The Czech Republic is a beautiful European country with a rich history and interesting traditions. Its capital Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe, which is visited by millions of tourists every year. This is a real encyclopedia of architectural styles and trends from different eras. Holidays in Prague will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with its culture and sights, appreciate the original culinary traditions, and Prague entertainment complexes provide adults and children with a variety of opportunities for active recreation.
Why visit Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic is known for its musical traditions, concerts of classical, organ and modern music, numerous music and cultural festivals are held here.
Romanesque and Gothic churches, baroque palaces, exquisite fountains and gazebos coexist with futuristic art nuovo complexes, giving the city a unique look and a special charming atmosphere.
Czech cuisine abounds in delicious meat dishes and original baked goods, and the famous Czech beer needs no introduction at all.
The Czech Republic has a low crime rate and the locals are very friendly. The convenient geographical location of Prague allows tourists to go on excursions to neighboring countries - Hungary, Poland and Germany. Prices in the Czech Republic are lower than in Western European countries, so the trip is not too expensive.
How to plan your trip and budget
It is very difficult to answer the question when it is better to go to Prague. In the Czech Republic, you can spend time interestingly throughout the year. In any case, you should plan your trip carefully.
If you do not want to bother with paperwork, buying tickets and booking a hotel, you can use the services of tour operators. A package tour is slightly more expensive than a solo trip and limits the choice of possible routes. A tour to Prague for one for 5 days costs on average 40,000-50,000 rubles (525-655 euros), for 7-10 days - from 60,000 rubles (787 euros).
In the Czech Republic, excellent conditions have been created for receiving foreign tourists, because the income from excursionists is a significant contribution to the country's economy.
Internet services allow you to book a hotel room, buy tickets and plan a travel itinerary online. Therefore, it will not be difficult to organize a trip to the Czech Republic without the participation of intermediaries and significantly save on this.
The action plan includes the following items:
- Determine your travel budget. This will help you to rationally calculate and plan all items of expenditure.
- Select the time and duration of your trip. It should be noted that there are a lot of tourists in Prague at Christmas, Easter and during the summer months, and the prices for all services are slightly higher. If you want to plunge into the atmosphere of the Czech carnival and fairgrounds, you should go there on the eve of the holidays. If you want to relax in a relaxed atmosphere, it is better to go in early spring or autumn.
- Find and book accommodation. This is not difficult to do online.
- Make a travel itinerary. Planning excursions will help you to rationally calculate the time and not miss interesting sights. If you are traveling to the Czech Republic during the summer season, in Prague, tourists have the opportunity to purchase tickets to popular museums and cultural events in advance via the Internet. This will cost less and eliminate queues.
- Choose the transport that is more convenient for you to get to the Czech Republic and book your tickets. Early booking will significantly reduce travel costs.
- Apply for a tourist Schengen visa to the Czech Republic.
- Get medical insurance. Diseases and accidents can happen to anyone, and medical services in the Czech Republic are expensive. In addition, without an insurance policy, you may not be issued a visa.
- Take a trip.
How to calculate funds for a trip
The main items of travel expenses include the costs of obtaining a visa, travel, accommodation, meals and excursions. Additional funds can be allocated for shopping and souvenirs.
For the registration of a tourist Schengen visa to the Czech Republic at the consulate, you will pay a fee of 35 euros. When you issue a permit to leave at the visa center, you will be charged another 25 euros service fee. Urgent visa processing (within 3 days) costs 70 euros.
- The flight from Moscow to Prague takes 2 hours 45 minutes. Direct flights are offered by Aeroflot, Czech Airlines and SmartWings.
Average ticket price is about 220 euros (round trip). During the Christmas holidays, prices are the highest (up to 243 euros), in October, November and March they drop to 170 euros. By booking in advance, choosing seats in Economy Class and using promotional discounts, you can reduce your flight costs up to 133 euros in both directions.
- Airliners of Czech Airlines and Ural Airlines fly from St. Petersburg to the capital of the Czech Republic. The flight duration is 2 hours 40 minutes. Ticket prices (round trip) range from € 210 in December and January to € 170 in the fall months. The minimum prices for discounted tickets are from 160 euros.
