🇨🇿 A Fairytale City Awaits
Prague is Europe’s fairytale come to life—cobblestone streets, medieval bridges, Gothic towers, and food that rivals the best. After seven visits, I’m still enchanted. My first trip in 2015 had me wandering Charles Bridge at midnight, feeling like I’d stepped into a storybook. This guide shares everything I’ve learned, from getting there to hidden gems, with firsthand tips to make your trip unforgettable. Carl Travels uses Cookiebot to manage cookie consent, ensuring GDPR compliance.
🚌 Getting to Prague
Prague is a breeze to reach from across Europe, especially by bus or train.
From Berlin
- Flixbus is the easiest option.
- Takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Costs around €20.
- No airport hassle—bus travel saves time compared to flights when factoring in check-in and boarding.
From Budapest
- Easy bus or train trip.
- Enjoy scenic countryside views.
- Bus is usually cheaper and just as comfortable as the train.
💡 Pro Tip: I almost always use Flixbus for European travel—it’s cheap, reliable, and has free Wi-Fi.
🏨 Where to Stay in Prague
Over seven visits, I’ve tried it all—5-star hotels, Airbnb apartments, hostels, even Couchsurfing. Prague has options for every budget.
My Recommendation
- Stay in or near the Old Town (Staré Město).
- You can walk almost everywhere, saving on public transport.
- The Old Town is Prague’s heart—full of history and charm.
💡 Pro Tip: Prague is very walkable. If you’re reasonably fit, you can explore most of it on foot.
🏰 Top Things to See and Do
Prague is compact but packed with iconic attractions. Here are my must-sees:
- Charles Bridge (Karlův most): One of Europe’s oldest bridges. Visit late at night when tourists are gone—it’s magical under the lights.
- Prague Astronomical Clock: In Old Town Square, over 600 years old. Catch the hourly show (touristy but iconic).
- Prague Castle: The world’s largest ancient castle. Walk up (or take tram 22 if tired) for panoramic city views.
- Paternoster Elevator: A rare, moving elevator you jump on and off. A quirky, fun experience!
- Letná Park and the Metronome: Where a Stalin statue once stood (dynamited in 1962). Now a metronome swings over the city, perfect for photos and sunsets.
❤️ Why Prague is Perfect for a Romantic Getaway
Prague isn’t just historic—it’s one of Europe’s most romantic cities:
- Wander narrow medieval alleys hand-in-hand.
- Watch sunsets from Charles Bridge.
- Discover hidden wine bars and rooftop views.
- Enjoy candlelit fine dining at a fraction of Paris or Rome prices.
It’s a fairytale city that sweeps you off your feet.
📅 How Long to Stay? (5 Day Itinerary)
Five days is perfect for soaking up Prague’s magic:
Day | Plan |
---|---|
Day 1 | Settle into Old Town, visit Astronomical Clock, and see Charles Bridge at night. |
Day 2 | Explore Prague Castle, Letná Park, and the Metronome. |
Day 3 | Discover hidden gems: Paternoster Elevator, local cafés, Jewish Quarter. |
Day 4 | Fine dining night—book a fancy restaurant and try traditional Czech cuisine. |
Day 5 | Last day for shopping, museums, or a Vltava River cruise. |
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush—Prague’s small size lets you explore slowly and savor every moment.
🌃 Nightlife in Prague
Prague’s nightlife shines with bars over clubs:
- Top-notch cocktail bars abound.
- Find cozy underground bars behind nondescript doors.
- Famous for absinthe—try it at an absinthe bar or in a cocktail.
From fancy cocktails to beers in old taverns, Prague’s nightlife is laid-back yet vibrant.
🍽️ Food and Drink
Prague’s food scene might be Europe’s best-kept secret:
- Fine dining at affordable prices compared to Paris or Rome.
- Hearty Czech cuisine—roast meats, dumplings, stews.
- Modern restaurants with Michelin-quality meals at budget-friendly prices.
Must Try
- Goulash with Dumplings: A rich, savory stew with soft bread dumplings.
- Roast Pork with Sauerkraut: A classic Czech dish, hearty and flavorful.
- Trdelník: Sweet, chimney-shaped pastry sold across the city.
💡 Pro Tip: Splurge on food in Prague—the dining scene is world-class and wallet-friendly.
💳 Money Tips
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK), not Euro.
- Most places accept credit cards.
- In touristy areas, check you’re charged in CZK, not Euros, to avoid bad exchange rates.
🎵 Fun Fact: INXS in Prague
INXS fans, listen up! Their iconic song Never Tear Us Apart was filmed in Prague. Spot Charles Bridge and Old Town streets in the video—a perfect blend of music and magic.
📅 Best Time to Visit Prague
Prague shines year-round:
Season | Why Visit |
---|---|
Summer (June–August) | Warm weather, vibrant atmosphere, but higher prices. |
Autumn (September–November) | Beautiful fall colors, fewer crowds, great hotel deals. |
Winter (December–February) | Magical Christmas markets, snowy rooftops. |
Spring (March–May) | Blossoming gardens, pleasant weather, shoulder season prices. |
🧳 Final Tips for Visiting Prague
- Walk everywhere—Prague is made for exploring on foot.
- Stay near Old Town to be close to everything.
- Visit Charles Bridge at night—magical with no crowds.
- Eat well and treat yourself—Prague’s dining scene is top-tier.
- Try local absinthe—just once for the experience!
- Soak up the romantic atmosphere—you’ll see why Prague steals hearts.
🏁 Final Thoughts
After seven trips, Prague remains a city I can’t get enough of. It’s beautiful, affordable, romantic, historic, and walkable—with just the right mix of magic and mischief. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a foodie adventure, or a walk through history, Prague will steal your heart.
Šťastnou cestu! (Safe travels!) 🇨🇿 Check out more adventures on my YouTube channel!
Why Visit Prague?
- Fairytale streets and bridges
- Romantic getaway vibes
- Affordable fine dining
- Walkable historic center
- Vibrant nightlife with absinthe
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