Prague City Guide

Activities in Prague

Costs in the biggest tourist centres - Prague especially, but also the Bohemian spas, are higher than elsewhere, though things are still fairly cheap for Western visitors. The big exception is accommodation in Prague, for which tourist prices are in line with those across Western Europe. By staying at cheap hostels and campsites, sticking to self-catering, pub grub and stand-up cafeterias, you might get away with 500 CZK per person per day in summer. In a private home or better hostel, with meals at cheap restaurants and using public transport, you can get by on 700 CZK-850 CZK. To share a clean double room with bath in a mid-range hotel or pension, and enjoy good local or Western meals, plan on at least 1000 CZK-1300 CZK. In Prague, figure a third to half again as much, and even more if you want to be close to the centre. On the other hand, except for Easter and Christmas-New Year, many bottom and mid-range hotels drop their prices by a third or more outside the summer season.

Prague has plenty of outdoor activities in the warmer months. Stroll the city's high spots, paddle along the Vltava or rent a bicycle; you can always mix sightseeing with exercise. Other ways to sweat it out are swimming, tennis, squash, golf, horse riding or the Prague International Marathon.

Participate

Stroll through the greenbelt atop Petřín Hill and fill both your lungs and your eyes. The views of the city are magnificent and you're far enough above the fug of the city to breath fresh air.

Cycling in Prague is a hairy proposition - those steep cobblestones can be tricky, and the traffic is as thick as the air - but once out of the more populated areas, the freedom and mobility are their own reward.

Renting a rowboat or pedal-boat to tour the Vltava River on your own power can give you an interesting new perspective on the city.

Tours in Prague

Pounding the Cobbles

With three days at your disposal, you can devote a day each to Malá Strana, Staré Město, and Nové Město. Spend your first morning at the castle, and after lunch with a view at U Zlaté Studné enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the sights of Malá Strana before rounding off the day with a romantic dinner at Kampa Park and an evening stroll across Charles Bridge.

On day two, kick off with a wander round Old Town Square, then devote an hour or two to the various sights that make up the Prague Jewish Museum. Have lunch at a swanky Pařížská restaurant then go on the guided tour of the Obecní dům that you booked in the morning, followed by a look around the Mucha Museum. Have a quick dinner then head for and Old Town jazz club. Your final day is for shopping and exploring the passages and arcades around Wenceslas Square. Round off a memorable three days with a classical concert and an indulgent dinner somewhere in the Old Town.