Beautiful Prague is a city destination all year round. In Prague you can spend an affordable holiday enjoying culture and history – not forgetting the local cuisine. Read Rantapallo’s destination guide and plan your own holiday.
A long weekend in Prague is possible at any time
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is not only a treasure trove of history, but also a versatile city destination for shopping, delicacies and nightlife. Prague has several nicknames: it has been called the Golden City, the Mother of All Cities, and the new Paris of Europe, among others. These handsome nicknames also have a cover, as Prague, tinted with vibrant culture and colorful history, is one of Europe’s most popular urban destinations.
In addition to the Old Town, the city’s main attractions include the Prague Town Hall astronomical clock, the picturesque Charles Bridge and the Royal Palace. The history of Prague dates back more than a thousand years. The founding of the city is considered to be the year 885, when the first royal castle was built in Prague. The castle has retained its location since then, but the building has been rebuilt many times.
The strong popularity of Prague is noticeable in the Old Town, especially during the summer. In the UNESCO-listed downtown area, the flow of tourists is endless. Still, you don’t have to look for a peaceful atmosphere for a long time: Prague also has many parks and cozy little streets where you can find interesting beer halls and restaurants serving Periczech cuisine. In terms of architecture, Prague does not represent a single uniform style, but the style of the buildings varies from Gothic and Baroque to Cubist. The diversity of architecture is an integral part of the charm of Prague, and looking at old and beautiful buildings is not easy enough.
The astronomical clock is one of the most exciting destinations in the old town, and it will enchant the first-timer.
Prague is a year-round travel destination
Prague’s continental climate makes the city an interesting travel destination all year round. In summer, Prague is warm, and especially June and August are the hottest tourist seasons. In this case, accommodation is also the most expensive. It is a good idea to schedule a winter holiday in Prague in December to set the mood for the Czech Christmas market. Enjoy a cup of local mulled wine and sample a variety of Christmas pastries. Visiting the market cannot escape the Christmas spirit.
Spring and autumn are great times to travel to Prague: there are plenty of events and warmth, but for tourists it is quieter. A head start to spring is worth taking by visiting the city at Easter time. Easter is an important celebration in Prague, which is also reflected in the street scene in the form of decorations and Easter markets.
Culture for the people
Prague’s cultural life is lively all year round. Dances, theater and music are well represented regardless of the season. Prague offers the usual experience of a city of culture, from classical music concerts to opera, but especially especially for theater, Prague also has to offer specialties.
Particularly famous Prague is the so-called Black Theater, whose performances are journeys into the world of illusions and magic. The plays of the Black Theater combine music, dance, film and pantomime with the skilful use of lights and shadows. You do not need to know Czech to follow the performances. The most famous theater in the field in Prague is Laterna Magika.
In addition to the Black Theater, puppet shows are the most typical of the Czech Republic. The first puppet show in Prague was held as early as the 16th century, and puppet theaters are an integral part of Czech culture where sauna is Finnishness. In addition to the theater, Prague is known as the hometown of the author Franz Kafka. Kafka’s life can be explored in the Jewish district of Prague, Josefov. Kafka also has its own museum in Prague.
Prague is known for its beer
Beer plays a significant role in Czech culture, and in its drinking, Czechs are number one in the world in terms of average consumption. In Prague, beer is at its best in traditional breweries and Czech taverns. Beer drinking in Prague should be treated with respect, as the locals have a few important rules. Beer is always enjoyed in a pint, and the remnants of an old pint are never poured into a new one. Only the first pint is scooled. If rounds are offered, the next one is always offered by the one whose glass tray sticks to the bottom of the jar.
With the previous rules in mind, it is a good idea to explore Prague’s beer offer and get acquainted with different beers. As Prague is an exceptionally popular tourist destination, the most authentic atmosphere can often be found in the little streets of Prague, whose beers may be located behind quite inconspicuous signs. There are also many interesting small breweries in Prague that also offer specialties. For example, the brewery house Pivovarsky Dum produces chocolate beer.
Dining and shopping in Prague
In addition to beer, Prague invites you to enjoy Periczech food. Doses are often high and no fat or salt is spared. The basic portion of Czech food includes pork, cabbage and knives most typically and is of course enjoyed with beer. The values of experimentation in Prague in particular are the variety of tasty game dishes. The Finn can direct the budget to slightly higher quality restaurants without breaking it, because the price level in Prague is still affordable, with the exception of the tourist restaurants in the Old Town.
The shopper enjoys being in the large shopping malls and long shopping streets of Prague. For shopping malls, it may be a good idea to head further away from the city center, but the most popular shopping streets, Pařížská and Příkopy, are located in the historic city center. A particularly popular gift from Prague is Czech crystal, but unfortunately there are also many sellers of low-end tourist trinkets in the city with whom you should avoid trading.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN PRAGUE
The Vltava River, which flows through the city, and Prague Castle are places not to be missed.
By direct flight from Helsinki to Prague
There are several airlines from Helsinki to Prague, but direct connections are provided by Finnair, Czech Airlines and Norwegian. Round-trip flights cost around one hundred euros at their cheapest.
Flight time to Prague is just over two hours. Prague Airport is located about 20 kilometers outside the city. The center post can best taxi or every half hour operating in Cedaz minibuses. A taxi ride costs about 25-30 euros. Public bus number 119 takes you from the airport to Dejvická Metro Station, from where you can quickly continue by metro.
In Prague, you can choose a hotel according to your budget
Accommodation in different price ranges is available in Prague. Hostels and bed and breakfasts accommodate backpackers and other budget travelers, while the high-quality international hotels in the city center meet the needs of even the most discerning stayer.
The price level in Prague for accommodation is somewhat cheaper than in Finland. The most expensive accommodation is in the city center, but thanks to the functioning public transport, you can dare to look beyond the city.
Prague’s public transport works
The sights of Prague’s Old Town are close to each other and can be conveniently reached on foot. When heading elsewhere in the city, you should take either the tram or the metro. The metro efficiently transports between different districts, while trams provide access to virtually everywhere in Prague. Trams also run at night.
Due to the large number of pickpockets on public transport, special care must be taken with their valuables. When using a taxi, the traveler should be careful not to charge a multiple amount for the ride. The price should be negotiated in advance and ensure that the driver uses the meter.