Prague
Prague is characterized by its layers of history and striking architecture. Known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," it offers a journey through time, from medieval alleyways to grand Baroque squares. Cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and the dramatic backdrop of its castle, all set along the winding Vltava River, contribute to the city's distinctive atmosphere.
This historical capital provides a rich cultural experience, blending centuries of heritage with a lively contemporary atmosphere. It offers opportunities for exploring Central European history and art, a heritage reflected in the works of its famous son, Franz Kafka.
Prague – Tu prépares un voyage ?
Crée ton itinéraire jour par jour dans l'application Tripomatic.
Quand partir
Prague is enjoyable throughout the year, with each season offering a different charm. Spring and autumn bring pleasant, mild weather, ideal for exploring the city's historic districts. Summers are warm, perfect for riverside activities and outdoor dining. Winters are cold, often with snow, creating a picturesque, festive atmosphere, especially during the popular Christmas markets.
Meilleure période pour visiter: juin, août, septembre
Sites incontournables
Prague's historic center is rich with landmarks. Here are some of the most essential sights for first-time visitors:
Charles Bridge is a historic 14th-century stone bridge. While the bridge itself dates to the 14th century, its iconic ~30 Baroque statues were added later, mostly between 1683 and 1714, and are now largely replicas. Stroll across it for iconic views of the city and Prague Castle. Pont Charles
Witness the Staroměstský orloj, the world's oldest astronomical clock still in use, on the Old Town City Hall. Watch its hourly show of moving figures. Horloge Astronomique
Explore Pražský hrad, a vast complex that has served as the seat of Czech rulers for nearly a millennium. It houses churches, gardens, and palaces. Château de Prague
Visit the Zeď Johna Lenona, a wall covered in John Lennon-inspired political graffiti. The artwork constantly changes, reflecting current events. Mur Lennon
See the striking Franz Kafka's Head, a 10.6-meter kinetic sculpture by David Černý. Its rotating layers reveal the writer's face. Franz Kafka's Head
Climb the Staroměstská radnice tower for panoramic views of Old Town Square. This historic city hall is a central landmark. Hôtel de Ville de la Vieille-Ville (Staroměstská radnice)
Discover Vyšehrad, a historic fort built on a hill overlooking the Vltava River. It offers impressive views and a tranquil atmosphere. Vyšehrad
Wander through the Old Jewish Cemetery, a historic burial site with thousands of tombstones stacked over centuries. It offers a poignant glimpse into Prague's Jewish history. Vieux cimetière juif de Prague
Listes recommandées
Prague Castles and Palaces
From the sprawling, thousand-year-old Prague Castle complex to Baroque noble residences like Wallenstein and Schwarzenberg Palace, this collection traces Bohemia's seats of power — royal, ecclesiastical, and aristocratic — across the city, including the Gothic Old Town City Hall and the Baroque Troja Chateau across the river.
10 lieux
Audioguides – Prague
Explore à pied grâce à une visite audio autoguidée qui commente chaque étape dès que tu l'atteins.
Les incontournables de Prague
97 min4.1 km12 étapes
Parcourez la voie Royale classique de Prague, depuis la tour Poudrière médiévale en passant par l'horloge astronomique de la place de la Vieille-Ville, traversez l'emblématique pont Charles et montez à travers Malá Strana jusqu'aux imposants remparts du château de Prague et de la cathédrale Saint-Guy. Douze étapes couvrant les monuments les plus emblématiques de la ville ainsi que les trésors qui jalonnent le parcours, en environ deux heures de marche — la promenade incontournable pour toute première visite à Prague. La visite commence à la tour Poudrière sur Náměstí Republiky, juste à côté de la station de métro.
Prague avec des enfants
64 min2.7 km8 étapes
Transformez une promenade dans la vieille ville de Prague, sur le pont Charles et jusqu'au château, en une véritable chasse au trésor basée sur des légendes et non sur des leçons magistrales. À chacune des huit étapes, votre famille suit un indice dissimulé dans une histoire : un horloger rendu aveugle par des conseillers municipaux jaloux, un pont bâti avec des œufs, la minuscule maison dorée d'un alchimiste, et résout une énigme pratique avant que la légende suivante ne vous guide plus loin. Pas d'applications, pas d'accessoires, juste des yeux affûtés et un flair pour l'aventure. Le parcours commence sur la place de la Vieille-Ville, à quelques minutes du métro Staroměstská, et s'achève devant les maisons d'alchimistes colorées de la Ruelle d'or, juste à côté du musée du Jouet du château.
Écoute les visites audio de Prague
2 balades dans Audioguides par Tripomatic
Expériences à vivre
- Gather in Old Town Square to watch the hourly show of the Horloge Astronomique on the Old Town Hall.
- Stroll across the medieval Pont Charles, admiring its Baroque statues and the views from the bridge towers like Tours du pont Charles côté Malá Strana and Tour du pont Charles (côté Vieille Ville).
