is prague worth visiting: Genuine Review of the Czech Capital

Swans in the Vltava lake in Prague. Is Prague worth visiting?

Are you considering a trip to Prague? Wondering if the city lives up to its reputation? Do you want to know the top things to do in Prague? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the different tourist spots in Prague and help you determine if it suits what you are looking for. From the Prague Castle to the iconic Charles Bridge, we’ll cover the most important destinations you might want to visit in Prague

We arrived in Prague by an overnight train from Amsterdam. If you are planning to do the same, you can check our post.

Prague castle stairs during our Prague visit. Is Prague worth visiting?

Is Prague Castle Worth Visiting?

One thing to see in Prague is the Castle. Is the largest ancient castle complex in the world! While the castle does charge an admission fee, the experience is truly enjoyable, and its elevated location offers breathtaking views of the city, making it well worth the cost. Although it’s a beautiful castle, it may not appear as luxurious as places like Versailles, as its medieval appearance blends with the rest of the city’s medieval-style architecture. Currently, there are government offices located within the castle complex.

My girlfriend and I went on the Castle Tour with a guide, which was included in the 2-day tickets for the Hop-on-Hop-off bus I bought at the Old Town Square, near the Astronomical Clock.

In my opinion, the best thing of the visit was the impressive views and the fascinating anecdotes shared by the guide about historical events that took place there. You might even hear about the curse of the Crown of Prague!

Our Veredict: Prague Castle is worth visiting, specially if you enjoy viewpoints, don’t mind climbing quite a few stairs, and have a keen interest in history

Charles bridge at night in Prague. Is Prague worth visiting?

Is Charles Bridge worth visiting in Prague?

The Charles Bridge is probably the most famous and recognizable spot in all of Prague, and you absolutely must visit it! This iconic bridge is adorned with various statues on both sides and spans the Vltava River, where you’ll spot different boats and even swans! Just like the rest of the city, it exudes a clear medieval charm and creates a unique atmosphere. In some way t his bridge made me remember Florence!

I must warn you, though, being such a tourist hotspot, it tends to be jam-packed with people. So, if you want some great photos, I recommend getting there early. At night, the bridge lights up, adding a touch of magic you simply can’t miss. Best of all, it’s free to cross and an absolute must-visit during your time in Prague. Trust me, you’ll be “bridging” the gap to a memorable experience!

The best part of Charles Bridge was the atmosphere created by the local musicians playing instruments I had never seen before. The experience of being on the bridge in the afternoon, listening to beautiful music, is truly different and romantic!

Our Veredict: Charles Bridge is definitely worth visiting in Prague. It’s a short stroll, and it won’t divert you from the historical center, as it’s right in the heart of it. It’s truly a beautiful walk and my favorite highlight of my visit to Prague.

The Charles Bridge is definitely worth visiting in Prague

Beer and Nightlife

Did you know that in Prague, the birthplace of Pilsner beer, beer is often cheaper than water in many restaurants and bars? It’s a city where beer culture runs deep, and locals take great pride in their brewing traditions! Sample traditional Czech beers and enjoy the vibrant scene with cozy pubs and beer gardens.

Sweets you must try in Prague

While strolling through the streets of Prague, you’ll come across local vendors selling a typical sweet treat called “Trdelník” or “Trdlo.” It’s a sweet dough shaped like a thicker ice cream cone that you can fill to your liking. I filled mine with strawberries and Nutella, topped with whipped cream, and it was absolutely delicious! It’s a must-try dessert during your visit to Prague.

Convenient Prices

One of the many advantages of visiting Prague is the reasonable prices you’ll find. From accommodations to dining and attractions, the city offers great value for your money. They often say that the further east you travel in Europe, the more affordable the prices you’ll encounter. In my experience, this was true. If you want to know more about my travel experiences, click here!

Unique Souvenir

While exploring the bustling markets and charming shops, you can discover unique souvenirs such as hand-made Bohemian crystal vases and jewelry. You’ll find stores of this kind all over Prague. They offer hand-crafted vases with irregular shapes and various colors that are truly impressive. They reminded me of the glass artworks you can find in Venice. Additionally, you’ll come across intricately carved wooden crafts. Take a piece of Prague’s charm home with you! if you are interested about shops in Venice check this post!

During my visit to Prague, I bought a beautiful hand-crafted crystal vase for my family. Although it cost me almost 200 euros, a glass product of that size would have been much more expensive in my country. Don’t forget to request the necessary paperwork to claim your tax refund at the airport!

Bohemian handmade crystal we saw on our Prague visit. Is Prague worth visiting?

Planning a trip and dont want to forget anything important at home? Check this post on Summer Vacation Necessities: Everything You Need To Pack!

Don Giovanni Hotel

For a comfortable and elegant stay, consider the Don Giovanni Hotel. Situated in a prime location, this boutique hotel offers modern amenities, well-appointed rooms, and exceptional service. Every day, there’s a person playing the piano in the hotel lobby, creating a lovely and elegant atmosphere.

The hotel wasn’t very close to the attractions, but it was conveniently located right next to the metro, providing excellent connectivity. What I loved most was their restaurant, offering Michelin-rated menus at surprisingly low prices! I would definitely choose to stay at that hotel again. Plus, we could order delicious pizzas to our room, making it a delightful experience overall.

Efficient Metro System

Did you know that Prague’s metro is one of the deepest in the world? The escalators in some stations can take you as far as 43 meters below ground level! Prague’s metro has only 3 lines, but you can reach almost anywhere with it. It’s easy and convenient for getting around the city!

You can purchase a travel pass for unlimited rides or pay 1,25 euros for each ticket.

We must note that several people warned us to be cautious of pickpockets on the metro. Check out here the Most Common Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them.

Is the National Museum of Prague worth Visiting?

The Prague museum boasts a beautiful architecture, both inside and outside. Its interior resembles a castle, and you can certainly capture some dramatic photos in there. However, I must admit that the museum exhibits themselves left me a bit disappointed. There were plenty of items related to dinosaurs, prehistoric insects, and the general prehistory, but I would have preferred to see more elements related to the history of Prague itself, its communist era, and remnants of the world wars, of which unfortunately there wasn’t much. I must say it still is a beautiful place to visit!

Our veredict: The National Museum is only worth visiting if you have enough days in Prague. For a short visit I wouldnt really recommend it.

Is a River Boat Trip in the Vltava River worth it?

Consider taking a relaxing river boat trip along the Vltava River in Prague. Cruise past iconic landmarks, admire the city’s beautiful skyline, and enjoy a unique perspective of Prague’s architectural gems. It’s a serene experience that offers a different vantage point of the city’s charm. (Plus, there are beautiful swans over the Vltava River!)

This boat tour was also included in the hop on hop off ticket. You could be on the top deck of the boat, where you could see everything, but it was quite windy. If it got too cold, you could go down to the enclosed area, where you could still enjoy the scenery through the windows while being served food.

Our veredict: It’s a lovely 1-hour experience that allows you to see Prague in a different and relaxed way. Personally, I enjoyed it quite a lot.

Jewish Quarter

Did you know that Franz Kafka, the famous writer, was born and spent most of his life in the Jewish Quarter of Prague?

Here you can discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Prague’s Jewish Quarter, known as Josefov. Explore the synagogues (the Spanish Synagogue is beautiful), visit the Jewish Museum, and wander through the ancient cemetery.

Language Tips

While English is spoken in some tourist areas, it’s worth noting that not all locals may be fluent. Learning a few basic Czech phrases or carrying a translation app can go a long way in connecting with the friendly locals and enhancing your cultural immersion.