I Used the Prague Pass: What I Did and What I Saved
Many destination cities offer a form of city pass or tourist pass. They are generally the same; for a defined price, they offer the buyer free or discounted access to the top attractions for the allotted period. Most come in in day increments, such as 48 or 72 hours. During my recent visit to Prague I purchased the 72-hour Prague Visitor Pass for 3200 CZK (Czech Koruna), which is about $154. I will share my experience to help you decide if it is the right option for you.
I found Prague to be a relatively small and compact city. Wonderful for walking and riding around on public transportation. This meant that I was able to see a lot since everything was nearby and travel time was minimal, making this city a prime location to take advantage of its visitor’s pass. Let me break it down for you.
Where To Get the Prague Pass
The pass is available digitally as an e-Pass, which has an app you can use, or you can get a physical card. I purchased mine online through their official website linked above and decided to use the digital e-Pass. There are also numerous locations where you can purchase the physical pass or collect a physical pass after purchasing it online. Each purchase has the option to be activated as the e-Pass or a physical pass only, not both!
Unlimited Public Transportation
The pass includes free public transportation within the city districts, which includes just about anywhere you would want to go. From city buses to the metro, trams and funicular and trolley lines, and ferries. This gets you access to all with ease. You just jump on and jump off as long as you have a valid Prague Pass. The price for this is 330 CZK.
Airport Express
The Airport Express provides convenient transport from and to the airport. It did not use this because the pass activates upon first use and I arrived midday and wanted to activate my pass the morning of my first full day, so I would be able to use the 72 hours the full three days I would be in Prague. The cost is 100 CZK and is included free with the pass.
Vintage Tram Line 42
This was an unforgettable experience that I enjoyed very much. I explored the city riding around on the vintage trams. Some are over one 100 years old! It is a 24-hour pass that allowed me to hop on and hop off whenever I liked. The tram line covers most parts of Prague and does a massive loop around the city. I rode it up to Petrin Hill which was beautiful. It’s 400 CZK but is included free with the pass.
Prague Castle
The Prague Castle complex is the largest in the world, dating back to the 9th century. This was the seat of the Czech kings. The complex houses many historic buildings including historic palaces, churches, and gardens. I received a one time ticket included with the pass and at the TIC (Tourist Information Center) and which allowed me to skip the queue at the ticket office. I went around 8:00 before there was much of a queue anyway, and recommend you do the same to avoid the large crowds. All of the entrance tickets can be purchased here together. I purchased the audio guide, which was fantastic, and it contains sections for every area in the complex. The Castle Complex costs 450 CZK without the pass.
Cathedral of St. Vitus
Seen from nearly any location in Prague is St. Vitus’s Cathedral. Most people think the cathedral is the castle. I was under the same impression until I visited it. The cathedral is situated inside the castle complex and is one of, if not the, main places to visit. A mixture of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture, it was a truly amazing sight to see. I loved standing in the castle complex courtyard and listening to the ringing of the giant bells echo out across the city. It drips with culture and lore from inside and out, which I enjoyed listening to on the audio guide. The ticket for the cathedral is free with the pass, adding 450 CZK to the list.
Great South Tower
This is the giant tower that houses the bell of the cathedral. It is not free but the pass does get you a 50% discount. A visit to the cathedral would not be complete without climbing the tower. I climbed the 280 steps, over 100 meters, to lay my eyes upon one of the greatest views of Prague. Along the way I admired the size and reliefs of the bell, which is the largest in all of Czech. The ticket is 200 CZK but with the discount only costs 100 CZK and was well worth it.
Old Royal Palace
This is one of the main buildings of the actual Prague Castle and one oldest as well. Its interior was reminiscent of the Palace de la Cite in Paris with its unique Gothic vaults and rich frescoes. It dates back to the 9th Century which I learned much about through the audio guide. I was guided around each room as the story unfolded in my ears about its history and significance. I loved the seeing the medieval coat of arms adorning the walls and ceilings. Inside is also the the Church of All Saints. The price of entry is 450 CZK but with the pass is free.