- The train from Moscow to Prague leaves once a week. The travel time is almost 30 hours. A 1st class ticket (for a compartment carriage) costs 301 euros, 2nd class tickets - 203 euros. Prices for travel by train from St. Petersburg are similar.
- By bus of the Ecolines company you can get from Moscow to Prague in 38-39 hours, the cost of a round-trip ticket is 146-189 euros. Buses leave from the Russian capital every day.
- If you want to travel to Prague by private car, you will have to travel a long way. The route from Moscow runs through Belarus and Poland, its length is almost 2000 km.
The journey from St. Petersburg is a little shorter (1840 km). From the Northern capital you can get to Prague via Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, or via Belarus and Poland. Travel time will take about 20 hours, so on such a trip it is worth planning an intermediate stop for the night. The petrol consumption will be about 200 liters (260 euros).
The cost of living in a 3 * hotel in Prague is 30 euros per day in a single room and 48-55 euros in a double room. Prices in higher class hotels are 70-110 euros per day.
If you are planning to spend a weekend in Prague, and the comfort of an overnight stay is not important for you, you can stay in a hostel. For a night in a common room you will pay 8-10 euros, a double room will cost 16-18 euros. Renting an apartment (bedroom and living room) costs from 58 euros per day.
For travel in public transport in the Czech Republic, a single ticket (jízdenka) is purchased. It can be used both in the metro and in trams. Payment is charged not for the number of trips, but for the time spent on the way.
It is convenient for tourists to buy tickets for three days for 310 kroons (12 euros). There are also tickets that are valid for 24 hours, they cost 110 kroons (4.27 euros) for adults and 55 kroons (2.14 euros) for children. Children under 6 years old can travel in Prague city transport for free.
Lunch or dinner at a restaurant for tourists costs from 15 euros per person. The average bill in a cafe for local residents will be half that.
The cost of street food, pastries and fast food is 2-7 euros, a cup of coffee is 2.25 euros, a bottle of Czech beer (0.5 l) is 0.7 euros, a bottle of wine is about 5 euros. Sweets can be bought for 0.8 - 2 euros.
The cost of tickets to museums is 3-8 euros, for children 1-5 euros.
According to statistics for 2021, a foreign visitor must have funds in the calculation of at least 2,173 Czech crowns (85 euros) per day to stay in the Czech Republic.
With a budget travel option, a tourist will need about 100 euros per day (including accommodation, meals and visits to city attractions).
If you include a variety of entertainment in your travel plan, then you will spend at least 150-180 euros per day. In comparison with Germany, France or Switzerland, holidays in the Czech Republic are inexpensive.
Visa and housing
To travel on vacation to the Czech Republic, Russians need a tourist Schengen visa. To obtain it, you need to provide a package of documents, which includes:
- confirmation of solvency (bank statement);
- medical insurance;
- the booked round trip tickets and the hotel voucher confirming the room reservation.
To search for accommodation in the Czech Republic, you can use online booking systems (for example, Booking), but it is better to find Prague hotel sites on the Internet and reserve a room yourself. Booking may issue you its own voucher form, but the consulate does not always recognize documents from intermediaries.
In some cases, you may be asked to provide a travel itinerary - indicate the places in the Czech Republic that you plan to visit.
Must-see attractions in Prague
Prague has a huge number of historical, cultural and modern attractions. The old part of the city is a real open-air architectural museum.
The capital of the Czech Republic has several large historical complexes, which include palaces, cathedrals and monasteries, parks and exhibitions, and there are many original museums in the city.
Inspection of most of the sights is paid. Discounts on tickets are provided for children 6-15 years old, students (with international ISIC cards) and visitors over 65 years old. Admission is free for children under 6 years of age.
