Which book book to buy?

The Is this the right book for me section might help.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/eastern-europe-guidebook

I would agree that 3-4 nights is more ideal. I was there for 6 nights many years ago, but it was definitely a couple nights too many. A night or two in Chesky Krumlov or something would be good.

I think you’d be fine with the general book. I find the RS city guides mostly fill out with detailed walking tours of museums and stuff. It’s handy if you’re focusing on one city and then you don’t have to buy a big book with stuff you don’t need, but the core information is identical.

I have the 10th Edition Eastern Europe book, which would be comparable to the new Central Europe book. The Prague chapter is 117 pages. The newest RS Prague and Czech Republic book is 500 + pages. The Prague chapters are a total of 229 pages.

I’m headed to Prague in March. I always buy all the guidebooks, not just Rick Steves. Rick Steves Prague is my favorite. If you wanted to buy a second book, I liked Moon’s coverage of Prague. But that book also includes Vienna and Budapest. So, maybe not worth it for you if you’re not going to those other cities.

https://www.moon.com/titles/jennifer-d-walker/moon-prague-vienna-budapest/9798886470703/

I usually like Rough Guides, but I was disappointed in their Prague book.

If you want just one book, i would get the RS Prague book.

We actually might be there for 9 days! I guess the concensus is that we don't need to spend the entire time in Prague. Will def pick up the Central European book.

Where are you coming from and going to? Just flying in and out of Prague? There is definitely much more to see in the area than one big city crowded with tourists. We thought Prague was great, but not 7 days worth, when there are other Czech towns to see. The Lonely Planet guidebook was more useful for doing that.

We spent a month based in Prague and never lacked for things to do or see. We used both Rick Steve's Prague/Czech Republic and Pocket Prague guidebooks extensively.

The Prague Castle ticket is valid for two days, and we used both days to really explore the place. So many places are just a short train ride away from Prague to visit as well--Pilzn, Český Krumlov, Karlštejn Castle, Brno, Olomouc, Terezín, Konopiště Castle.

We used both the train system and public trans for all of the 2 days we were there.

If I were in Prague for a week, I'd have no trouble finding something new to do each day. Classical music and opera lovers are in paradise when visiting the city; visit pragueticketoffice.com to see the many opportunities to see live opera and other classical concerts. It's an astounding variety. I personally would avoid the truncated 60-minute "highlights" performances, but the remainder would be wonderful. Add to those the many fine restaurants, museums and historic sites and a week would be easily filled.

I have been to Prague and I suspect the average tourist is going to want to get out after 3 full days AT MOST. But you might have a particular interest that keeps you entertained longer. And yes there is a a lot of good stuff in the countryside. But dont try and do 6 day trips. Make a route plan and figure out how to do it.

With 9 days you can also do two cities, Not extensive stays, but long enough to enjoy. Prague and Vienna (about 5 hours hotel door to hotel door by train) or Prague and Berlin (about 6 hours hotel door to hotel door by train) or maybe Prague and Budapest (8 hours hotel door to hotel door by train or you can do the 1:25 hour flight hotel door to hotel door in about 4.5 hours and about $125). And there are a lot of other options.

Favorite guide book "DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide Prague" (Amazon). The Central Europe RS book may be good, dont know. Sometimes the ones that try and cover too much arent as useful.

Thanks for the response everyone! Since I'll be spending 8-10 days, I got the Central Europe book. Looking at visiting Budapest which would not have been included in the Prague only book.

Cheers