Prague holidays

How to reach Prague

Travelling to Prague from Ireland is quick and easy, with direct flights available from Dublin, Cork and Shannon. The average flight time is just over 2 hours. After landing at Václav Havel Airport Prague, you can reach the city centre in about 30 minutes by taxi or roughly 45 minutes using a combination of bus and metro.

• Taxi: A ride to central Prague typically costs CZK 600–800 (around €25–€35).

• Public transport: Budget-friendly and efficient. A 90-minute ticket covering bus and metro costs CZK 32 (approx. €1.30), with buses departing regularly from the airport.

Best time to visit Prague

Prague is a great year-round destination for Irish travellers, whether you're after sunny river walks or cosy Christmas markets. Here’s what to expect each season:

• Spring (March to May): A lovely time to visit as the city shakes off the winter chill. Expect mild weather (8°C to 18°C), blooming gardens and fewer crowds, especially in March and early April.

• Summer (June to August): Ideal for sightseeing and festivals, with long sunny days and temperatures reaching 25°C. It’s also the busiest time, so book ahead if you’re visiting during school holidays.

• Autumn (September to November): A quieter time to enjoy Prague’s charm. The weather remains pleasant (4°C to 19°C), and the city’s parks and riverbanks glow with autumn colour.

• Winter (December to February): Cold, often snowy, and absolutely magical – especially if you’re heading over for the Christmas markets. Temperatures can drop to -2°C, so wrap up warm!

Practical information for Prague holidays

• Spoken languages: Czech is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist spots.

• Local customs: A friendly “Dobrý den” (good day) when entering a shop is appreciated. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is standard.

• Money: The currency is the Czech crown (CZK). While some places accept euros, you’ll get better value paying in crowns. Card payments are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful.

• Safety and health: Prague is a very safe city, but as with any capital, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required for Irish visitors, but travel insurance is always a smart idea.

• Getting around: Public transport is excellent and very affordable. A single ticket covers buses, trams and metro and costs just CZK 30–40 (€1.20–€1.60). Day passes are also available. The city is also very walkable, especially around the Old Town.

• Plugs and power: Prague uses the standard European two-pin plugs (Type E) and 230V voltage. Don’t forget your travel adapter.

• Travel documents: Irish passport holders can travel to the Czech Republic without a visa. Just ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.

Whether you’re planning a romantic city break or a festive winter escape, Prague is a brilliant option that’s full of charm and easy to reach from Ireland.

Best things to do in Prague

Located in the heart of Europe, Prague, on the banks of the Vltava River has become one of the world's premier tourist destinations. Known primarily for its architecture, beer, nightlife and cultural offerings, it is one of the continent's most magnetic cities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Petrín Hill: Accessible by funicular or a none-too-demanding hike, Petrín Hill offers some of the best views of the city.

• Letná Park: A favourite with locals, this park boasts sweeping views of Prague's bridges spanning the Vltava River.

• Old Town Hall Tower: Climb to the top of this historic structure and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Prague's iconic red rooftops.

The best districts

• Staré Město (Old Town): Explore the maze of narrow streets lined with Gothic and Baroque architecture and smart cafés; highlights include the Astronomical Clock and the Church of Our Lady before Tňn.

• Malá Strana (Lesser Town): Nestled below Prague Castle, this district is packed cheek-by-jowl with narrow alleyways, historic churches and lots of delightful riverside spots.

• Vinohrady: Foodies and wine lovers will enjoy this cosmopolitan district dotted with upmarket eateries and wine bars, all of which offer a more local feel.

Museums

• Museum of Communism: Head here for an insight into life in Czechoslovakia under Soviet rule. Various mock-ups of interiors contain period objects, though most disturbing are the sections on the secret police and the Iron Curtain.

• Schwarzenberg Palace: Home to the National Gallery's superb collection of Old Masters, which features works by two of the most important Czech painters of the era, Petr Brandl (1668–1735) and Jan Kupeckň (1667–1740).

• Museum of Decorative Arts: A showcase for all types of decorative art, at which the inhabitants of Bohemia have consistently excelled. The museum holds one of the world's largest collections of antique glass, as well as displays relating to ceramics, tapestries, costumes and clocks.

Parks and gardens

• Castle Gardens: The small, interlinking Castle Gardens are among the city's loveliest parks, with wonderful views to boot.

• Wallenstein Garden: The gardens here feature a superb loggia, clipped hedges, fountains and statuary by the celebrated sculptor Adriaen de Vries.

• Stromovka Park: Once a royal hunting ground, Stromovka is now a tranquil green space beloved by the natives.

Historical monuments

• Charles Bridge: A Gothic masterpiece lined with beautiful sculptures and atmospheric at any time of day, though it's best visited early in the morning or at dusk to avoid the crowds.

• Prague Castle: Pride of place must go to Prague Castle, the seat of royal power throughout the Middle Ages. Sitting on the top of a low ridge, casting a watchful eye over the city, there are few more spectacular sights in all of Europe.

