Prague, the city of a thousand spires, is one of the most magical in all of Europe. With so much to see, do, and drink in this medieval city, planning an itinerary can be difficult, so we’ve compiled the best places to stay, eat, and shop!

STAY

If you’re looking to indulge during your next trip to Prague, the Aria Hotel is the perfect place to start. An unforgettable boutique hotel inspired by famous scores of music, the Aria offers over 50 luxurious suites themed around composers through the ages. Located in Prague’s Mala Strana (Lesser Town), the Aria Hotel is nestled next to both a UNESCO World Heritage garden and a rooftop terrace. With five-star amenities, original artwork, fine dining, and rooms that range in theme from Beethoven to Billie Holiday, a stay at the Aria Hotel is sure to start your trip to Prague off on the right note.

Looking for amenities that feel just like home? The Prague Holiday Apartments are a charming, antidote to soulless hotel rooms. Located near the Vltava in a quieter section of the city center, this stunning, mint-green building houses 26 apartments that range from single rooms to suite-style rentals. The rooms feature Renaissance charm and modern furnishings, and you can glimpse Prague’s beloved landmarks — the Charles Bridge, the National Theater, and the Dancing House — from the windows.

Prague is so inviting that it’ll quickly feel like your second home, but if you’ve just arrived, AirBnB offers a homey feel. Visitors who would like a kitchen and a living space during their stay will rejoice when they see the wide variety of single rooms or entire apartments that suit their individual needs. AirBnBs are spread out across the city so you can stay close to tourist hotspots like Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge, or beyond!

FOOD

Stroll through Prague’s Old Town between the Jewish Quarter and the Old Town Square and you’ll stumble across the lovely, light-filled Café Mistral. The café’s airy interior and leafy plant placement will make you want to hang out for hours. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Café Mistral has some phenomenal selections (try the French toast), and the menu offers a variety of European and American food. Located just steps away from Prague’s Old Town, this beautiful joint is the perfect place for either a quick bite or a sit-down meal.  

Head to Lokal in the city center for free-flowing beer and a modern twist on Czech food. While Lokal has a spare interior, its pub-like ambiance compensates for the bare walls, and the venue is often packed with jolly-spirited customers. Go for traditional Czech dishes like goulash, fried cheese, pancakes, potato dumplings, or sausages, and pick from a wide variety of Czech beer, spirits, and local wines. There is a second venue in Mala Strana where the atmosphere is a bit calmer, if you’re looking for a quieter night out.

Located on the banks of the Vltava, Lavande is a charming space with unbelievable homestyle dishes that range from traditional Czech to modern comfort food. With a guiding philosophy of fresh ingredients, Lavande is hyper focused on quality and even makes all of its own beverages in-house. Go for the food, the drinks, and the atmosphere, and leave entirely satisfied and pleasantly surprised.

If you’re hoping for a quick bite or snack while exploring, don’t forget to take advantage of Prague’s many street-food options. Grab some halušky, trdelník, or klobásy from vendors around Old Town or Prague’s other neighborhoods.

SHOPPING

Located in Prague 1 (which envelops the Old Town and the Jewish Quarter), Papelote is the quirkiest, most colorful paper store in all of Prague. Characterized by its printed paper offerings and seemingly endless supply of art pens, pencils, and journals, Papelote is the perfect place to buy supplies with which to chronicle your adventure in Prague — a visit to the shop will also yield a variety of souvenirs for friends and family back home!

The Czech Republic is home to some of the finest glass and crystal ware, and where better to buy than at Blue Praha? Located in Mala Strana, this independently owned souvenir shop is also home to other classic gift items and Prague memorabilia. From hand-crafted glass vases to Prague-inspired display dishes and glass figurines, Blue Praha evades the typical tourist crowd and is a one-stop shopping experience for all of your gift needs!

For the ultimate in Prague street shopping, visit the Charles Bridge, where you’ll spot a variety of independent vendors selling their wares during the day. Peruse paintings of the city, try on hand-crafted jewelry, and watch demonstrations of intricately carved wooden instruments. The vendors at Charles Bridge are endlessly creative and their goods are both affordable and beautiful. A purchase from Charles Bridge is sure to evoke fond memories of your time in the golden city.

DRINKS

Located conveniently at the convergence of the city’s most popular night tram stops, U Sudu is a must-visit on your trip to Prague. Half wine bar and half underground drinking cave, U Sudu offers an extensive menu of traditional Czech beers, wines, and other liquors. Visitors can descend into the maze-like caverns and enjoy drinking with the lively crowd of regulars and tourists who flock to the pub. Filled with fun and foosball, this location is always a good destination, whether it’s your first or final stop of a long night out.

With locations in both Prague 1 and 2, there’s no reason not to visit Rodeo for a night out on the town. The colorful allure of its mood-lit interior aside, Rodeo has one of the most eclectic and creative cocktail lists in all of Prague. Chat with friends over beautifully crafted drinks, and then make your move to the dance floor! With a cocktail bar and club that are separated to maintain the atmosphere of each, Rodeo has something for everybody!

MUSIC

Aptly named, Jazz Dock is a unique riverfront fixture with an unbeatable lineup of jazz musicians and other dazzling musical performances. Pop in for a drink and listen to a few songs, and you’ll likely end up staying for dinner as well! The food is excellent, the drinks perfectly mixed, and the jazz smooth. Summer evenings spent at Jazz Dock are especially captivating, though the ambiance is special year-round.

Want to experience Prague’s hottest dance club — or just hoping to get in your daily steps? Lucerna Music Bar in Prague 1 is one of the city’s favorite weekend haunts. While the venue hosts live music shows and DJ performances, its most beloved event is the weekend 80s and 90s dance parties. Think: a fun crowd with locals and tourists, free-flowing beer, and boogieing to your favorite old-time tunes.

Header image by Alejandro Cruz