Discover Prague: sights, delights and unforgettable experiences

Contents:

• An overview of Prague’s districts: from regal to creative
• Prague’s sights: the highlights at a glance
• Museums in Prague: Experience culture and history up close
• Culinary experiences in Prague: between tradition and trends
• Hidden alleys & special spots
• Practical tips for your trip to Prague
• Conclusion: Prague – a city of many facets

An overview of Prague’s districts: from regal to creative

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and a city of contrasts – each district tells a different story, captivates with its own unique charm and surprises with a wide variety of sights:

• Hradčany & Prague Castle: Prague’s landmark towers high above the city. Amidst palaces, monasteries and the majestic St Vitus Cathedral, you can still feel the spirit of the Bohemian kings today. From here, the most beautiful views over the Vltava and the red rooftops unfold. Our recommendation: head to the castle gardens in the late afternoon – the golden light bathes Prague’s rooftops in a magical atmosphere.

• Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Baroque churches, picturesque courtyards and small gardens make this neighbourhood a romantic paradise for a stroll. Around every corner lie hidden cafés and charming craft shops. Our recommendation: visit the Wallenstein Garden – with its ponds, sculptures and free-roaming peacocks, it’s a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city.

• Staré Město (Old Town): This is where the heart of Prague beats. Old Town Square, with its famous astronomical clock, is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and holds a magical allure for visitors. But if you arrive early in the morning, you’ll discover an almost magical tranquillity in the narrow streets. Our tip: It’s well worth getting up early! Take a stroll at 7 am through the still-empty streets and experience the Old Town all to yourself.

• Josefov: The Jewish Quarter tells the story of centuries of history – synagogues, the old cemetery and museums are among Prague’s most impressive sights and offer a deep insight into the city’s culture and past. Our tip: Allow plenty of time for the Old Jewish Cemetery – the atmosphere amongst the closely packed gravestones is unique.

• Nové Město (New Town): Lively and diverse – here, elegant boulevards, theatres and modern architecture come together. Prague shows its youthful and relaxed side particularly well along the Náplavka embankment. Our recommendation: Enjoy an evening on the Náplavka embankment with street food, live music and views of the Vltava – a real treat, especially in summer.

• Vinohrady & Karlín: Away from the tourist crowds, this is where you’ll experience modern Prague: creative cafés, natural wine bars, food markets and green parks where the locals gather. Ideal for anyone who wants to get a feel for authentic city life. Our recommendation: try a cappuccino at ‘Můj šálek kávy’ in Karlín – one of the city’s most popular cafés.

Prague’s sights: the highlights at a glance

Prague is a city full of iconic landmarks known throughout the world – yet it is only when combined with the little-known gems that they truly reveal their magic. Here are the key highlights for your city break:

• Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral: The world’s largest enclosed castle complex towers majestically over the Vltava. The Gothic cathedral, with its colourful stained-glass windows and the Golden Gate, forms the centrepiece. From the castle gardens, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the city, which looks particularly magical in the evening light.

• Charles Bridge: A landmark straight out of a fairy tale – flanked by statues of saints and often accompanied by street performers. Early in the morning or late in the evening, it reveals its special charm once the crowds have dispersed.

• Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock: In the centre of the Old Town, the colourful hustle and bustle of the square is a fascination in itself – surrounded by sights such as the Baroque façades and the legendary clock, whose hourly spectacle has been delighting visitors for centuries.

• Vrtba Garden: A Baroque gem right in the heart of the city. As you climb up the ornate terraces, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of the dome of St Nicholas’s Church and the rooftops of Lesser Town – a real hidden gem, especially in spring and summer.

• Franz Kafka in Prague: The monumental sculpture ‘Head of Franz Kafka’ by David Černý is a modern landmark. Its 42 moving panels constantly reshape the famous writer’s face – a fascinating and unique sight. Those wishing to delve deeper should visit the nearby Kafka Museum, which impressively showcases Kafka’s life, work and his close connection to Prague.

• Prague Historic Tram 42: On this nostalgic tram, you can experience Prague just as it was 100 years ago. The route takes you past many of the city’s most famous sights – including the Castle, the Old Town, the National Theatre and Wenceslas Square. Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off system, you can get off at any time to explore a highlight in more detail, and carry on when you’re ready.

Museums in Prague: Experience culture and history up close

As well as its world-famous sights, Prague also boasts an impressive array of museums. From history and art to curious collections, there is something to suit every taste:

• National Museum (Národní Muzeum): This magnificent building stands at the upper end of Wenceslas Square. The collection covers the natural sciences, archaeology, art and changing special exhibitions. The monumental architecture alone is worth a visit.

• Jewish Museum Prague: With synagogues, the Old Jewish Cemetery and moving exhibitions, it offers deep insights into the Jewish history and culture of Central Europe.

• Kampa Museum: Situated right on the banks of the Vltava, this modern art museum showcases works by artists such as František Kupka and Otto Gutfreund, as well as international highlights.

• Mucha Museum: Dedicated to the famous Art Nouveau artist Alfons Mucha, it displays posters, paintings and personal effects – a must-see for all Art Nouveau fans.

• National Technical Museum: Here, everything revolves around technology and industrial history – from historic locomotives to vintage cars and astronomy. Ideal for families and tech enthusiasts.

• Curiosity museums: Prague is also known for its quirky collections, including the Museum of Torture Instruments and the Museum of Fantastic Illusions – perfect for anyone in the mood for something out of the ordinary.

Our recommendation: Make sure to plan at least one museum visit – Prague’s museums are the perfect complement to sightseeing, especially on rainy days.

