Prague - charming heart of Bohemia

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the largest cities in Europe. With a medieval centre filled with cobbled lanes and ancient walled courtyards and plenty of modern bars, nightclubs and art exhibitions, Prague is rooted firmly in the past and the present.

The best months to visit Prague

While the best weather is in May through to September, there are art exhibitions, theatre and music festivals, sports events as well as wine and beer tastings to keep visitors entertained in all months of the year. Prague is also a beautiful city to visit at Christmas time, with decorations aplenty and a higher chance of snow than at home.

Essential advice before you travel

The key to making the most of your trip is to know what you want out of your stay before you arrive and to plan accordingly. For example, you'll want to explore Holeovice, Bubeneč and Dejvice if you're interested in Prague's emerging modern art scene; Smíchov and Vyehrad for a wide range of pubs; ikov and Karlin for a lively atmosphere and exciting nightspots. Bubeneč and Dejvice is the place to go for luxury hotels and some of the best restaurants.

The cost of living is cheaper than in the UK, particularly if you're staying in self-catering accommodation and plan on buying some of your meals in supermarkets. Otherwise, you can eat and drink out well on a budget, as beer is around 35 CZK, soft drinks about 30 CZK and a good lunch will cost from around 120 CZK.

Local Prague information

It's easy and affordable to get from the airport to Prague city centre via the shuttle bus for only roughly 150 CZK per single ticket. The journey time is about 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus number 100 to the metro station "Zličín" metro B, bus number 119 to "Nádraí Veleslavín" metro A, or night bus 510 all travel into central Prague for about 32 CZK one-way. The journey takes 90 minutes during the day and about 20 to 30 minutes at night. Taxi prices from the airport into the central city are about 600 CZK. You'll find cabs waiting outside arrivals. Hostel accommodation in the city centre costs from around 250 CZK per night, and three star hotels from about 600 CZK per night/per person.