The table shows the most famous sights that you should definitely see in Prague.
| A place | Address | Schedule | Price, CZK | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Charles Bridge (Karlův most), Charles Bridge Museum (Muzeum Karlova mostu) | Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Křižovnické náměstí 191/3, Prague 1 | the bridge is open around the clock museum: daily 10.00-19.00. | Bridge - free Museum: adults - 170, children - 80 | Charles Bridge is a visiting card of Prague. Built in 1357. There are 30 sculptures on the bridge, including the statue of St. Jan Nepomuk. A street of artists, musicians, actors, merchants and tour guides. The exposition of the museum tells about the history of the bridge, exhibitions are held. |
| Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí) | Václavské náměstí, 110 00 Praha 1 | around the clock | is free | The main square of Prague. All buildings on it are architectural monuments. On it are located: a monument to St. Wenceslas, National Museum, shopping arcade Palác Koruna, Franciscan Gardens, Church of the Virgin Mary of the Snow with 33-meter ceilings, arcade and cinema Svĕtozor, hotels Grand Hotel Evropa and Meran, Vila House (bookstore), Lucerne arcade, Fenix Palace. |
| Prague Castle | complex 6.00-23.00, excursions 10.00-18.00. | adults 70-350 children 40-175 family ticket 280-700 tickets are valid for 2 days | The complex includes: Cathedral of St. Vitus, Old Royal Palace, Basilica of St. George, Zlata street, Daliborka tower, exhibition "History of Prague Castle", Powder Tower, Rozmberg Palace. Residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Solemn changing of the guard daily at 12.00. | |
| Cathedral of St. Vita (Katedrála svatého Víta, Václava a Vojtěcha) | Hrad III nádvoří 48/2, 119 01 Praha 1 | mon-sat 9.00-15.40 Sun 12.00-15.40 | Excursions adults 250 children 125 | The main cathedral of the Czech Republic, an outstanding monument of Gothic architecture, which was built for 600 years. Bell "Zikmunt" (18 tons), the oldest mosaic of the Czech Republic "The Last Judgment" (82 sq. M), burials of Bohemian kings, a sculpture gallery. Organ concerts are held. |
| Tyn Church (Chrám Matky Boží před Týnem) | Staroměstské náměstí., 110 00 Staré Město, Prague 1 | tue-sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 10.00-12.00 | admission for a donation (25 CZK) | It was built in 1365. Gothic church with baroque elements. Two Gothic towers, the oldest organ in Prague (1673), 19 altars, a 15th century Gothic pulpit, a carved stone canopy, the tomb of the astronomer Tycho Brahe. |
| Town Hall (Staroměstská radnice) | Staroměstské náměstí, 1, Staré Město, Prague 1 | tue-sun 09.00-18.00 Mon 11.00-18.00 | excursions every 30 min. to the town hall 100 in the tower 110-130 | A complex of 5 buildings of the XIV-XIX centuries. Meeting room of the 15th century, a sculptural image of the crucified Christ in 1410, a painted beamed ceiling of the 16th century, 46 guilds and 12 city coats of arms. Jiříkov hall with wall paintings from the beginning of the 15th century. Tower with an observation deck (70 m). |
| Prague Astronomical Clock (Pražský orloj) | Staroměstské náměstí 1/3, Staré Město, Prague 1- | around the clock | is free | The world's oldest astronomical watch. Shows Babylonian, Old Bohemian, Central European, sidereal time, displays the zodiacal position of celestial bodies, the Sun and the Moon. Hourly mini-performance - procession of the apostles from 8.00 to 20.00 at the beginning of each hour. |
| Jewish Quarter (Josefov) | U Staré školy 1, Zidovske Mesto 110 00 Praha 1 | around the clock museum sun-fri 9.00-18.00 | adults 350 children 220 | Architecture of the XIV-XIX centuries, 6 synagogues, a Jewish town hall with a clock that goes in the opposite direction, a cemetery with unique tombstones, a museum, F. Kafka's house. The Old New Synagogue - the oldest in Europe (end of the 13th century) |
