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Prague Tourist Information
Our Prague tourist information guide has the practical advice you need to plan a Prague trip. Find out where the tourist information centre is, and tips on currency and money exchange, when to visit Prague, the weather, what to wear, passport requirements, and much more. |
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 Prague Tourist Information
| | | | For an introduction to Prague, covering key visitor information and an explanation of the layout of the city, view Prague tourism.
For a list of the top places to visit in Prague, view sights & tourist attractions. | | | |
 Currency & money exchange
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Currency in Prague: Czech Crown (CZK)
The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (CZK), also known as Czech koruna (Kč). | |
| Exchange rates for Czech Crowns (CZK) on |
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£1 = 29 CZK | €1 = 25 CZK | $1 = 24 CZK.
What is 1000 CZK worth?
1000 CZK = £34 | €40 | $42.
Czech Banknotes are issued in the following denominations:
100/200/500/1000/2000/5000 CZK.
CASHLESS PAYMENTS: Pay by Mobile AND card | |
Prague currency: Czech Crown (CZK) |
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Cashless payments are now used by the majority of people in Prague. Pay by Mobile (via Google Pay and Apple Pay) and credit cards (including contactless cards) are widely accepted at hotels, shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and on public transport. In this respect, everyday life in Prague is no different than in London, Paris or Berlin.
Paying in Cash
Almost all places in Prague still accept cash (there are a few "card only" bars).
Czech people are proud of their currency.
If you wish to pay in cash, most shops, bars, cafés and tourist attractions in Prague only accept Czech Crowns (CZK).
Some larger hotels, shops and restaurants accept Euros (EUR) too, but not all.
Even if you prefer cashless payments, it is still advisable to carry some Czech Crowns to pay for incidentals (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, etc.). Small businesses and market stall holders often prefer, or even insist on payment in cash.
Currency exchange: where to find the best exchange rates in Prague
To change money into Czech Crowns, visitors should obtain a better exchange rate in Prague than in their home country.
The best exchange rate is usually obtained by withdrawing Czech Crowns from a cash machine (ATM) at a bank in Prague, even accounting for any transaction fees your card issuer may levy.
(i) Cash Machines (ATMs) in Prague
ATMs in Prague accept credit and debit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Key points on withdrawing cash from an ATM:
1. Use a debit card if possible. Transaction fees are generally lower than for a credit card. But if you only have a credit card, it is still worthwhile using it.
2. Use an ATM that belongs to a bank. If you are unsure, use an ATM at an actual bank. We do not recommend using an ATM that belongs to a currency exchange company or a stand alone ATM in a random location. These usually impose extra transaction fees.
| | ATMs at Prague Airport :
At Terminal 1, exit customs and in the Arrivals Hall official bank ATMs are to the right, by the stairs.
At Terminal 2, exit customs and in the Arrivals Hall official bank ATMs are to the left - Prague Airport Guide.
ATMs at City Centre Banks:
In and around Wenceslas Square, banks with ATMs include
Česká spořitelna, Komerční banka, ČSOB, Raiffeisenbank, Fio banka, MONETA Money Bank and Air Bank.
At Republic Square, UniCredit Bank has an ATM.
In the Lesser Town, at the top of Mostecké street (the road leading from Charles Bridge to the Lesser Town Square), Česká spořitelna bank has an ATM in the wall. | |
Česká spořitelna bank in Prague |
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| 3. If an ATM offers the option 'pay using home currency', ignore it and opt to 'pay in local currency'. The transaction will then be converted at a good international exchange rate. If you select 'home currency', the ATM converts the Czech Crowns at its own rate, which will be poor; this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Avoid it. | |
(ii) Change Money in Prague: Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
To change cash for Czech Crowns in Prague, the best exchange rates can be obtained from a currency exchange office (Bureau de Change) in the city centre (NOT at the airport).
Currency exchange offices are located throughout the city centre, in particular around Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square and the Lesser Town Square.
It is advisable to use one of the larger currency exchange offices, one with a room inside where you can carry out your transaction in a calm manner. In contrast, be wary of the small currency exchange booths with just a window on the street; some offer competitive rates, but at others offers of 0% commission and confusing signs can mask a poor rate.
The best way to protect yourself in all cases is to ask what the total amount you will receive is before handing over any money. Good exchange offices will tell you this as a matter of course.
For excellent exchange rates, with no commission and good customer service, we recommend:
eXchange: Náměstí Franze Kafky 2 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00; Sat-Sun 09:00-18:00. Tel: 222 700 890.
Exchange Prague: Wenceslas Square 60, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Sun 09:00-19:00. Tel: 605 531 130. info@prahaexchange.cz.
Samiko Exchange Office: Štěpánská 39 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat 09:00-17:00. Tel: 602 211 043.
