According to Abbreviation Finder, Prague, the golden city with the hundred spiers, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. A long weekend here is synonymous with rich culture, memorable experiences, cozy streets, good restaurants and pubs, very good beer, and everything for a cheap money. Read our guide and start planning your next city break!

Prague – a popular city among Norwegians

Traveling to Prague is like traveling back in time. The city has a very well-preserved architecture that dates from several different eras, but mostly from the Renaissance and Baroque. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, and has recently emerged as one of the really big destinations in Europe. In addition to the many and exclusive sights, the Czech Republic is a relatively cheap country to holiday in for Norwegians, which has also increased the city’s popularity as a destination.

By European standards, the capital is relatively large, with over 1.2 million inhabitants. In the summer, you can also add almost two million tourists, who come to see the venerable buildings, castles, churches, or just to enjoy the cozy streets. Prague is also a perfect destination for a romantic weekend getaway, with adventurous streets and intimate restaurants!

Travel to Prague

The two airlines SAS and Norwegian have large direct flights to Prague for large parts of the year, and the journey from Oslo Airport takes just under two hours. Norwegian also occasionally flies directly to Prague from Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. Prague is also one of the European destinations you can fly to very cheaply, especially if you travel on a weekday.

The distance is so short, and the direct routes good, that it becomes a bit awkward to end up with a stopover. If you still need a stop on the way, you should preferably fly via Stockholm or Copenhagen. You can normally do this with both SAS and Norwegian. Via Amsterdam can be a common alternative for those who live in the south.

If you have the time and inclination, you can consider combining a city break in Prague with cities such as Vienna, Berlin or Munich. All three are less than 4 hours away by train.

Choose the right hotel in Prague

There are naturally many hotels in Prague, which after all is one of the most visited cities in Europe. To get a room on one of the better options, you should book well in advance. In terms of price, you get away far better than many other places, and definitely compared to, for example, Oslo.

The best areas to stay in Prague are:

• Old Town Square and Old Town– If you live in or near Staromestske Namesti, you also live in the middle of the soup. You can experience much of the best the city has to offer, without having to move very far. You will find hotels in all price categories and star divisions in this area.

• Mala Strana– The small town is for many the best district in Prague. The architecture here is distinctive, and you live just below the castle grounds, on the opposite side of Voltava in relation to the Old Town. In Mala Strana it is somewhat quieter in the evenings, and here you will find both top luxury hotels and cozy, family-run accommodations.

• Prague 1– Prague is divided into 22 districts, and Prague 1 is what constitutes the absolute center of the city (both the Old Town and Mala Strana belong here). If you choose a hotel in Prague 1, you are always assured that you will not have a long walking distance, or a special need for transport.

• Prague 2– A hotel in this district can be both very central and far from hell. If you are going to stay in Prague 2, the hotel’s address should belong to Vinohrady, and preferably be close to Namesti Miru. Here it is somewhat quieter than in the city center, but you have access to a very high number of restaurants, bars and cafes.

• Look at the map before you book elsewhere– The districts of Prague 5, 6 and 7 may also be current, but it depends a lot on where in the district the hotel is located. You will normally have to take the metro, tram or taxi to get to the city center, but it does not take more than 10-15 minutes.

Spring and autumn are the best times

The best time to visit Prague is for many in the spring and when the city can be enjoyed from a place with outdoor seating. The trees usually bloom at the end of March, and then the city appears at its most beautiful. Autumn is also a good time, with a lot of beautiful light on the beautiful buildings.

In winter it rarely gets very cold, but if it does, the air is quite raw due to the Voltava River. The city is of course also nice to visit in the summer, as long as you do not come when there is a heat wave going on. Then it will be dense and sweaty in Prague, where you do not have sea breezes that cool down, but instead asphalt and bricks that store heat.