More about: Prague Tourist Cards
Prague is a tourist destination with excellent prices and entertainment options, but for medium to long stays, it is advisable to look for ways to save money. The city's tourist cards allow you to enjoy the best things to see and do in Prague and save time on bookings.
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, but don't worry, in this article I'll tell you everything you need to know.
How many tourist passes are there?
- Prague CoolPass: the most comprehensive 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 transfers between the airport 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 tourist pass that gives you free access to around 60 attractions, such as the impressive viewing platform of the Žižkov TV Tower. With a cost starting at €64 per person, this card also includes discounts on 40 other activities and the best local restaurants, cafés, bars and leisure venues.
In addition to 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 tourist bus to explore local history with the possibility of getting on and off at different stops. Keep in mind 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 can choose your favourites from an extensive list. I recommend starting with the ones that excite you the most to ensure you have time to visit them all.
- Special discounts at over 40 attractions and tourist sites, such as guided tours, gastronomic cruises and concerts at Lobkowicz Palace.
- Mobile app to manage your pass and visit details.
Featured attractions
- 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 can tour the grounds and visit St. Vitus Cathedral and the Golden Lane, 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. In addition, if you are looking for a guided tour, you can book tours of the neighbourhood, which allow you to explore its historical background.
- National Museum: immerse yourself in the history of the Duchy of Bohemia as you discover Czech history and the natural exhibitions housed in this space.
- Štefánik Observatory: if you want to enjoy the best views of Prague, 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 to Petrin Hill.
- Staropramen Visitor Centre: discover the history of the famous Czech beer and learn about the best breweries in Prague, while enjoying a local tasting.
- Chocolate Museum: discover the history of chocolate and enjoy a tasting of local products.
- City sightseeing bus.
- Panoramic cruise on the Vltava River.
You will also have the opportunity to visit St. George's Basilica, the Doll Museum and other cultural spaces where you can travel through alchemy, art, science and astronomy.
Cost comparison
Each of the attractions included in the CoolPass has a separate price, so you are likely to 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: approximately £5
- Staropramen Visitor Centre: around €10
- Chocolate Museum: around €8.
- Ticket for the Žižkov Television Tower observatory: approximately €14.
- Tourist bus: at least €26.
- River cruise: around €21, or €59 if dinner is included.
How to use
This pass can be purchased before your trip through authorised platforms or at the city's tourist offices. You will then need to download the mobile app to use it conveniently and get timetables, tips and information about each attraction or activity.
To activate the pass, simply scan the QR code at the entrance to an attraction, and it will become valid from that moment onwards. You will have up to one year to activate the pass after purchase, and you should be aware that it is personal and non-transferable. If you plan to visit Prague in the summer, this can be an excellent option to save money and time, as this is a period characterised by higher prices and greater tourist traffic.
Important details
- Price: from £54 per person, depending on the duration selected. There are also more affordable prices for children and students.
- Duration: between 1 and 6 days, depending on the validity chosen.
- 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 on 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 most 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 tourist attractions 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 options. You won't have to worry about expenses outside your budget, as everything is included in the same pass.
Benefits
- Access to a wide range of entertainment options, with at least 30 attractions, tours and experiences throughout the city.
- Discounts at local restaurants and shops. Take advantage of this opportunity to 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 purchase.
Top attractions
- Prague Castle: which includes access to St. Vitus Cathedral, one of the most emblematic cathedrals in Europe and the most important in the Czech Republic.
- Old Town Hall: if you like history and architecture, you have to visit this imposing building.
- Astronomical Clock: take the opportunity to learn all about this famous medieval clock.
- Boat trip on the Vltava River: enjoy a getaway along the city's river passage, with the option of joining a panoramic cruise in Prague.
- Sightseeing bus tour: you can hop on and off wherever you want, or enjoy the entire tour, which lasts approximately two hours. This way, you can enjoy a route with a variety of stops that take you to Old Town Square, the Jewish cemetery and Prague Cathedral. The bus may have an audio guide and WiFi on board, but you should check before purchasing your tourist pass.
The card will probably also give you access to some of the best tours and excursions in Prague, such as the Jewish Quarter tour, and even a walk around the city in the pleasant company of a professional guide.
