Luxury Travel Guide to Prague

Prague, the once historic capital of Bohemia and of the Czech Republic is a fairy-tale travel destination. Sometimes called the “City of a thousand spires”, who could resist the skyline of historic towers, red roofed buildings or a romantic stroll over the Charles bridge to enjoy views of lights dancing on the Vltava river.

Described by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague is ranked as one of the most popular and well-loved European tourist destinations and there is no question why.

The capital has played a significant cultural, economic and political role in Europe’s history despite having endured ravages of war and conflict including both the World Wars.

Fortunately, a lot of the historic buildings emerged unscathed from the wars and you can visit the charming Prague Castle, the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and the astounding astronomical clock, all of which have been proclaimed as UNESCO heritage sites.

History buffs can admire architectural styles from various periods of history or even immerse in the wartime history of the city. Music and culture lovers will find a wealth of art and music and who can argue with great tasting, cheap beer?

Czechs will argue that they have some of the best beer in the world! Though Prague has gained fame among tourists and crowds flock to the city there plenty to taste, experience and explore, especially if you’re travelling on a luxury budget.

Here in this Luxury Travel Guide you will find out how to experience Prague in style including where to visit, luxury tours and the very best restaurants in the city!

This guide is perfect for those who are travelling to Prague on a luxury. We will show you what to do in Prague, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around, whether it’s a weekend in Prague or a long term stay.

The best time to visit Prague

Prague is a fantastic city to visit year round, the weather is often changeable so it’s advisable to bring layers and warmer clothes for cool evenings or rainy days. And yes, it does also rain in the summer!

The best times of the year to visit are in early summer such as May and June where temperatures are around 13 to 16 degrees centigrade, and in September and October where the temperature has an average of 14 degrees.

You will be able to enjoy warm weather and manageable crowds. The city fills up in the peak of summer, during the months of July and August and the sheer quantity of tourists will drive you crazy!

For those that love snow and Christmas, you can also visit during December where you can get a real, authentic sense of Christmas visiting the local Christmas markets and the city takes on a magical atmosphere. It will be incredibly cold with some sub-zero temperatures!

How to get around Prague

Prague’s city centre is very walkable, however you may have heard about the infamous taxis. It’s not advisable to take a taxi as they often scam tourists, if you would like to take a taxi, ask your hotel to reserve one for you to avoid irreputable companies.

Always check that the driver starts the meter as you set off and if in doubt AAA taxis are one of Prague’s reputable providers.

The  best option to get around is with Uber. Uber functions all over the city and provide efficient, reasonably priced service. An alternative would be to hire a private driver from Blacklane or Mike’s Chauffeur Service.

What to expect in Prague

Expect crowds of tourists all year round, Prague’s reputation has spread far and wide and now attracts thousands of tourists, especially in the city centre.

As with surges of tourism, come scams and tourist traps. The best way to avoid tourist trap restaurants is to search on Tripadvisor or blogs for restaurant recommendations. Taxis are a common scam in Prague but there are better services including Uber that are widely available.

English is widely spoken, though the national language is Czech. It’s always good to learn a few basic words but you will feel completely at home as most young people speak English.

The currency used in Prague is the Czech Crown. Money can be withdrawn from ATMs and it’s advisable to avoid changing money in any of the money exchange places in the centre.

Service in restaurants may not be to the standard that you are used to. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated, however, always make sure to check your change when you receive it as often there are many restaurants where they try to overcharge tourists unfamiliar with the currency.

Prague is a relatively safe city, there is the usual problem of pickpockets so always be aware of your belongings, especially when in a touristy area.

Prague is a perfect photography destination and everything looks like a postcard. However, you should be aware that photography is not permitted inside historic churches, always remember to switch off your flash if photography is permitted, to not disturb church goers.

Finally, smoking is permitted indoors in Prague, so be prepared that if you visit a bar or restaurant that you may end up smelling like an ashtray!

