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Prague tourist information:
Prague Experience is the No1 Prague tourist information guide. In this section we list useful visitor information, to help your Prague trip run as smoothly as possible. |
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 PRAGUE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
The main Prague tourist information centres are located in the Old Town:
-Old Town Hall, Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1.
Daily 09:00-19:00.
-Rytířská 31, Old Town, Prague 1.
Mon-Sat 10:00-19:00.
Smaller tourist information offices are located at:
-Lesser Town Bridge Tower,
Lesser Town, Prague 1.
Apr-Oct: Daily 10:00-18:00.
-Main Train Station (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi)
Wilsonova 8, New Town, Prague 2.
Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00.
-Prague Airport, Arrivals Hall, Terminal 2.
Daily 08:00-20:00. | |
Prague Tourist Information Centre | | | | | Sights and attractions to visit in Prague are listed here: Prague sights & attractions. | | |  MONEY INFORMATION
Cost of living in Prague
Food and drink in ordinary shops and restaurants in Prague is cheaper than in Western Europe. Beer and wine in ordinary pubs is markedly cheaper. The price of clothes and other consumer goods in Prague is similar to other cities in Europe. | |
Currency in Prague: Czech Crown
The currency in Prague is the Czech Crown (czk).
Some restaurants, hotels and shops take Euros as well, but most accept only Czech Crowns.
Czech banknotes are issued in the following denominations:
100/200/500/1000/2000/5000.
Currency Exchange
Visitors will normally receive a better exchange rate for the Czech Crown in Prague than in their home country, but the following guidelines should be observed: | | 
Currency in Prague: Czech Crown |
(i) Cashpoints (ATMs) in Prague
The simplest means of obtaining currency in Prague, and one which ensures a good rate overall (taking into account the exchange rate + transaction fee), is to withdraw Czech Crowns from a cash point (ATM). These accept debit and credit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard/EuroCard, American Express and Maestro. You normally receive an excellent exchange rate, although your card provider will likely charge a fee in your home currency.
Prague Airport (Terminal 1): as you exit customs, cash point machines (ATMs) are located to the left of the exit doors, inside the airport terminal building - Prague Airport.
Prague City Centre: cashpoints (ATMs) can be found at Czech and International banks, and inside Palladium Shopping Centre. The banks are mostly located in and around Wenceslas Square. In the Lesser Town there is a cashpoint at the Česká spořitelna bank at the top of Mostecké, the road that leads from Charles Bridge to the Lesser Town Square.
(ii) Best places to change money in Prague
To exchange cash for Czech Crowns, good rates are available in Prague, but be careful where you do it. Our top tip for where to change money is eXchange at Kaprova 15, near the Old Town Square - excellent rates and no commission. Alternatively, try Samiko at Štěpánská 39, near Wenceslas Square.
Czech and International banks in Prague, mostly around Wenceslas Square, offer good exchange rates too, but they do charge commission.
Be wary of the small currency exchange booths. Some offer reasonable rates, but at many, offers of 0% commission and confusing signs mask a poor exchange rate. In all cases, ask what the total amount you will receive is before handing over any money.
Credit card acceptance in Prague
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, international shops and more expensive restaurants. Many local shops and cheaper restaurants do not accept credit cards.
If you are able to pay in cash or by credit card, cash is king in the Czech Republic. | |  WEATHER IN PRAGUE - Prague weather forecast for the next 5 days |
Prague weather | |
The Prague weather and average temperatures vary dramatically between seasons, far more than for example in London.
In the summer it is often hot and sunny, reaching the high temperatures of Paris. Whereas winter can be very cold, with long periods of snow.
In spring and autumn, Prague enjoys lengthy spells of glorious warm and sunny weather, interspersed with dull days and heavy showers.
As a guide to the Prague weather, the average temperature in June/July is 30C (86F). In December/January it is -5C (23F). | | | What time of year to visit: Prague is a lovely city to visit all year round. The contrasts in weather only add to its romantic appeal. Tourist services like restaurants, hotels, shops, opera, theatre and tourist attractions are well-equipped to welcome visitors at any time. Places are heated in the winter and some, but not all, are air-conditioned in the summer.
What clothes to wear: The Prague weather is highly changeable, as in most of Northern and Central Europe. On good days during spring, summer and autumn, visitors will find cool shirts, shorts, skirts and dresses most welcome. Sunscreen, sunglasses and summer hats can also be important. However, even in the summer bring a fleece and a waterproof jacket or umbrella, in case of a cold snap or heavy shower. In the winter, you need a warm coat, hat and gloves, and ideally waterproof shoes/boots in case of rain or snow.
While it is sometimes nice to dress smartly, and many people do, Prague is a fairly casual city, so restaurants, the opera houses, concert halls, theatres and other tourist venues do not have strict dress codes and will accept most forms of attire.
