellar or a modern wine bar, Prague is a surprisingly exciting city for wine lovers.
Check out the Prague Wine page for more information.
Prague Architecture
Prague is an architectural fairy tale with layers of history visible in its streets. The city showcases stunning examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and even Art Nouveau styles. Its buildings tell the story of centuries of cultural and artistic evolution.
For Gothic grandeur, visit St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle and the towering Old Town Bridge Tower. Renaissance elegance shines at the Royal Summer Palace in the castle gardens. Baroque splendor is evident everywhere, especially in the grand Church of St. Nicholas in the Lesser Town and the lavish Wallenstein Palace. You’ll also see Art Nouveau masterpieces like the beautifully ornate Municipal House.
Exploring Prague means stepping into a living museum, where castles, churches, and palaces create one of Europe’s most breathtaking and walkable historic centers.
Check out the Prague Architecture page for more information.
Where Is Prague Located?
Prague is situated in the northwestern part of Czechia. It lies along the banks of the Vltava River and is roughly at the center of Europe, making it a significant crossroads for travelers.
It is approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) southeast of Berlin, 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Vienna, and 640 kilometers (400 miles) east of Paris, making it easily accessible by train, car, or plane from many major European cities.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Prague?
Hotels in Prague
If you are planning a trip to Prague, there are plenty of excellent places to stay. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend staying in the Old Town (Staré Mesto). The castle marker on the map below is the Old Town Square in the heart of the Old Town. We suggest staying as close to it as possible, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here’s a map with hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.
Book your stay now!
What Is The Best Time To Visit Prague?
The best month to visit Prague depends on what you’re looking for. Do you want the best weather, fewer crowds, or the best value? Following are our suggestions for each.
Weather
The best weather is a personal preference. We find the best weather for exploring a city is around 55° F and sunny. The weather in Prague during the winter can be very cold, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during the Holidays.
Below is a chart showing the average high and low temperatures for each month so you can decide what is best for you.
Shoulder Season
The time of the year with good weather and fewer crowds is often called the shoulder season. The shoulder season in Prague is April to May and September to October. For many, this is the best time of the year to visit. We spent the entire month of May in Prague. The weather was cool but comfortable.
Best Value
April and October are good months to visit Prague for the best value and with fewer crowds. The weather during these months can be cold in Prague, but, if you dress appropriately, it can be comfortable for walking during the day.
Other Things to Know About Prague
Airport
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), formerly Prague Ruzyně International Airport, is the international airport serving Prague.
Train Station
Praha hlavní nádraží is the largest railway station in Prague.
Time Zone
Prague is in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1 during standard time. When daylight saving time is in effect (roughly late March to late October), Prague switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.
Currency
The Czech koruna is the official currency of the Czech Republic. “Koruna” is the Czech word for “crown.” The Czech koruna is often referred to as the Czech crown in English. The code for the Czech koruna is CZK.
Language
Czech is the official language of Czechia, but English is widely spoken in Prague’s tourist.
Visa
Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to visit Czechia if they stay 90 days or less. For more information on visa-free travel in Czechia, check out our article on traveling visa-free.
Electricity
In the Czechia, the most common electrical outlets are Type C, Type E, and Type F. These outlets use a 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. Travelers from the United States will need an adapter.
If you have many items to plug in, we recommend a travel power strip with multiple USBs and standard plug-ins. Using a power strip, you will only need one adapter to plug the strip into the wall.
SIM Card
Travelers will want a SIM card for Czechia. You can get either a local SIM card or an eSIM card.
To get a local SIM card, you have to find a local cellular service provider, often stand in line for assistance, show your passport, and complete some paperwork. The SIM cards work great, but purchasing them is somewhat inconvenient. This option is best if you need more than 5GB of data.
We use eSIMs exclusively because they can be purchased through an app prior to arrival in a new country and activated when you hit a cell tower in the country. We use Airalo eSIMs. They work great, and I recommend them if you plan to use less than 5 GB of data during your stay or if you need internet immediately on arrival.
Car Rental
The train system in Czechia makes rental cars unnecessary for most destinations. However, rental cars are needed to reach smaller towns and explore the countryside. In addition to the major car rental companies found in the United States, Sixt and Europcar are common throughout Europe. For a comparison of rental car offers from large, international brands and smaller regional brands, we recommend Discover Cars.
FAQs About Prague
What is the best time to visit Prague?
The best times are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Is Prague expensive?
Prague is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, especially for food, drinks, and public transport.
Do people in Prague speak English?
Many people in Prague, especially in tourist areas, speak English, but learning a few basic Czech phrases is appreciated.
What are the must-see attractions in Prague?
Don’t miss Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock, and the colorful Lennon Wall.
Is Prague safe for tourists?
Yes, Prague is generally very safe. Just be cautious of petty theft like pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots.
Prague Blog Posts
Explore Prague Castle
History and Architecture of Prague CastleTowering over the Vltava River and dominating the skyline of the Czech capital, Prague Castle is more than just a postcard-perfect landmark—it’s a living chronicle of over a thousand years of Czech…
Explore Vyšehrad
History and Architecture of VyšehradVyšehrad is a historic fortress located on a hill overlooking the Vltava River in Prague. The complex includes the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, a cemetery where many famous Czechs are buried…