Luxury things to do in Prague

Indulge in a beer spa

Beer and spas? Apparently, this is a Czech thing. You can enjoy the services of a spa whilst indulging in unlimited supplies of Czech beer as well as bathing in a beer bath! Sausages included of course.

One fantastic luxury beer spa is the Grand Relax which has normal spa treatments, massages, steam baths, saunas and hammam if you don’t fancy bathing in beer. They even have a package that includes everything. What’s not to love?

Buy beer beauty products

Manufaktura is a small shop selling beauty products made from beer such as beer shampoo, as well as thermal spring salts and products from the Dead Sea.

Have a cocktail at Hemingway Bar

The Hemingway Bar was inspired by the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway and you can find some of his favourite tipple being served in the bar as well as some modern twists to classic cocktails. The bar is incredibly popular so reservation is highly-recommended!

A night at the Opera

Prague has a thriving classical music scene and great composers and musicians have travelled to play concerts in their beautiful opera houses.

Prague has three main opera houses, the Prague National Theatre, Estates Theatre and the State Opera in Karlin, as well as venues where you can enjoy the live music scene or classical concerts.

Cruising the Vltava river

You can book a private luxury motorboat cruise to take you down the Vltava River. Enjoy the scenery whilst leisurely cruising down the river, under the Charles bridge.

The excursion begins with a pick up by a chauffeur in a Mercedes Benz to take you to the river, on the way you will pass some of Prague’s most famous sights.

The boat will take you down the river on a 45 minute cruise and the rest of the tour can be personalised to your requests. Light refreshments are included on board.

Places to visit in Prague

Prague Castle

No visit to Prague would be complete without a trip to the largest castle complex in the world, as proclaimed by the Guinness Book of Records.

This sprawling castle is one of the most important buildings in the city and has been the seat of Bohemian royalty for centuries, and has been the President’s residence since 1918.

The whole complex encompasses the palace itself, a Cathedral, a Basilica and also a Baroque Royal Palace. Be sure to pay a visit before midday to see the ceremony of the changing of the guards.

Part of the palace compound includes the Golden Lane or “Zlatá ulička” which is a row of houses dating back from medieval times that once housed the local goldsmiths in the 17^th century.

Visiting this street will allow you to peer into their houses and see how they lived many centuries ago!

Indulge in coffee and cake at Café Louvre

This coffee house is a Prague institution, dating back to 1902. Many a philosopher and writer have sat at the very same tables and pondered life over a cup of coffee, the most famous include Kafka and Einstein.

Though the café has undergone renovation and some changes over the years it still retains its original billiard rooms, coffee and discussion rooms. Don’t leave without trying the local specialty of Czech bread dumpling!

Marvel at the Astronomical Clock

In the middle of the Old Town Square you can find a curious clock called “Orloj” which has stood in the square since 1410 AD, depicting the movement of planets and celestial bodies.

This clock was so special and unique that legends have it that the town councillors blinded the clockmaker, Hanus Carolinum, after he constructed the clock so that he could never build another more beautiful clock to rival it!

Visit the Jewish Quarter

A section of the city is known as the Jewish Quarter or “Josefov”, which was established in the 13th century when Jews were forced to resettle in another area of their city.

The Quarter is home to an excellent museum, notable historical buildings that include several synagogues, ceremonial hall and cemetery. A guided tour is recommended to give you a better understanding of life for Jews in the history of Prague.

Visit the Dancing House

One glance at the Dancing House and you will think that you were hallucinating. This unique building is known as The Nationale Nederlanden building or “Fred and Ginger” because it was inspired by the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

It was built in 1992 and completed in 1996 through a collaboration between a Croatian Czech architect called Vlado Milunić and the famous Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry and makes for one of the most interesting modern buildings in Prague.

Discover the street art of David Cerny

Known as the “enfant terrible” of Czech art, David Cerny’s controversial sculptures can be found all over the city and a sculpture walk is a must for modern art lovers.

You can find his upside down sculpture of King Wenceslas upon his horse in Lucerna Passage, a short walk away you can find his moving sculpture of rotating metal disks that depict Franz Kafka.