St George’s Basilica
The basilica looks modest from its exterior but its Romanesque simplicity is part of its charm. It was founded in the 9th century and is one of the oldest churches in Prague. I could see its age by the fading frescoes on the interior ceilings. Inside the basilica I saw relics of Ludmila of Bohemia, the grandmother of Saint Wencesclaus which I learned much about both during my visit to Prague. The entry ticket costs 450 CZK but comes free with the pass.
Golden Lane
It housed goldsmiths in the 17th century, hence its name. Before then it was the home to castle guards, and later it became a bohemian conclave when the famous writer Franz Kafka lived there. As I entered, I was transported back to the Bohemian times, drinking in the story-book row of brightly-painted houses. Today, it is filled with quaint shops perfect for buying trinkets and souvenirs. There was a stark difference between the grandeur of the palaces and castles. Entry is free with the pass otherwise costing 450 CZK.
Lobkowicz Palace
Step into a 16th-century Renaissance Palace housing one of the oldest and richest privately held art collections in Europe. My main desire for visiting here was to see Bruegel’s “The Hay Harvest,” one of five paintings from his famous series, “The Seasons.” It also holds original musical manuscripts by Mozart and Beethoven. One of my favorite parts was taking in the amazing panoramic views from the terrace. It is a perfect location for a photo with Prague in the backdrop. The regular price is 360 CZK, but it is free with the pass.
Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock
Obviously, one of the highlights of the city, this was also one of my favorite activities. The pass included a ticket up the tower, a ticket for the lift, a guided tour of the Old Town Hall which includes the inside of the clock tower, and the medieval underground! I do recommend you schedule this in advance since the tour does have a limited number of spots and it is required. The views from the tower were splendid overlooking the Old Town Square.
The real gem for me was the guided tour though since I love learning about the history of places. We were guided through the rooms of the Old Town Hall building and then up to the medieval chapel, which was absolutely stunning! I climbed the small stairs just outside the chapel and got a close-up look at the famous mechanical twelve apostles that appear when the doors of the clock face swing open at the top of each hour. The price for all of this is 600 CZK but with the pass it is all included for free!
Guides & Tours – Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Shortly after the guided tour through the Old Town Hall I had this guided tour scheduled. I had not planned this intentionally; it was just the way it worked out. For all the Guides and Tours included with the pass you will need to book in advance to secure a spot. Initially I wanted to Charles Bridge Tour but I’m glad that this was the one that was available; I got to learn about the mysterious Astronomical Clock, which I was dying to know more about after gathering with the crowd on three separate occasions to gaze at the mechanical figures at the top of each hour. Each time left me a little more curious about what it all meant, the symbology, and how to actually read that darn clock.
The Old Town Square is rich with history that I would have otherwise been oblivious to without this tour. We ended in the Jewish Quarter and with recommendations from the for their favorite places to eat which I always love getting from a local. The cost for this is 600 CZK but it comes free with the pass.
Old Town Bridge Tower
With so many towers speckled around the city if you must choose one this is it. I walked under this tower countless times, it’s inevitable on any visit to Prague. It connects the Old Town to the Lesser Town via the infamous Charles Bridge. I ascended the 138 steps in the late afternoon to find myself peering out at one of the most scenic views in Prague: the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, and Prague’s skyline. It was one of my favorite viewpoints of Prague. I sat there taking in the beauty with surprisingly few other visitors. I would have paid 250 CZK for this, but the pass covers it.
Prague Venice River Cruise
Directly to side of the Old Town Bridge Tower is the Venice River Cruise office. I embarked on a 45 minute cruise of the Vtlava and canal known as “Devil’s Stream”. It offers an entirely different view of Prague from the river. I also indulged in some complimentary refreshments ( Coke, beer, or wine) as I listened to the provided audio guide. This also includes entry to the Charles Bridge Museum which is located where you get the ticket and is perfect for browsing after the cruise. The price is 550 CZK without the pass.
The Clementinum Astronomical Tower and Baroque Library
This was one of my most anticipated sights to see in Prague. I love books. I love libraries, especially old ones, and this one is often described as the most beautiful library hall in the world.
I could not disagree more.
It felt like I had stepped back in time as I gazed down the hall of the 17th-century hall decorated with frescoed ceilings, baroque shelves, and historic globes; the embodiment of the high Baroque era’s ambition to link knowledge, art, and science.