| Vyšehrad fortress | V Pevnosti 159 / 5b, 128 00 | Mon-Sun 9.30-18.00 | Entrance to the territory is free Visiting museums and excursions: adults 50-120 CZK, children, students 30-90 | The first center of the Czech state. The complex includes: a garden, casemates, the Gorlice hall with a collection of statues, the Church of St. Peter and Paul, Vysehrad cemetery, Leopold's gate, St. Mary, Rotunda of St. Martin, Devil's Column, Gothic Crypt, Watchtower, Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist, Monument to St. Wenceslas. |
| Historic district Hradčany | Hradčany | Around the clock Museums - 9.00-18: 00 | The architecture inspection is free. Museums - tickets 50-100 CZK | Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here are located: the Old Town Hall (XVII century), monasteries - Strahov, Loretansky, Kapuchin. Temples - the Church of St. Benedict (XIV century), the Church of John of Nepomuk (1729), the Church of the Nativity of Christ (1730), the Church of St. Roch (1612), Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Palaces: Archbishop (1538), Cherninsky (1667), Schwarzenberg (1545-1677, now the Military History Museum), Sternberg (National Art Gallery), Martinitsky (16th century). Tuscany Palace (1691, now the Czech Foreign Ministry). |
| Petřín Hill | Petřín, Praha 1 | daily 09.00-23.00 Vtrbovsky Garden is open from April to November. | Funicular ride with a shared transport ticket. Observatory - 65-80 CZK. Mirror maze - 90 CZK | Natural and cultural monument. The complex includes: Flower Garden, Rose Garden, Nebozizek Garden, Observatory. Stefanik, sundial (the oldest in Europe), Mirror labyrinth, Church of St. Lawrence, Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Church of the Triumphant Mother of God, Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, Chapel "Golgotha", Monastery of St. Gabriel, route "Way of the Cross", "Hungry Wall », Funicular, Summer Palace of the Kinsky, Kinsky Gardens, Vtrbovsky Garden, Seminar Garden. Petrshinka spring, Memorial to the victims of communism |
| Petrin Tower (Petřínska rozhledna) | Petřínské sady 118 00 Prague 1 | April-September 10.00-22.00 March, October 10.00-20.00 November-February 10.00-18.00 | adults - 120 children (6-15 years old) - 65 children 3-6 years old - 25 family ticket 300 elevator 80 | A copy of the Eiffel Tower, reduced by 3 times. Observation platforms at a height of 20 and 55 m, you can climb on foot or by elevator. Panoramic view of the historical center of Prague. |
| Wallenstein Palace (Valdštejnský palác) | Valdštejnské náměstí 17/4, Prague 1 | daily 10.00-18.00 | Free guided tours by appointment | Monumental early Baroque building from 1624-30, Italian style garden. Now - the seat of the Czech Senate. |
| Dancing House (Tančící dům) | Jiráskovo náměstí 1981/6, Prague 2 | around the clock | is free | Building in a unique deconstructivist style |
| Toy Museum (Muzeum hraček) | Husova 158/20, Praha 1 | 09.30-17.30 | adults 70 children 30 family ticket 120 | One of the largest toy museums in the world. Antique toys, doll towns and houses, cars, castles, teddy bears, robots, a collection of Barbie dolls (over 3000 items). |
| National Technical Museum (Národní technický muzeum) | Kostelní 1320/42, Praha 7 | tue-fri 09.00-17.30 Sat-Sun 10.00-18.00 | adults 190 children 90 family ticket 410 | History of photography, printing, transport, military affairs, astronomy, architectural exposition. |
| Lego Museum (Muzeum lega) | Národní 362/31, Staré Město, Prague 1 | Mon-Sun 10.00-20.00 | adults 200 children 130 for children up to 120 cm tall - 50 | The largest museum in Europe in terms of the number of exhibits and expositions. World of Harry Potter, "Star Wars", the world of Indiana Jones, transport, monuments of different countries, (Taj Mahal, Tower Bridge), Lego city. There is a playroom for children. |
| Museum of Alchemists and Magicians (Muzeum alchymistů a mágů staré Prahy) | Jánský vršek 312/8, Prague 1 | daily 10.00-18.00 excursions every 30 minutes | adults 190 children 40 family ticket 390 | Located in one of the oldest buildings in Prague (900), it is under the protection of UNESCO. Underground workshop, alchemy laboratory and catacombs. |