One of his other famous works can be found in the back streets of Wenceslas Square, where a representation of Sigmund Freud hangs from a building. A street art tour will take you to find his most famous works dotted around Prague.

Explore a nuclear fallout shelter

Hotel Jalta can be found in Wenceslas Square and is actually home to a three-storey underground nuclear fallout shelter which hails back from the times when Socialists built hotels in a politically turbulent era.

The fallout shelter was built to shelter up to 160 people with supplies for two weeks and has a tunnel network that connects the shelter to the outskirts of the city. 

The hotel organises guided tours for only €6 and all the rooms in the shelter are full of paraphernalia from Prague’s Socialist past.  Tours run several times a week.

Where to stay in Prague – Luxury Hotels

Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa – This fantastic centrally-located hotel is situated in the historic heart of the city in a landmark building known as the “House of Infant Jesus” which was built in the 16^th century.

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by friendly staff and complimentary drink, you can enjoy the medieval and baroque feel of the hotel which you can see in every aspect of the spacious rooms which are furnished with enormous palatial style beds, antique furniture and grand bathrooms.

There is also a turn-down service with chocolate pralines on your pillow before you go to sleep which will make you feel incredibly pampered. Breakfast is included as well as access to their gym, sauna and swimming pools.

The price also includes daily complimentary wine and cheese tasting. There is also a fantastic spa and health club on site as well as an 11^th century wine cellar in the hotel.

Augustine Hotel Prague – Built upon the site of a former historic monastery from 1284, this hotel is situated in the heart of the city and is only a few minutes’ walk from the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.

The hotel retains a sense of historic charm with vaulted ceilings yet the furniture and décor adds a modern touch to the interior. Bathrooms have heated flooring and some of them even have balconies and views of the nearby Prague Castle.

The hotel has all the modern facilities you could ask for including a bar, a beautiful greenhouse style glass enclosed restaurant, a terrace, gym, gardens and a spa.

Mandarin Oriental Prague – This hotel ranks as one of the very best in the city and is located a short walk from the Charles Bridge and was built upon the site of a historic monastery from the 14^th century.

The location of the hotel is perfect, being only a short walk away from major sights of the city such as the Castle and Old Town Square.

Rooms are sumptuous and majestic with vaulted ceilings, gorgeous limestone bathrooms complete with heated flooring and have fantastic views either over the garden of the monastery grounds or of the nearby Prague Castle.

Aside from the stunning setting and décor, the rooms include breakfast and the hotel facilities include an Asian restaurant, terrace, lounge, gym and spa. The spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city and is highly recommended.

Four Seasons Hotel Prague – For the epitome of Baroque style, stylish décor and contemporary mod cons, the riverside Four Season Hotel has it all.

The hotel is situated close to the Vtlava River and is just a short walk from one of the grandest renaissance buildings of the historic city centre. Rooms have a luxurious feel, with thick pile carpets that are a delight to walk on, regal soft furnishings and beautiful Czech art.

The rooms also have views over some of Prague’s most famous sights such as the Charles Bridge and the river, Prague Castle and the Jewish Quarter.

The hotel also has excellent facilities such as a fitness room, relaxing spa complete with vitality pool, sauna and steam room, terrace and Italian restaurant.

Luxury eats in Prague

Traditional food in Prague is typically on the heavier side, created for the bitterly cold winters and generally featuring a lot of potatoes, it could be described as rustic cooking .

Some traditional dishes are unmissable when in Prague, such as the crepes also called Palačinky, which are a delight and are dressed in fruit, chocolate or cream. The delicious fruit stuffed dumplings also called ovocné knedlíky are seasonal and can be filled with fruits like juicy plums and apricots.

More often than not, meat features heavily in their dishes and typically a dish will consist of pork, cabbage and dumplings washed down with some excellent local beer.

There is more to discover about modern Czech cuisine including three Michelin starred restaurants.

Le Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise – This Michelin starred restaurant and brewery is tucked away in the city centre and is the home of innovative Czech cuisine, based on recipes from a 19^th century Czech cookbook with a modern twist.

