Find information for visit plague? You are looking for must see in Prague? Hotel addresses to be near the sites to see? How to get to the center of Prague from the airport? In this article I will tell you everything you need to know to make your stay in this wonderful city easier.
In this article discover:
- A short interlude on the history of Prague
- What to discover in Prague
- How to get to the center of Prague from the airport
- Some ideas for walks for your stay (the one I recommend is at least a small boat cruise on the Vltava - more information here).
- How to discover Prague and its surroundings
- Good hotel addresses in Prague
Upon my return, I created a FREE Prague guide to receive it directly to your mailbox. In this Prague guide, you will find my GoogleMap maps of must-sees, neighborhoods, and directions for the night, and this is print-ready:
1) History of Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, it has 1 inhabitants. It is also the capital of Bohemia (a historical region of central Europe, western part of the country, in light orange on the map below). The darkest part is called Moravia.
From a topographical point of view, Prague is quite similar to Budapest (capital of Hungary). It is cut by the river "the Vltava" (the longest river in the Czech Republic) which has its source in the Bohemian Forest (in the west).
It joins the Elbe river in Mělník (which also has its source in the Czech Republic but further north, in the Giant Mountains), then it empties into the North Sea, in northern Germany (in Hamburg).
In 1918, the Czech Republic and Slovakia emancipated themselves from Austro-Hungarian rule and founded Czechoslovakia, they founded only one country.
From 1938 to 1945, the country was dismembered. The Sudeten region is annexed by the Third Reich, Bohemia and Moravia are integrated into the Bohemian-Moravian Protectorate, while Slovakia once again becomes a region of Hungary.
At the end of World War II, Czechoslovakia was recreated. It is part of the Eastern Bloc allied with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1968, the "Prague Spring" movements, which challenged Soviet rule, were crushed by Red Army tanks.
Czechoslovakia regained full political independence in 1989.
In 1993, the latter split to give birth to the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic, of which the historic Bohemian region forms the backbone.
- You also have group tours, so cheaper (or here)
More information about Prague with wikipedia.
- € 1 = 27 Czech crowns (CZK).
- € 40 = a 1000 CZK ticket
2) The districts of Prague to visit
It was in May when I got to know this magnificent city, and I must say that it was a true crush. Prague is a city steeped in history with impressive architecture. But it is also a city with a warm atmosphere where life is good.
Before you set out to explore Prague, here is a map of your neighborhoods in Prague to help you find your way around. Note that the must-see places in Prague are in the Old Town and in the Mala Strana district.
If you are looking for a hotel address in Prague, I recommend it in the old town!
If you have time, you can take a walk around the Smíchov neighborhood and Nové Město / Vyšehrad (the new town). Furthermore, it is in Smíchov, where Mozart lived, that the Staropramen brewery is located.
It can be interesting to organize a guided tour with a French-speaking host who knows Prague like the back of his hand, to discover Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, the Powder Tower, the Municipal House, the Jewish Quarter, the Bridge. Charles… (for more information).
- You also have group tours, so cheaper (or here)
3) Visit Prague in 3 days
Here's a personalized map of what you must see in Prague during your stay.
Let's start with a visit to the Little Town. We crossed the Charles Bridge and entered this very lively neighborhood.
The Mala Strana district is called the "little quarter", it extends below the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) and St. Vitus Cathedral. for a private guided tour.
It is here that the genius composer Mozart stayed in the past, moreover, if that interests you, you can take a little guided tour in Mozart's footsteps (you will discover why the people of Prague received Mozart so warmly, why He loves him so much and why his music has won the hearts of this nation to this day.
If you are looking for a concert, an opera.
Cobblestone streets wind between traditional taverns, restaurants, bars and hotels, not to mention embassies. You will also find many stores there.
- Prague Castle (Castillo de Praga)
Pražský hrad, is one of the must-see monuments to do when you go out visit plagueIt completely overlooks the old town and the Little Town.
It is in this immense castle (listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world) where the Czech kings, the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, the presidents of Czechoslovakia and later of the Czech Republic, have sat .
If you visit the interior (the exterior is free) you can admire the Crown Jewels of Bohemia. (in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
- Catedral de San Guy
Incredible Gothic-style cathedral, it is the largest and most important church in the country.
Its construction lasted almost six centuries from 1344 to 1929. The cathedral is located within the walls of Prague Castle. The entrance is free but to get closer you will have to pay. (in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
Anyway, at least you have to go inside, it's really majestic!
- La ruelle d'Or (late XNUMXth century).
