The sustainable travel guide you need to discover Prague, Czech Republic.
Welcome to Prague, the incredible capital of the Czech Republic. Also known as the City of a Hundred Spires, the city transports you through its rich heritage, from the Old Town Square to colourful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock.
No need to say, a weekend getaway in Prague is truly an unforgettable experience!
But what makes Prague a sustainable city?
Prague and the Czech Republic have been slow to adopt sustainable tourism practices. However, city authorities have recently taken measures to clean up the air and the river. Things are slowly moving forward to ensure sustainable development, although there is still much to do. And it also applies to the travel and tourism industry.
Personally, Prague was a wonderful surprise. I was amazed by its architecture, atmosphere, cuisine and welcoming locals. I could understand where its popularity came from and why so many were eager to discover the capital. But unfortunately, this popularity has come with a price at the expense of our planet through overtourism.
Overtourism is a phenomenon we have witnessed in the past few years, accentuated by the growth of social media platforms. It translates into overcrowding from an excess of tourists in a destination and will often lead to conflicts with locals and increased ecological impact. Learn more here.
Today, it is no longer possible to ignore the environmental, social and economic impact we have by travelling. And that is why understanding sustainable travel is essential and why green tourism should be our way of exploring the world.
And if you want to know more about reducing your impact, keep reading.
In this sustainable travel guide to Prague, I provide the tools you need to plan a green trip to the Czech capital along with ten eco-tips to be a more responsible traveller. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to download your FREE sustainable travel checklist ↓
Best time to visit Prague (without the crowds)
The best times to visit Prague without the crowds are spring and early fall when temperatures are comfortable. And there are fewer tourists.
The warmer summer months generally see the most inflow of visitors, which means more gatherings and environmental impacts, along with higher hotel rates.
Therefore, arrange to arrive in May or September for mild temperatures around 20°C, ideal for exploring the capital and its best attractions without big crowds. It will also be the perfect time to participate in tours to learn more about the history of Prague and talk with locals.
Looking for the perfect itinerary to discover Prague? Check out this article:
Prague Travel Guide: Perfect 3-Day Itinerary
How to get around Prague sustainably?
The best way to get around Prague sustainably is on foot. Prague city centre is compact and is easy to explore by walking. It will also allow you to slow down and truly appreciate your surroundings.
In addition, Prague has a reliable public transportation system for getting around the city, with good connections to the main attractions by metro, trams and buses. Find out more about the routes and fares.
Biking is also an option, although the city has much work to do toward developing cycling pathways. Plus, congested narrow roads can make it challenging for cyclists to navigate around slow-moving pedestrians and can even be sometimes dangerous.
Fancy a city break in Edinburgh, Scotland? Check out this article:
3 Magical Days in Edinburgh: City Itinerary
Best eco-conscious hotels in Prague
1- Botanique Hotel Prague
Botanique is a modern hotel inspired by nature located in the city centre of Prague with a be-green approach. The hotel is a perfect blend of comfort and simplicity, where sustainability is the keyword.
For instance, Botanique has created a “Be Green” program to encourage its customers to adopt eco-friendly practices. The program focuses on features such as no single-use plastic items, recycling initiatives and gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian menus for guests. In addition, an electric car charging device is available free of charge in their garage.
Website: https://www.hotelbotanique.com
2- Mosaic House Design Hotel
Mosaic House is a green oasis in the heart of Prague. It is the perfect place to discover the main attractions of the capital whilst relaxing in a quiet getaway.
This urban oasis perfectly combines well-being, luxury and creativity, all whilst using natural resources. And if art and design are close to the hotel’s heart, sustainability has also its place. For instance, they use intelligent measures to save energy and reduce water waste without sacrificing the comfort of their guests.
Website: https://www.mosaichouse.com
3- Mamaison Residence Downtown Prague
Mamaison is an oasis of tranquillity located at the very centre of Prague and offers you an experience like no other.
In addition to providing outstanding service, sustainability and ecology are essential to the hotel and its practices. Mamaison strives for a green approach to tourism through its Pure Stay program. For instance, the hotel proposes bulk dispensers for toiletries and supports recycling initiatives, water conservation and electricity efficiency measures.
Website: https://www.mamaisondowntown.com
READ MORE: Where to Stay in Prague: 8 Best Areas (& Hotels)
Love the outdoors and camping? Check out this article:
10 Best Campsites in Snowdonia National Park
Best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in Prague
You can not go to Prague without tasting its unique cuisine. Here are some eco-conscious restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan menus.
1- Vegan’s Prague
Vegan’s Prague is a vegan restaurant in the heart of Prague’s Lesser Town, just below Prague Castle. It offers delicious vegan cuisine you can taste in renovated lofts or enjoy on the terrace with stunning views of the castle.
Website: https://www.www.vegansprague.cz
2- Lehka Hlava – Clear Head
Lehka Hlava, or Clear Head, is a vegetarian restaurant located in the centre of Prague, just a minute away from the Charles Bridge. This restaurant aims to please your senses and clear your head by providing a unique experience for the mouth and the eyes with night sky murals and designer lampshades.
