​​​​​Prague is one of the few European capitals that still looks the way it did centuries ago. Gothic spires, cobbled lanes and a castle on the hill make it feel like a fairy tale, yet it is compact, walkable and good value compared with Paris or London.

Whether you are planning a first trip to Europe or adding a few days to a longer itinerary, this guide covers when to go, what not to miss and what you need to know before you land.

Best time to visit Prague

The best months are May and September: pleasant weather, manageable crowds and prices below the summer peak. October is a quieter alternative, while January and February are the cheapest months of the year.

Must-visit places in Prague

Most of Prague's highlights sit within walking distance of each other, so three days is enough for a first visit.

1. Prague Castle — One of the largest castle complexes in the world, home to the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral and the tiny houses of Golden Lane. Go early to beat the tour groups.
2. Charles Bridge — The 14th-century stone bridge over the Vltava, lined with 30 statues. Walk it at sunrise for photos without the crowds.
3. Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock — The heart of the city, with the 600-year-old clock that puts on a show every hour. The Christmas and Easter markets are held here.
4. Malá Strana (Lesser Town) — Baroque streets and churches between the castle and the river, including St Nicholas Church and the Lennon Wall.
5. Josefov (Jewish Quarter) — Historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the most moving sites in Europe.
6. Petřín Hill — Ride the funicular to gardens, a mini Eiffel-style lookout tower and the best views over the red rooftops.
7. Vyšehrad — A quieter hilltop fortress with river views and the cemetery where composers Dvořák and Smetana are buried.
8. Dancing House — Frank Gehry's curved "Fred and Ginger" building, a striking break from the old town.
9. A Vltava river cruise — An easy way to see the bridges and skyline, especially at sunset.

For food, try tršdelník (chimney cake) as a snack. Vegetarian and international restaurants are easy to find in the centre.

Practical tips before you go

• Visa: Prague is in the Schengen area. Visitors from countries such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Travellers from countries such as India and China need a Schengen tourist visa, which costs approximately €90 for adults (at the time of writing this article) and could take 10–15 working days to process, so best is to apply atleast 4–6 weeks ahead.
• New entry rules: The EU's Entry/Exit System has been rolling out since October 2025, so expect fingerprints and a photo at the border instead of a passport stamp. ETIAS, an online pre-travel authorisation for visa-free visitors, is due to start in late 2026, so check whether it is live before you fly (Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Travel insurance: Required for visa applicants (at least €30,000 of medical cover) and strongly recommended for everyone.
• Currency: The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and you may want to avoid street money changers and airport exchange counters with poor rates.
• Getting around: The centre is best explored on foot. Trams and the metro are cheap and frequent, and one ticket covers both.
• Packing: Comfortable shoes for the cobblestones, and serious layers from November to February.

The takeaway

For the best balance of weather, crowds and cost, plan your Prague trip for May or September. Give yourself three days to cover the castle, Charles Bridge, the Old Town and Malá Strana, and check your visa or entry requirements well before you fly.

Disclaimer: Visa fees and rules change often. Check the latest details with the Czech embassy in your country before you travel.