Cost comparison
The best way to know if a tourist card is convenient and beneficial for your budget is to know the usual price of each attraction. Keep in mind that you can enjoy between three and five activities per day, depending on your organisation and the time required for each activity.
The normal prices of some of the tourist attractions included are:
- Prague Castle: between €10 and €32, depending on the areas to be visited. A guided tour of the castle costs around €49.
- Old Town Hall: climbing the tower costs an estimated £16, but if you want to take advantage of a guided tour, you will have to pay around £24.
- Tickets to the astronomical clock: approximately £22.
- Vltava River cruise: a panoramic tour costs around €21, but if it includes dinner, the price can increase to €56.
How to use
The All Inclusive Pass is very easy to use, as you can purchase it online through authorised platforms. Please note that after its first use, the pass will be activated automatically and the time will start to run, so you should plan your itinerary in advance.
You can explore at your own pace and you will have between 1 and 5 days to take advantage of the available activities. It is ideal if you plan to visit Prague for 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 must calculate whether you will actually visit enough attractions to make the savings worth the cost of the pass.
3. Prague Visitor Pass, the best way to save on transport
The Prague Visitor Pass is a tourist pass that stands out for offering a range of benefits and access to different local attractions. It differs from other cards because it makes it easier to use public transport. From €96, you can travel around the city without limits, and even use the lines that connect to the airport.
Benefits
- Unlimited public transport: metro, trolleybuses, among others. Intercity buses and 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.
Featured attractions
- Unlimited public transport: you can use metro lines A, B and C. Also daytime and night-time trams, trolleybuses, the historic tram 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, the medieval underground areas, Prague Castle, the Old Town and the Jewish Town.
- Boat trips: enjoy a panoramic tour of the Vltava River.
Cost comparison
- Jewish Quarter: around £18.
- Charles Bridge Tower: approximately €6.
- Guided tours: from €20, depending on the type of experience selected.
- Public transport: a single ticket costs around €2 and a 24-hour pass costs at least €5. A taxi within the city costs between €7 and €10, while a taxi to the airport can cost up to €25. Depending on your choices, you may need a daily budget of between €2 and €40.
How to use
If you have purchased it online, this pass is activated in the same way as the Prague All Inclusive Pass and the Cool Pass. You just have to choose the first attraction and scan the QR code at the entrance. However, it can also be purchased as a physical card from points of sale in Prague, in which case you should know that it will be activated automatically.
Important details
- Price: from €96, depending on the duration selected.
- Duration: there are 48-, 72- and 120-hour passes, ideal for enjoying 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 via an app, avoiding the loss of the physical card. It is also a way to save on transfers between Prague and the airport.
- Disadvantages of this option: this pass only allows you one visit to each attraction, which may be limiting for some visitors who wish to repeat experiences.
When is it advisable to buy a tourist card in Prague?
Before purchasing any of the cards, be sure to check the attractions included. Also check their opening hours 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 recommended that you visit at least three attractions, museums or tours each day. This way, you will know that you are saving money if, for example, the tickets to a few attractions exceed the cost of the card.
If you are interested in other types of activities such as a cruise or a bus tour, a tourist pass is an excellent alternative. Even if you are looking for a pass that gives you flexibility to use public transport, you can find options such as the Visitor Pass.
When it is not advisable to book a tourist card in Prague
Before booking, you should calculate the time required for each activity to justify the savings. Some may take up most of your day, reducing the chances of exploring other attractions. For example, a tour of Prague Castle and its surroundings 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 only plan to visit one or two attractions.
- You have a limited visit.
- You find it overwhelming to jump from one activity to another.
- You prefer to explore the city on foot without a set itinerary.
- Plans to travel to Prague with children, as it is difficult to organise a demanding itinerary. Instead, it is advisable to prioritise family-friendly spaces and attractions.
Tips for getting the most out of your tourist pass
- Evaluate your itinerary: before booking, 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 on schedules, tourist recommendations, and locations.
- Organise your schedule: I recommend visiting attractions first thing in the morning to make the most of your time and avoid the crowds. Try to combine nearby attractions to save time and money on transport.
- Take advantage of discounts: in addition to free attractions, the cards often offer discounts for shops, restaurants, or transport.
- Follow the rules: each pass has specific conditions regarding its activation and use. In some cases, attractions are free but require advance booking.