More about: Prague Tourist Cards
Prague is a tourist destination with excellent prices and entertainment options, however, for medium to long stays it is advisable to look for ways to save. City Sightseeing Cards allow you to enjoy the best things to see and do in Prague and save time on booking.
Specifically, there are three passes to suit all budgets and types of plans. You're probably wondering how they work and what their benefits are, so don't worry, in this article I'll tell you everything you need to know.
How many tourist passes there are
- Prague CoolPass: the most complete option that allows you to discover the city in depth, with access to 60 attractions for 1 to 6 days.
- Prague Visitor Pass: ideal for those who want to take advantage of access to the main attractions, as well as secure transport in the city and airport transfers for 48, 72 and 120 hours.
1. Prague CoolPass, the most comprehensive option
Explore Prague with complete freedom and peace of mind, thanks to a sightseeing pass that gives you free access to around 60 attractions, including the impressive Žižkov TV Tower observation deck. Costing from €64 per person, this card also includes discounts on 40 other activities and the best local restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment venues.
As well as visiting monuments and historical sites, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Vltava River at no extra cost. Although public transport is not included, you have the option of hopping on the Prague sightseeing bus to explore the local history with the possibility of hopping on and off at different stops. Please note that you will have between 1 and 6 consecutive days, depending on the duration selected at the time of purchase.
Benefits
- Free access to 60 attractions, you will be able to choose the ones you prefer from an extensive list. I recommend you start with the ones you are most excited about, to make sure you have time to visit them all.
- Special discounts on more than 40 attractions and tourist sites, such as guided tours, food cruises and concerts at the Lobkowicz Palace.
- Mobile app to manage your pass and the details of your visit.
Attraction highlights
- Prague Castle: if you are thinking of buying tickets for the castle, this option is ideal, as it is one of the tourist attractions included in the Prague CoolPass. You will be able to tour its facilities as well as visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Alley, a picturesque street where 17th century goldsmiths lived.
- Jewish Quarter: you can enjoy free access to the synagogues and learn about the things to see and do in the Jewish cemetery in detail. Also, if you are looking for a guided tour, you can book tours of the neighbourhood, which allow you to explore its historical trajectory.
- National Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of the Duchy of Bohemia, while discovering Czech history and the natural exhibits housed here.
- Štefánik Observatory: if you want to enjoy the best views of Prague you must take advantage of this panoramic viewpoint, whose architectural beauty does not go unnoticed.
- Mirror Maze in Petrin Park: lose yourself in a fun maze that leads up Petrin Hill.
- Staropramen Visitor Centre: discover the history of the famous Czech beer and learn about Prague's best breweries, while indulging in a local tasting.
- Chocolate Museum: discover the history of chocolate and enjoy a local product tasting.
- City sightseeing bus.
- Sightseeing cruise on the Vltava River.
You will also have the opportunity to visit St. George's Basilica, the Dolls Museum and other cultural sites where you can travel through alchemy, art, science and astronomy.
Cost comparison
Each of the attractions included in the CoolPass are priced separately, so it's likely that you can save money by using it. It all depends on your itinerary and the type of experience you choose.
- Prague Castle: between €10 and €32.
- National Museum: around €10.
- Štefánik Observatory: at least €4.
- Mirror Maze in Petrin Park: about €5.
- Staropramen Visitor Centre: about €10.
- Chocolate Museum: cost around €8.
- Ticket for the Žižkov TV Tower observatory: about €14.
- Sightseeing bus: at least €26.
- River cruise: about €21, or €59 if dinner is included.
How to use
This is a pass that you can buy before your trip via authorised platforms. Or at the city's tourist offices. Afterwards, you will have to download the mobile app to use it comfortably and get timetables, tips and information about each attraction or activity.
