Visit Prague, the center of Bohemian lifestyle, music, and culture. There are so many things to do in this city, especially on a budget! You can visit most of the Prague attractions for free, but if you want to learn and explore, you’ll have to pay for entry.
Americans Living in Germany: Know Before You Go
The drive from Weiden to Prague is just 2 hours, and it’s only 3 hours from Hohenfels. Just remember to pick up a vignette when you cross the border. If you’re caught driving through the country without one, the fines run up to 5,000 Czech Koruna (around €180).
Looking for information about PCSing to Germany? Check out our complete arrival guide!
And speaking of currency, you can withdraw Koruna from ATMs in the city. But unlike Germany, most restaurants and bars in Prague accept card. Some will also accept Euros, but it’s better to have some Koruna just in case.
Also, bring your tourist passport. Hotels will need to keep the information on file (AirBnBs are supposed to record the information, too). And even if you visit just for the day, you may come across a random checkpoint.
Weekend in Prague: Places to Visit
Even if you spend a long, 3-day weekend in the city, you may not be able to see everything!
The Prague Castle
Although it’s called a castle, it’s actually the office of the Czech president. It was, however, the seat of power for rulers throughout the centuries, including Holy Roman emperors and kings of Bohemia. It sits on the highest point of the city, and overlooks all of Prague across the Vltava river. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can tour the castle, the gallery, and St. Vitus Catherdal.
Church of Our Lady before Tyn
While the cathedral’s architecture is Gothic style, the inside has been reworked in Baroque style. It took nearly two centuries to be completed, and in 1679, it burned down. Church of Our Lady before Tyn is also home to the oldest organ in Prague.
The Astronomical Clock
Not only is it the third oldest of its kind in the world, but this beautiful astronomical clock is still functioning! For an aerial view of the Old Town Square (and the entire city), take the stairs or elevator to the top of the clock tower.
Looking for a Prague party? Visit in August to attend Prague Pride!
The Charles Bridge
Built in the 14th century, the Charles Bridge connects the Prague Castle to the city’s Old Town. If you’re up for it, we recommend walking to the lookout tower on the bridge to learn more about its history and see more aerial views.
The Dancing House
It’s not hard to miss: this modern building looks like a figure dancing in a dress. It stands out among the classic Baroque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau architecture, and was a controversial addition to the cityscape in 1996 by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry.
Another building with a great view of Prague! Enjoy a cocktail while you’re on the patio. And add it to your list of things to do in Prague at night: the lighting is incredible.
If you have a car, take a day trip to Karlovy Vary for the beer spas and hot springs!
Street Art
You’ll find street art around almost every corner in Prague! There’s even a John Lennon wall, dedicated to pieces about the artist and his message of peace and love.
Czech artist David Cerny also has multiple installations throughout the city. His sculptures are sometimes dynamic and almost always controversial in some respect. Here’s a free walking tour to see all his work in the city.
Learn about Prague in 3 minutes! Including how to get a vignette and where to park in the city!
Prague Food
A proper Czech meal will leave you quite satiated without doing damage to your budget!
Vepro-knedlo-zelo
In almost any Czech restaurant, you can try this traditional dish of roast pork, bread or potato dumplings, cranberries, and gravy.
Beer
Pilsner Urquell originates from the city of Pilsen, just an hour outside of Prague. It’s served in a bulbous glass (usually a half-liter) at almost every bar and restaurant. You could also try an authentic Budweiser, which tastes nothing like the Budweiser you’ll find in the United States (because Czech Budweiser is better).
Read more about touring the Pilsner Urquell brewery!
Trdelník
If you catch a whiff of something that smells magically sweet and cinnamon, a cart serving these pastries isn’t far! Trdelník is a grilled pasty cone dusted with sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous (which obviously you are), try it with a gelato or nutella filling.
Restaurant Peklo
While the name translates to “Restaurant Hell,” it is truly a heavenly experience! I recommend the blueberry monk beer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Prague
Whether you’re visiting from outside Europe or just driving through for the day, we have some helpful answers to common questions!
Everything! All of the sights and architecture will be decorated with beautiful lighting at night. Plus, everything is less crowded in the evening, so consider renting a bike or scoot to explore.
If you’re looking for nightlife, I recommend Lucerna Music Bar. During Prague Pride, they played a variety of 80s pop until the sun came up!
Almost every restaurant in Prague has great options for affordable dining. We really enjoyed Hotel U Prince: Terasa U Prince. They have great food and a spectacular view of the clock and Old Town towers.
Pretty much everything will still be open to visit in December – it will just be colder! But Prague has a beautiful Christmas markets throughout the city, including Old Town and the Prague castle.
Plus, you can go ice skating and enjoy all kinds of other winter festivities!
Absolutely! Check out the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Pilsen, or visit a beer spa in Karlovy Vary.
The Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church) in the city of Kutna Hora is also worth the drive. Inside the chapel you’ll find the remains of thousands of human bones decorated throughout the basement.
If you’re on a budget, I recommend Royal prague City Apartments. They’re right outside the city center bridge, so you don’t have to drive into the city. It only has street parking, but it’s cheaper than inside the city!
If you prefer to stay in the city center, I recommend Design Metropol Hotel Prague. Or, if you prefer larger rooms, Residence Leon D’Oro and the famous Dancing House are other great options in the city.
Plan your 3-Day Prague vacation!
Treat yourself to a long weekend getaway in one of the oldest European cities. If you need more travel tips, subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram!
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