Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has been used in Mission: Impossible and countless other films because it's photogenic and has a very specific vi…
Best Time: April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists, good light)
Daily Budget: $35–60 (accommodation $20–35, food $8–15, beer $1–3, activities $5–10)
Getting There: Fly to Prague (major European hub), trains from other European cities
Visa: Schengen visa (if required); Czech Republic Schengen member
Currency: Czech koruna (1 USD ≈ 23 CZK)
Language: Czech; English increasingly understood in Prague, limited outside
Points & loyalty
Alliances: Star Alliance
Points: Chase UR, Amex, Bilt
Hotels: Marriott, Hilton
Why Go
Prague has been used in Mission: Impossible and countless other films because it's photogenic and has a very specific vibe — European without being Western European, Gothic without being dark, with a nightlife scene that adds energy without erasing history.
The Prague experience is walking the Charles Bridge at sunrise (before crowds), exploring castle streets, drinking beer at outdoor tables, and discovering small beer halls (hospody) that serve unremarkable but satisfying meals for $5–8. The city's beer culture is serious — lagers are the standard, and prices are about one-third of Western European cities.
Prague isn't undiscovered, but it's less visited than Vienna or Paris, which means you can find pockets of actual life between tourist zones. Stay in neighborhood hotels (Žižkov, Vinohrady, Holešovice) instead of Old Town Square.
Top Experiences
Charles Bridge sunrise walk: Wake at 5–6 AM, walk across the bridge before crowds. Statues and architecture are golden-lit. Free. 30 minutes.
Prague Castle exploration: Walk through castle grounds, see St. Vitus Cathedral, explore courtyards. Entry to cathedral and museums $20–30. Just walking grounds is free. 2–3 hours.
Beer hall (hospody) evening: Find a local beer hall (Hospůdka, U Flecků, or neighborhood bars). Order beer ($1–2 per pint) and goulash or schnitzel ($5–8). Sit for 2+ hours and absorb the scene.
Petřín Lookout Tower: Prague's miniature Eiffel Tower. $3–5 entry or walk up for free (305 steps). Golden-hour views of city are worth the climb.
Where to Stay
Budget:: Hostels and guesthouses in Žižkov or Holešovice. $18–28/night.
Mid-Range:: Small hotels or upgraded guesthouses in neighborhoods. $35–60/night. Vinohrady and Holešovice are good balances.
Splurge:: Luxury hotel or historic boutique property. $100–180/night.
What to Eat
Goulash (Guláš): Beef stew with caraway seeds and paprika. Served with bread and sour cream. $5–10.
Schnitzel: Pork cutlet, fried and served with lemon. $6–10.
Tripe soup (Dršťková): Offal soup. Acquired taste. $2–4.
Czech beer: Pilsner Urquell or local Budvar. Czech beer is world-class and cheap. $1–2 per pint.
Trdelník: Spiral pastry filled with walnuts, sugar, and chocolate. Street food. $1–2.
Plan & budget
Getting there
Fly to Prague (major European hub), trains from other European cities
Daily budget
$35–60 (accommodation $20–35, food $8–15, beer $1–3, activities $5–10)
Best time
April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists, good light)
Insider Tip
Stay in Žižkov or Vinohrady instead of Old Town Square (you save 50%+ on accommodation and eat better). Walk everywhere possible — Prague's charm is in the neighborhoods, not the tourist sites. Beer is cheap and good; drink it. Mission: Impossible locations (Charles Bridge, castle) are nice but not necessary. Sundays everything closes early; plan food accordingly. Many restaurants have inflated prices for tourists; eat where Czechs eat. Avoid city center late night (drunk tourists and pickpockets); drink at neighborhood bars instead.
Related articles
More in SET-JETTING & SCENE STEALERS
Inspired?
Turn this into a personalized trip plan.