- Ride the Funiculaire de Petřín funicular up Petřín Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the city.
- Wander the charming, narrow streets of Malá Strana (Lesser Town), discovering hidden courtyards and Baroque architecture.
- Experience Prague's vibrant cultural scene by attending an opera at the Théâtre national or a classical concert at the Rudolfinum.
- Seek out David Černý's kinetic sculpture, Franz Kafka's Head, a rotating head of Franz Kafka.
Visites et activités
Prague — Carte
Ouvrir la carte interactive Excursions à la journée
Prague makes an excellent base for exploring the Czech Republic's rich history and picturesque landscapes. Consider these popular day trips:
- Kutná Hora: Travel approximately 1 hour by train or bus to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the medieval silver mining town, visit the stunning St. Barbara's Church, and see the unique Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church).
- Karlštejn Castle: Reachable in about 40 minutes by train, this impressive Gothic castle was built by Emperor Charles IV. It is one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, set in a beautiful forested area.
- Plzeň: Head west for about 1.5 hours by train or bus to the birthplace of Pilsner beer. Take a tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and explore the historic city center.
- Český Krumlov: This picturesque UNESCO-listed town, with its majestic castle and charming medieval streets, is a longer trip (approximately 2.5–3 hours by bus or car). It is ideal for a full day or even an overnight stay.
S'y rendre
- By air: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) serves the city. The Airport Express bus offers direct service to Prague's main train station in about 35 minutes. Public transport buses also connect to the metro for city center access.
- By train: Prague's main railway station, Praha hlavní nádraží, is a hub for connections to major European cities including Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest.
- By bus: Long-distance buses arrive at Praha Florenc bus station, with services connecting to cities across Europe.
Se déplacer
- Prague has an integrated public transport network of metro, trams, and buses. Tickets can be purchased using a contactless bank card directly on board trams and buses, or at metro station entrances. You can also buy tickets via the PID Lítačka mobile app or from ticket machines. For official information, see Prague Public Transport Company.
- Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate throughout the city.
- The city center is very walkable, making it easy to explore many sights on foot. Cycling is also possible, though some areas are hilly.
Gastronomie
Prague's culinary scene offers a blend of hearty traditional Czech dishes and modern international cuisine. Expect rich, comforting meals often featuring roasted meats, dumplings, and thick sauces. Local specialties include svíčková (marinated beef sirloin with a creamy vegetable sauce), guláš (goulash, often served with bread dumplings), and smažený sýr (fried cheese). For a sweet treat, trdelník (a spit-roasted pastry coated in sugar and nuts) is a popular street food found throughout the city, particularly in tourist areas. Czech beer is an integral part of the dining experience, with numerous local breweries and pubs.
For a deep dive into Czech brewing culture, consider visiting Musée de la bière, which showcases a wide variety of local beers. Dining options are plentiful around Vieille Ville (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Lesser Town), ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. While many establishments cater to tourists, seeking out smaller, less central restaurants often yields more authentic and affordable experiences. Tipping around 10% is customary for good service in restaurants.
Sécurité et santé
Prague is generally a safe city for visitors. The main concerns for tourists are petty crimes and common scams.
- Pickpocketing is frequent in crowded areas such as Pont Charles, Vieille Ville, and on public transport. Always keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- Taxi overcharging can occur. Use ride-hailing apps or pre-book reputable taxis.
- Currency exchange scams are possible. Only use official banks or ATMs for cash withdrawals.
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or directions, especially near tourist attractions.
Histoire
Prague's history began in the 9th century, with Château de Prague serving as the seat of Czech rulers for nearly a thousand years. Nearby, Vyšehrad also became an important royal stronghold. The city experienced a golden age in the 14th century under Emperor Charles IV. He oversaw the construction of the iconic Pont Charles and founded Cloître d'Emmaüs. Much of what you see in Vieille Ville today reflects this era, including the 600-year-old Horloge Astronomique on Hôtel de Ville de la Vieille-Ville (Staroměstská radnice).
Over centuries, Prague endured periods of religious reform, such as the Hussite Wars, and long periods under Habsburg rule. These shaped the Baroque architecture visible in Malá Strana. Sites like the 13th-century Synagogue vieille-nouvelle stand as testament to its resilience. More recently, the Mur Lennon emerged as a symbol of peace and resistance during the Communist era.
Infos pays
Quick practical facts for the Czech Republic at a glance:
- Devise
- couronne tchèque CZK Kč · Paiements par carte · Couramment acceptées
- Numéros d'urgence
- 112
- Électricité
- 230 V · 50 HzType C / Type E
- Langues
- tchèque
- Eau du robinet
- Potable
- Sens de conduite
- À droite
- Indicatif téléphonique
- +420
Prague – Planifie tes journées
Transforme les lieux de ce guide en un véritable itinéraire, avec des itinéraires intelligents, des estimations de temps et tout ce dont tu as besoin pour un voyage parfait.