The famous 'golden lane' or 'alchemist's lane' or even the 'goldsmith's lane' is a very narrow little lane decorated with beautiful colored facades, small houses leaning against the fortification of Prague Castle.
Legend has it that this alley was home to alchemists tasked with finding the Philosopher's Stone (but this is just a legend). (in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
Today, you can visit these little houses and even see small artisans and souvenir merchants. Among the important figures whose name is attached to this place is Franz Kakfa (at No. 22).
Originally, they were simple people, ordinary people, who lived on the street of gold, between the seventeenth and twentieth centuries: a seamstress, a herbalist, a goldsmith or the famous seer Madame de Thebes. Each duplex has its own story. To do!
- Petrin Hill - Also called the hill of lovers.
I can only advise you to take the funicular (Ujezd LD on the map) which is after the most Legii bridge. It will allow you to reach the top of the hill and then descend to Prague Castle, avoiding a climb that could hurt your sensitive calves :)
To return to the old town, you will pass one of the three bridges (the Most legii bridge, the Charles bridge or the manesuv most bridge). But what needs to be done and redone is the famous Charles Bridge!
- charles bridge
It can be interesting to organize a guided tour with a French-speaking host who knows Prague like the back of his hand, to discover Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, the Powder Tower, the Municipal House, the Jewish Quarter, the Bridge. Charles ...
- (in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
- The GoogleMap of visits to Prague, the Old Town next to these sites (to enlarge this GoogleMap - Visit to the Old Town of Prague):
- Old Town - Old town district
Staré Město is the old town and the perfect place if you are looking to know where to sleep in Prague if you want to be in the heart of the action.
In Staré Město you will find the medieval astronomical clock, designer shops and something to liven up your evenings. Connected to Malá Strana through the Charles Bridge, the winding streets are lined with facades in the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles.
It may be interesting to organize a guided tour with a French-speaking host who knows Prague like the back of his hand to discover Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, the Powder Tower, the Municipal House, the Jewish Quarter, the Bridge of Carlos. ...
(in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
- Old town square (where the astronomical clock is located, built in 1410)
This square is really a very nice place, do not hesitate to take advantage of one of the many terraces.
If you are looking to know where to stay in Prague, you should look around this square!
- The astronomical clock - built in 1410
Do not hesitate to climb to the top of the tower where the clock is located. You have a great view of Prague
Do not hesitate to get lost in the alleys of Prague, it is very pleasant. This is how I found the Havelska Heitza market, this market is located in the heart of the Staré Mesto district. It is an old farmers market where the best products and flowers from the Czech Republic are sold.
It may be good to organize a guided tour with a French-speaking host who knows Prague from the inside out to discover Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square, the Powder Tower, the Municipal House, the Jewish Quarter, the Bridge from Carlos ...
- (in private) or here (in a group) for a guided tour of the castle and the Cathedral.
Let's go now, basket of fruits in hand, in the Jewish quarter (Josefov) located in the northern part, a curious alliance of the old and the new: elaborate style synagogues along with trendy shops, traditional cafes compete with fusion cuisine restaurants.
- The Jewish quarter cemetery
For those interested, there are excursions to visit the Terezin concentration camp. , here or here.
If you only need a private French speaking driver.
- Wenceslas Square
It's a bit like the Elisha fields in Prague. You will find many stores there. Perfect for those who love luxury shopping. Personally, I found these stores quite expensive and frankly, I did not live there. See why this very wide avenue is lined with many palaces and buildings of great architectural value!
It is an old square, formerly called the Horse Market. There you will find the national museum, a quite imposing building, you cannot miss it!
- In the district Nové Město et Vyšehrad (the new city)
Situated between Staré Město and Vinohrady, this "New Town" was built in the XNUMXth century. There you will find many restaurants serving contemporary cuisine. Passing through Karlovo Náměstí (Charles Square) and continuing south along the Vltava River, you reach the quiet heart of Nové Město.
There is also the Dancing House, a mind-blowing and still controversial modern building by architect Frank Gehry. The two Gothic towers of the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul point to Vyšehrad, the second Prague Castle, which houses the Prague Congress Center.
The best way to get there is walking along the river to enjoy the scenery.
- The GoogleMap for tours of Prague, the Old Town next to these sites (to enlarge this GoogleMap - Prague route map):
- Boat cruise idea on the Vltava
A good idea, and I recommend it because it is very beautiful, is to take a small cruise on the Vltava. It is another way to visit Prague while you relax, knowing that on every ship you have a bar… And why not eat something while you do it!
- You have the simple one hour boat trip (on board you can have a snack if you wish.
