Welcome To Prague, Czech Republic (PRG)
Prague is a very busy city; everyone wants to go there. If you’re a visitor beer is quite cheap at about $0.45 for a decent beer. It’s easy to walk everywhere or take public transportation which is reasonably priced.
Here are some things about the city you may find helpful on your next visit:
Home Airline
There are a few home airlines here: Czech Airlines (OK) [a SkyTeam member), Smartwings (QS) and Travel Service
Airport Information
The city is served by the Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) https://www.prg.aero/en#/. There are three terminals, two for Schengen and non-Schengen flights and a third for private charter flights. The three U.S. carriers currently serving the airport are American Airlines (AA) from Philadelphia, PA (PHL), Delta Air lines (DL) from John F. Kennedy, NY (JFK) and United Airlines (UA) from Newark, NJ (EWR).
The airport has a number of lounges, you can find a list at https://www.prg.aero/en/restaurants-shops-and-services. You can use Priority Pass to access most of them, otherwise its by airline Elite status and credit card memberships or pay to enter.
The airport also has an airport tour. Check out the details at https://www.prg.aero/en/individual-tours-airport. it gives you a behind the scenes tour of the airport operations and you also get to visit the fire station as well.
Here are also some social media links so you can keep in touch and communicate with them if necessary:
Scheduled Service Airlines Serving Prague International Airport (PRG)
Adria Airways (JP), Aegean Airlines (A3), Aer Lingus (EI), Aeroflot (SU), Air Arabia (G9), Air Arabia Maroc (3O), Air Cairo (SM), Air Canada (AC), Air Corsica (XK), Air France (AF), Air Malta (KM), Air Serbia (JU), Air Transat (TS), AirBaltic (BT), Alitalia (AZ), American Airlines (AA), Austrian Airlines (OS), Azerbaijan Airlines (J2), Belavia Belarusian Airlines (B2), British Airways (BA), Brussels Airlines (SN), Bulgaria Air (FB), China Eastern Airlines (MU), Croatia Airlines (OU), Cyprus Airways (CY), Czech Airlines (OK), Delta Air Lines (DL), EasyJet Airlines (U2), El Al Airlines (LY), Emirates (EK), Eurowings (EW), Finnair (AY), FlyDubai (FZ), Flybe. (BE), Georgian Airways (A9), Hainan Airlines (HU), HOP! (A5), Iberia Airlines (IB), Jet2.com (LS), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Korean Airlines (KE), LOT Polish (LO), Lufthansa German Airlines (LH), Luxair (LG), Norwegian Air International (D8), Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY), Pegasus Airlines (PC), Qatar Airways (QR), Ryanair (FR), S7 Airlines (S7), SAS (SK), Sichuan Airlines (3U), Smart Wings (QS), SunExpress (XQ), Swiss Airlines (LX), TAP Portugal (TP), Tarom (RO), Transavia (HV), Transavia France (TO), Tunisair (TU), Turkish Airlines (TK), Ukraine International (PS), United Airlines (UA), Ural Airlines (U6), Volotea (V7), Vueling (VY), Wizz Air (W6), Wizz Air UK (W9) and Yakutia Airlines (R3).
Airport To The City
You can find additional information here. Some highlights are below:
- Train – There are no trains available from the airport to the city.
- Bus – There are a number of buses from the airport to the city of Prague. The 119 will take you to the Metro A, the 191 to Metro A and B and the 100 to Metro B and from there you can get to the center fo the city. The most popular is the 119. There is also an Express bus that will get you into the city right to the main Train station. These buses can be found right outside both Terminals.
- Airport Taxi – Grab a cab to your hotel from the taxi stand just outside the terminal on arrival
- Share Ride – Shared ride service is available.
Airport Hotels
There are a few hotels at the Prague Airport. The Marriott Courtyard and the Holiday Inn are both within walking distance. The Ramada is a little ways out and requires transportation. You can book using the search box below:
Trains Serving The City
There are a number of trains that serve the city from all over Europe. Plus there are light rail and trams all over the city. The city is very accessible by public transit. The major ones are Regiojet and České dráhy. You may also use Eurail.com for booking trains.
Buses Serving The City
Prague has several bus companies serving the city. Here are some services:
Flixbus
Currency
The currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech koruna (CZK). I recommend getting money at an ATM. They won’t take USD for purchases. Use an ATM as opposed to currency exchange places as their rates are usually higher despite the no commission signs.
Language
Czech. Most places will speak English, but as you venture outside the city center this may not be the same.
Visa Information
No visa is required for U.S. citizens and you can stay up to 90 days. Plus your passport must be valid for at least three months after your departure date. Other citizens should check with the Czech Republic consulate/embassy in your region for specifics. Alternatively, you can use the IATA Web site for visa/health requirements.
Places To Eat and Drink
The city is full of bars, restaurants and all kinds of eateries. You’ll have zero issues finding a place to eat here.
Places Worth Seeing in Prague
The Czech Tourism Web site has a ton of information about Prague, I suggest checking them out first. I’ve listed some information below as well.
Charles Bridge
You must see this Gothic bridge when you visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest heading there very early in the morning. The views of both sides of the city as well s the waterways is stunning. Plus the colors of the roofs around the city is a must see.
Prague Castle
Apparently, this is the largest castle in the world, its center piece is the Vitus Cathedral. Look for the gargoyles. Get your walking shoes on as there are lots of steps to get there and a lot of walking to do. It’s worth it though. Don’t take any large bags with you as security is pretty tight.
The Jewish Quarter
A well preserved area with homes and synagogues.
The Palace Gardens
These are not as popular as the Castle itself, but completely worth visiting to get away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. Plus the views are worth it as well.
The Old Town Square
This is perhaps the place most see when they visit Prague. It houses the famous Astronomical Clock. At the moment, its being repaired and will be open before the year end 2018. This Square is huge and is usually packed. Early mornings are the best times to see and enjoy this square.
Dancing House
Built to look like Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers dancing, it is actually houses a hotel and its real name is Nationale-Nederlanden Building which is located on the Rašínovo nábřeží.
Recommend Hotels
I did not stay at any hotels in Prague this time around, but I did visit two really nice ones. One is the Klarov and the If you head over to Booking.com, you can find a host of properties to choose from.
You can find most of the major hotel chains in the city in case you need to earn points and miles.