Everything you need to know before booking a flight to Prague! The city nicknamed “Stovežatá” (City of a Hundred Towers) is your next stop on your European adventure. Read the Prague Travel Guide, the second part of the Europe Unlocked: A Canadian’s Guide to Europe series.
Prague is a living fairytale among European cities—a city built of stone and wood, breathing with its romantic (and at times brutal) past. One short walk across Charles Bridge, and you’ll feel—almost under your skin—where all those vampire and ghost stories come from. It’s the perfect start to your ultimate European vacation: delicious homemade food that doesn’t care about carbs, gluten, or sugar, creative craft beer, majestic castles, historic churches, and captivating art. Visit Prague and taste the European life!
Europe Unlocked: Trip to Prague, Czech Republic
The Travellers Team at Onside Media is making travel to Europe easier for Canadians. Read on for all the essential things to know before your next Prague vacation!
Language, Currency, Time Zone Difference
- Language: Czech
- Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK)
- Time Zone Difference: +6 hours ahead of Toronto (Eastern Time)
How to Get There
Traveling from Canada to Prague needs a bit of planning, but it is quite easy, with multiple one-stop flight options available from major Canadian cities. While there are no direct flights from Canada to Prague, you can connect via major European hubs. These are the top three airlines offering flights to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG):
- Air Canada – Flights with a layover in Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Zurich (ZRH).
- Lufthansa – One-stop flights via Frankfurt or Munich.
- KLM – Flights connecting through Amsterdam (AMS).
Most flights take between 10–14 hours, depending on your layover location.
Top Tourist Attractions & Landmarks in Prague
Prague is a city of fairy-tale charm, filled with historic sites and breathtaking architecture. Some of the most famous attractions include Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world and home to the Czech President. The Charles Bridge, an iconic medieval stone bridge adorned with statues, offers stunning views of the city. Old Town Square, known for its colorful Baroque buildings and the world-famous Astronomical Clock, is the heart of Prague’s historic district.
For landmark lovers, don’t miss the Dancing House, an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry, Vyšehrad, a historic fort with sweeping views of the Vltava River, and the John Lennon Wall, or The Head of Franz Kafka.
Popular Tourist Season: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) for the best weather.
Must-Try Food, Fun Activities & Souvenirs
No visit to Prague is complete without tasting its signature dishes. Start with svíčková, a creamy beef dish served with dumplings, or enjoy a traditional trdelník, a cinnamon-sugar chimney cake often filled with ice cream. Try a pilsner beer, as the Czech Republic is home to some of the world’s best breweries.
For a fun experience, explore the city’s rich history at Prague Castle, take a cruise on the Vltava River, or step into a fairy tale with a visit to Karlštejn Castle just outside the city or take a stroll at Divoká Šárka parc.
Looking for souvenirs? Bring home handmade Czech crystal, Marionette puppets, or Bohemian garnet jewelry as a lasting memory of your Prague adventure.
Public Transport in Prague
Prague has an efficient and affordable public transportation system. The metro consists of three lines (A, B, C). Trams are a scenic and convenient way to explore Prague’s historic neighborhoods. Buses serve areas not covered by the metro or trams. A Prague Card or a short-term travel pass (24, 48, or 72 hours) is recommended for unlimited travel on public transport.
Insider Tip: Stay in boutique hotels or Airbnbs on Mala Kampa for an exclusive location, just steps from Prague’s historic center, Castle, and top landmarks.
A Classic Prague Phrase
“Dobré pivo!” – This phrase means “Good beer!” and is something you’ll often hear in a city famous for its brewing traditions. It’s also a great way to make new friends from the old continent.
Fun Fact: Prague’s Astronomical Clock, installed in 1410, is the third-oldest in the world and the oldest still in operation today.
Travel Requirements for Canadians
- Visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
- Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
- New Requirement (ETIAS): Starting in 2025, Canadian citizens will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting Schengen countries, including the Czech Republic. The application will be available online and valid for three years.
Source of Travel Requirements: aircanada.com, travel.gc.ca
