A brief about my journey to Prague from London

Prague is the magnificent capital of the Czech Republic. My husband and I had planned to visit the country on a whim in July, but at the last minute, we had to postpone our trip to September due to unforeseen circumstances in our family. Finally, we went to Prague last weekend, and to our surprise, September, being an off-season, was still warm in Prague and thronged with the crowds.

We had our flight from Luton Airport in London, so we booked a cab to get there on Friday evening. After finishing our security check-in at the airport, we began looking for food options.

London Luton Airport has a wide range of cafes and restaurants that serve continental, British, Mexican, and Asian cuisines. After a long working day, we were famished and wanted a hearty meal, so we chose Burritos.

A trivia about tea: Did you know Indians and Britishers have one thing in common? The habit of having afternoon tea. Our styles and choices of spices in tea and snacks might differ, but this habit is instilled in us. While English people prefer Earl Grey, we desis prefer our Masala Tea, and if we get a delicious one outside home, nothing can beat its joy. The same thing happened to me at the Luton Airport. I was searching for coffee and noticed the presence of an Indian restaurant that recently opened its franchise there under the name Chaiiwala. It serves fabulous Masala Tea, and I was thrilled after drinking it. Then, we got ready to board our flight.

How to Reach Prague

Easyjet and Wizz Air are usually the most affordable airlines for travelling across Europe, and so we booked Wizz Air from London to Prague. It cost us £200 for two without check-in baggage and Wizz Priority.

Tips to save money on your flight:

• Book your flight in advance for off-season months like September and October, January and February.
• Travelling light with one free carry-on bag per passenger can save you almost £60. However, it should fit under your flight seat and match the standard luggage dimensions as per the airline. Otherwise, they can ask you to remove items from the bag or pay for extra weight. If you choose a trolley bag (max 10 kg) in cabin baggage, you must opt for Wizz Priority or something similar if you book with another airline.
• If you choose check-in baggage, select the weight that suits your requirements. For instance, if a 20kg trolley bag serves your purpose, you shouldn’t pay for a 32kg bag.

From Prague Airport to Hotel

The best way to reach your hotel from the airport is by cab or pre-booked taxi. Use the Bolt app to book a cab at a reasonable price. Alternatively, you can use the airport shuttle to reach a certain point in the city centre and then use the metro.

Bus numbers 59 and 100 depart from Terminal 1 and 2 and reach Nádraží Veleslavín metro station (line A) and Zlicin (line B) in fifteen minutes.

Where to Stay in Prague?

One of the most delightful surprises during our trip was discovering that Prague was more affordable than London in every aspect, from accommodations and flights to sightseeing and food.

Even though we booked our stay at the last moment, we found a slightly higher-end option for £150 a night, including VAT and the Booking.com service fee. The complimentary breakfast buffet was a nice bonus, making our stay even more economical.

Note: In Prague, hotels charge city tax on per day basis, which is separate from VAT. We stayed two nights and paid 300 CK (Czech Koruna) as city tax or £12. If I am not wrong, this tax also applies to other European countries.

Currency conversion from Czech Koruna to British Pound is 100 CK = £3.31

This post contains some affiliate links. Please go through disclaimer page to know the details.

Budget-friendly Hotel Recommendations for Couples and Solo Travellers in Prague

Couples

Grand Majestic Hotel was our hotel close to the Palladium shopping centre.

Admiral Botel is right on the Vltava River. Their price begins from £95/room for couples.

Hotel Clement is close to Old Town Square. Price starts from £89/night.

Hotel U 3 Pstrosu is down the steps from the famous Charles Bridge. The room price starts from £97/night.

Hotel Julian has a beautiful summer terrace and a lobby bar with an open fireplace. The price begins from £85/couple.

Solo Travellers

The hostel and Hotel Florenc have a terrace, shared kitchen, and single rooms with private bathrooms. Their prices start from £50.50.