• St Vitus Cathedral: Prepare to be dazzled by its awe-inspiring facade; soaring towers and spires dwarf the surrounding buildings.

• Church of Our Lady before Tňn: An immense Gothic edifice whose cloud-raking spires rise to 80m above the surrounding medieval streets, shaping the city's skyline.

Day trips in the area

• Kutná Hora: One of the most popular day trips from the capital, this charming town's outstanding monument is St Barbara's Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Central European Gothic architecture.

• Karlštejn Castle: Rising high above the treetops of the winding valley of the River Berounka like a medieval vision come true, Karlštejn Castle is one of the country's greatest attractions and an easy day trip from the capital.

• Pilsen: Only an hour away by train from the capital, Bohemia's second city has a couple of major attractions, though top billing goes to the Prazdroj (Urquell) Brewery where a fascinating tour tells the story of the world's first and finest Pils beer.

Activities for families in Prague

From interactive museums to theatre trips, there are quite a few fun activities to keep kids happy and maybe even amuse parents.

• Local transport: This can be hugely entertaining: boat trips on the Vltava are fun, a simple ride on a tram can be a great experience in itself and taking the funicular railway up to Pet≈ôín Hill thrills young ones.

• Theatre: A well-chosen theatre trip can be a stimulating experience even for small children. The Lanterna Magika features dance, mime and lighting effects, while The National Marionette Theatre stages shows for all ages, including a puppet version of Don Giovanni.

• Interactive museums: Child-friendly museums include the National Technical Museum, with plenty of interactive displays and The National Museum, which has collections of tropical insects and animal bones – children might be particularly enthralled by the giant insects.

Free things to do in Prague

Although fairly expensive by central/eastern European standards, Prague offers plenty of opportunities to experience its charms without spending a fortune.

• Kampa Island and the Lennon Wall: This pretty square and parkland can be explored for free, and you can even feed the resident swans. Just off Kampa, on Velkop≈ôevorské náměstí is the famous Lennon Wall, one of Eastern Europe's most-visited pieces of graffiti.

• City centre walks: One of the planet's most walkable cities, you can amble across the centre in an hour through a maze of traffic-free streets; around the edge of the densely built-up historical core are sweeping green spaces where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine and birdsong - all without spending a penny.

• Free events: From open-air concerts in summer to traditional Christmas markets in winter, Prague's calendar is filled with free cultural happenings.

Nature and outdoor activities in Prague

Prague may be known for its urban charm, but it also offers numerous outdoor escapes and adventures catering to all sensibilities.

• Hiking: From Divoká ≈†árka, a red-marked Czech Hiking Club trail runs 7.5km to Baba on the Vltava. This is an easy walk along the ≈†árecké Valley with its rock formations and forests. The Czech map app Mapy.cz will guide you through the gorge. Afterwards, catch tram No 8 or No 18 back to the centre.

• Water sports: Boat rides aside, the Vltava has become something of a hotspot for paddleboarders and kayakers. There are several rental spots along the riverbanks, catering to beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

• Bird-watching and wildlife: For an escape from the urban bustle, and to reconnect with nature, head to Milíƒçovskň Forest or Hostiva≈ô Reservoir, both of which present opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.

Local dishes in Prague

One of the great joys of holidays to Prague is sampling traditional Czech cooking. Although typically heavy with pork, dumplings, pickles and cream, lighter versions of classic Czech recipes can often be found. Beware though, portion sizes are usually huge...

Some typical dishes

• Svíƒçková: Czech sirloin roast drizzled with an almost-sweet vegetable sauce and paired with a generous serving of dumplings, whipped cream and cranberry sauce.

• Bramborová polévka s houbami: Potato soup with mushrooms, flavoured with onion, bacon, carrots, cabbage, parsley and spices – almost a meal in itself.

• Koleno: Slow-roasted pork knuckle served with horseradish, mustard and pickled vegetables.

Meat dishes

• Sma≈æenň ≈ôízek: For a taste of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, you should order Wiener schnitzel, a delicious breaded veal escalope.

• Vep≈ôo knedlo zelo: Classic Czech meal starring roast pork, sauerkraut and soft bread dumplings.

Street food

• Bramborák: An oily, garlicky potato pancake, delicious and filling despite the greasy fingers.

• Peƒçená klobása: Roasted sausage with a slice of rye bread and a squirt of mild mustard is a great way to stave off the munchies at 4 am.

Sweets and desserts

Desserts usually figure in the heavyweight category, for example, the tasty jablkovň závin (apple strudel), topped with whipped cream. Svestkové knedlíky (plum dumplings) are sprinkled with cheese curd and sugar, and then doused in melted butter. A firm favourite is palaƒçinka, ice cream or cream and fruit enveloped in a pancake.

Local drinks

• Czech Beer: Czech beer (pivo) has a reputation to be envied. The most famous beers are Pilsner Urquell from Plze≈à, Budweiser Budvar from ƒåeské Budějovice (Budweis) and Staropramen from Prague.

• Slivovice: After-dinner drinks generally take the form of fruit brandies, especially slivovice, a potent spirit made from plums.