Prague is one of the most sought after destinations in Europe for travellers. The beauty of the place, along with its classic architecture and rich culture, make this place in the Czech Republic a favourite of all types of visitors. However, if you are travelling to Prague or to Europe for the first time, we list here a few insights that would make your debut trip as smooth as possible.
Prague travel guide
that comes with some significant information and tips to make your debut Prague travel both memorable and special!Language:
The local language in Prague, which is the capital city of Czech Republic, is Czech. The Czech language has a slightly similar accent and pronunciation to Russian and Polish languages, however, the language is completely different and difficult to learn. Nonetheless, most people, especially the young, speak and understand English and German. People in the travel and hospitality business are also quite conversant in English, thus first-time travellers need not worry. Having said that, it is always nice to know a few words of the local language such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you.
Currency:
Czech Republic has its own currency, Czech Koruna (Crown), although being a European Union member. However, most tourist destinations accept Euros or dollars for payment. That said, it is recommended to exchange your currency, withdraw cash or pay by credit card, as it is more advantageous. You may also consider electronic payment, which is acceptable everywhere. It is also worthwhile to go to a bank to exchange your currencies as the currency exchange offices are quite unfair in terms of the rate of the exchange. A good practice is to check the rate beforehand or withdraw money directly from the bank/ATM instead.
Stay:
With a good public transport network, you may stay in any part of Prague without any hindrances of visiting the historical attractions or places to visit. Still, for first time, it is a good idea to stay in the central part of the city, which makes commuting easier. There are numerous options to stay in Prague; these range from Budget stays and Mid-range accommodations to Luxurious hotels. So, there is a place for everyone.
Food & Drinks:
When in Prague, we highly recommend you to try Czech traditional cuisine, which is similar to German, Austrian and Hungarian cuisines. A big meal would ideally consist of dumplings, meat and some sauce or salad. It is a tasty cuisine to delight your palate, however, most dishes are a little heavy with a creamy sauce and cream marinating, so cannot be eaten every day, especially if you are counting calories!
Beer is the drink of the county, and there are quite a large number of beer pubs to choose from. Moreover, beer is very cheap in the Czech Republic than anywhere abroad. It was earlier stated that beer is cheaper than water in the country. People from Great Britain or Germany often visit Prague for a mere drink of beer as it cost less. For an out and out experience, one can opt for a beer tasting tour or visit the beer museum.
Transport:
Prague, due to its central location, is also termed the Heart of Europe. The transport system in this county is par excellent. Although it is easy to travel by foot because of its location, you may travel by public transport such as the bus, metro or tram. Taking a taxi is another option, yet, there are chances you will be overcharged or taken through a longer route, and it is thus advisable to hail a taxi called by your hotel front desk or use the Uber app/ other mobile apps.
Places to Visit:
Prague (also known as the golden city) is considered one the most beautiful cities in the world. The city has numerous architectural marvels, hundreds of Spires and wonderful attractions to witness. Old Town’s Square is a must-visit for first-timers. It is the oldest and the most beautiful squares in the world, making it a not-to-be-missed attraction. A few others include Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, John Lennon Wall, Infant Jesus of Prague and the Dancing House building. Visiting city parks is another great option to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply interact with the locals.
Shopping:
If you love the Christmas market, winter in Prague should be your pick, because the Christmas market of the Czech Republic is considered to be the best in the world. However, it is a very crowded endeavour with almost all squares filled with people and vendors, making it difficult to walk in the city.
Wi-Fi, Mobile Data and Calling:
The Czech Republic is exorbitant in terms of calling and mobile data charges. Wi-Fi is certainly available in hotels. However, for emergency purposes, while outdoors, it is ideal to purchase data from the region’s local service provider. This is one of the best options to make emergency contacts. Shopping malls and coffee shops also provide free Wi-Fi.
Safety:
Prague is a safe city to travel and the chances of serious crime are rare or negligible. However, it goes without saying to remain cautious when travelling. If you aren’t comfortable with a place while on a late night outing, take a taxi. One also needs to be alert in crowded places as the chances of pickpocketing are high.
Travel insurance:
Make sure that your travel insurance is in place in case if something goes wrong during the tip or the itinerary. This may call for extra expenses. Flight cancellation, in this pandemic time, has somewhat become a norm and it’s quite unpredictable. Travel insurance, hence, is a safe and smart way to travel.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Prague is during the spring (Mar-May) and fall (Sep-Oct) seasons when the weather is not harsh with fewer tourists around. The winters (Nov – Feb) are not very comfortable, however, the place looks ethereally breathtaking. Further, with fewer tourists, you may consider visiting during the winters provided you embrace cool weather. Prague is rather crowded especially during summers (Jun – Aug), with more and more tourists visiting this beautiful destination.
Cost of travel:
Prague cannot be termed as a budget-friendly travel destination, nevertheless, since you have a lot of mid-range and budget stays, most travellers still find it reasonable when compared to other overseas or European destinations.
We hope that these tips will prove helpful on your first visit to Prague. A little know-how of the place and proper planning can bring in some and joyous memories to cherish for a long time.