| Wax Museum (Muzeum voskovych figurin) | Celetná 555/6, Praha 1 | 10:00–21:00 | adults 150 children 80 family ticket 390 | Figures of Lenin, Hitler, King Charles IV of Bohemia, Princess Libusha, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Franz Kafka, Charlie Chaplin, Michael Jackson, the Dalai Lama, the brave soldier Schweik, Harry Potter and other celebrities. |
| Museum Kampa | U Sovových mlýnů 503/2, Prague 1 | tue-sun 10.00-18.00 | Exposition inspection - 200 ticket to exhibitions - 60 | Museum of Contemporary Art of Eastern Europe. Occupies the historic building of Sovovy Mills. Permanent exhibitions (painting, sculpture, collages) and exhibitions |
| Torture Museum (Muzeum útrpného práva a mučících nástrojů) | Křižovnické náměstí 194/1, Prague 1 | tue-sun 10.00-22.00 | adults 160 children 100 family ticket 420 | A collection of medieval torture instruments and installations that illustrate their use. |
| Beer Museum (Muzeum piva) | Smetanovo nábřeží 205/22, Prague 1, Americká 341/43, Praha 2. | Mon-Sun 12.00-03.00 | Tasting portions (150 ml) from 30 CZK. For adults only. | An information center with over 30 beers and a brasserie. |
| Prague Zoo (Zoologická zahrada) | U Trojského zámku 3/120, 171 00 Praha 7 | daily 10.00-18.00 | adults 200 children 150 family ticket 600 funicular ride 25 | Ranked 4th in the ranking of the best zoos in the world. On the territory of 12 pavilions and 150 natural expositions, 681 species of animals. There is a "Children's Zoo", a cable car, a play area "Bororo Reservation". |
| Singing Křižíkova fountains (Křižíkova fontána) | U Výstaviště 1/20, Prague 7 | April-November daily the show starts at 19.00, 20.00, 21.00, 22.00. | 230 | Dance shows to rock, pop, dance, classical music on the stage, located among the fountains with lighting and computer controlled water movement |
National cuisine in Prague
Czech cuisine is known for its delicious meat dishes and original pastries. In Prague, you should definitely try:
- boar knee (serving is offered for two or three);
- goulash in bread;
- smazhak (breaded cheese fried);
- dumplings (simple or sweet);
- svichkov (beef tenderloin with sauce);
- trdelnik (sweet dough tubes with filling or dusting);
- bramborak (potato cakes);
- payment cards (round waffles).
The average bill in VIP restaurants is about 500 CZK, in cafes for local residents and canteens you can order the same dishes much cheaper and hearty for 150-200 CZK, and in canteens and self-service restaurants - for 100 CZK.
There are also pizzerias in Prague (pizza for 100-170 CZK), fast food (combo set with Big Macs - 130 CZK) and pastry shops (average bill 150 CZK). Beer (0.5 l) will cost 30-40 CZK).
Family fun and fun for children
All amenities for traveling with children have been created in the Czech Republic. When applying for visa documents to the Schengen zone for children under 6 years old, the consular fee is not charged. On the plane, babies under 2 years old are transported without payment, discounts are available for young passengers under 12 years old.
When traveling with the whole family, you can book a double room with sleeping places for adults only at the hotel. For a toddler up to 3 years old, you will be provided with a cot free of charge, and for an older child - an extra bed (free of charge or for a small surcharge).
There is no children's menu in most Czech hotels and cafes, but traditional Czech cuisine is quite suitable for children over 2-3 years old. When traveling with a small child, you can take your usual baby food with you or buy it on the spot.
In Prague, public transport and sightseeing tours are free for children under 6 years old. Most museums and entertainment venues offer reduced family tickets for two adults and four children.
There are many interesting places in the Czech capital that can be visited when traveling with children of primary and secondary school age. These include:
- Prague Zoo (there are not only animal displays, but also playgrounds);
- Toy Museum;
- Lego Museum;
- Museum of Alchemists and Magicians;
- mirror Maze;
- Singing Fountains;
- Dino Park;
- Center "Atlantis";
- Chocolate Museum;
- "Kingdom of Railways";
- oceanarium "Sea World".