As I climbed the 172 steps up the Astronomical Tower, I passed through the Meridian Hall and pondered at the ancient astronomical instruments. Visiting the site must be done as a sightseeing route with a guide. Be sure to book in advance as there are only four regular guided tour time slots per day! I booked the time slot of 18:00, which offered majestic views of the Prague skyline at night from the Astronomical Tower. This activity is only 350 CZK, which is so worth the price, but it comes free with the pass.
St Nicholas Bell Tower
This ubiquitous Barque tower, I kept seeing from everywhere. It also ended up being a main focal point in one of my favorite photos I took while in Prague. Located in Lesser Town, it is one of the highest towers in Prague at 65 meters. I thought it was the bell tower for the adjacent Barque Church of St. Nicholas. Upon my visit, I learned it served as the city’s fire-watch tower. As I climbed the 215 steps of the spiral staircase, I got a glimpse into historic rooms such as the towerman’s apartment and the old administrative quarters. Atop the tower, the viewpoint offered yet another unique view of Prague. Entry is 200 CZK but is granted for free with the pass.
Vrtba Garden
Nestled in on the slopes of Petrin Hill lies the beautiful Vrtba Baroque garden. It’s a quaint garden full of terrace levels, staircases, and statues. I found myself resting in an alcove, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist districts, and drifting off for an afternoon nap. It was so peaceful and serene. Upon waking and feeling restored, I climbed the stairs and multi-leveled terraces for a remarkable view of Mala Strana (Lesser Town). Visiting the garden will cost 150 CZK without the pass.
Petrin Tower
If you’re looking to get away from the big crowds and immerse yourself in nature the journey to Petrin Tower is perfect. It was exactly what I needed after exploring the busy districts of Old Town and Lesser Town. I rode the vintage tram line to stop number one, which put the tower within short walking distance. Along the way I passed the Hunger Wall, a medieval defensive wall, which I had learned about on one of the tours I had taken. The entrance, including the lift, is 400 CZK.
Mirror Maze
This was a childish affair, but how much fun it was. I really went here because it’s right next to Petrin Tower. I surprisingly had more fun than I had anticipated, laughing at the awkward shapes the different mirrors contorted my figure into. The maze is 150 CZK but comes included with the pass.
Pilsner Urquell: The Original Beer Experience Tour
This was a history lesson in the fine craft of brewing. I’m personally not a drinker, but my mother is, and this was her reward for climbing three towers that day! Overall, I learned a lot about beer. It came with free samples as well, which I did not indulge in. I opted for a cappuccino. The tour would have cost me 579 CZK.
Stone Bell House
I was mostly attracted to the idea that this building’s facade was hiding beautiful Gothic architecture that had been covered up over the passage of time. There are numerous buildings in Prague where this is the case. The building serves as an art gallery that rotates contemporary art exhibitions.
When I was there, the exhibition was “Enter the Room”, which explores the influences of gaming environments and storytelling on the creative approaches of the emerging generation. I stepped inside and found myself fully immersed in a digital, game-like world that stimulated every sense. The entry fee is 200 CZK without the pass.
My Savings
Let’s do the math.
Regular Costs 7,689 CZK – Cost of Pass 3,200 CZK = Net Savings 4,489 CZK.
I saved $269 in USD! Which is more than the pass even costs!
Conclusion
As you can see, I was able to use the Prague Pass to see a staggering amount of savings and visit the sites and attractions I wanted to. That should be one of the major determining factors in your decision as well.
Some key questions I asked myself were:
What am I interested in seeing and doing in Prague? Does the pass provide that?
I would find it hard for anyone not to want to do many of the things included with the pass, especially if it is your first visit to Prague. It includes the major attractions and sites that draw the overwhelming masses to Prague each year.
I loved the fact that it did not require much pre-planning, save for the guided tours. I was able to whimsically explore the city and enter each site and attraction as I stumbled upon it; which is how I prefer it.
Would I do it the same, knowing what I know now? Absolutely. Would I purchase the pass again on a second visit? Of course. There were some sites and activities I didn’t get to and others I would without a doubt do again.