- What I did was the night ride on the Jazzboat (see the comments).
You have several tours, including the Venice of Prague (or here).
For information, most of the boats are taken here, but this is not true for everyone, but it is often in the vicinity: to open this map in GoogleMap
- Prague Relaxation au Beer Spa:
An activity that works well in Prague - for more information:
4) Good hotel addresses in Prague
Here we are, where to stay in Prague to be close to the sites to see.
The following addresses are in the purple zone, so they are ideally located! I give you the directions below through booking, but I'm still looking on Airbnb in this same area!
Hotel addresses, old town side:
Here are some cheap accommodation in Prague that I was able to find and that Internet users have advised me (feel free to leave a comment or send me an email to share your good addresses).
- A stone's throw from the old town square, very well located, you have the Leon d'Oro residence, a must-see!
- One (rather fancy) hotel that often offers discounted rates is the Umalvaze residence. Super well located!
- The Cloister Inn Hotel is also a tip to see! It also offers discounts.
- If what you are looking for is very very elegant, you have the Pachtuv Palace hotel, and its beautiful view of the Charles Bridge, here we are at the top of the top!
Accommodation on the Mala Strana side:
Another place you can stay in Prague is in the Mala Strana district. It is very quiet and ultimately not far from the city center. Here is a small selection:
- The Charles Bridge eco is a very good plan, quite elegant. Have a look!
- You also have the U Krise, which is just down the hill from Petrin.
A good tip (private apartment), which has been gaining momentum for some time, is Airbnb! Take 5 minutes to compare the prices of these apartments and hotels (it is often much cheaper)!
I also went through these types of sites to find my accommodation. Located right in the center, 5 minutes walk from the great astronomical clock maximum. For 3 people it cost me € 90 / night. Apartment with kitchen, 2 bedrooms and terrace.
5) getting to the city center of Prague from the airport
- How to get to Prague from the airport?
You will land at Ruzyně International Airport (or Prague International Airport). for tips on finding a plane ticket.
Before giving you more information, you should know that if you do not want to take the initiative and the language barrier scares you a little, you can book now and a driver will be waiting for you with a sign as VIP:) You can contact him directly here or for a transfer to Prague airport in shared transport.
- Getting to Prague by taxi, the worry-free solution. Travel to Prague: about 25 min.
It will cost you around 650 CZK (€ 25-27) depending on where in Prague you are traveling to. Be sure to take a taxi at the exit (RadioTaxi AAA or 111, they are yellow). Normally all drivers speak a minimum of English.
For my part, I had the opportunity to meet Michal, a praguois since he lived in Paris for a few years. The advantage is that you can pay it directly in euros without being taxed on the exchange rate. You can contact him directly here.
Michal offers other transfers such as Karlovy Vary, Terezin and Cesky Krumlov, on the other hand, it is under reservation because it is in high demand (Otherwise, for a transfer to Prague airport in shared transport.
/! Some shops, restaurants or taxis offer you to pay in euros, but in general the exchange rate applied is not very good. When in doubt, it is better to always pay in Czech crowns, it will save you a very bad change!
It is still best to pick up at one of the machines located on your right as you exit the arrivals hall (but it is better to pick up at the small change located in the city center). In any case, avoid the currency exchange office located in the arrivals hall with your luggage… it would have a very bad rate. More information about the exchange on this page.
My advice (if you don't stop by my partner Michal Capek :)) is therefore to simply take out 1000 crowns (€ 40) for transport. You will retire once in the center.
- Getting to Prague by shuttle bus, a practical solution
A practical and cheaper solution is to go on this transport service, a driver will meet you and take you directly to your hotel like a taxi. Account € 12 / pers / p>
- Getting to Prague by public transport, the cheapest solution!
The ticket you buy directly at the arrivals terminal (or directly at the bus stop if you have change) will cost you 32 CZK. The stops are located in front of the main exit of Terminals 1 and 2.
Take bus 119 to your terminal "Nadrazi veleslavin", then take the metro or tram depending on your final destination. Travel: about 45 min.
You also have the slightly faster "AE" (airport express) shuttle service, which will cost you between CZK 40-60 depending on your stop in the city center (Dejvicka, Namesti Republiky, Masarykovo Nadrazi or Hlavni Nadrazi).
But if you don't want to worry and the language barrier scares you a bit, book now and a driver will be waiting for you with a sign as VIP, if not for a transfer to Prague airport in a shared shuttle service.
- € 1 = 27 Czech crowns (CZK).
- € 40 = a 1000 CZK note.