All ingredients are seasonal and local and feature produce from organic local farmers and truffles from local truffle hunters. The restaurant is only open for dinner and has an eight course tasting menu as well as a fantastic array of Czech wines that pair with all the dishes.

Field – This restaurant earned it’s Michelin star after being open for only one year, an incredible feat! The Executive chef is also a main judge on the Czech version of Masterchef.

Sample dishes from their a la carte menu paired with fantastic wines from their cellar. The restaurant has a contemporary feel and has a casual unassuming atmosphere.

The Alcron – This Michelin starred restaurant serves exquisite food in an intimate atmosphere with candles, a backdrop of painted dancers by Tamara de Lempicka and a 1930s hearth.

The restaurant can be found in the Radisson Blu Hotel just a few steps from Wecenslas Square. Its tasting menu offers sumptuous French-inspired dishes which earned its Michelin stars between the years of 2012 to 2017 featuring local produce and international flair.

Bellevue Restaurant – For dinner and a view, the Bellevue Restaurant offers both from its location on the banks of the Vtlava River. With views over the river and the Prague Castle, the restaurant is considered one of Prague’s best restaurants by many critics, despite not having been awarded a Michelin star. 

This contemporary style restaurant serves exquisite food such as local meats and fresh fish, which are perfectly paired with the local wines and in summertime you can sit outdoors on their riverfront terrace.

Luxury tours to do in Prague

Prague Truffle Hunting Tour

Join local truffle hunters and their specially trained dogs to search for black gold, the highly-prized gourmet ingredient known commonly as the truffle.

Listen to tales from your guide and listen to the local lore on this fascinating tour. The tour ends with a delicious meal made with locally sourced truffles in a restaurant overlooking Prague Castle.

Vineyard Tour in Prague

With so many wonderful Czech wines, a trip to the vineyards for a wine-tasting tour is a must for all oenophiles! This tour will take you to a historical vineyard in Troja, just 10 minutes by car from the city centre.

The tour begins in the vineyard where you will learn about the different varieties of grapes used in wine-making, this is followed by a visit to a private wine cellar where you can learn about the process of making wine and ends with a wine-tasting in a local wine house where you can sample some of the best Czech wines on offer, paired with local cheeses.

Prague by night private tour

The city of Prague is beautiful by night and the beautiful city sparkling with lights can be explored on a night-time tour which will take you around the historic centre, the tour features the Astronomical Clock.

The Old Town Hall followed by the a stroll to the iconic Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, free from the bustling crowds at night.

You will also visit the Strahov Monastery from 1143, the John Lennon wall filled with graffiti dedicated to the famous Beatle, Museum Kampa and a Monastic Brewery. This comprehensive 4-hour tour with an experienced guide will give you insight into both historic and modern Prague.

Prague in a vintage car

Visiting Prague in two-hour tour in a vintage car? This tour on an antique eight-seater car will take you through the city to visit the Old Town square, Jewish Quarter, Mala Strana neighbourhood and UNESCO world-heritage sites around the city. An unforgettable way of seeing the city with a maximum of eight passengers.

Recommend luxury tours in Prague

• Luxury Private Day trip from Prague to Cesky Krumlov via Hluboka Castle and back
• Luxury 4 hours Prague by Night Private Tour by car
• Luxury Private Day trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary
• Full-Day Private Tour of Dresden from Prague
• Discover Prague – 5 hours
• Prague Jewish Quarter Tour with Tereza
• Small-Group Prague Sightseeing Tour by Vintage Car
• Prague Photoshoot for Romantic Couples, Family & Friends
• Off Road Bohemia – FULL DAY TRIP – 4WD trip
• VIP Tour Prague 2 Days
• Private Sightseeing Trip from Prague to Hallstatt via Cesky Krumlov with a Guided tour
• Private Day Excursion to Karlstejn Castle & Konopiste Castle with Local Guide
• Bohemian Paradise Private Hiking Tour – a Day Trip from Prague

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