You’re sitting in a cafe, scrolling through flight deals, and the name "Prague" pops up. It looks like a fairy tale. Stone bridges. Spire-filled skylines. But then you realize you’re not 100% sure where it actually is on the map. Is it in Germany? No. Wait, is it still Czechoslovakia?
Honestly, it’s a question that gets typed into Google thousands of times a week. People get mixed up because the borders in Central Europe have moved around like furniture in a busy living room.
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. But there’s a catch. If you want to sound like a local or an actual travel pro in 2026, you should probably start calling the country Czechia. That’s the official short-form name the government has been pushing for a few years now. It’s like saying "France" instead of "The French Republic."
Why Everyone Still Gets the Name Wrong
It has been over 30 years since Czechoslovakia "divorced." At midnight on December 31, 1992, the country split into two: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We call it the Velvet Divorce because it was remarkably peaceful—no fighting, just a polite "it’s not you, it’s me" between Prague and Bratislava.
Yet, "Czechoslovakia" is a sticky word. It hangs around in old textbooks and the memories of anyone born before 1985. If you call it that today while standing in Old Town Square, you won't get arrested, but you might get a gentle eye-roll from a Gen Z barista.
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Prague isn't just a capital city; it’s the heart of the historical region of Bohemia. If you’ve ever used the word "bohemian" to describe a free-spirited artist, you’re literally referencing the people of this region.
The 2026 Reality: What’s Changing in the Capital
Prague is currently going through a bit of a "reset." For a long time, it was the bachelor party capital of Europe. Cheap beer, rowdy crowds, the whole bit. But the city is changing its vibe.
Starting in January 2026, Prague officially banned shared electric scooters. No more dodging Lime scooters on those narrow 14th-century cobblestones. The city also pulled the plug on those traditional horse-drawn carriages you used to see near the Astronomical Clock. They’re moving toward a "residents-first" model, which sounds boring but actually makes the city way better to visit.
If you’re planning a trip right now, here is the ground reality:
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- The Currency: Even though they are in the EU, they don't use the Euro. You need Czech Koruna (CZK).
- The Vibe: It's wildly walkable. You can cross the entire historic center on foot in about 30 minutes.
- The Prices: It's not the "dirt cheap" destination it was in the early 2000s. Expect to pay about 60–80 CZK ($3 USD) for a beer in a local pub, but double that if you’re sitting right in front of the Týn Church.
More Than Just a Czech City
Prague has been the capital of several different things over the last thousand years. It’s a bit of an overachiever.
- The Holy Roman Empire: Under Emperor Charles IV in the 1300s, Prague was the most powerful city in Europe. Charles wasn't just a king; he was basically the CEO of the Western world. He built the Charles Bridge and founded the first university in Central Europe.
- The Kingdom of Bohemia: Long before the modern republic, this was the seat of Bohemian kings.
- The Communist Bloc: From 1948 to 1989, Prague was a key player behind the Iron Curtain. You can still see this in the "Stalinist" architecture of the suburbs, which contrasts sharply with the gold-tipped towers of the center.
The "City of a Hundred Spires" Label
People call it the "City of a Hundred Spires," which is a massive understatement. There are actually closer to 500. When you stand on the Petřín Lookout Tower (which looks like a mini Eiffel Tower), you see them all. It’s a jagged, beautiful skyline that hasn't changed much since the 1800s because, miraculously, Prague wasn't leveled during World War II like Warsaw or Dresden.
Navigating Prague Like a Local in 2026
If you’re heading there this year, don't just stand under the Astronomical Clock with a thousand other people. The "show" where the little apostles march out lasts about 45 seconds and, honestly, it’s kinda underwhelming.
Instead, head across the river to Letná Park. It’s where the locals hang out at the beer garden. You get the best view of the bridges without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of the Royal Route.
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Also, watch out for the "Trdelník" trap. You’ll see these cinnamon-sugar chimney cakes everywhere. Tourists think they are an ancient Czech tradition. They aren't. They’re actually Hungarian and only showed up in Prague as a tourist snack about 15 years ago. They’re delicious, sure, but don't think you’re eating "medieval" food. If you want real Czech food, find a place serving svíčková (beef in cream sauce) or guláš.
Actionable Tips for Your Search
If you were searching for "Prague is capital of what country" because you’re booking a trip, here are three things you should do immediately:
- Download the PID Lítačka app. Don't mess with paper tickets for the trams. The app is how everyone pays now, and it’s way cheaper.
- Check your passport. Since the Czech Republic is in the Schengen Area, Americans and many others need at least six months of validity left.
- Learn three words. Ahoj (Hello), Děkuji (Thank you), and Pivo (Beer). That is 90% of the vocabulary you’ll actually use.
The Czech Republic—or Czechia—is waiting. It’s old, it’s moody, it’s incredibly beautiful, and now you know exactly where it is. Go book the ticket.
Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to dive deeper, you might want to look into the Digital Nomad Visa (Zivno) if you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, or check the current exchange rate for CZK so you don't get ripped off at the airport kiosks.