Prague is a wonderful city to explore on foot and a comfortable pair of shoes is highly recommended, particularly if you take a walking tour. The city centre is compact, making it easy, and highly enjoyable, to walk between the sights and attractions.
Almost all places featured on PragueExperience.com are in the city centre. | |  PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN PRAGUE
The Prague public transport network is cheap, efficient and highly integrated. Public transportation runs frequently day and night, and a single ticket permits travel on all trams, buses and the metro: Prague public transport information. | |  COMMUNICATIONS - INTERNET ACCESS, TELEPHONE & POST
Wi-Fi & Wired Internet access in Prague
Fast Internet access is widely available in Prague. Internet enabled devices easily pick up connections to one of the big networks like Vodafone, T-Mobile, France Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, O2 and others.
Most hotels, apartments and hostels in Prague have free Wi-Fi or wired Internet access.
Almost all restaurants listed on Prague Experience have free Wi-Fi, as do many of the pubs, bars & cafés, for example at Jama Pub near Wenceslas Square. Free Wi-Fi is also available at Starbucks and Costa Coffee, sited at various locations throughout the city. |
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Prague Post Office |
Telephone
International Dialling Code for Czech Republic: 00420
Most public telephones accept phone cards. Cards cost 200czk and 300czk, and are available to purchase from post offices and newsstands.
Telephone enquiries
Directory enquiries: for Czech numbers 1180 -
for International numbers 1181
Emergency telephone numbers
General emergency number 112
Fire 150 - Ambulance 155 - Municipal police 156 - Police 158
First aid
141 23 - Pharmacy first aid
141 24 -
Dental first aid
141 22
Emergency road service 1230, 1240
Post - Central Prague Post Office
Jindrisska 14 (just off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Open daily 2am-midnight.
Tel: 221 131 111
Postage rates
Domestic letters & postcards: 10czk (50g)
International letters & postcards: Europe 20czk (20g). |
|  MEDICAL INFORMATION
Doctors - 24 hour tourist services
Health Centre Prague International Clinic
Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1
Tel (Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00): 224 220 040
Tel (Emergency 24 hours): 603 433 833
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00. Emergency: 24 hours.
Web: www.doctor-prague.cz
Pharmacy (Lekarna)
Most pharmacies (lekarna) are located in the New Town:
Vodickova 40 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Tel: 224 235 847
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00. Sat: 09:00-18:00
Wenceslas Square 8, Prague 1.
Tel 224 227 532
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00
Krakovská 24 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Tel: 252 542 624.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-19:00
Palackeho 5 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Tel: 224 946 982
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00. Sat: 08:00-12:00
Palladium Shopping Centre (level -2), Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1.
Tel: 224 829 073
Open: Sun-Wed 09:00-21:00. Thu-Sat: 09:00-22:00
Belgická 37, Prague 2.
Tel: 222 519 731
Open: Mon-Sun 24hrs.
Dentists - 24 hour tourist services
Emergency Dental Service
Palackeho 5 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1
Tel: 224 946 981
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-07:00. Sat-Sun 24 hours.
American Dental Associates
Hvězdova 33, Prague 4.
Tel: 733 737 337 / 241 410 001
Open: Mon-Thu 08:00-20:00
Web: www.americandental.cz. | | 
Prague Medical Information | | |  LOST PROPERTY OFFICE
Prague 1, Karoliny Svetle 5. Tel: 224 235 085. | |  VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen area. Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA and other countries can visit Prague without a visa. Other travelers may require a visa, issued before travel: visa & passport information. | |  FOREIGN EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Foreign Embassies in Prague: Foreign embassies in Prague
Czech Embassy in London: Czech Embassy in London
Czech Embassies Worldwide: Czech embassies worldwide. | |  ELECTRICITY IN PRAGUE
As in most of continental Europe, the electricity supply in Prague is 220v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs. British, North American and other non-European tourists should bring adaptors, which can be purchased at your departure airport. If you arrive in Prague without one, try Tesco or Euronics inside Palladium. | |  TIPPING IN PRAGUE
Tips are welcomed by staff working in the tourist industry in Prague, although the feeling is relaxed and workers do not generally chase them. 5%-10% is appropriate. The exception to this rule is the very touristy restaurants. Prague Experience do not list these, and to avoid them we recommend considering restaurants from our listings: Prague restaurants. | |  DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Prague is a very safe city to walk around. Public transport, even at night, is used by everyone, young and old alike. Assaults are extremely rare. As in any city though, the tourist is a target for the unscrupulous: Pickpockets are skillful, so keep a close eye on valuables at all times - don't use your back pocket for your wallet and avoid hanging your handbag on your chair in public places. Use the safe at your accommodation. Beware over-charging in restaurants by checking the bill thoroughly. In taxis, insist the taxi driver puts the meter on or refuse the ride. If you really want to take one without a meter, agree a price before you enter the taxi.
