Prague Travel Guide
My First Visit to Prague
My first visit to Prague was in 2010 during our Interrail trip. Among the cities we visited, it quickly made it onto our list of favorites and climbed to the top. It was a place I wanted to return to and one of the cities I wanted to take my mother to. I remember its castle, the shopping street, the Dancing House, the famous clock, the market in the center, buying chimney cake, its relatively affordable prices, and the party brochures being handed out. It left a positive impression.
Prague General Impressions
When I returned to Prague, even though it hadn’t changed much, I didn’t immediately feel that sense of familiarity. It felt as if I was visiting for the first time. While my memories gradually aligned with what I was seeing, they didn’t exactly match up. In the end, I still liked Prague on this trip, I adored its houses, but I can say that my feelings weren’t as intense as they were back then. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a place that should definitely be on the list of first international travel destinations. It’s small, relatively easy to explore, yet offers a lot despite its size.
I also decided that Prague is a city of love. Couples, regardless of age, kiss for long periods on the streets, unashamedly displaying their love in front of everyone. It makes you a bit envious, not jealous. At least, when someone enters the country alone, they should be greeted by a handsome or beautiful local!
Prague residents are very stylish. After spending a long time in the Netherlands and Spain, where the concept of simple elegance prevailed, I found both the tourists and locals here to be quite well-dressed.
One thing I didn’t like in Prague was the significant increase in the number of homeless people, and they weren’t immigrants but locals. You can even encounter people relieving themselves on the side of the road. It’s not a pretty sight. This might raise safety concerns, but I didn’t have any issues exploring the city alone as a woman. Of course, it’s always wise to be cautious, and there’s a noticeable police presence in certain areas.
Getting to Prague
I didn’t go to Prague directly but came via Berlin because tickets to Prague were very expensive. I took a Flixbus from Berlin, traveling mostly through green landscapes in rainy weather, and arrived in sunny Prague. The buses arrive at Florence Bus Station, which is quite central. I was at my hotel within 15 minutes on foot, maybe even less.
Accommodation in Prague
I stayed at the Ibis Praha Old Town, which is very centrally located. It’s within walking distance of both the train station and the old town. There’s also a mall called “Palladium” next door, which is convenient for shopping enthusiasts, with cafes and a supermarket inside. Overall, I was satisfied with the hotel, which is a typical Ibis. The only issue was that there wasn’t an outlet right next to the bed.
If you prefer to stay in more local areas, the area above the train station might be more practical. For example, the upper parts of Riegrovy Sady park.
Currency Exchange in Prague
Let’s start with whether it’s necessary to exchange money in Prague. I think it’s not necessary at all. Credit cards are accepted at all the museums, and while I didn’t buy anything from street vendors, all the cafes, even a small ice cream stand, accepted cards.
However, on the first day, not being sure about this, I decided to exchange money somewhere in the Old Town. Unfortunately, most places don’t display the rates prominently in the window. I went into a place that advertised 0% commission, thinking how much difference could there be in the rates, but the difference was huge, and I was ripped off. Luckily, I only exchanged a small amount, so I didn’t bother trying to get it back. But if you’re going to exchange money, make sure you calculate it at a place with neon signs displaying the rates. Don’t let it bother you like it did me.
You can also read my article on “Things to Do in Prague“, “Museums to Visit in Prague” and “Parks and Gardens to Visit in Prague“.
