The Central European city of Prague is the capital of the …

Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” is a medieval masterpiece that remains remarkably intact. In 2026, it continues to be a top European destination, balancing its rich Bohemian history with a burgeoning craft beer and modern art scene.

🏰 The “Big Three” Landmarks

Prague Castle: The largest ancient castle complex in the world. Don’t miss St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane (Zlatá ulička).
- 2026 Pro-Tip: Entry to the grounds is free, but you need a ticket (approx. 450 CZK) for the interiors. Buy online to skip the massive queues.
Charles Bridge: This 14th-century stone bridge connects the Old Town with Malá Strana.
- 2026 Pro-Tip: To see it without thousands of other people, arrive by 7:00 AM. The morning mist over the Vltava River is a photographer’s dream.
Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock: Watch the “Walk of the Apostles” every hour on the hour.
- Trap Alert: Avoid the “Prague Ham” and “Trdelník” vendors directly on the square; they often overcharge by weight. Walk two blocks away for half the price.

📍 Neighborhood Guide

Neighborhood	Best For	Vibe
Staré Město (Old Town)	First-timers	Fairytale Gothic spires, but very crowded.
Malá Strana (Lesser Town)	Romance	Baroque palaces, quiet gardens, and cobblestone hills.
Vinohrady	Food & Locals	Tree-lined streets, Art Nouveau architecture, and the best cafes.
Holešovice	Hipsters & Art	Industrial spaces, the DOX gallery, and Letná Beer Garden views.
Žižkov	Nightlife & Budget	Gritty, fun, and home to the world’s highest density of pubs per capita.

📅 Key Events for 2026

Prague Spring Music Festival (May 12 – June 4): The 81st edition of this world-famous classical music festival.
United Islands of Prague (April 30 – May 2): A massive, free music festival spread across the islands of the Vltava.
Signal Festival (October 15 – 18): Stunning light installations and 3D mapping on historic buildings throughout the city.

💡 Practical 2026 Travel Tips

The “Beer Rule”: In a traditional Czech hospoda (pub), a beer is often cheaper than water. Expect to pay about 50–65 CZK ($2–$3) for a pint of Pilsner Urquell.
Transport: Prague has one of the best public transit systems in Europe. Download the PID Lítačka app to buy tickets on your phone.
Currency: The Czech Republic uses Czech Koruna (CZK), not Euros. While cards are widely accepted, keep some cash for small pubs and public toilets (which usually cost 10–20 CZK).
Budget: A comfortable mid-range budget for 2026 is roughly €80–€120 per day, including a 3-star hotel and sit-down meals.