Children over the age of 12 and teenagers will love the active holiday in Prague. With them, you can go to the Hammer Fortress, Children's Island, water parks, Luna Park, Giraffe and Beckiland amusement parks. Thrill seekers can ride a bobsleigh track or fly in a wind tunnel.
Beach holidays in the Czech capital
Prague is located on the banks of the Vltava River, where the water is suitable for swimming. Within the city there are also clean reservoirs and ponds where beach holidays are organized.
You can go to beach entertainment complexes:
- Žluté lázně,
- Koupaliště Džbán ;,
- Koupaliště Lhotka,
- Hostivařská přehrada,
- Koupaliště Motol or Koupaliště Šeberák.
In summer, there are changing rooms, boat and catamaran rental, sports grounds and beaches for nudists, and rescue services. The beaches are open from 9.00 to 22.00. Admission is paid (50-160 CZK), discounts are provided for children. Sun lounger rental - 70 CZK for the whole day.
There are also outdoor pools in Prague:
- Plavecký stadion Slavia,
- Plavecký stadion Podolí,
- Bazén Pražačka,
- Koupaliště Stírka,
- Koupaliště Divoká Šárka,
- Koupaliště Petynka,
- Koupaliště Ládví and others.
The cost of the visit is 100-180 CZK, the swimming season opens in May.
Where can you go on an excursion from Prague
From Prague you can go on exciting bus excursions around the Czech Republic and other EU countries. The city has many tour operators with Russian-speaking guides - "Megatour", "Eurotour", Empire, Express Tour and others.
The most popular destinations for day trips to interesting places in the Czech Republic:
- Geo-reserve "Bohemian Paradise" - 35 €.
- Kutná Hora and Sternberg Castle - 28-30 €.
- Karlstejn and Konopiste castles - 30 €.
- Krumlov and Hluboka Castle - 35 €.
- Karlovy Vary - 30 €.
- Sychrov and Turnov Castle - 30 €.
- Detenice (with a visit to the medieval show) -50 €.
- Orlik Castle and Velkopopovicky Kozel Brewery - 30 €.
- Terezin -50 €
- Karst caves "Moravian kras" and Pernštejn castle - 60 €.
From Prague you can also go on excursions to the historical centers of other European countries. You can choose the following tours:
- Munich - "Oktoberfest" - 57-65 €.
- Munich and castles of Bavaria - 119 €.
- Dresden - 32 €.
- Nuremberg - 52 €.
- Berlin - 62 €.
- Salzburg - 66 €.
- Saxon Switzerland - 32 €.
- Vienna (1 day - 47 €, 2 days - 117).
- Switzerland (2 days - 162 €, 3 days - 208).
- Paris - 119 €.
- Venice + Verona - 265 €.
FAQ
Novice travelers love to clarify the practical aspects of traveling to the Czech Republic. Here are the answers to some of the burning questions.
How is New Year celebrated in Prague?
Christmas and New Year holidays are very fun in the Czech Republic. Many guests from Russia gather in Prague for the New Year. On the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), the country's main Christmas tree is installed, which from December 2 to January 6 is lit every hour to music every hour from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The Christmas market offers a variety of goods, souvenirs, food and drinks. Street performers and musicians perform on the square, handicraft workshops work.
No less fun reigns in Wenceslas and Lesser Towns squares, in Prague Castle and in the central streets of Prague. On New Year's Eve, massive folk festivals with a variety of entertainments take place. Festive fireworks take place in Prague on January 1.
In winter, the air temperature in Prague does not drop below -5 ° C, so while walking around the city you can not be afraid to freeze.
What is the most convenient way to get from Prague airport to the city?
Vaclav Havel Prague Airport (Ruzyne Airport) is located 20 km from the center of Prague. You can get to it by buses of different categories or by taxi.
You will need Czech crowns to pay for the fare. There is an exchange office at the airport.
City bus stops are located near Terminals 1 and 2. Line 119 goes to Nadraz Veleslavin metro station, 100 to Zlicin, 191 to Petriny (line A) and Andel (line B).
