FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO PRAGUE IN 2026
Pacing our breaths, we stop at a grassy area off the main path. It’s trampled down by countless people, who stopped here just like us. A golden Labrador runs past, manoeuvring around our legs and picking up speed to chase after his cycling human. Chuckling, we turn to what lies in front of us. Far beneath the famous Charles Bridge stretches over a broad river.
The sun reflects off the stream, as countless people hurry and stroll over it, stopping for pictures, enjoying the view, and waving to others on passing boats. The sound of the city fades away around us as we stand here quietly, marvelling over life taking its course.
(View from here in Petrín Park)
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PRAGUE AT A GLANCE.
| Time spent: | 2 – 3 full days |
| How to get around: | Bus, underground and tram. It is best to buy a day ticket, they are inexpensive and can be bought at the machines in the underground stations. ! Don’t forget to validate your ticket before you enter the underground/train. |
| Would I go back: | After one visit, you have seen pretty much everything there is to see. However, Prague is gorgeous, so it’s a great destination to revisit for when you have a layover or if you live in a bordering country. |
| Recommended Route: | Centre – Mala Strana – Petrín Park – Dancing House – Grebovka |
| Feeling of safety: | Unfortunately, it has become rare to feel this safe in a city during the day and late at night, when walking and taking public transport. Be aware of the usual pickpocketing, especially in the centre, otherwise just enjoy this gorgeous city. |
| Tip: | No need to rush, you have plenty of time for all the things you want to do and see. It is good to have some cash on you, as some stores don’t accept cards. |
EXPERIENCES AND SIGHTS WORTH IT.
Hover over or tap on the pictures for more information.
IF YOU ONLY DO 3 THINGS.
Every day at 12 p.m. sharp, the guards change outside the castle. Underlined by a cinematic symphony that makes you feel like the main character in a historical movie, you can follow the procession up close and hear the precise click of their boots. The sheer scale of the music, paired with the solemn tradition, makes the entire display feel incredibly grand. Transforming a simple daily routine into a monumental moment.
Guard Change
After partaking as a spectator twice, these are my insights: Arrive latest at 11:45 p.m., especially if you’re smaller; the crowd grows by the minute. If you want to stand in the courtyard, they close the gate 20 minutes before the change, but you can walk around the building. Head to the left side of the building, follow the people headed for the church and castle into the first courtyard, and turn right. At the end, turn right again through an archway.
Discovered in the early 2000s when a flood overcame Prague, the tour takes you into the hidden cellar of an old shop.
Speculum Alchemiae
You’ll walk down smooth stone stairs into the tunnel and take a look at the different preserved rooms, while listening to the interesting history of alchemy in the city and these specific laboratories.
Yes, it’s touristy, but it is also one of the most uniquely intoxicating dining experiences you will ever have.
Medieval Tavern “U Krále Brabantského“
Following the waitress, you descend a labyrinth of winding stone stairs, lit only by flickering lanterns, into a room watched over by hundreds of skulls built into the walls. By the time you reach the lowest cavern, the light fades entirely. You can barely see the plate in front of you, but that is exactly what makes it spectacularly fun! The medieval feast is truly divine; the flavours were so rich we didn’t talk about anything else all evening.
Just keep a sharp eye on your final bill, as they might pull a classic tourist-trap manoeuvre by silently padding the total with unmentioned surcharges. Even so, this subterranean escape is worth every extra koruna.
UNEXPLORED.
There are a few things I haven’t seen yet:
- Klementinum
- Valdštejnská zahrada (closed during Winter)
- Old Town Bridge Tower
- Bars like, i.e., “Anonymous Shrink’s” and “Robotic Bar Prague”
Have you been? Head over to my Instagram (@thebeenherebefore) and let me know if it’s worth it, or drop a message with what I shouldn’t miss next time!
SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP Skip Ski
01
Book Tower
Another long queue that can be skipped. I agree, it is an. Interesting idea to build a tower of books that, because of a mirror, seems to go on endlessly, a perfect picture opportunity. However, waiting time can easily be around 1.5 hours.
02
Smallest Street
The narrowest street of Prague has a traffic light system to manage pedestrians walking to and from the restaurant at the end. Since the street only leads there – skip, if you aren’t hungry.
03
Lennon Wall
I believe there once was a painting/graffiti of John Lennon, somewhere beneath a billion stickers and sprays.
You can include it in your walk to a sight that isn’t obstructed. A small statue of a smoking, wild-eyed fisherman next to a mill.
04
Castle and Cathedral
Perhaps it was due to bad timing but seeing a line of people stretching from the entrance almost to the very end of a big courtyard makes you reconsider if an exhibition is worth it. The cathedral seemed to be overrun, too; a silent prayer or quietly beholding the architecture would’ve been a difficult challenge. I can’t speak for weekdays, but I doubt it is any less frequented.
A stroll through the courtyard, enjoying the view over the city and attending the Changing of Guards is very special already, without spending hours queuing.
These are links to sights and photo spots you can save to Google Maps so you don’t miss anything and save time during your planning phase.
There are important sights you won’t spend much time at, but are a must-see nevertheless. The other map takes you to the places where you can take some of the beautiful photos shown in this guide.
MORE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR TRIP.
Catching the train to Amsterdam next?
Continue reading here for Amsterdam Guide: Essential Tips for First-Timers.
