Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the most beautiful city in Central Europe — a medieval and Baroque cityscape so complete and undamaged by war that it retains the physical form of a European capital from four centuries ago. The castle hill, the Old Town square, the Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter together represent one of the world’s great concentrations of historic architecture — every stone carrying a story involving Kafka, Mozart, or the Velvet Revolution.

Best months: April–May and September–October. Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures (15–22°C) and manageable crowds. Christmas markets (late November–December) make the Old Town Square one of Europe’s most magical winter scenes. July–August: extremely crowded and the Charles Bridge becomes a continuous procession of tour groups.

The historic centre is compact and walkable. The metro (3 lines) covers the broader city; trams are excellent for the river crossings and hillier areas. Use the Bolt or Liftago apps for reliable taxi pricing. Václav Havel Airport: 30 minutes from centre by bus or taxi.

Malá Strana (Lesser Town, below the castle) is Prague’s most atmospheric neighbourhood — Baroque palaces and gardens, quieter than the Old Town, adjacent to the Charles Bridge. Vinohrady (slightly east) is quieter, more residential and has excellent restaurants.

Prague Castle at 9am: The largest castle complex in the world requires a full morning. St Vitus Cathedral’s nave is free to enter and extraordinary.
Charles Bridge at 6am: With morning mist over the Vltava and no crowds, this is one of Europe’s great experiences.
Old Jewish Quarter (Joséfov): Six synagogues and the medieval Old Jewish Cemetery — one of the most moving Jewish heritage sites in Europe. Book ahead.
Lobkowicz Palace in the castle complex: Beethoven manuscripts and Bruegel paintings — outstanding and rarely crowded.
Evening chamber concert in a Baroque church: €15–25 and one of Prague’s genuine pleasures.

Czech cuisine is hearty and excellent — svíčková (beef in cream sauce), pečená kachna (roast duck), gouláš. The best restaurants are in Vinohrady and Žižkov, away from the Old Town Square. Czech beer (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar) is superb — a half-litre costs €1.50–2.50 in a local pub.

Prague’s medieval streets are challenging for those with mobility difficulties — cobblestones and slopes throughout the historic centre. The castle hill is steep but accessible by Tram 22 to the top. Most major museums have accessible routes.

Prague is very safe for tourists. Main caution: overcharging in tourist-area restaurants (always check the menu for prices) and unofficial taxis — always use a metered or app-booked cab. Pickpockets operate on the Charles Bridge and tram 22. Emergency: 112.

Vyšehrad: The older fortress south of the centre, with extraordinary city views and the national cemetery where Dvořák and Smetana are buried. Almost no tourists.
Letenské sády park: The best panoramic view of Prague’s bridges and spires, with a pleasant beer garden.
Kavarna Slavia: Prague’s most atmospheric literary café, overlooking the Vltava — unchanged since the 1920s and entirely genuine.