Plus Prague is located in a quiet residential area. It is two minutes walking distance from Nadrazi Holesovice and has an indoor pool, sauna and free internet access. The price begins from £40 or 48 Euros.

Note: Along with Czech Koruna, Euros also work at various spots in Prague.

Disclaimer: These prices may vary based on your specifications and selection of dates.

How to Get Around in Prague

Prague cobblestone streets are charming, but they can be harsh on your feet. If you’re staying in the city centre, you can easily reach most attractions on foot, with a few exceptions. Wear sneakers and use the city’s efficient tram, bus, and metro system to save your feet. This reliable public transport network can take you everywhere you need to go, making it a convenient and stress-free way to explore the city.

You can buy a 24-hour or 72-hour pass based on your itinerary or separate tickets for 30 or 90 minutes to reach a particular place.

Where to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Prague?

Buying public transport tickets in Prague is a breeze. You can purchase them from one of the orange or yellow ticket machines at metro stations, inside trams and buses, and at major tram and bus stops. These machines accept payment via contactless credit card or mobile device, making the process quick and convenient. Plus, with the city’s excellent public transport system, you can travel around Prague with ease and confidence.

Note: After buying your ticket, validate it during travel by punching at a yellow ticket validation machine. These machines are located at the entrance of metro stations and on trams and buses. Failure to validate your ticket can result in a fine, so it’s important to remember to do this before you start your journey.

• Kids from 0-14 years of age and senior citizens from 65+ are eligible for free travel.

How To Spend Two Days in Prague

Day 1 itinerary comprises self-guided walking tour + map.

Day 2 itinerary combines self-walking tour with public transport accessibility where ever required.

Day 1 Itinerary

Prague Castle and Gardens

Start your tour from Prague Castle and Gardens. If you are using the tram, take number 22,23 to Prague Castle.

Prague Castle is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest castle complex in the world, with an almost 70,000 m² area. Prague Castle was most likely established in around 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci).

The Prague Castle complex comprises many palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of myriad architectural styles from Romanesque to Gothic, such as St. Vitus Cathedral and its Great South Tower, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, Old Royal Palace, The Story of Prague Castle, Prague Castle Picture Gallery, and Rosenberg Palace.

Inside the castle complex, you will also see the Change of Guard Ceremony at 12 pm in First Courtyard, which is connected to Hradcany Square.

There are four kinds of tickets to buy, and the most common is Prague Castle – Main Circuit, which includes Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. The new prices are valid from 1.03.2024. Check them out here. Book your tickets online to save yourself from standing in long queues.

If you want to visit the cathedral tower and watch the city from there, buy a separate ticket. You can see cityscapes for free from the steps to Prague Castle, the terrace at the western gate entrance to Prague Castle, and the gardens.

The gardens on the castle premises are free to visit, and there are ten gardens. If you can’t see all of them, cover ‘Garden on the Bastion’, which lies on the western edge of Prague Castle and ‘Saint Wenceslas Vineyard’, which is located on the southern slope between the buttress wall of old castle stairs and the upper scenic ridgeway. It’s said to be the oldest vineyard in Bohemia.

The opening hours of the castle complex are from 6 am-10 pm.

Tip: Covering everything inside the castle premises may take almost a day, so plan your itinerary accordingly. You may skip a few places if you are short of time.

Visiting the castle complex is free if you do not go inside St. Vitus Cathedral, The Royal Palace, Golden Lane, St. George’s Basilica, and exhibitions.

Nerudova Street

If you still have some time left in your day, you can move towards Nerudova Street from Hradcany Square. I will share a guiding map at the end for all these locations.

Nerudova Street is one of the most picturesque streets with vibrant Baroque buildings in Prague, and it’s named after a famous Czech writer and journalist, Jan Neruda. The most notable feature of this street is the usage of signs on houses instead of numbers.

Malostranské náměstí and St. Nicholas Church

From Nerudova Street, you can keep walking towards Malostranské Square, at the foot of Prague Castle. You will also see St. Nicholas Church (another classic example of Baroque style design) and other significant buildings at the square.

