Prague — travel guide
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is one of Europe's most beautiful, atmospheric and affordable cities. Its untouched medieval architecture, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque facades and the graceful bridges over the Vltava River turn it into a kind of open-air museum. The "City of a Hundred Spires" is at once the ideal destination for a romantic stroll, cultural discovery and a budget European getaway for the traveler from Georgia — where even in a single weekend you can climb up to the castle, wander the narrow streets of the Old Town and enjoy the famous Czech beer in a historic pub. This guide will help you plan your visit from start to finish.
What to see in Prague
Prague is a compact city, and most of its main sights are within walking distance, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot. The city's foremost symbol is Charles Bridge (Karlův most) — a 14th-century stone bridge over the Vltava, lined on both sides by 30 Baroque-era statues. Early in the morning, before the flow of tourists arrives, the bridge is especially calm and photogenic. At one end of the bridge stands the Old Town Bridge Tower, from which a panorama unfolds over the rooftops.
Be sure to see Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) — according to the Guinness records the largest castle complex in the world, which includes the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and the charming "Golden Lane." Also central is the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) with its famous Astronomical Clock (Orloj), which draws crowds every hour with its little show of moving figures.
For resting and taking photos, the Vltava embankment and its islands are wonderful, while for a historical and cultural experience there's the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), the old Jewish district, where the Old-New Synagogue and the historic Jewish cemetery have survived. Climbing the hill up to the Petřín tower (a little "Eiffel Tower") will open up a view over the whole city.
Flying from Georgia to Prague
Prague is reachable from Georgia both by direct flights (depending on the season) and by flights with one connection — mainly via European hubs such as Warsaw, Vienna, Istanbul or Munich. For your departure you can use either Tbilisi or Kutaisi airport. The city is served by Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), which is about 15–17 kilometers from the center and is well connected by public transport.
The ticket price fluctuates sharply depending on the season, the day of the week and how far ahead you book — in summer and over the New Year period demand and prices rise, while in spring and autumn you'll find more favorable options. The best way to save is to book early, keep your dates flexible and compare options. To see specific flights and current prices, use the flight search.
Getting from the airport to the center is easy: there are city buses (for example number 119) that connect to the metro line, as well as a dedicated Airport Express line to the main railway station. Taxis and app services are available too — to ensure a fair price, it's best to use the official stand or an app.
The best season to visit
Prague has a temperate continental climate — warm summers, cold and often snowy winters and pleasant transitional seasons. The most comfortable time to visit is spring (April–May) and early autumn (September): the weather is mild and sunny, the city's gardens are in bloom or golden, and the flow of tourists is lower than in summer. In these months walking and photography are especially enjoyable.
Summer (June–August) is the peak and most crowded season — the days are long and warm, though the queues at the main sights are long and prices are high. If you choose this period, be sure to head to the main locations early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
A special time is December, when Prague turns into a fairy-tale Christmas city: the famous Christmas markets open on the Old Town and Wenceslas squares, with mulled wine (svařák), traditional sweets and handicrafts. Winter is cold, so warm clothing is essential, but in return you'll get a unique festive atmosphere.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Prague is divided into districts, and your hotel's location will set the pace of your trip. The Old Town (Staré Město) is the most central and atmospheric choice — staying here puts the main sights, restaurants and life within walking distance. Prices here are relatively high, but for those arriving for the first time who want to make the most of their time, this is the ideal location.
The Lesser Town (Malá Strana), on the other side of the Vltava, on the slope below the castle, is one of the most romantic districts — narrow cobbled streets, Baroque palaces and cozy gardens. It's ideal for couples and for those who want a less crowded yet still central setting.
The New Town (Nové Město) spreads around Wenceslas Square and is the center of modern life, shops, cafés and transport hubs. Here you'll usually find more varied and more affordable hotels and apartments, while it's only a few minutes' walk to the center. When booking, keep in mind that Prague's public transport is so good that even a district slightly farther from the center is perfectly comfortable.
