PragueCapital
Czechia · Country profile
Prague is the spired capital of Bohemia, a city of bridges, churches, palaces and beer halls that spans the Vltava river in one of Europe’s most photogenic skylines. The Old Town Square’s Astronomical Clock, the Charles Bridge and the hilltop castle of Hradčany anchor the classic circuit, while the alleys of the Lesser Town, the lanes of the New Town and the green slopes of the river parks spread the city beyond the tourists. Its culture runs deep: a live classical music scene, world-class galleries and museums, and a bar life built on the country’s famous lager. Gothic, baroque and art nouveau all crowd the same streets, and the city’s compact centre is made for walking. Grand, affordable and quietly romantic, Prague is one of Europe’s great walkable capitals.
About Prague
Prague is the capital of Czechia. The city's documented population is around 1,384,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK) and Czech is spoken; the dialling code is +420. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Václav Havel Airport Prague.
Spires, Bridges and the Golden City on the Vltava
Prague is a compact, walkable capital that layers centuries of architecture around the Vltava, and most of the classic picture fits in a day or two on foot. The Old Town, the Charles Bridge and the castle are the headlines, and they are genuinely beautiful, but the city’s soul is also in its beer halls, its concert halls and the quieter neighbourhoods away from the square. The pace is relaxed and the prices are gentle by western European standards. The castle hill and the river park give the views; the trams and the metro make the long journeys easy; and the evenings are made for good beer, good music and a stroll along the quays.
Crowd-Timed Tickets, Koruny and the Astronomical Clock
Book the castle, the main museums and any popular show or dinner ahead in the busy months, and buy a travel card for the trams and metro on arrival. Summer is warm and crowded; spring and autumn are the sweet spots, and December brings the fairs and the frosty old-town magic. The Czech koruna is the local currency, cards are widespread and the trams run around the clock on the main lines. The Astronomical Clock crowds by mid-morning, so arrive for the famous chime at opening. Pack a layer for the castle and the bridges, where the wind cuts across the river. English is common and the locals are friendly.
Trams, the Old Town Lanes and the Castle Above All
The trams are the true transport of Prague — a single prepaid ticket covers the metro, buses and trams, and the historic Line 23 is a delightful scenic ride. Walk the Charles Bridge at dawn to beat the crush, then return for the last light of sunset. The beer is part of the culture, and the local lager is famously cheap and fresh, often cheaper than bottled water. The castle changes guard on the hour, and the gardens below the palace are the calmest view in the city. The Old Town is small and easily covered on foot, but watch the cobbles, the crowds and the two-for-one tour scams. The river parks and the islands hold the locals’ favourite summer terraces.
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- Country
- Czechia
- Population
- 1,384,000
- Coordinates
- 50.1008, 14.2600
- Capital
- Prague
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Languages
- Czech
- Calling code
- +420
- Country code
- CZ
Entry requirements for Czechia
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Czechia for tourism.
Getting to Prague
Airports we list for Prague:
Frequently asked questions
Is Prague the capital of Czechia?
Yes — Prague is the capital of Czechia.
What currency do I need in Prague?
The local currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Languages spoken in Czechia include Czech.
What is the dialling code for Czechia?
The international dialling code for Czechia is +420.
Which airport should I fly into for Prague?
Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the airport we list for Prague.
Do I need a visa to visit Czechia?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina currently enter Czechia visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Prague? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.