Culinary experiences in Prague: where tradition meets modern trends

Prague is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. Alongside its world-famous sights, the city combines traditional Bohemian cuisine with modern food trends and a vibrant café culture.

• Traditional cuisine: Try classics such as svíčková (roast beef with cream sauce and dumplings), goulash or smažený sýr (deep-fried cheese). Pair these with a freshly tapped Czech beer – the country’s ‘liquid gold’.

• Beer gardens: A must-visit is the U Pinkasů beer garden, right next to the Church of Our Lady of the Snows. Pilsner Urquell has been served here since 1843 – and the stone-walled grounds provide a pleasant coolness, especially in summer. The long wooden tables are perfect for striking up a conversation with the locals.

• Café culture: Prague is a paradise for coffee lovers. In modern cafés such as SmetanaQ on the banks of the Vltava, you can enjoy coffee of the very highest standard. Those seeking that classic coffee-house atmosphere should visit the historic Café Savoy or the legendary Café Slavia – both once popular meeting places for writers, artists and intellectuals.

• Street food & markets: Along the lively Náplavka embankment, food trucks, street food stalls and regional produce beckon – the atmosphere is particularly lively at weekends. It’s also well worth a detour to the Žižkov Market, where locals buy fresh ingredients and authentic snacks.

• Sweet specialities: Don’t miss trying trdelník (a rolled pastry baked over an open fire), best served filled with ice cream or chocolate.

• Fine dining & modern cuisine: Alongside its traditional offerings, Prague is emerging as a hotspot for creative gastronomy. Innovative restaurants combine Czech ingredients with international cuisine – perfect for foodies.

  Our restaurant recommendation:

  • La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise – a Michelin-starred restaurant that puts a modern spin on Czech classics.

  • Field – Nordic-inspired, minimalist and also awarded a Michelin star.

  • Lokál Dlouhááá – authentic Czech cuisine in a modern pub-style setting, with a focus on regional ingredients and freshly tapped beer.

Hidden alleyways & special places

As well as its world-famous sights, Prague is home to many little wonders tucked away off the beaten track. They tell stories, surprise you with their humour or simply leave you in awe:

• Čertovka (Devil’s Stream): A romantic branch of the Vltava, often referred to as the ‘Venice of Prague’. Small mill wheels and houses along the banks make it one of the city’s most photogenic spots.

• Vinárna Čertovka – Prague’s narrowest alley: Just 50 centimetres wide! To prevent congestion, a traffic light regulates pedestrian traffic – a quirky highlight for photos.

• Střelecký Island: A green island in the middle of the Vltava, ideal for picnics and a break. Families and couples in particular enjoy the peace and quiet here in the heart of the city.

• Art & Sculptures in Prague: The city is an open-air museum of modern and quirky works.

  • Man Hanging Out (Sigmund Freud) by David Černý – a larger-than-life Freud who appears to be casually hanging over the street.

  • Gulliver Airship – a futuristic airship above the DOX Gallery, combining literature and architecture.

  • R2-D2 in Prague – a small, hidden tribute to Star Wars that fans can discover whilst out for a stroll 

Practical tips for your trip to Prague

To ensure your city break goes smoothly and is stress-free, here are the most important tips:

• Currency & payment: In Prague, you pay with the Czech koruna (CZK). Card payments are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s still worth carrying some cash for small cafés, markets or tips. The Swiss Bankers Travel Card is particularly handy: it allows you to make secure and flexible payments and withdraw cash worldwide – ideal for Prague too. If you prefer to be prepared before you travel, use Swiss Bankers’ banknote delivery service and have your Czech korunas conveniently delivered to your home.

• Public transport: Prague has a well-developed network of metro, trams and buses. Buy a ticket (30-minute, 90-minute or 24/72-hour) and validate it before your first journey. If you’re travelling a lot, you’ll save money with the Prague Visitor Pass, which also covers numerous attractions.

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal – mild temperatures, fewer tourists and atmospheric light over the red roofs of the sights. In winter, the Christmas markets are a draw; in summer, the beer gardens and the Náplavka embankment.

• Safety: Prague is generally safe, but as in any major city, you should watch out for pickpockets, particularly in tourist hotspots.

• Language & courtesy: A friendly “Dobrý den” (Good day) or “Děkuji” (Thank you) is much appreciated – English is widely understood in tourist areas.

• Hotels in Prague: Stylish, central or nestled amongst the vineyards: if you choose a hotel or apartment in the Old Town, Lesser Town or New Town, you’ll have plenty of sights right on your doorstep – ideal for spontaneous explorations and leisurely strolls.

Our hotel recommendations:

• Hotel Maximilian: A stylish boutique hotel right in the heart of the Old Town, perfect for anyone who wants culture and fine dining on their doorstep.

• Hotel CUBE Prague: Modern, comfortable and also close to the city centre – ideal for city breakers who value design and comfort.

• Salabka: Situated around three kilometres north of the city centre in Troja, this hotel boasts an exceptional location amidst vineyards. As well as walks through the grounds, the Botanical Garden, Prague Zoo and the Baroque Troja Castle are just a short walk away. It’s a 15-minute drive from the Old Town, or a little longer by bus.

Conclusion: Prague – a city of many facets

Prague captivates visitors with its unique blend of history, culture and modern city life. Between famous landmarks such as the Castle and Charles Bridge, hidden gardens, creative cafés and surprising art, there are always new sides to discover.

Our tip: Just go with the flow – it’s in those little moments that the true magic of the ‘Golden City’ unfolds. Be sure to visit the Swiss Bankers Travel Deals page to find great hotels and flights for your next trip to Prague.