The aim of Prague Experience is to help make your trip to Prague as enjoyable and hassle free as possible; to avoid the pitfalls. Tourist services listed on this website have been thoroughly tested and any falling short of our expectations are removed. Our Prague airport transfers use polite, honest drivers. Our accommodation is safe and secure. Our restaurants are trustworthy. And, we genuinely do sell the best sightseeing tours, and the best seats at the best Prague opera houses. | |  WHEELCHAIRS, BABY BUGGIES Y & DISABLED ACCESS IN PRAGUE
Users of wheelchairs and baby buggies will be pleased to note that Prague is a compact city, so distances between sights and attractions are fairly short. If you stay in a hotel in the city centre (Prague 1), you should find it easier to get around and see many of the sights without taking any form of transport.
You may find the New Town the best area of the city to stay in. Road surfaces are more even, and there are more modern hotels and apartments, restaurants, international shops and plenty of entertainment options within easy access.
There are cobbled streets in some areas, most significantly in parts of the Old Town, the Lesser Town and up at Prague Castle. These can be hard going, but not too onerous - with a little extra effort, most difficulties can be overcome.
The main challenge wheelchair users face in Prague is the lack of disabled toilets. Many buildings in the city are ancient and have preservation orders on them. And almost no toilets have been adapted for the disabled.
Accessibility for disabled passengers and baby buggies in public transport is improving: Half the Prague metro stations now offer wheelchair access. Hlavní Nádraží and Nádraží Holešovice train stations have self-operating lifts. Newer trams, which are adapted for wheelchairs and prams, are becoming more common - public transport.
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, so are a good option for traveling around (although ask at your hotel for a reputable taxi firm). For your arrival in Prague, our Prague airport transfers service will arrange a suitable vehicle.
Many restaurants and cafés in Prague are at street level. And while a number are located in cellars and on roof terraces, some are serviced by lifts. The following guide lists restaurants accessible to wheelchair users (disabled toilets though are almost non-existent): Prague restaurants with wheelchair access.
Many Prague opera houses & concert halls offer wheelchair access, but few theatres.
Many Prague sights and attractions are accessible to wheelchairs.
The following sightseeing tours are more suitable than others for wheelchair users and people with walking difficulties, but inform us of your medical condition and requirements at the time of booking so that we can endeavour to accommodate you: Prague Dinner River Cruise & City Tour, Karlovy Vary Sightseeing Tour and Terezin Sightseeing Tour.
Wheelchair users should bring a folding wheelchair and a travel companion to assist with getting on and off the coach, and it may be necessary to forgo certain parts of the tour depending on your individual needs.
For river cruises, access to the quayside is via a ramp. And from the quayside, it is possible to board all vessels except the Prague Jazz Boat via wheelchairs. However, there are no disabled toilets on any of the boats.
To book any of the tourist services we offer, use the standard booking forms and advise us of your medical condition and requirements in the special requests box. And if you require any further information, don't hesitate to contact us. | |  CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION FOR FAMILY TRIPS TO PRAGUE
Prague is a safe city to walk around and to travel on public transport. Parents need have no extra concerns for their children, over the normal care one would take in a city. Just watch out for the trams on the streets if you are not used to them.
There are many activities for children to enjoy in Prague. There are Gothic towers, swimming pools, parks and outdoor areas, Petrin Hill, Prague Zoo, river cruises and a host of puppet and theatre performances to choose from: children's activities in Prague
Most restaurants, bars and cafés happily allow children to accompany adults; and some have high chairs for babies. Smoking can often be a deterrent, so see our guide to family friendly restaurants, which lists non-smoking restaurants or those with non-smoking areas. Kids' menus are rare, but waiters can offer advice on suitable food for children. | |  CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Arriving in Prague: If you come directly from another EU country, you can bring an unlimited amount of most goods into Prague, including alcohol and tobacco, as long as they are for your own use and transported by you.
Leaving Prague:
If you travel from Prague to another EU country, you can take an unlimited amount of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, if they are for your own use and transported by you. For those returning to the UK, the official line is that customs officers are more likely to ask questions if you have more than the following:
3200 cigarettes. 400 cigarillos. 200 cigars. 3kg of smoking tobacco. 110 litres of beer. 90 litres of wine. 20 litres of fortified wine (such as port or sherry). 10 litres of spirits. | |  MORE TOURIST INFORMATION
For details of the city's layout and other useful information: Prague tourism information. | | | If you have any questions or would like to share your experience of Prague with us: contact us. | |
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