Another option is to change money at a bank. Banks offer good exchange rates, but do charge a small commission. The main area for banking in Prague is Wenceslas Square. | |
 COST OF LIVING IN PRAGUE
Food and drink served in bars, cafés and restaurants, and alcohol sold in shops tends to be less expensive in Prague than in Western Europe, particularly if the items are locally produced. The stand out products are Czech beer, wine and spirits, which are considerably cheaper.
Prices for services, such as hairdressers and health and beauty treatments, are generally lower in Prague than in Western Europe.
Dental and medical care is of a high standard and prices are reasonable, so while not wide spread, Czechia does attract some visitors for health tourism reasons.
Prices for cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, global fashion branded clothing and durable consumer goods in Prague are similar to in other countries in Europe. | |  Weather in Prague
The weather in Prague varies dramatically between the seasons, far more than for example in London. Even within a season, the weather can be highly changeable.
Summer (June to August) is mostly hot and sunny. At least one heatwave can be expected, when temperatures build to a crescendo, culminating in a mighty storm, after which the city cools dramatically.
In Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October), Prague enjoys long spells of warm sunny weather, interspersed with dull days and heavy showers.
Winter (November to February) can vary from mild to very cold, with lengthy periods of snow. | | 
Weather in Prague |
| | The average temperature in July and August is 19°C (66°F). However, during a heat wave temperatures push up to 35°C (95°F), sometimes higher.
The average temperature in December and January is -1°C (30°F), but it can deviate dramatically in either direction. There are bright and sunny, relatively warm periods when temperatures rise to 10°C (50°F). Equally, there can be heavy bouts of snow that last several days or weeks, when temperatures drop to between -10°C (25°F) and -15°C (5°F). | |
 When to Visit Prague
Prague is a beautiful city to visit all year round. The dramatic contrasts in weather and temperatures only add to its appeal.
The majestic squares, historic buildings and cobbled streets are a joy to explore both in the hot summer sunshine and in the heavy snows of winter. The Vltava River, parks and gardens offer different experiences with every season.
Tourist attractions, restaurants and theatres are equipped to welcome visitors at all times; buildings are heated in the winter, and many are air-conditioned in the summer.
Above all, the city is somewhere to kick back and relax: from spring through to autumn, an al fresco drink at a pavement café or in a beer garden basking in the sunshine can be a highlight of your trip; in the winter, a warm and cosy ambience awaits inside the pubs, restaurants and traditional cafés.
Spring (April to June, including Easter) is a popular time for tourists to visit Prague. This is closely followed by Autumn (September to October), and then December: the Christmas markets usually run from late November to early January, when the festive atmosphere draws in visitors from around the world. New Year's Eve is perhaps the most popular time of all.
Hotel and flight prices fluctuate according to demand: the most expensive times to book a trip to Prague are weekends in May, April, June, September, October and December, in this order. If you can travel midweek, there are bargains from Sunday to Thursday night all year round.
July and August present an anomaly to exploit. There are fewer tourists to jostle with, and visitors can enjoy lovely sunny weather at relatively low cost; flights and accommodation are cheaper in the height of the summer because many Europeans prefer to head to a Mediterranean beach.
The remaining months of November, January, February and March present an opportunity to enjoy a cheap city break without the crowds. You gamble on the weather, but at certain times you get the feeling you have the city all to yourself.
While flight and hotel prices can vary widely throughout the year, and can get more expensive the closer you get to the date of your trip, the prices for sightseeing, eating and entertainment in Prague remain more or less the same at all times.
View our guide to where to stay in Prague. | |
 What to Wear in Prague
If you are considering what to wear in Prague, on good days, from spring through to autumn, visitors will find cool shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses most welcome. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and hats too.
However, even in summer the weather can be highly changeable. Bring a fleece and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, in case of a cold snap or heavy shower.
In the winter, you will be glad of a warm coat, hat and gloves. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea, to protect you against rain or snow.
Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot, so wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is vital. The city centre is compact, making it easy to walk between the sights and tourist attractions. And the most important sights, such as Prague Castle and the Old Town Square, are only fully accessible on foot.
While it may be nice to dress smartly, and many people do, Prague is a fairly casual city. Restaurants, concert venues, theatres and other tourist venues do not have strict dress codes, and accept most forms of attire. | |
 WiFi and Internet Access
5G/4G is available everywhere in Prague. Your phones and mobile devices will connect with ease to networks like Vodafone, T-Mobile, O2, EE, Three and China Mobile.
WiFi is fast and widely available in Prague. Hotels, bars, cafés, restaurants and river cruises all offer free WiFi. And for the price of a coffee, visitors can hook into the free WiFi at one of the many coffee houses and fast food restaurants in the city, such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee, McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Popeyes, Bageterie Boulevard, Salaterie and Paul.
WiFi is also free at Prague Airport. | |  Telephone and Post
Telephone
International Dialling Code for Czechia (Czech Republic): +420.
