To make sure your trip to Prague goes as planned, select the perfect hotel and have a set plan for visits. However, those are not the only things that matter–there are other small details that can make all the difference. If you follow these tips, everything is bound to go smoothly.
When preparing for a trip to Prague, many of us focus on researching the must-see attractions. There’s no doubt that this is essential, especially in places like Prague which offer enough activities to spend days upon days exploring without seeing it all.
However, sometimes we overlook some essential information that may shape the trip’s course. As a result, in this post, I provide you with some simple suggestions so that nothing goes wrong, such as learning about the public transportation ticket buying system or the benefits of purchasing a tourist pass to save money.
1.During low-traffic hours, try to see the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge during your stay in the city.
The city’s castle and the Charles Bridge are the two most popular sites in Prague. This implies that both monuments are often jam-packed with people, to such an extent that crossing the bridge may become stressful. It is critical to know the schedules (in the case of the castle) and take advantage of less crowded hours (if we speak about the bridge) to avoid congestion.
- Charles Bridge: My advice, once you know what attractions there are surrounding Charles Bridge, is to plan your visit accordingly. The most comfortable times to go would be early morning or at night when there aren’t as many people in the area. Another good idea would be take advantage of the time when most tourists are eating lunch/ dinner.
- Prague Castle: You will have the advantage of a guide’s explanations if you book one of these tours to Prague Castle, but the disadvantage may be that there are many people. If you want to avoid this, study the opening hours of Prague Castle and visit early in the morning or late afternoon. Another way to avoid the throngs of people is to enter through the East Gate, even if that means climbing a lot of stairs. If this isn’t possible, though, the Deer Moat entrance (Jelení příkop) is another great option. You can find more useful information in this article on how to get to Prague Castle.
2. Take a walking tour of the castle or a one-of-a-kind walk if you want to explore Prague.
If you’ve decided to travel to Prague, I don’t need to tell you about the city’s history and culture–you already know that. But when you’re actually there, it can be tough to get clear information about everything. That’s why hiring a guided tour is the best way to go while in Czech capital.
The best thing about this option, in addition to being able to learn more about the city, is that you will find tours for all interests. The most classic ones are those that go through essential monuments of the city, from Prague Castle to Old Town Square, without forgetting the tours through the Jewish quarter.On the other hand, you can also join some less traditional tours. For example, one tour delves into the darkest and most ghostly history of the city. Additionally, photography enthusiasts can sign up for a specialized tour during which they are accompanied by a professional photographer.
3. You may save up to 20 percent with the Prague City Card or Prague Card.
The Czech capital is no different than other major cities in that it offers tourists some tourist cards that can save them a lot of money when visiting the city, such as the Prague Card or Prague City Card. I recommend doing the math before purchasing any of them to see if they are worth it. So, consider how much the card costs against the discounts and free tickets it provides and whether it is worthwhile. In the case of the Prague Card, for example, you will be able to visit many tourist attractions for free as well as use public transportation as often as you like.
The main benefit of the Prague City Card is the discounts on a variety of popular trips, as well as free admission to public museums and restaurants. It also includes a public transportation pass, similar to the previous one. Both cards can be purchased for varying periods of time, typically 2, 3, or 4 days.
4.Include food in your itinerary.
If you’re ever taking a trip to Prague, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some of the unique Czech dishes that you won’t be able to find anywhere else! To make things easier for yourself, it might be a good idea to book a gastronomic tour of the city.
In general, most Czech dishes include meat and vegetables, as well as spices. When ordering your meal, keep in mind that portion sizes are usually pretty large.
Although there are more options listed in my article on what to eat in Prague it’s almost mandatory that you try traditional dishes such as Koleno (pork knuckle), schnitzel (breaded steaks) or goulash while you’re here!
In addition, the city offers a variety of street stalls and businesses that specialize in one of the popular sweets: the trdelnik. In summer, this roll is topped with ice cream of different types, while in the winter it is common to find them with hot chocolate. Finally, it’s always a good idea to be aware of tipping customs in a new area. It is customary to tip between 10 and 15% of the entire bill in Prague.
The Czech Republic is also known for its excellent beer, which it prides itself on having a vast range and high quality of. It is, in fact, the nation that consumes the most beer per capita worldwide, as well as in its capital. If you want to learn more about the topic, you can join a tour led by local brewers.
Save by exploring less centrally located restaurants
You don’t just have to avoid restaurants in the historic center of Prague to save money–this tip can be applied anywhere. It’s okay to get coffee near attractions like the astronomical clock, but you should know that it will cost more than if you walk a few streets away.
Restaurants with prices above the city average are typically located in Old Town Square. However, as you can see from this article about restaurants in Prague, there are many places with a great quality-price ratio scattered throughout the city.
5. Don’t schedule a trip to the Jewish quarter for a Saturday.
Its Jewish quarter is one of the most fascinating areas in Prague. You may take a tour that goes through this area and learns about its importance to the city’s history from your guide, but there is one thing you should keep in mind, especially if you go on your own: don’t visit on Saturday. If you visit on a Saturday, the Jewish day of rest, many stores and synagogues will be closed. You’ll also miss out on attractions like the Jewish cemetery.