This square is a part of the Royal Route and is frequently visited by tourists. The Royal Route is a historical path that Czech rulers used to walk before their coronation ceremony. It used to start from the Municipal House in the Old Town. The coronation used to take place at St. Vitus Cathedral.

Vrtba Garden

Vrtba Garden is Prague’s most beautiful Italian-style Baroque terraced garden perched on the slope of Petrin Hill and one of the gems among Baroque gardens in Central Europe.

It’s part of Vrtbovský Palace and still a hidden gem. The garden retains its original style without significant changes and is listed as one of the World Heritage Unesco sites.

The ceremonial lighting of the garden, which takes place at the beginning and end of the season, is worth attending. The garden opens from 10 am to 6 pm from April to October. Ticket price is £4. This garden is also a film location for Bollywood movies like Rockstar and Jab Harry Met Sejal.

Charles Bridge

Next, you can move towards Charles Bridge, Prague’s most photographed and oldest bridge, guarded by thirty statues and sculptures of saints representing the remarkable personalities of European and global history.

The sight of Charles Bridge becomes extraordinarily magnificent with the hues of sunset and the lighting of gas lamps in the evening and night. The bridge connects the Prague Castle with the old town.

The most renowned statue on the bridge is of St. John of Nepomuk, and it is a famous saying that by touching the bronze part of the statute, you can fulfil your wish. I am unsure about the truth, but I have seen many tourists doing that before me. Some guides also say that a few students who came as tourists in Prague painted the statute to mess with people’s minds and spread this rumour, so everybody is guessing, and no one knows the exact fact.

I want to confess that I also rubbed it when I watched others do it to save myself from the fear of missing out 😂.

Old Town Square or Staroměstské náměstí

Your last stop for Day 1 is Old Town Square, which looks fabulous during the day, evening and night. This square contains ancient monuments and churches and is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful historical sights by tourists and locals.

It came into existence in the 12th century as the central marketplace for Prague. The Old Town Square is one of the two main squares in Prague’s Old Town. The other is Wenceslas Square, which is at five minutes walking distance.

Over the years, many Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings were constructed around the square, following the instructions of kings, wealthy business people, and churches. Also, dungeons were built below the square to keep prisoners. Many dark stories of betrayal and political conspiracy are associated with the square.

Start your tour in the Old Town Square from the Town Hall and the beautiful 15th-century Astronomical Clock Tower. Gather before the Astronomical Clock to watch the show when it hits a particular hour.

Then, visit Tyn Church across the square, which dominates one side. You can see the Twin Towers of this fabulous church from anywhere in Prague. The astounding fact about the towers is that both are asymmetrical, representing the masculine and feminine sides of the world through Gothic architecture.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Map for Prague

Day 2 Itinerary

Statue of Mini Franz Kafka

Start your second day walking or combine it with a tram/metro from this spot if you stay in the old town. Jaroslav Róna created this sculpture and installed it on Vězeňská Street in the Jewish Quarter of Prague.

The statue depicts Franz Kafka sitting on the shoulders of a dishevelled and out-of-shape male figure in a suit, giving context to his short story “Description of a Struggle.” Some articles also imply the connection of this statue to his book “Metamorphosis.”

Franz Kafka was renowned in the Prague literary and German-speaking community when he was alive.

You will also notice that Franz Kafka’s shoes are shiny because people skim them to fulfil their wishes, whether it’s just a belief or a fact that we can’t say.

French Kafka’s Rotating Head

Next, visit the kinetic sculpture of Franz Kafka, created by David Černý. It’s located in Nové Město next to the Quadrio business centre.

The kinetic sculpture reflects self-doubt and depression in Kafka’s life. Forty-two layers of stainless steel rotate independently in this sculpture, and the patterns are reprogrammed. The nearest metro station to this sculpture is Národní třída. The spinning head show happens every hour.