Useful & Emergency Telephone Numbers
Directory enquiries: Czech numbers: 1180. International numbers: 1181.
General emergency: 112.
Fire: 150. Ambulance: 155.
Municipal Police: 156. Police: 158.
First Aid:
141 23. Pharmacy: 141 24.
Dental:
141 22.
Emergency Road Service: 1230/1240.
Post Office
Central Prague Post Office: Jindrisska 14 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Daily 02:00-24:00.
Tel: 604 221 504. | |
Czech Post Office |
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 Electricity
In common with most of Europe, the electricity supply in Prague is 230v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs.
British, North American and other non-EU visitors will need adaptors, which can be purchased in Prague at the electrical retailer Datart. Address: Národní 28 and Palladium Shopping Centre. | |
 Public Transport in Prague
The Prague public transport network is cheap, efficient and highly integrated. Public transportation runs frequently during the day and at night, and a single ticket permits travel on trams, buses and the Prague Metro. | |
 Tipping
Tips are naturally welcomed by workers in the tourist industry, although the feeling is generally relaxed. Staff do not tend to chase tips. 5%-10% is appropriate. The exception is the overpriced touristy restaurants, which Prague Experience do not list. To avoid them, you may wish to consider the ones listed in our Prague restaurants guide. | |
 Smoking
Smoking is illegal in enclosed public places in Prague and Czechia. | |
 Activities for Children & Families
Prague is, relatively, a very safe city to visit with children. Parents need have no extra concerns for their kids over the normal care one would take in a busy place.
There are fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy: towers to climb, bike and Segway tours to sign up for, and a number of interesting museums to visit. Plus, there is Prague Zoo, Sea World, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, river cruises, black light theatre shows, and regular special events.
Most restaurants and cafés welcome children, and some offer high chairs for babies. While kids' menus are rare, waiters will happily suggest suitable dishes for children from the adult menu or perhaps serve half portions. | | 
Prague for Children |
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 Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Walking Difficulties, PRAMS & BUGGIES
A continuous cycle of improvement to public buildings and the transport network in Prague ensures there is now barrier-free access to many of the city's tourist services.
And wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, and families with prams and pushchairs will be pleased to note that Prague's city centre is compact, with many sights and tourist attractions located close to each other.
Stay in a hotel in the city centre (Prague 1), and if you can walk short distances or be pushed, you can participate in much of the sightseeing and entertainment on offer without using public transport or taxis.
Find out more in our Prague Accessibility Guide. | |
 Dangers & Annoyances - Prague IS a safe city, BUT...
Prague is regarded as one of the safest capital cities to visit in Europe; safe to walk around wherever you wish, and to travel on public transport. This applies both during the day and at night, and it applies to single travellers, including single women. Physical assaults are extremely rare.
Never-the-less, there are things to be mindful of:
In terms of danger, watch out for the trams when crossing roads. You may not hear them coming. They have the right of way over other traffic, they rarely stop unless forced to, and in any event, trams cannot brake quickly. Be careful also to supervise children.
As for annoyances, the following advice is based on our personal experience of using tourist services in Prague and on feedback received from visitors to the city:
Taxis are notorious for overcharging. If you are flying to Prague Airport with the intention of taking a taxi to your hotel, book an airport transfer in advance through a reputable company.
If you decide to hail a taxi on the street, whether at the airport or in the city centre, avoid unmarked taxis. Choose a taxi that has the name of the taxi company written along the side of the vehicle, and perhaps Google them to make sure the company is genuine. Otherwise, even if the taxi has a meter fitted (which by law it should have), it cannot be trusted - some drivers will set the meter at whatever rate they like. The best approach is to agree a price before you enter the taxi.
Pickpockets are a problem too. Keep a close eye on your valuables. Make sure you can see or feel your money and personal possessions at all times. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Do not hang your handbag on the back of your chair in cafés. However, don't be afraid. Violence is not an issue, pickpockets prefer easy targets. Always observe the golden rule: if you don't need to carry valuables, leave them in the hotel safe.
Beware overcharging in restaurants that are heavily-frequented by tourists. Check the bill carefully to ensure it adds up, and that only the items you ordered appear on it. Plus, see if a service charge or tip has already been added - if it has, there is no need for a further tip.
When you buy something from a shop or a market stall, and you pay in cash, check that you receive the correct change. And perhaps ask for a receipt if you are not given one.
If you wish to change money, avoid using small currency exchange booths. Use the larger Bureau de Change or withdraw money from an ATM belonging to a bank - currency exchange
Our mission at Prague Experience is to help visitors experience the best of Prague. Tourist services listed on this website have been tested and approved - and if a service subsequently falls short, it is removed (places do change): our Prague airport transfers service charges a set fee to travel anywhere in Prague (and drivers are polite and honest); the restaurants we list serve great value food and provide good customer service; we only list the best performances at the finest opera houses, concert halls and theatres in Prague; and, we only list the best Prague sightseeing tours and river cruises in the city. | |
 Medical Services & Healthcare
Czechia is a developed country and there are no major health risks.