To activate the pass, all you have to do is scan the QR code at the entrance to an attraction, from which point the pass is valid. You will have up to one year to activate the pass after purchase and it is personal and non-transferable. If you plan to visit Prague in summer it can be an excellent option to save money and time, as this is a time of year that is characterised by higher prices and more tourists.
Interesting details
- Price: from €64 per person, depending on the selected duration. There are also more affordable prices for children and students.
- Duration: between 1 and 6 days, depending on the chosen validity.
- Advantages of this option: it is a very practical card that allows you to save money and is ideal for avoiding queues at the ticket office. It also includes information about all the attractions in a mobile app.
- Disadvantages of this option: it does not include access to public transport.
2. Prague All Inclusive Pass, the more flexible option
When travelling, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the variety of places to visit and plans available. The Prague All Inclusive Pass makes it easy to organise your itinerary and includes the city's main sights and activities at a reasonable price. With this card, you can organise the time you need to explore the city and make the most of every moment.
You will have between 1 and 5 consecutive days to explore at your own pace, with a variety of history, art and gastronomy. You won't have to worry about out-of-budget expenses, as everything is included in the same pass. The price starts from 3 €, being a cheaper alternative that allows you to take advantage of different activities.
Benefits
- Access to a wide range of entertainment options, at least 30 choices of attractions, tours and experiences throughout the city.
- Discounts in restaurants and local shops, so you can buy souvenirs at the best price!
- Access to cultural experiences.
- Flexibility to use the pass, as you can activate it at any time up to two years after your purchase.
Featured Attractions
- Prague Castle: which includes access to St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most emblematic in Europe and the most important in the Czech Republic.
- Old Town Hall: if you like history and architecture, you must visit this imposing building.
- Astronomical Clock: take the opportunity to learn all the details about this famous medieval clock.
- Boat trip on the Vltava River: enjoy a trip on the city's waterway, with the possibility of joining a panoramic cruise in Prague.
- Tourist bus tour: you can hop on and off wherever you want, or enjoy the whole tour, which lasts about two hours. In this way, you will enjoy a route with a variety of stops that take you to Old Town Square, the Jewish Cemetery and the Prague Cathedral. The bus may have an audio guide and WiFi on board, but you should check before you buy your sightseeing pass.
The card is also likely to give you access to some of Prague's best tours and excursions, such as the Jewish Quarter tour, and you can even walk around the city in the friendly company of a professional guide.
Cost comparison
The best way to find out if a sightseeing card is suitable and beneficial for your budget is to know the usual price of each attraction. Bear in mind that you can enjoy between three and five activities per day, depending on your organisation and the time required for each activity.
Typical prices for some of the attractions included are:
- Prague Castle: between €10 and €32, depending on the areas to be visited. A guided tour of the castle is around €49.
- Old Town Hall: climbing the tower costs an estimated €16, but if you want to take advantage of a guided tour you should pay around €24.
- Entrance to the astronomical clock: approximately €25.
- Cruise on the Vltava River: a scenic cruise costs around €21, but if dinner is included the price can go up to €56.
How to use
The All Inclusive Pass is very easy to use, as you can buy it online through authorised platforms. Please note that after the first use the pass will be activated automatically and the time will start running, so plan your itinerary in advance.
You will be able to explore at your own pace and you will have between 1 and 5 days to take advantage of the activities available. It is ideal if you plan to visit Prague in at least 1 day.
Details of interest
- Price: from 3 € per person.
- Duration: between 1 and 5 days, depending on the option chosen at the time of purchase. The pass is activated after the first day and expires according to the number of days selected.
- Advantages of this option: it is an economical, flexible option with a variety of plans in the city. In addition, you can activate your pass at any time.
- Disadvantages of this option: You have to calculate whether you will actually visit enough attractions for the savings to offset the cost of the pass.
3. Prague Visitor Pass, the best way to save on transport costs
The Prague Visitor Pass is a tourist pass that stands out for offering a series of benefits and access to different local attractions. It is different from other cards because it provides facilities when using public transport. From 96 € you will be able to move around the city in an unlimited way, and even use the lines that connect with the airport.
