Best Tours in Prague

Sightseeing Tours

The most reliable operators—among them Čedok, Martin Tour, and Premiant City Tour—are a competitive lot, with an extensive menu that covers everything from the standard "top sites" tours to pub crawls and folkloric evenings. Most of these options are offered year-round, with some including a walking component and occasionally a boat trip. Full-day excursions to outlying areas are typically available, too.

Contacts

Čedok. The former state travel agency is thoroughly modernized now, with a young, eager staff and a collection of authoritative, traditional tours of all Prague's sights. River cruises are a hit as are out-of-town jaunts to castle towns. Prague, Praha. 221–447–242; www.cedok.com.

Martin Tour. From reasonably priced one-hour tours of the highlights to in-depth ventures into Jewish Prague history, this company has been an established leader for years. Prague, Praha. 224–212–473; www.martintour.cz.

Premiant City Tour. From beer tours with dinner to ghost walks, Premiant offers more variety than the more established mainstays, often at more competitive rates. Prague, Praha. 606–600–123; www.premiant.cz.

Boat Tours

Of the numerous companies running Vltava River trips 12 months of the year, two stand out. The Prague Steamboat Company, established in 1865, scores points for being the biggest and oldest. Hour cuises on large-capacity vessels feature multilingual commentary. Longer meal-and-music junkets are regularly scheduled as well. For a more intimate experience, try a Prague–Venice cruise aboard a vintage-style canal boat that holds fewer than three dozen passengers.

Contacts

Prague Steamboat Company. Surely the top specialist in Prague for cruises on the lovely Vltava, the company actually dates to the 1800s, when Czech engineers skillfully adopted the latest water-powered industrial technology. Prague, Praha. 224–931–013; www.praguesteamboats.com.

Prague-Venice Cruises. Many feel sorry for the Nigerian students who have to dress as old-time mariners to sell tickets but the quaint river craft certainly offers a unique perspective for life on the water. Prague, Praha. 776–776–779; www.prague-venice.cz.

Specialized Walking Tours

Themed strolls are hugely popular, especially during the peak tourist season, and several providers (Guide-Prague, Prague Walks, and Prague Tours being only three examples) lead tours focusing on, say, local authors, civic architecture, or different historical eras. For visitors specifically interested in Prague’s Jewish heritage, Wittmann Tours is your best bet. It organizes informative walks through the Josefov, plus day trips to related sites such as Terezín.

Contacts

Guide-Prague. The specialty historic, literary, and architecture tours are a serious bargain, led as they are by friendly and encyclopedic guides who you can handpick online based on their qualifications and background. Prague, Praha. 776–868–770; www.guide-prague.cz.

Praguer Tours. With creative niche tours, from undergound walks to brewery and ghost excursions, this eager young company removes any risk of getting stuck with a dull city guide. Prague, Praha. 608–200–912; www.praguertours.com.

Prague Walks. One of the better-priced operators, with thoughtfully organized walks through communist Prague highlights, a Žižkov district pub walk, or custom saunters according to your interests. Prague, Praha. 608–973–390; www.praguewalks.com.

Wittmann Tours. Wittmann guides offer a fount of knowledge on the city's former Jewish ghetto, Josefov, and its millennium of history, myths, and culture. Prague, Praha. 222–252–472; www.wittmann-tours.com.

Fun Alternatives

There are lots of cool conveyances that allow you to see Prague in style, at least in the warmer months. Consider a traditional horse-drawn carriage tour, or up the horsepower by riding an antique car (bookable in advance through Prague PG), a nostalgia-inducing tram, a Jetsons-worthy Segway, or an eco-friendly electric train. Praha Bike offers cycling tours in and around the city, along with straightforward bike rentals for independent types.

Contacts

Ekoexpres. A hit with families, the Ekoexpres train requires no rails as it snakes around the city sights at a leisurely, kid-friendly pace. Prague, Praha. 602–317–784; www.ekoexpres.cz.

Nostalgic Tram Line No. 91. From late March to late November, the historic Tram 91 runs on weekends through the city's most scenic streets, offering the chance to step into history aboard the restored, wooden-seated, two-car wonder, all at a mere 35 Kč. Prague, Praha. 296–191–817; www.dpp.cz.

Pony Travel. The 20-minute carriage rides through Old Town and beyond are an investment at 800 Kč per person, but the experience won't soon be forgotten, especially on mild evenings. Prague, Praha. 736–752–671; www.ponytravelsro.cz.

Prague on Segway. A number of Segway tour operators are competing for your crowns these days, some with cheaper rates, but this company has built a following by offering intimate rides (couples welcome) and a fun, efficient way to take on Prague's hilly scenery. Prague, Praha. 775–588–588; www.pragueonsegway.com.

Prague PG. A specialist in custom tours, especially for those who love pre-war classic cars, Prague PG offers a bit of enchantment, downtown traffic allowing, of course. Prague, Praha. 222–518–259; www.guidingprague.com.

Praha Bike. Fitness is serious business in Prague these days and what better way to work off your beer, goulash, and dumplings dinner than by cycling around town? Prague, Praha. 732–388–880; www.prahabike.cz.

Private Guides

Eager to take a private tour with a tailor-made itinerary? Lots of locals advertise themselves as guides. So it’s wise to choose one registered by Prague Information Service

Contacts

Prague.eu. With an excellent roster of expert guides on hand, the official city promotional agency is a great source for knowledgeable guides in any area of interest. Prague, Praha. 236–002–569; 236–002–562; www.prague.eu.