Latest Prague news

Prague's Crown Jewels are free to see until 28 September — but queues can close early

23 September 2026: The rare Crown Jewels exhibition is open free of charge in Vladislav Hall from 9:00 to 17:00 through Monday 28 September. Entry is capacity-limited, security-screened and routed through the South Gardens, which can close to new arrivals several hours before 17:00 when the queue fills.

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Previous update

Petřín funicular reopened 22 September after a two-year closure

20 September 2026: Passenger service returned with new cars, a 10-minute timetable and a changed fare. The rebuilt line also changes how Nebozízek works on the downhill journey.

Read the full transport update →

Annual events worth planning around

A handful of recurring events change what Prague feels like to visit, for better or worse depending on your plans:

  • Christmas markets (late November – early January): Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square fill with stalls, mulled wine and a large lit tree — see our Christmas markets guide. Accommodation books up early for this period.
  • Prague Spring International Music Festival (mid-May – early June): a major classical music festival held in venues across the city, drawing an international audience — worth booking concert tickets and accommodation well ahead if this is part of your trip.
  • Easter markets (March/April, dates follow Easter): a smaller-scale echo of the Christmas markets on the same main squares, with painted eggs and spring produce alongside the usual food stalls.
  • Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (early July): transforms our Karlovy Vary day trip destination into a very different, much busier town for about a week.
  • New Year's Eve: Old Town Square and the riverbanks draw large crowds; expect some street closures and a livelier, later night than usual across the centre.

Public holidays to plan around

On Czech public holidays, expect reduced hours or closures at many shops, some museums and administrative offices. Major sights and restaurants generally stay open, but check the place you actually plan to visit. Important dates include New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labour Day (1 May), Liberation Day (8 May), Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (5 July), Jan Hus Day (6 July), Czech Statehood Day (28 September), Independence Day (28 October), Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (17 November), and 24–26 December.

Entry & transport reminders

  • The Czech Republic is in the Schengen Area. Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change, so check official advice before travel.
  • The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro — see our budget guide.
  • Prague's integrated transport system covers metro, trams and buses. For validation and ticket basics, see our getting around guide.