Famous Dancing House and Stroll Alongside River

Tančící dům or the Dancing House or Ginger and Fred, is a pillar of modern architecture that was constructed on the Rašínovo Embankment in 1996.

A famous film couple inspired the concept of this architecture, so the stone tower symbolises Fred Astaire and the glass tower represents his partner, Ginger Rogers. The world-renowned architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry built it.

The top part of the building consists of a restaurant with a terrace offering a 360-degree view of Prague, for which you need to buy a ticket. If you would like to purchase drinks at the bar and sit outside, they will be charged separately from the entry ticket to the terrace.

Even if this building seems useless when visiting this area, strolling on bridges alongside the River Vltava will compensate and give you an incredible experience.

Sunset from Riegrovy Sady

This park offers terrific sunset views along the Charles Bridge. Still, from here, you will also witness the iconic vista of Prague Castle. This park is free to visit and also has an open-air beer garden that opens from April to October. Riegrovy Sady is in the affluent neighbourhood of Vinohrady, known for its cafes, bars and restaurants.

The nearest metro stops to this park are Namesti Miru and Jiriho z Podebrad. If you hop on a tram, take number 11 and exit at Italská.

The other notable attractions in the area are the Prague TV Tower and neo gothic church of St. Ludmila.

River Cruise

The last activity of the day has to be this, whether before, afterwards or with dinner.

When we were in Prague during September, all the boat cruises were shut down due to floods in other areas of the Czech Republic.

Sitting on a sightseeing cruise and relaxing is one of the unbelievable ways to enjoy panoramic vistas of Prague’s architecture and nightlife.

Other Things To Do in Prague

Visit some fantastic libraries: Strahov Library, Municipal Library, and Philosophical Hall in the Faculty of Arts.

The Municipal Library is open to the public for free, so you may have to stand in a long queue to visit the Infinity Book Tower and take pictures with it.

Petrin Funicular Tower and Railway: You can experience a funicular ride to Petrin Hill’s top. The funicular begins at the Ujzed tram stop and stops midway at Nebozizek, where you can have a cup of coffee and enjoy a lovely view. Then, take the next funicular to reach the top station.

Národní Muzeum: The National Museum of Prague comprises the Czech Republic’s scientific, historical, cultural, and heritage collections. The tickets are available for various buildings. There are also days of free entry to the objects of the National Museum. The upcoming free days are 28th October and 17th November. Tickets are free for children up to 15 years of age.

Kozi Street: A silent neighbourhood with kaleidoscopic architecture

Little Venice Prague: The only canal in Prague under the Charles Bridge. Boat trips are available here, too.

Vysehrad: This area has a few historical buildings to visit, such as Vysehrad Castle, the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Gorlice and Casemates, and the Rotunda of St. Martin. While you must pay for these attractions, you can visit the fortress walls and gardens without paying the entrance fee.

Other Famous Sculptures to Visit in Prague

• Memorial to the Victims of Communism
• Urinating Sculptures
• Man Hanging Out
• Statue of St. Nicholas of Tolentino
• Commendatore Statue
• Crawling Babies

Free Walking Tours in Prague

Visit Guruwalk.com and Free Walking Tour Prague to find tours that fit your itinerary.

Guided Walking Tours in Prague

3-hour walking tour of Old Town and Prague Castle with stops

City highlights private walking tour

Prague Old Town Astronomical Clock and Underground Tour

Ghosts and Legends Nightime Guided Walking Tour

Pub Crawl and International Party

Prague Historic Pub with Drinks

Communism History and Nuclear Bunker Tour

3 Best Bars to Visit in Prague

• Robotic bar – Robots serve drinks
• Stredoveka Krcma Medieval Tavern – the oldest pub in Prague
• Green Devil’s Absinth Bar and Shop

5 Best Restaurants for Vegetarians in Prague

Pasta Fresca: They serve homemade pasta that follows Italian specialities.

Indian Jewel: The best thing about their Indian food is that it comes without oil.

