New Observation Towers with Panoramic Views of Prague
The Petřín Lookout Tower finally has some competition. In recent years, several new observation towers have sprung up across Prague where you can soak in the city panorama without queuing. The Vítkov Tower offers breathtaking views of the historic centre, and admission is just 4 €. Even more interesting is the Doubravka Tower on the outskirts of Prague — a modern wooden structure with stunning views of both the surrounding nature and the city skyline (entry 3 €). Want something truly off the beaten path? Head to Ládví, where the rooftop of a housing block has been turned into a publicly accessible viewing terrace. It’s completely free, and the views over Prague’s residential neighbourhoods and surrounding hills have a charm of their own — especially at sunset.“Prague from above looks completely different. It’s not a museum — it’s a living organism. You’ll understand once you see it from one of the lesser-known lookout points.”
Where to Find Great Coffee Away from the Centre
The Old Town and Malá Strana are packed with tourists, and a coffee there can easily set you back 4 €. But hop on the metro for a few stops and you’ll find excellent cafés at normal prices (2.50–3.50 € for an espresso). In Karlín, try Proti Proudu or Můj šálek kávy. Over in Vinohrady, Cafe Sladkovský serves wonderful homemade desserts. And if you make it out to Dejvice, be sure to visit Kafe Zity — lovely staff, superb coffee, and prices that feel like a time warp.- Espresso in the centre: 3.50–5 €
- Espresso outside the centre: 2.50–3.50 €
- Cappuccino at a local café: 3–4 €
- Dessert on the side: 2.50–3.50 €
Where to Walk Without the Tourist Crowds
Everyone knows Petřín and Stromovka, but Divoká Šárka remains remarkably peaceful despite its beauty. It’s a nature reserve right within Prague, with winding trails, rocky cliffs, and a stream. In summer, you can even take a dip at the natural swimming spot (entry 4 €). Another gem is Prokopské údolí (Prokop Valley) — a romantic gorge with a stream where you’ll forget you’re just a few kilometres from the centre. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic. Access is free and it’s easy to reach by public transport (tram 4, 9 or bus 244). Architecture lovers will treasure the Baba Colony in Hanspaulka — functionalist villas from the 1930s perched on a hillside with gorgeous views. Walking among them feels like stepping into an architecture magazine. And it’s completely free.Where to Eat Well on a Budget
Lunch in central Prague can easily run you 12–16 €, but locals know where to eat for reasonable prices. Traditional Žižkov pubs like U Vystřelenýho Oka or Havelská koruna (yes, even in the centre!) offer lunch specials for 5–6.50 €. Vietnamese restaurants are fantastic and affordable in Prague — Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan near Anděl or Banh-mi-ba in Karlín serve authentic cuisine for 4–6 €. And if you’re craving a burger, head to Plan B in Palmovka — arguably the best burgers in town for 7–9 €.Where to Eat for Under 8 €
- Lunch specials at pubs: 5–6.50 €
- Vietnamese food: 4–6 €
- Burger at a local joint: 7–9 €
- Pizza at a neighbourhood pizzeria: 6–8 €
Museums and Galleries Worth Your Time
Everyone knows the National Museum, but DOX in Holešovice is in a league of its own. This contemporary art centre occupies an industrial complex and hosts provocative exhibitions alongside a brilliant rooftop café. Admission is 7 €, students 4 €. Every first Thursday of the month they stay open until 9 pm. The Apple Museum in central Prague is a paradise for tech enthusiasts — it houses the world’s largest private collection of Apple products. You can even see Steve Jobs’ personal computer there. At 12 €, admission might seem steep, but you’ll easily spend two hours inside.“Prague is full of small galleries and museums that most tourists never find. Take the Toy Museum at the Castle or Speculum Alchemiae — a medieval alchemist’s laboratory hidden beneath the Old Town.”
Getting Around Prague (and Saving Money)
Public transport in Prague is excellent and will get you anywhere. A 90-minute ticket costs just 1.60 €, and a day pass is 5 €. If you’re staying for a few days, the three-day pass at 13 € is a real bargain. The Lítačka electronic card works too and is very practical. Taxis are pricey and drivers in the centre can sometimes overcharge — use Uber or Bolt instead (average fare 4–6 € for a ride across the city). Or rent a bike through Rekola (first half hour free, then 1.20 €/30 min) — Prague’s network of cycle paths is growing every year.Practical Tips for Visiting Prague
- Best time to visit: April–June and September–October (fewer tourists than summer, lovely weather)
- Average daily costs: 32–48 € (food, transport, admission fees)
- Budget accommodation: Hostels from 16 €/night, Airbnb from 32 €/night — or compare deals on Booking.com
- Tourist information: Prague City Tourism (Old Town Hall) — free maps available
- Free WiFi: All public transport, most cafés, and central squares
- Card payments: Widely accepted, but keep some cash handy for smaller pubs and markets
What to Skip (and Save Time and Money)
Charles Bridge at midday is a nightmare — wall-to-wall crowds and persistent vendors. Go there early in the morning around six or after dark in the evening. You’ll have it almost to yourself, and it looks even more magical. Also skip the overpriced restaurants on Old Town Square (lunch 20+ €) and tourist traps like “medieval feasts” or “dinner cruises” (120+ € for mediocre quality). Spend your money at local spots a few streets away instead — same Prague, half the price. One final tip: the Prague Card at around 64 € for 2 days only pays off if you plan to visit a lot of monuments and museums. If you’d rather just explore the city and soak up the atmosphere, regular transport tickets and a selective pick of sights will work out cheaper. Prague isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s a living city with a thousand faces. All you need to do is step off the well-trodden path and you’ll discover places where prices make sense and locals are happy to have a chat. So go on — explore the Prague that tourists don’t know about! And if you want to book tours or activities in advance, check out options on GetYourGuide.Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