What to eat in Prague
Czech cuisine is filling, hearty and delicious — perfect for cold weather. Be sure to try the national dish svíčková (beef in a creamy vegetable sauce served with steamed bread dumplings — knedlíky), as well as guláš (a thick meat stew) and roast pork knuckle (vepřové koleno). Sample the traditional bread soup, which is often served in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
Czech beer (pivo) deserves a special mention — the country is considered one of the best in the world for it, and locals are among its greatest consumers. In historic pubs (hospoda) you'll enjoy famous brands such as Pilsner Urquell and Budvar, often cheaper than food. For those with a sweet tooth, trdelník is widely sold on the streets — a hot, sugar-dusted spiral of dough (though this is more of a tourist treat than an authentically Czech dessert).
The dining budget in Prague is broad — in the restaurants of the tourist center, especially around the Old Town Square, prices are high, while in local eateries (hospoda) a little way from the center they're far more affordable and authentic. A tip: check the menu prices to see whether a so-called "couvert" is charged — a small extra fee for bread and table setting, which in some restaurants is standard practice.
Transport and getting around
Prague has one of Europe's most efficient and affordable public transport systems, combining the metro (3 lines — A, B, C), tram and bus. A single ticket is valid for all three types and works on a time basis (for example, 30 minutes or 90 minutes); there are also daily and multi-day passes, which are often the best value for a tourist.
Tickets can be bought at machines, through the transport app or sometimes with a contactless card directly at the turnstile/validator. It's important to validate (punch) your ticket in the yellow machine as soon as you board — otherwise the inspectors will fine you, even if you're holding the ticket in your hand.
The historic center is so compact that you'll cover most of it on foot, while the tram is not only transport but also a sight in itself — for example, tram number 22 passes many attractions. For getting around at night there's a separate network of night trams and buses, so staying in the center isn't obligatory.
Practical tips and safety
The Czech Republic is a member of the EU and the Schengen zone, yet it keeps the Czech koruna (CZK) as its currency rather than the euro. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful at markets, in some small cafés and on transport. Be careful when exchanging currency — avoid the "0% commission" exchange offices in the center, which often offer a poor rate; it's better to use an ATM or a reliable bank's exchange.
Prague is generally a safe city, though, as in any tourist metropolis, pickpocketing is common in crowded places — on Charles Bridge, in the Old Town Square and in the metro. Take the usual precautions and keep an eye on your bag and phone. In emergencies, Europe's single number is 112.
Since the Czech Republic is in Schengen, citizens of Georgia can travel visa-free with a biometric passport — details below, in the FAQ. Bring comfortable shoes (the cobbled streets demand them), warm clothing in the cold season, and for internet the most convenient option is a prepaid eSIM or a European operator's SIM — Wi-Fi is almost everywhere in hotels and cafés, though your own mobile internet is far more convenient for navigation.
Frequently asked questions
Do Georgian citizens need a visa for Prague?
The Czech Republic is a member of the Schengen zone, so citizens of Georgia can travel and stay visa-free with a biometric passport for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Before departure, check your passport's validity and the current rules, as requirements change from time to time.
What currency is used in Prague?
The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro, even though the country is a member of the EU. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a small amount of cash is useful. To exchange currency it's better to use an ATM or a reliable exchange rather than the dubious offices in the center.
When is the best time to visit Prague?
The most comfortable period is spring (April–May) and early autumn (September), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. December is ideal for the atmosphere of the Christmas markets, though it's cold.
How many days do I need for Prague?
3–4 days are enough to comfortably see the main sights — Charles Bridge, the castle, the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. More days will let you also see the outskirts or plan a day trip, for example to the town of Kutná Hora.
Is Prague expensive?
Compared with the capitals of Western Europe, Prague is quite affordable — especially food, beer and public transport. Prices are high only in the most touristy center, while a little way from the center they're far more favorable.
How do I get around Prague?
You'll cover most of the center on foot, while for longer distances public transport is best — metro, tram and bus with a single ticket. The ticket must be validated in the yellow machine as soon as you board, otherwise you'll be fined.