The tap water is safe to drink in Prague and throughout Czechia, and food-borne diseases are no more of a concern than elsewhere in Western and Central Europe.
Try to avoid insect and tick bites when travelling outside Prague, especially in forested areas. They can cause significant irritation and infections of the skin.
The standard of healthcare in Czechia is impressive, particularly in Prague. The country performs above the EU average in terms of affordability, low waiting times and outcomes, and the capital city is a popular destination for medical tourism.
For Czech citizens, health insurance is compulsory.
EU citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
UK citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Other nationals, and EU and UK citizens that require more extensive medical cover, are advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance.
Tourists seeking medical attention have several options:
Pharmacies offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments and conditions.
Doctors and Dentists in Prague are available 24/7 for more serious health issues.
For Emergency Care, dial 112 to be connected to the EU emergency line, which guarantees an English-speaking operator. Alternatively, contact the Czech medical emergency services on 155. Ambulance response times are generally good. | | PHARMACIES (LEKARNY)
There are a lot of pharmacies in Prague. Most are in the New Town, where there are both stand-alone stores and chemists in shopping malls.
Dr. Max Lékárna, Vodickova 40 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00.
Tel: 224 235 847.
Adamova Lékárna, Wenceslas Square 8, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 11:00-19:00.
Tel: 224 227 532.
Lékárna, Palladium Shopping Centre (Level -2), Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1.
Open: Thu-Sat 09:00-22:00; Sun-Wed 09:00-21:00.
Tel: 224 829 073.
Lékárna Opletalova, Opletalova 4 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00.
Tel: 224 220 703. | |
Pharmacies in Prague |
Lékárna, Palackeho 5 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00.
Tel: 224 946 982.
Lékárna AVE, Havlíčkova 5 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00.
Tel: 601 201 489.
Web: Website.
Dr. Max Lékárna, Praha Hlavní Nadrazi (Prague Main Railway Station), Wilsonova 8, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00.
Lékárna U svate Ludmily, Belgická 37, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00; Sat 08:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.
Tel: 222 513 396.
Fragnerova Lékárna U Černého orla, Malostranské náměstí 14, Lesser Town, Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:00.
Tel: 257 219 744.
Web: Website. | | DOCTORS (DOKTORI)
Doctor Prague, Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1.
Standard Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00. Tel: 224 220 040.
Emergency Hotel Doctor Open: 24 hrs. Tel: 603 433 833. | | DENTISTS (ZUBARI)
Malo Clinic, Kateřinská 18, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Thu 07:30-19:30; Fri 07:30-16:30; 24hr emergency service.
Tel: 775 785 222. Website. | |
 Passport & Visa Requirements for visitors
Passport requirements to enter Czechia
EU nationals:
Your passport or ID card must not expire before you leave Prague/Czechia.
UK & Other nationals:
The issue date of your passport must be less than 10 years before the date of your arrival in Prague/Czechia/EU; and
The expiry date of your passport must be at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Prague/Czechia/EU.
View more passport information.
Visa Requirements
Czechia (Czech Republic) is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area. Therefore, most tourist visitors do not require a visa to visit Prague, just a valid passport (or ID card for EU citizens). | | 
Passport and Visa Requirements |
| | EU, UK, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and USA nationals, plus citizens of many other countries, can visit Prague without a visa.
Other nationals may require a visa: more visa information. | |
 Foreign Embassies & Consulates
-Czech Embassies Worldwide
-Czech Embassy in London
-Foreign Embassies in Prague. | |
 Customs Allowances within the European Union (EU)
Arrival: If you travel to Prague from an EU country, you can bring an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.
If you travel to Prague from a non-EU country, you can bring most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco, but not meat or dairy products.
Departure: If you travel to an EU country from Prague, you can carry an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.
If you travel to a non-EU country from Prague, you can carry most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco. And you are exempt from paying VAT and taxes on alcohol - duty-free alcohol is available for purchase at Prague Airport (PRG).
How much duty-free you can carry depends on the rules of the country you are flying to.
Travellers bound for the UK, for example, can return home with:
-42 litres of beer and 18 litres of still wine;
-4 litres of spirits OR 9 litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine or any alcoholic beverage less than 22% ABV;
-200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco OR 200 sticks of tobacco OR any proportional combination of these. | |
 Lost Property
Prague 1, Karoliny Svetle 5.
Open: Mon & Wed 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-17:30; Tue & Thu 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-16:00; Fri 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-14:00.
Tel: 224 235 085. | | | |
More Information
Our Prague tourism guide explains the layout of the city, where to stay, and what to see and do.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. |
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