As one of the most photogenic cities in all of Europe, it’s no wonder that Prague has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Every year, students, honeymooners, weekenders, and vagabonds flock to the city to experience its wealth of culture and vibrant street life. The amount of interesting sights throughout the city’s tight corridors are innumerable, and it would take several days of sightseeing just to scratch the surface.
Prague is the capital of Czechia and the historical capital of Bohemia. The city is situated on the Vltava River and has played an important historical role in military campaigns and the spread of culture throughout Europe over its long life. It flourished throughout the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, served as a home to several Holy Roman Emperors, and was an important location in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Prague was also the only city in Eastern Europe to remain intact after the bombings of World War II. With the incredible wealth of cultural sites and fun activities throughout the city, the best way to maximize your time there would be to rent a motor scooter and explore the city at your own pace.
Here is everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Prague. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle. This guide includes:
- The cost of scooter hire in Prague
- Where to hire a scooter in Prague
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a scooter in Prague
- Safety issues related to renting a scooter
- The best things to do in Prague by scooter
What Is the Price of Scooter Rental in Prague?
Hiring a motor scooter in Prague is a very popular activity for tourists, and so scooter rental prices are typically very affordable. You can find a basic scooter, like a Kentoya Lion 125, for around €18 per day. If you’re looking for something a little more powerful, you can upgrade to a 250cc scooter for around €25 per day.
Whenever you’re renting a motor scooter, you should make sure that the cost of helmet rental and insurance are included in the stated rental price. Driving in a foreign country without insurance can put you at serious financial risk, and wearing a helmet is always good for your personal safety.
Where Can You Find Scooter Rental in Prague?
If you plan on flying into Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, formerly known as Prague Ruzyne International Airport, you should be able to find a rental service online that will deliver a scooter to the airport for you. There are no rental shops at the airport, so you’ll either have to get a taxi into the city and then find a rental shop or book your scooter online in advance and have them deliver it.
If you want to get into the city before hiring your scooter, your best bet for finding a rental shop is to go to the Prague 1 district, which sits on the east side of the Vltava River near the city center. You can also find several rental shops on the west side of the river near the Petrin area. Many hotels also rent out motor scooters, so it’s worth checking with your accommodation before you start wandering all over the city looking for a rental scooter.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit To Hire a Scooter in Czechia?
If you are not a resident of Czechia, you are required to carry an international driving permit with you at all times while driving in the country. You must also carry a valid driver’s license from your home country with you. If you are not able to present both of these documents to Czech police, you may have to pay a large fine.
If you want to apply for your international driving permit, you can do so here. There is a $20 application fee, and the permit typically takes around two weeks to arrive in the mail. Once you have your permit, it can be legally used in foreign countries for up to one year.
Is It Safe To Drive a Rental Scooter in Prague?
In general, driving in Prague is about as safe as driving in any other European city. The rules of the road are typically pretty well observed; however, you should be wary of areas with poor road conditions or inadequate signage. If you plan on driving near the center of the city, you can expect there to be high levels of congestion at most times of the day. Anytime that you’re parking your vehicle, you should be sure to leave it in a populated area and don’t leave anything loose on your motor scooter that could be stolen.
As with driving anywhere, you should be especially careful when driving in poor weather conditions. Prague gets rain all throughout the year and occasionally gets snow in December, January, and February.
Is It Safe To Drive a Rental Scooter in Prague?
In general, driving in Prague is about as safe as driving in any other European city. The rules of the road are typically pretty well observed; however, you should be wary of areas with poor road conditions or inadequate signage. If you plan on driving near the center of the city, you can expect there to be high levels of congestion at most times of the day. Anytime that you’re parking your vehicle, you should be sure to leave it in a populated area and don’t leave anything loose on your motor scooter that could be stolen.
As with driving anywhere, you should be especially careful when driving in poor weather conditions. Prague gets rain all throughout the year and occasionally gets snow in December, January, and February.
What Are the Best Things To Do by Scooter in Prague?
Now that you have all the necessary information for hiring a motor scooter in Prague, here are some of the best things to do in the city with your rented wheels:
Old Town Square
You can’t go to Prague without visiting the city’s Old Town. This part of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, as it was built between the 11th and 18th centuries and exemplifies the very best of the architectural style of the Middle Ages.
The Old Town section of the city is always bustling with tourists. You can go to a food stand and try Prague’s famous dessert, known as trdelnik, which is basically a chocolate pastry on a stick. You can also go to see some of the important landmarks in the area, which include Hradcany Castle, the Charles Bridge, and St. Vitus Cathedral. Old Town Square is definitely one of the best places in Prague to snap a memorable photo.
Powder Tower
If you want a break from the hordes of tourists, take a short drive from Old Town Square over to the Powder Tower, one of the least crowded landmarks in the heart of Prague. This tower served as one of the original 13 gates into and out of the city, and it separates the Old Town from the New Town.
Visitors to the Powder Tower can climb up the 186 stairs and enjoy a spectacular elevated view of the city. If you don’t want to make the climb, you can simply enjoy the ornate medieval architecture from the outside. Like many of the buildings in Prague, the Powder Tower still retains its sooty appearance, which hints at its interesting history.
Lennon Wall
When John Lennon was killed in 1980, the Lennon Wall was covered in graffiti overnight. The next day, the police would come and paint over the wall, but the graffiti would appear by the next day. During the communist era in Prague, John Lennon was a symbol of hope for Czech people, and this wall is still covered in hopeful paintings to this day.
The Lennon Wall is about a 12-minute drive across the river toward the Mala Strana area of the city. If you have some time, Mala Strana is also a great place to see the Prague Castle or to do some shopping.
Explore Prague on a Rental Scooter
There are so many experiences in Prague to be had that this article didn’t even begin to cover. If you really want to make the most out of your time in the city, rent a scooter and wind your way through Prague’s beautiful streets.
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