Website: https://www.lehkahlava.cz/en/
3- Bistro Střecha
Střecha (The Roof) is a vegan restaurant & café located in the heart of Prague. This beautiful restaurant not only reduces environmental impact but also cares about social initiatives. For instance, they offer employment and wages to people without a home or after serving a sentence whilst being run as a workers’ co-op.
Website: https://www.restauracestrecha.cz/en/
4- Pastva
Pastva is another vegan restaurant you need to try! They offer seasonal vegan dishes, handmade pasta and delicious desserts in a bright and elegant space. In addition to seasonal, varied and balanced cuisine, they present great authentic Moravia wines, a popular beer from nearby Únětice or coffee from the Candycane roastery.
Website: https://www.pastva-restaurant.cz/
Looking for a practical backpack for your trip? Check out this article:
10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
Best (eco-friendly) things to do in Prague
- Walk across Charles Bridge
- Wander through Old Town Square
- Observe the Astronomical Clock (early morning)
- Enjoy views from the Old Town Hall Tower
- Immerse yourself in nature on Petřín hill
- Explore Prague Castle (in the evening to avoid crowds)
- Visit St. Vitus Cathedral
- Stroll through Malá Strana
- Admire the scenery from Letna Park
- Eat and drink local
Fancy a road trip across the UK? Check out this article:
London to Edinburgh Drive: 20+ Best Stops
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How to be a responsible traveller in Prague
Being a responsible traveller in Prague is not impossible. There are ways to be more environmentally conscious when visiting the capital, and here are ten sustainable tourism tips to make your trip greener:
1- Book direct fights
Prague Airport is easily accessible and well-connected to most European cities. If possible, choose a non-stop journey as taking off and landing use more fuel than cruising. You can also use Skyscanner to only see flights with lower CO₂ emissions, and EcoPassenger to calculate the environmental impact of your transport.
2- Offset your carbon footprint
Compensate your impact by investing in local projects and communities (check out this article for more information on carbon offsetting your flights), BUT do not use carbon offset as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase to be ready for your green adventure.
3- Explore on foot or use public transport
Prague city centre is compact and easy to explore by walking. Plus, it will allow you to slow travel and truly enjoy your surroundings. And if your destination is a bit too far, use public transport such as bus, metro and tram.
4- Buy and eat local
When you travel to Prague, being mindful of what you eat and buy is crucial to leaving a lower footprint and being a sustainable explorer. Ask the locals where they like to eat, buy your food at local markets, and go to local vegetarian and vegan restaurants supporting farmers and sustainable products.
The same applies to the souvenirs you bring home. Ask questions to learn more about the product you want to buy and its origin, shop local, decline objects made with animal products and refuse single-use plastic bags.
5- Be zero waste and avoid plastic
Always pick up your trash or any you come across, and avoid plastic at all costs! The best way to reduce waste when travelling is to arrive prepared. That is why considering what you bring with you is so important. Here are some ideas, bring:
- Reusable water bottles (reduce single-use plastic)
- Eco-friendly tote bags (reduce single-use plastic)
- Travel towels (reduce water usage)
- Cutlery and containers (reduce single-use plastic)
- Reusable straws (reduce single-use plastic)
- Biodegradable shampoos (reduce toxic chemicals)
- Zero-waste sunscreens (reduce single-use plastic & toxic chemicals)
- Solid toiletries (reduce water usage)
- Portable solar chargers (reduce energy usage)
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
6- Book an eco-conscious accommodation
Once you have booked your plane to Prague, try to reserve your city break at a hotel or Airbnb that adopts eco-responsible practices. Many accommodations are working toward becoming greener by innovating and reducing their impact. Check out these three sustainable hotels in Prague:
- Botanique Hotel Prague
- Mosaic House Design Hotel
- Mamaison Residence Downtown Prague
And if you want more, have a look at BookDifferent.
7- Be mindful of your water consumption
Sustainable travel in Prague is also about paying attention to your water consumption (and it should be the case whatever your destination!). It means: having shorter showers, checking all taps are closed properly or not washing your hotel towels daily. We often overlook this last one, but reusing your towel or bringing your own will save a lot of water and do good for the planet.
8- Hire a local guide
If you want to learn more about Prague and its incredible culture, try to book small group tours or hire a local guide to ensure your money goes back to the local economy. It will also be a great way to connect with residents and better understand the rich culture of the Czech capital.
9- Always respect the local heritage
Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel in Prague is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful and try to learn a few Czech words.
It also applies to cultural sites. Be quiet, do not touch anything and ask if you have any questions.
10- Prioritise slow travel
Slow travel is a way of exploring the world, accentuating slowing down and connecting with the places and locals. This approach allows you to take more time to get to know a country and its culture on a deeper level, which can also mean travelling less but staying longer = quality over quantity.
Therefore, if you can, try to stay in Prague for a few days or a week and get to know this wonderful city.
You now have all the tools you need to enjoy a magical sustainable travel experience in Prague!
Shop the printable travel itinerary
Create your dream city break & live a unique green experience 🌿
Do you have any other suggestions for sustainable travel in Prague?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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