Benefits
- Unlimited public transport: metro, trolleybuses, among others. Buses and intercity trains are not included.
- Free transfers between the airport and Prague, ideal for organising your arrival and return.
- In addition to the card, you will receive a map with a list of attractions.
- Admission or discounts to approximately 70 of the main local attractions.
Attraction highlights
- Unlimited public transport: you can use the A, B and C metro lines. Also day and night trams, trolleybuses, the historic tramway and transport connecting to the airport.
- Main attractions of the city: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge Tower, Petřín Lookout Tower, among other local gems.
- Guided tours of: the Jewish Quarter, medieval underground areas, Prague Castle, the Old Town and the Jewish Town.
- Boat trips: enjoy a panoramic tour on the Vltava River.
Cost comparison
- Jewish Quarter: about €20.
- Charles Bridge Tower: approximately €6.
- Guided tours: from €20, depending on the type of experience selected.
- Public transport: a single ticket is around €2 and a 24-hour pass is at least €5. A taxi within the city is between €7 and €10, while taxis to the airport can be as much as €25. Depending on your choices, you may need a daily budget of between €2 and up to €40.
How to use
If purchased online, this pass is activated in the same way as the Prague All Inclusive Pass and the Cool Pass. Just choose the first attraction and scan the QR code at the entrance. However, it can also be purchased as a physical card from the points of sale in Prague, in this case, you should know that it will be activated automatically.
Interesting details
- Price: from €96, depending on the selected duration.
- Duration: there are 48, 72 and 120 hour passes, ideal for you to enjoy the city at your own pace.
- Advantages of this option: it offers unlimited transport and you have the option of purchasing it in e-Pass format to manage it through an app, avoiding the loss of the physical card. It is also a way of saving on transfers between Prague and the airport.
- Disadvantages of this option: this pass only allows you one visit per attraction, which may be limiting for some visitors who wish to repeat experiences.
When to buy a tourist card in Prague
Before buying a Prague Sightseeing Pass, be sure to check which attractions are included. Also check their opening times and compare the different options to choose the most suitable one. This way of saving money is perfect if you want to explore a wide range of attractions. However, it is suggested to visit at least 3 attractions, museums or tours each day. This way you know you are saving money if, for example, the entrance fees to a few attractions exceed the cost of the card.
If you are interested in other types of activities such as taking part in a cruise or bus tour, a sightseeing pass will be an excellent alternative. Even if you are looking for a pass that gives you the flexibility to use public transport, you can find options such as the Visitor Pass.
When not to book a tourist card in Prague
Before you book you should calculate the times for each activity, to justify the savings. Some may take up most of your day, reducing the chance to explore other attractions. For example, a tour of Prague Castle and the surrounding area takes at least two hours. It is best to combine different types of plans with balanced time estimates.
It is more cost-effective to buy tickets separately when you:
- You only plan to visit one or two attractions.
- You have a limited visit.
- You are overwhelmed by jumping from one activity to another.
- You prefer to explore the city on foot without a set itinerary.
- You plan to travel to Prague with children, as it is difficult to organise a demanding itinerary. Instead, it is advisable to prioritise family-friendly venues and attractions.
Tips on how to get the most out of your tourist pass
- Evaluate your itinerary: before you book, study the list of attractions and choose the ones that interest you. Then make a travel plan with estimated activities per day.
- Use the app: most passes have a website or app with information about opening times, sightseeing recommendations and locations.
- I recommend visiting attractions early in the dayto save time and escape the waves of tourists. Try to combine nearby attractions to save time and money on transfers.
- Take advantage of discounts: in addition to free attractions, the cards often give discounts for shops, restaurants or transport.
- Follow the rules: each pass has specific conditions regarding its activation and uses. In some cases, attractions are free, but require prior reservation.