Why Prague suits a long weekend
Prague escaped the heavy bombing that flattened so many European cities, so its medieval and Baroque centre survives almost intact. Spires, cobbled streets and the river make it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and your money still goes further here than in Paris or Amsterdam.
From the airport, the Airport Express bus runs to the main train station, or you can take bus 119 to the metro at Nádraží Veleslavín. Either way you’ll be in the centre in about 35 to 45 minutes.
The Old Town and Charles Bridge
Old Town Square is the heart of the city, with the Astronomical Clock putting on its show every hour. Crowds gather to watch, and it’s brief, so don’t plan your day around it. Climb the Old Town Hall tower for a better view.
Charles Bridge, lined with statues, is magical at sunrise before the stalls and buskers arrive. Walk it again at night when the castle is lit up above you.
Prague Castle and Malá Strana
Prague Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. St Vitus Cathedral is the highlight, and the tiny houses of Golden Lane are fun to explore. Walk down through Malá Strana, the Lesser Town, with its pretty squares and terraced gardens.
Other things to do
- Petřín Hill: walk or take the funicular for a view over the rooftops.
- The Jewish Quarter: synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, with a combined ticket.
- Vyšehrad: a quieter fortress above the river with a famous cemetery.
- A river cruise, or a rowing boat from Slavonic Island.
- Letná Park: a beer garden with one of the best views in the city.
Beer and food
Czechs drink more beer per person than almost anyone, and it’s fresh, good and cheap. Order a pilsner in a traditional pub and try svíčková, beef in a creamy sauce with dumplings, or a hearty goulash. Skip the trdelník stalls if you want something authentically Czech. The pastry is popular, but it’s mostly a tourist import.
Three days in Prague
On day one, explore the Old Town. Watch the astronomical clock strike the hour, climb the Old Town Hall tower for the view, and wander through the Jewish Quarter with its old synagogues and cemetery. As evening falls, cross Charles Bridge when the crowds thin and the castle is lit up above the river.
Day two is for the castle side. Walk up through Malá Strana to Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, then explore Golden Lane. On the way down, the Strahov Monastery has a beautiful library and its own brewery. Petřín Hill, with its gardens and lookout tower, is a quiet escape from the crowds.
On day three, see the Prague that locals live in. Vinohrady and Žižkov are full of cafés, beer gardens and good-value restaurants. The Riegrovy Sady beer garden has one of the best sunset views in the city. In summer, the riverside at Náplavka has food markets and bars on boats.
Money and practical tips
The Czech Republic uses the koruna, not the euro. Pay by card where you can, and avoid the exchange booths in the centre, which often have poor rates hidden behind attractive signs. Never change money with people on the street.
Public transport is excellent and cheap. A 24 or 72 hour ticket covers trams, buses and the metro, and you validate it once when you first use it. Tram 22 runs past many of the main sights and makes a cheap sightseeing trip.
Where to stay
The Old Town and Malá Strana are central but busy. Vinohrady and Žižkov, a short tram ride away, are quieter, with great cafés and lower prices. December brings Christmas markets to Old Town Square, so book early for a festive trip.
Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Prague?
The Czech koruna. Cards are widely accepted. Avoid exchange booths that advertise zero commission, and choose to pay in koruna rather than euro when using a card.
Is Prague cheap for a weekend?
It’s good value compared with Western Europe, especially for food and beer, though prices in the Old Town are higher.
Are there Christmas markets in Prague?
Yes. Markets run from late November into early January, with the biggest in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.
Is Prague good for a Christmas long weekend?
Yes. The Christmas markets in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square usually open from late November until early January, with mulled wine, trdelník and a big tree. It’s cold, so pack warm layers.