After midnight there is a night bus No. 510 to Na Beranky metro station.If you arrive in the city at a time when the metro is not running, you can get off at the Diroke Sarka stop and change to night tram 51, which goes to the city center.
Travel time is 15-20 minutes. Travel on general public transport tickets, which can be bought at information kiosks or MHD terminals (Metro-Tram-Bus) from 7.00 to 22.00, and at night in vending machines at the bus stop or from the bus driver.
A ticket for a 30-minute journey costs CZK 24, for a 90-minute ride - CZK 32. It must be punched on the bus. On the same ticket, after getting off the bus, you can continue your journey by metro or tram.
The Airport Express bus runs direct from Terminal 1 to Prague Main Station from 5.30 am to 10.00 pm every 30 minutes. The duration of the trip is about 35 minutes, the prices are slightly higher than by public transport: 60 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children 6-15 years old. Children under 6 years old can travel for free. Tickets can be bought from the machine or from the driver. Baggage surcharge is not required.
The Airport Shuttle CEDAZ runs from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm to Republic Square. The interval between flights is 30 minutes, tickets cost 150 CZK and are purchased from the driver.
If you want to go by taxi, you can order cars of official carriers Prague Airport Transfer, Taxi Praha, Fix Taxi at special counters in the terminal. The trip will cost from 560 to 700 CZK.
Where can you rent a car in Prague?
Branches of large car rental companies Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget operate in Prague. To rent a car, you need to have an international driving license and make a deposit of 400-800 euros (this amount is blocked on your bank card). The company takes out the insurance for the car. Renting for 7 days will cost you from 110 to 150 euros, depending on the car brand and rental conditions.
If you are planning to spend your vacation in Prague without leaving the city, then it is better to use public transport. Getting around the Czech capital by car is not very convenient: in the historic center, most of the streets are pedestrianized, while in other areas it is difficult to find a parking space and parking prices are very high. But if you want to get acquainted with ancient castles, nature reserves and other interesting sights of the Czech Republic, then the car will come in handy.
What currency to take to the Czech Republic?
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, Czech crowns are used for cash settlements within the country. You can accept cash euros in a taxi or cafe, but at an extremely unfavorable rate.
Nevertheless, according to the recommendation of experienced tourists, it is most convenient to take a bank card with you to the Czech Republic with an account in euros. The fact is that in most places in the Czech Republic you can pay with a card, and when debiting funds from a card, the euro is exchanged for crowns at the most favorable rate.
You will only need cash crowns to buy transport passes, tips in restaurants, or to buy souvenirs in small shops where there are no card payment terminals. To do this, it will be enough to exchange 60-100 euros for kroons at a bank or exchange office.
The euro account will also be convenient if you decide to go from the Czech Republic on an excursion to Germany or Austria.
What to buy in Prague?
In Prague, you can buy original souvenirs: designer beer mugs of all shapes and sizes, decorative plates and magnets with city views, dolls-characters of Czech folklore, famous Bohemian glass, Czech crystal and porcelain.
For lovers of spirits, you can bring as a gift the famous Czech herbal liqueur Becherovka, local beers, herbal liqueur Fernetet, Slivovitsa or absinthe. The fair sex will love the Yabloneks jewelry and jewelry with a red garnet stone.
There are many shopping centers and shops in the Czech Republic where you can buy clothes, shoes and accessories of famous French, German and Italian brands much cheaper than in Russia. In addition, winter sales are held in January and February, during which prices for many products are reduced by 60-70%.
The time of big summer discounts falls on July-August. During the period, you can completely update your wardrobe at quite affordable prices. There are also seasonal sales in May and November. You can combine an interesting vacation and active shopping if you go to the Czech Republic for the May holidays.
Tourists from non-EU countries can shop in the Czech Republic using the Tax-free system. For purchases worth more than 2000 CZK (about 78 EUR), you can get a VAT refund of 14% of the cost.
Conclusion
Prague is a great vacation spot. You can go to the capital of the Czech Republic for the weekend to see the main sights, attend a concert or go shopping, or you can go for a week or two, planning interesting excursions not only in Prague, but also in other European cities. Holidays in the Czech Republic are relatively inexpensive, and the level of service is very decent.
