Vaclav Havel Airport Prague is the primary international airport of the Czech Republic. Located 17km north of the city, it is the biggest airport among its new European Union counterparts. In 2011, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) gave Prague Airport the Eagle Award for Best Developing Airport, in recognition of its progress and excellence. Today, the airport serves 50 airlines to over 130 destinations globally (as of 2014).
The Prague Airport comprises four terminals. Most tourists frequent the first two terminals – Terminal 1 offers international flights to places outside of the Schengen zone (EU) while Terminal 2 operates flights to locations in the Schengen zone. The other two are for private flights and VIP passengers. A wide array of duty free shopping and food options are available for travellers visiting the airport.
You might have seen Prague Airport in movies like Casino Royale, where the airport (and accompanying airbus) was used as a filming location. In the film, Prague airport was depicted as Miami airport.
Getting Around
At the airport, take the Airport Express Czech Railway to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi, the main railway station. From there, it is a short 5-minute walk to Wenceslas Square and 15 minutes to Old Town Square. Alternatively, various modes of transport can be taken to the metro, where 3 lines serve the city. This includes transfers by taxi, bus service links that connect the airport to two different metro lines, and airport shuttles to the nearest metro. The nearest metro, on line A, is only 30 minutes away from the airport.
Navigating Prague is easy. The best way to experience the city would be getting about on foot through the city centre, which is only approximately 4km. Public transport is also available, and you can alight at various stations along the Prague tram route to sightsee. Purchase a day pass that lets you have unlimited access to tram, bus or metro services, making exploring the city easy.
What to See and Do
Many feel that the city of Prague equals Paris in beauty. Visit 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, a majestic Gothic structure defining the city skyline, consisting of the ancient-looking St. Vitus Cathedral and grand Old Royal Palace. Wander along the Charles Bridge which spans across Vltava River, bringing Prague Castle and the Old Town together. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and experience the city’s rich culture. Observe the Astronomical Clock, a tourist highlight, and visit some the art galleries in the area.
Be sure to attend a classical music concert in Prague, at either of its spectacular concert halls. Smetana Concert Hall is located in Municipal House, one of Europe’s finest Art Nouveau buildings embellished with gold trimmings, elaborate masonry and stained-glass windows. The other hall, Dvorak Concert Hall, is found in Rudolfinum, a magnificent Neo-Renaissance building by the Vltava River.
In Prague, one of the best beer experiences abound with a variety of the brew available, from the popular Gambrinus to Kozel’s Medium, a pale lager, and Pilsner Urquell. Say ‘Bottoms Up’ at any of the numerous beer-specialty bars.