6) Transportation to Prague
If you are looking for a transport card to move without worrying, you have this public transport card () which is valid for 3 days from the first use and includes trams, buses, metro AND private transfer. from the airport to your accommodation (.
So with this card you can use the tram and buses and the metro. There is also the transfer from the airport and it is the driver who delivers the card so the client does not even need to collect this transport pass (.
7) Where to go out in Prague
- Where to go out in Prague to see a show, concert, opera ...
If you prefer ballet, opera ... Find out about the program of the Prague National Theater! It is right next to the Most legii bridge. If you are looking for a concert, an opera.
You can also get information about the program at Rudolfinum. The Rudolfinum, meanwhile, is located right next to the Manesuv Most Bridge. Many orchestras perform there. learn about the Rudolfinum program.
- Where to go out for a drink in Prague?
Prague has countless interesting little bars. Therefore, you will have no trouble finding your happiness. Know that Prague ranks first on the podium of the world's biggest beer drinkers, so don't be surprised to see big pints of beer at 1am! For them, beer is not alcohol and the worst thing is that they seem to digest it well since they are all quite thin.
- If you go with friends and you don't want to worry, I can only recommend this little program before the night that will allow you to warm up, a good way to start the night;)
- An evening with lunch at the Hard Rock Café (restaurant, bar, concert…) - to reserve your place.
- Riverside café Le Kristian Marco
To end a day I must admit that the cafe by the river Kristian Marco was my favorite, in fact I went twice. Situated between the Charles Bridge and the Most Legii Bridge (right next to the latter), this is a really very nice place, it is an open air bar on the river, offering magnificent views of the old town and the castle.
Sunset is a good time to be there. They have cheap beers, live music and 2 barbecues to nibble on. The atmosphere is very warm. Go for it ! Address: Smetanovo nábřeží 995/6, 110 00 Praha, Czech Republic
- Le Café Lávka (Novotného lávka 1 Prague 1)
Located right next to the Charles Bridge, Lavka Café is famous for its magnificent terrace in the sun with views of the Charles Bridge, Saint Guy's Cathedral ... Ideal after long walks! Prices are reasonable, treat yourself.
- Zanzibar in the Mala Strana district (Lazenska 6, Prague 1 - Old Town):
This Prague bar is well hidden, located on a narrow street just past the Charles Bridge. Quite empty during the week, it gets crowded every weekend thanks to a very warm atmosphere. Have a look;)
- Club Újezd (18, Lesser Town, Prague 1)
Composed of 3 floors, you will find a bar, a tavern and a brasserie. The atmosphere is also very warm. As in Zanzibar, it is a bar where more Czechs gather than tourists.
- Le U Maleho Glena (Karmelitska 374/23, 118 00 Praga)
A very good place to listen to jazz in a typical place, have a beer or cheap cocktails and have a snack at the bar. The atmosphere is very nice and the waiters very friendly. Have a good night in Prague!
- Le Zlaty Strom (Karlova 187/6, 110 00 Prague 1)
Located a stone's throw from the Charles Bridge, here is a typically Czech address, it is the place where the youth of the city leave. Composed of 3 levels. In the 1st, you will find a quite nice bar where alcohol is not expensive and the atmosphere is party. In the second, you will find a disco (techno). On the third floor, it is a strip club. It is up to you to choose which of the three levels you would like to spend the night on!
Two links that can give you other ideas for outings:
- Pub crawl, beer tasting, puppet show ...
- Find other bars / pubs on this site.
- The Vzorkovna !! Very atypical bar I recommend it
- Le Bar Hemingway
- The Crossclub
- The Anonymous and the Jazz Pier
Prague Relaxation au Beer Spa:
An activity that works well in Prague for more information:
7) Visit the surroundings of Prague
There are many places to visit in Prague, such as Karlovy Vary, Melnik, Kutná Hora, Dresden and Cesky Krumlov.
When I arrived at the Prague airport, I had the opportunity to meet Michal, a Prague resident who studied in France and therefore speaks French. He performs transfers between the airport and the city center, but offers other transfers such as Karlovy Vary, Terezin and Cesky Krumlov, you can contact him directly here.
- Anyway, for a visit to Karlovy Vary from Prague. If you just want to get there (without a guided tour).
- If you are interested in Kutna Hora.
- For Cesky Krumlov,.
- If you just want to get there (without a guided tour)
- To discover Dresden.
- Other ideas for excursions, guided tours ... here.
Well this is where the article ends, I hope it helped you for your Praga Tower!
See you soon!
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Keywords that allowed Internet users to find this article:
- Visit Prague in 3 days
- What to see in Prague
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