I took a train from Berlin to Prague on the 23rd of February 2020. The journey was approximately four and a half hours long. You should get off at Praha Hlavní Nádraží, the main station in Prague. From there, you will be well connected to the rest of the city.

How to get around:

• Walk
• Metro
• Trams
• Buses

Prague has three metro lines: Line A (green), Line B (yellow) and Line C (red). There are also buses and trams available but I mostly used the metro. You can opt for a 1-Day Pass or 3-Day pass to cover the length of your stay but it is cheaper to pay as you go. It costs 24 CZK for a single trip ticket valid for 30 minutes of travel and 32 CZK for a ticket valid for 90 minutes. They can be purchased easily at ticket machines that accept contactless payment. Simply tap your bank card, get your ticket stub and you are good to go.

I recommend paying as you go for the public transport as you will likely be spending more time walking during your stay. The tourist attractions are easily accessible on foot and are centrally located. Walking gives you added opportunity to take in the city’s amazing architecture. Wandering through the old town is an activity in itself. I purchased two single trip tickets every day, one for going into the city and another to return to my accommodation. I would spend the entire day just wandering around the city.

Where to stay:

I was CouchSurfing during my stay in Prague and my accommodation was located a little outside the city. Unfortunately, I do not have any personal recommendations for a hostel but I do suggest finding one near the old town as it is very convenient. You will be within walking distance from major tourist attractions, tons of food options and nightlife venues. You will get on fine even without public transport as the centre is compact easily walkable.

Exchanging currency:

The currency in Prague is the Czech Koruna (CZK). The exchange rate is always changing but when I was visiting Prague, 1 Euro would get you 25 Crowns. This means that if I changed 100 Euro I should be getting around 2500 Crowns. Keep this in mind because there are many money changers in the city who will offer you bogus rates and try to cheat you. Always ask how many Crowns you will receive and double-check against the exchange rate. There are certainly many scams in the city area so do not exchange at the first money changer you come across. Definitely do not change money with anyone you encounter on the street.

I made a mistake on my first day in the city and ended up losing some money. It was a painful lesson as I was already on a tight budget. I was buying some food from a street vendor in the old town and did not have any local currency on me at the time. I opted to pay in Euro and got ripped off. My advice is to always pay in local currency. If you choose to pay in a foreign currency you are subjected to the exchange rate offered by the establishment which is often in their favour. I learnt this the hard way but certainly will not make the same mistake in the future.

The good news is that most establishments in Prague do accept payment by card. There are a variety of cards out there that have a multi-currency feature. Every time a purchase is made in a foreign currency, the exchange is made according to market rates, ensuring you get the best deal possible. I am a big fan of this. Carrying a multi-currency card really puts my mind at ease. You worry less about the currencies and focus more on having a good time instead.

Things to see:

I was in Prague from the 23rd to the 28th of February. I would say 3 to 4 days would give you more than enough time to see the city at a comfortable pace. I spent most of my time exploring the city and managed to visit all the key sites, certain places, more than once. The route I took is easy to follow as it is mostly linear and each attraction is relatively close to one another.

Prašná brána

The gothic-style tower is also known as the Powder Tower and is the gate to the old town. The closest metro station is Náměstí Republiky on Line B. It is a short walk from the station, located at nám. Republiky 5, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia. Walk past the gate to enter the old town.

Old Town Square

The Old Town Square is an easy 10-minute walk away. This historic square is as pretty as a picture. It is located at Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Josefov, Czechia. The square is one of my favourite places as the architecture is breathtaking, wherever you look. It is definitely a must-see.

Prague Astronomical Clock

The clock is right next to the old town square at Staroměstské nám. 1, 110 00 Josefov, Czechia. At the stroke of each hour, the clock puts on a little show. I will not spoil it for you but it lasts around 45 seconds and attracts heaps of tourists. Be sure to catch it if you happen to be around.

Charles Bridge

Your trip to Prague is not complete without a visit to the Charles Bridge. The bridge is iconic. I found myself going back multiple times. It tends to get really crowded and for good reason. I even witnessed a proposal while I was crossing the bridge. You can find it at Karlův most, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia, a short 10-minute walk from Old Town Square.

Prague Castle

The castle is a 20-minute walk from the Charles Bridge, situated on the other side of the river. The castle complex is home to many important historical buildings such as the St. Vitus Cathedral, pictured above. You can enter the compound for free but there is an admission fee should you wish to visit the sites within. There are many ticket options depending on how much you want to see. You can find the castle at Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia.

Lennon Wall

While you are across the river you should also pay a visit to the Lennon Wall, located at Velkopřevorské náměstí, 100 00 Praha 1, Czechia. The wall is filled with graffiti mainly inspired by Lennon and the Beatles. It is nearby and is also a great photo opportunity.

Dancing House

The Dancing House in Prague is located right next to the river at Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6, 120 00 Nové Město, Czechia. It was named this way because it reminded people of the dancers, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair. When I look at the glass tower I see a lady dancing.

Vyšehrad

Another castle you can visit is the Vyšehrad Castle. It is a little out of the way but it is way less crowded. It boasts a lovely park and an exquisite view of the city. You can take a slow walk along the river to get there. It is located at V Pevnosti 159/5b, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad, Czechia. The atmosphere is rather peaceful, very different from the rest of the city.

I managed to cover the above-mentioned sites in the span of two days, mostly on foot. Prague truly is a city built for walking. I had no problem reaching the sites. I would also recommend paying a visit to the Jewish Quarter if you have time.

Do not miss:

Try the local food

If you are a foodie like me, be sure not to miss out on the food in Prague. The local delicacies are really awesome. I particularly enjoyed the potato soup. If you are looking for a treat, do try the famous Trdelník. There are many stalls throughout the city with thousands of choices. You can eat it plain, add a spread or even have it with a scoop of ice cream. You do not want to miss out on this heavenly dessert.

Explore the city at night

Prague has a completely different vibe at night. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the city, lights illuminate the streets and the famous landmarks. The city sort of glows if you look close enough. It is a lot less crowded at night, making it the perfect time to revisit some places. The city really has a romantic feel to it at night. A stroll across the Charles Bridge after dinner would make any date perfect.

I am eternally grateful to my host for being my friend in a foreign city and making me feel welcome during my stay. It was my first time CouchSurfing but that is a story for another day. I hope you enjoyed my take on the city and gained some insight into the wonders it holds. See you in Prague!