
6 Tips for Visiting Prague for the First Time
Prague is an incredible city to visit and very popular among tourists, but there’s some tips first timer visitors should know before coming to Prague.
I arrived in Prague rather bleary-eyed after making my usual mistake of taking the earliest flight. It always seems like such a good idea until the alarm goes off that morning. A night bus, a train, and a short plane journey later and I had landed at Václav Havel Airport, ready to add a new country to my list and explore everything the city had to offer.
As my previous posts on Prague have explained, the Czech capital is perfect for a mini break exploring, including sights both beautiful and quirky, and some great beer and desserts to indulge in.
To round up this series, I thought I’d share a few tips for visiting Prague I picked up along the way:
See Charles Bridge early

A Prague must-see, but it gets so mobbed during most of the day. This was true even in the “off-season” in March. You wouldn’t want to fight your way across, never mind taking pictures. I went just after sunrise and not only was there hardly anyone on it, but the light was perfect for taking pictures. Start early, then depending on the side of the bridge you’re on, pop into Cafe Savoy in Mala Strana or Pauseteria in the Old Town for some breakfast.
Getting from Prague’s airport
Once you get into the centre of Prague, everything is walkable. And luckily, Prague airport is not too far by public transport to the centre. There are two main routes: the 119 bus and the Airport Express. I chose the latter, which costs 60kc, or about £2 (in cash paid to the driver). It leaves about every half hour and there was plenty of room for luggage/to sit down.
I avoided the 119 after having heard about frequent pickpocketing on it and as I’m quite small and can be a nervous solo traveller. The challenge was getting small change fresh off the plane. But I got some cash out at one of the bank cash machines and opted for the smallest 500kc, bought an overpriced water and managed to get change on 200kc back from the driver.
Have to take a cab? Use Uber
Prague is known for cab drivers that overcharge, so just use Uber if you have to take a car, you’ll know what your paying and get a good rate.
Venture away from the Old Town Square for food

Like many areas frequented by tourists, prices around the Old Town Square tend to be inflated compared to the rest of Prague. But luckily there are some great restaurants in the nearby area, with Dhlouha street being a fave. Need some recommendations? Check out my food guide here: Foods to try and places to eat in Prague.
Exchanging Money
I got all of my Czech koruna from bank ATMs and got a decent exchange rate. If you need some straight off the plane, skip the one right after the arrivals (I hear they charge fees) and head right towards the bank ones. Or find a good exchange rate before you go. Don’t use the local exchange places or exchange money on the street.
Getting around Prague

Prague’s main sights and city centre are quite walkable. I stayed near Wenceslas Square and it took less than 15 minutes to get to the old town square. There are also trams that run frequently around the city, particularly useful if you can’t face the uphill hike to Prague Castle. More information on Prague’s trams and metro can be found here.
I’m sure this is by no means a complete list of all the must-know tips for visiting Prague. So I’d love to hear all about your Prague travel tips in the comments!



10 Comments
Anaïs N.
Great tips for when I’ll go to Pragues (not that I have a planned trip there hahah) x
Beautiful pictures as well!
Seeking Wonderful
Prague is one of my favourite capitals in Europe. My first time there was with high school and then two years ago I went with my boyfriend in December. We wanted to go to Cafe Savoy for breakfast, but didn’t take in the account that we wanted to do that on Sunday when it was so packed, we could only get a table at 1pm. So we went to Cafe Slavia on other side of the bridge and it was really good. Now I really want to go back again.
lifecanbebeautiful
I’m going to Prague in a few months so I’m sure this will come in so useful!!
Off a Small Island
It’s a great city, hope you enjoy!
ellieslondon
I visited Prague last year and your tip for the bridge is 100% – it can get crazy down there later in the day. Uber’s are also good in the city – I did a post with my tips for the city after my trip – one of mine was to take rubber soles shoes as it rained all the time when I was there and the city cobbles are so slippery when wet …strange but helpful!
Off a Small Island
That’s a great one! I must have read your Prague one before I left because I’d heard about the cobbles and put anti-slip things on my shoes before I left! 😂
ellieslondon
LOVE IT 🤩😂♥️
bournemouthgirl
Great tips!
Lisa's Notebook
Prague has been on my bucket list for such a long time and your post has just reminded me why. That is a stunning pic of Charles Bridge and these are great tips, thank you 🙂 Lisa x
Bexa
Beautiful photos! I’ve never been to Prague but I have always wanted to go. I love the picture of Charles Bridge at sunrise, then grabbing breakfast at a cafe sounds like the perfect start to the day. Thank you for sharing your tips, this post makes me want to visit Prague even more now! <3 xx
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