Capital city, Czech Republic
Prague
Central Europe's postcard capital: castle, bridges, beer halls and strong transit, with real expat and nomad infrastructure. Old Town crowds and tourist pricing are the trade-offs; step into Vinohrady or Žižkov.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,530–3,680Comfortable, one person · Kč55,000–80,000Details
- Value for money15/100Better value than 14% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 27°CDetails
- Air quality18 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2013) · PollutedDetails
- Internet92 MbpsFixed broadband, Czech Republic medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and good; restaurants rarely serve it free but will give a glass if you ask.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$46–92Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless almost everywhere, including pubs; cash for small kiosks and public toilets.Details
Where to stay in Prague
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Vinohrady | Cafés, parks, expats and nightlife; excellent long-stay base |
| Žižkov | Bars, music venues, cheaper flats, gritty charm |
| Malá Strana | Quiet streets below the castle; picturesque, pricey |
| Karlín | Modern, trendy cafés, offices and coworking |
| Holešovice | Art galleries, Letná park, craft beer |
Apps that work in Prague
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps; Mapy.com for hiking
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Messenger
- PID Lítačka: Prague public transport tickets
- IDOS: All train and bus timetables
- Taxis: Avoid street taxis near tourist spots; use apps or call AAA Taxi. Always agree the price or insist on the meter.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Czech Republic.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless almost everywhere, including pubs; cash for small kiosks and public toilets. Pay in koruna, not euros.
- Currency: Koruna (CZK). US$1 ≈ Kč21.72 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (ČSOB, Komerční banka, Česká spořitelna); avoid Euronet and always decline conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or add about 10% in restaurants; tell the server the total you want to pay.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; many Prague trams have contactless ticket machines on board.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen country. Non-EU visitors are fingerprinted and photographed under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at first entry; passports are no longer stamped.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not required yet; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Carry proof of travel medical insurance: police can ask visa-free visitors for it. Visa applicants need at least €30,000 cover.
Emergency numbers
Police 158 · Ambulance 155 · Fire 150 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores and newsagents. Czech mobile data is pricier than its neighbours', so an EU SIM or eSIM may be cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Czech Republic
Going to Prague solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Prague meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.