Prague Travel Guide

Written By stephanie mendez

Prague is such a magical place that literally looks like it belongs in a fairytale. I had the best time here when I went in November, 2023. I spent a total of 2.5 days here which was plenty of time to explore the main attractions in the city.

The highlights of the trip for me were trying the local food and beers and taking in the views from the Charles Bridge. Check out my recommendations below to discover where to stay, what to see, and the best places to eat in Prague below.

You can even view all of my recs HERE on Google Maps.

Where to stay in Prague: 

Photo source: Hotel Boho Prague

  • Hotel Boho Prague– We stayed at the Boho Prague Hotel. I absolutely loved it. It was beautiful, modern, with top-quality design, finishes, and amenities. It was also right in the city center and in walking distance to old town. 

 

Top Attractions in Prague:

  • Prague Castle – Explore one of the world’s largest ancient castles, a must-see historical site in Prague.

  • The Golden Lane – Wander down this charming street lined with 16th-century houses, originally built for the guards of Prague Castle.

  • Charles Bridge – A world-famous bridge that connects both sides of Prague. It’s a perfect spot for photos—make sure to see it during the day and at night.

  • Dancing House – Admire this architectural marvel and head up to the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of Prague’s skyline.

  • Certovka – Discover the enchanting waterways of Prague’s Little Venice and keep an eye out for the watermill gremlin.

  • Lennon Wall – Pay tribute to John Lennon at this iconic wall, covered in colorful graffiti and messages of peace and love.

  • Vrtba Garden -A hidden gem, this Italian-style Baroque garden, built between 1715 and 1720, features beautiful sculptures, a pool, and offers stunning views of Prague Castle.

  • Strahov Monastery and Library – Visit this hilltop medieval monastery, known for its stunning stucco-panelled theological hall, vast library, and Baroque church.

  • Waldstein Garen – Stroll through these 17th-century gardens at the Senate Palace, adorned with ornamental pools and Baroque statues (open to the public from April to October).

  • Vysehrad Klementinum – Explore this fortified castle with a museum, hidden passages, and large grounds. Perched on a hill overlooking the Vltava River, it offers serene parks and panoramic views.

  • Old Town Bridge Tower – Climb this striking 14th-century Gothic tower for sweeping views of the city. Its wide, arched gateway and ornate details are not to be missed.

  • Astronomical Clock & Tower – Marvel at this medieval timepiece on the city hall facade, which displays the twelve apostles as the clock strikes. It’s the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest still in operation. Don’t miss the chance to climb the tower for incredible views.

  • Prague’s Narrowest Alleyway – Experience this quirky, skinny stairway squeezed between two buildings. With traffic lights at each end for pedestrians, it leads to a riverside restaurant

  • Musoleum David Cerny – Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking sculptures of David Cerny at this fascinating exhibition.

  • Palladium Mall – Indulge in some retail therapy at Palladium Mall. While it has some familiar stores, you’ll also find unique clothing shops that make it worth the visit.

  • Christmas Markets – If you’re visiting Prague during the holiday season, don’t miss the enchanting Christmas markets, which capture the spirit of the holidays perfectly. Although we were a week too early for Prague’s market, we did enjoy one in Vienna.

 

Where to Eat in Prague:

Overall, Prague offers very traditional Czech cuisine. Visiting in the winter, I appreciated the hearty dishes like beef goulash. I also stepped out of my comfort zone to try new foods, which I ended up really enjoying. I highly recommend doing the same!

Brunch at Etapa

 

Here is a list of the restaurants I ate at and would recommend to you all:

  • Restaurance Mincovna – We went here for dinner one night. Has a great vibe – very lively. I had the beef goulash here and it was so good! If you drink, definitely try the local beers here or anywhere in Prague. I loved the light Czech Pilsners. 

  • CAFÉ CLUB MÍŠEŇSKÁ – I’d describe this place as a library bar/cafe. It has a great atmosphere where you can sit and have a drink and read or hang for a while. It’s on the lesser town side. 

  • Etapa – One of my favorite spots in Prague. I highly recommend you go for breakfast or brunch. The food is unique and delicious. And it’s a great place to go if you’re craving some veggies. Definitely get the grilled cheese, veggies, and try some of their desserts. It’s outside of old town and in the local area. So we took a nice walk about 30 minutes each way from our hotel. 

  • Charles Bridge Restaurant – We went here for lunch during our trip. It definitely attracts a lot of tourists, and for good reason, as you get a nice view of the Charles Bridge and it overlooks the Vltava river. It was nice in the winter so I can’t even imagine how beautiful it would be in the summer. 

  • Boho Restaurant at the Boho Hotel – Went here for breakfast since it was in my hotel and the breakfast was delish! Would definitely recommend. 

Here is a list of the restaurants I researched but never got a chance to check out: 

  • U Sadu – Compact venue with a small garden, 10 kinds of draft beer & a late-opening Czech kitchen

  • Restaurant Mlynec – Contemporary Czech restaurant with a stylish feel, large windows & live jazz evenings

  • Cafe Savoy – Refined cafe/restaurant with a lavish wooden interior evoking the First Czechoslovakian Republic.

  • Nase Maso – A butcher shop turned eatery, renowned for its premium meat and delectable flavours – order their medium rare cheeseburger. 

  • Lokal – Refined cafe/restaurant with a lavish wooden interior evoking the First Czechoslovakian Republic.

  • ZEM – An avant-garde restaurant which serves a fusion of traditional Czech dishes with Japanese flavours

  • Spizirna 1902 – Bistro

  • Marthy’s Kitchen – Restaurant

  • Coffee shops:

    • IF Cafe – Coffee shop

    • Cafefin – Coffee Shop

    • La Boheme – Coffee shop

    • Botanica Coffee Truck – An adorable mobile cafe serving artisanal coffees from a truck

    • Cafe Letka – Espresso bar

    • Grounds S16 – Espresso Bar

Here is a list of bars I researched but didn’t get the chance to visit:

  • Anonymous Shrinks Office – Step into this secretive, hidden bar where cocktails are cleverly themed around psychoanalysis, making for a truly unique and intriguing drinking experience.

  • Parlour – A cozy, intimate bar known for its expertly crafted cocktails and warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet drink and great conversation.

  • The Alchemist Bar – Experience the elegance of this light-filled venue, featuring classic cocktails, served in a sophisticated, atmospheric setting.

  • Hemingway Bar – Inspired by the legendary author Ernest Hemingway, this casual lounge bar specializes in freshly mixed cocktails.

  • Kellyxir – Enter this alchemical-themed pub where the décor and drinks are inspired by ancient chemistry and magic.

  • Vzorkovna Dog Bar – A cozy, underground watering hole where you can enjoy beer and cocktails while listening to live music.

  • Terasa U Prince – Sip on cocktails at this stunning rooftop bar, which offers panoramic views across Prague’s old town square. It’s an ideal place to unwind and take in the beauty of the city from above.

  • The Monkey Bar – A premium cocktail bar that not only serves exceptional drinks but also offers a full dining menu. The chic, modern setting makes it perfect for a stylish night out in Prague.

stephanie mendez