Prague

Described as “the City of a Hundred Spires”, Prague’s architectural beauty is wildly photogenic. Amid Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and Cubist facades, there are also knockout music clubs for revellers and superb craft breweries serving up some of the best beer in Europe.

Best time to go

Spring (March-May) in Prague is pleasant as temperatures climb from 4C to 18C. May is also a month of celebrations – the prominent Prague Spring International Music Festival and the Czech Beer Festival draw large crowds.

Summer (June-August) offers dry sunny weather and the city bustles with tourists. If you’re willing to brave crowds and high hotel prices, you’re in for a great trip.

Autumn (September-October) is a season of colour in Prague. Amid fluttering maroon, yellow, and auburn leaves, you can sample the offerings of the autumn wine harvest and savour the chords of the “Strings of Autumn” music festival.

Winter (November-February) is long and cold in Prague, but there are fewer visitors and the city’s snow-dusted bridges and castles are at their most atmospheric. In December, the city hosts a few festive Christmas markets so it’s worth visiting too.





Getting around

In a city as compact as Prague, the best way to get around is by foot. The city also has an efficient system of trams, buses and metro. There is also a vintage tram (41) which runs past many of the key sights. For information on taxis and bicycle hire, see our Getting around Prague guide.

Must-see attractions
Charles Bridge
An iconic symbol of Prague, this Gothic bridge connects the Mala Strana district and Prague Castle to the historic Old Town over the serene River Vltava. Lining the walls are 30 or so Baroque statues, each one dedicated to a specific saint.

Prague Castle
A UNESCO world heritage site, Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world. Its massive compound includes multiple courtyards and gardens. Key attractions here include the impressive Cathedral of St Vitus and the Old Royal Palace.

Old Town Square
Often described as the heart of Prague, this elegant square is framed by buildings of all colours and designs, most notably the fairy-tale Týn Cathedral, the huge Church of St Nicholas, and the legendary Prague Astronomical Clock which is affixed to the historic Town Hall.

Vyšehrad
Also known as “the castle on the heights,” legend says Vyšehrad is the original settlement of Prague. Today, you can climb up to Libuses’s Baths for impressive views of the city, or wander the gorgeous surrounding park.

Petřín Lookout Tower
This Eiffel Tower-like structure stands on top of Petřín mountain peak, affording fantastic views of Prague and the land beyond to those who climb the 299 steps to the top.


Offbeat & quirky


John Lennon Wall
Following Lennon’s death in 1980, Czech youth living under the totalitarian regime began covering this wall in graffiti as a tribute to Lennon, and as a non-violent rebellion for peace and free speech. Messages and images have layered over the years, but this wall always stands for the spread of love and peace.

Museum of Communism
Recommended for anyone with an interest in 20th-century history, this museum shows the realities of life in the Czech Republic under communist rule from February 1948 to November 1989.

The Dancing House
An impressive architectural sight, this curvy building has an excellent restaurant and bar on the top floor offering panoramic views of Prague.


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