Prague Vacation Guide & Travel Information

About Prague

Capital of the Czech Republic, the Bohemian city of Prague (Praha) is the geographical heart of Europe and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Prague (Praha) has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. No other European capital contains six hundred years of architecture so completely untouched by natural disaster or war.

Prague has been called the Rome of the North. Rome was built on seven hills, and Prague was built on nine hills: Letna, Vitkov, Opys, Vetrov, Skalka, Emauzy, Vysehrad, Karlov and the highest of all, Petrin. The mountains, forests and lakes surrounding Prague are enchanting and ideal for outdoor holidays as well as winter sports.

Prague made up of six independent districts, which were unified in the 18th century: Staré Město (Old Town), Josefov (Jewish Quarter), Nové Město (New Town), Malá Strana (Lesser Quarter), Hradčany (Castle District) and Vyšehrad (High Castle). Prague Castle and Old Town Square are at the top of almost every visitor’s attractions list.

We constantly update Prague vacation deals and flights + hotel packages for Europe. If you just need a hotel, check out our discount hotels in Prague. You can also book popular sightseeing tours in Prague and save your vacation time.

Prague's Ruzyne airport, 10km (6mi) northwest of the city center, is the Czech Republic's only international airport. It's served by dozens of international carriers, including Ceske aerolinie (CSA), the state airline. Smaller Karlovy Vary airport primarily serves domestic travellers, but has regular flights to Moscow.

By Train : Because European countries are compact, it often takes less time to travel city-to-city by train than by plane. Prague is about 5 hours by train from Munich, Berlin, and Vienna. The European East Pass is good for first-class unlimited rail access in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Also available is the Czech Flexipass, good for rail travel within the Czech Republic for 5 days of travel within a 15-day period. Passengers traveling to Prague by train typically pull into one of two central stations: Hlavní nádrazí (Main Station) or Nádrazí Holesovice (Holesovice Station). Both are on line C of the metro system and offer a number of services, including money exchange, a post office, and a luggage-storage area.

Public Transportation : Although Prague is not very big, the attractions are scattered across the city. Tickets for the metro, trams and buses are interchangeable and best bought in advance from newsagents (tabák), hotel reception desks or street kiosks. It is also possible to purchase a reasonably priced tourist pass, valid for between one and five days. For speed, the modern, Russian-built metro is the most successful. However, a tram ride, particularly the Vinohrady to Hradčany route, is a superb way of sightseeing. Taxis are available at clearly marked ranks. They can also be hailed in transit.

Prague is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Prague. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.

The Prague Card includes a free Prague Passport containing free transport for three day on all transport, that is underground, tram and buses in the town area. You will also find all free coupons for attractions and a discount stamps to be used to redeem at your selected venues.

Prague Castle (Prazský hrad)
The home of Bohemian heirs between the 11th and 17th centuries. The enormous Vladislav Hall is still the site of the country's most important ceremonies. The castle stands majestically aloof above Prague yet symbolises the beauty and elegance of the capital.

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí)
The Old Town Square is surrounded by examples of beautiful architecture, from the Gothic town palace to the fairy-tale Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. One side is taken up with market stalls selling local glass and puppets.

Reduta Jazz Club
The Reduta Jazz Club is one of the most popular jazz venues in Prague, with live music performances every evening.

State Opera (Státní Opera)
Seasonal ballet and opera performances. This venue is extremely popular, making advance booking essential.

National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
Prague's premier venue for opera, ballet and plays. The people of Prague joined together to finance the theatre after state funding was refused, making this truly a people's venture.

Šternberg Palace (Šternberský Palác)
The Czech National Gallery's art collection is held over several buildings. The Šternberg Palace houses the Gallery's exhibition of early European art, including works by Goya, Rubens and Rembrandt.

Charles Bridge (Karluv Most)
Connecting the Old town with Lesser Town, this popular pedestrian bridge is filled with musicians, painters, vendors and tourists during the summertime.

Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock (Staromestska Radnice)
Completed in 1354, this seventy-meter-high tower features the famous 16th-century Astronomical Clock, an important symbol of Prague.

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