Vegan’s Prague: They serve vegan dishes with a Czechian twist.

Maitrea Restaurace: They have a mix of cuisines on the vegetarian menu that combine Czech traditions.

Palo Verde Bistro: A Bohemian eatery in a courtyard setting offering diverse plant-based options. Their Vegan Lasagna is worth trying.

Best Cafés to Visit in Prague

Prague has a range of beautiful coffee houses, from historic to specialty ones. Each café is unique in its ambience, aura and food menu. Some of them also offer Wi-Fi for a comfortable working environment.

Here are the best cafés based on my experience you must visit during your Prague trip. Most of these coffee houses are in the old town.

• Café 11, Old Town
• MyRaw Café, New Town
• Onesip Coffee, Old Town
• Pauseteria, Old Town
• Designum Café, Nerudova Street, New Town

Best Czechian Desserts to Try in Prague

Prague is famous for its decadent desserts, blending old traditions and unique flavours that showcase Czech baking mastery. Here are some must-try quintessential desserts:

1. Trdelník

A popular street treat, trdelník is a spiral of dough coated in sugar and cinnamon, roasted on a spit, and often filled with chocolate, ice cream, or whipped cream. Though not originally Czech, it has become an iconic Prague dessert!

2.Medovník (Honey Cake)

A rich, layered honey cake made with thin layers of honey-flavoured sponge and a creamy filling, medovník is sweet and satisfying, often topped with nuts and honey drizzle.

3. Kremrole

This treat is a puff pastry tube filled with whipped cream or meringue, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Kremrole is a classic favourite in Czech bakeries.

4. Koláče

These round pastries feature a sweet dough topped with filling like poppy seeds, sweet cheese, or fruit jam. Koláče are traditionally served at celebrations, but you will also find them in most bakeries.

5.Ovocné Knedlíky (Fruit Dumplings)

Unlike typical desserts, these dumplings are filled with fruit (such as plums, strawberries, or apricots) and served with sugar, melted butter, and sometimes whipped cream or grated tvaroh (quark cheese).

6. Perník (Czech Gingerbread)

Czech gingerbread, perník, is spiced and often cut into decorative shapes, sometimes glazed or coated with chocolate. The recipe dates back centuries and is popular year-round, particularly around the holidays.

7. Buchty

A soft, sweet roll often filled with jam, poppy seeds, or sweet quark cheese. Traditionally baked in large pans, these individual buns are perfect for sharing.

8.Jablečný Závin (Apple Strudel)

Though more commonly associated with Austria, apple strudel has a firm place in Czech cuisine. The pastry is flaky and filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sometimes nuts, making it a perfect winter dessert.

9.Tvarohový Koláč (Cheese Cake)

Unlike the American cheesecake, this version uses tvaroh (a type of fresh cheese) and has a more rustic, lighter flavour. It’s often paired with fruit, making it both simple and delicious.

10.Šišky (Sweet Dumplings)

Often rolled in sugar or topped with powdered sugar and a dab of butter, šišky are lightly sweetened fried dough dumplings. They’re sometimes served with jam or cinnamon sugar, perfect for satisfying a light sweet craving.

You’ll find these desserts in Prague’s local bakeries, cafes, and even street stands. Each dessert has a history, which will make your experience uniquely Czech.

In a Nutshell – Points to Consider

We had a great time in Prague, and believe me, two days weren’t enough to soak in Prague vibe, but I am proud to tell you that we covered a lot of places.

Points to consider:

• We spent almost £800-900 in Prague, which included accommodation, flights, food and activities. This trip was the cheapest for us compared to other European countries that we had visited from London.
• Most contactless payment cards work in Prague, but you must also keep 1000 CK cash for places where it doesn’t work.
• In Prague, the local language is Czech, but people prominently speak in English with tourists.

Based on my travel experience, I have shared this itinerary and effective money-saving tips with you all. Please let me know in the comments if you have found this post useful for planning your holidays in Prague.

Read more: I witnessed a live film set in Prague