Phenomenal Prague

Prague is a bustling tourist town, due to its close proximity to other European cities. Tour groups will usually have a one night stopover in Prague, do a quick tour of the city and continue the rest of the European journey afterwards. And because of its popularity with tourists and travellers alike, English is widely spoken; much to our delight. Shopping for groceries at the local supermarket, however may take a while, as food labels are all written in languages that are foreign to us.

Sitting on the banks of the Vltava River, Prague’s townscape is characterised by burgher houses, palaces and towers, providing travellers with beautiful scenery throughout the city. Prague is well known for being one of Europe’s best-preserved cities, due to the town being virtually untouched by war, ensuring travellers an authentic experience of cobbled streets, red rooftops and gilded spires. The fairytale-like city is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. We enjoyed our morning walks and evening strolls while soaking up the atmosphere. Be sure to stop by stalls selling warm trdlo (traditional rolls), traditional rolls while roaming the streets of Prague.

The town is divided into ten different districts, each with its own character, influenced by its population, time of development and its proximity to the city centre. In addition to its stunning setting, the city of Prague is an excellent place to see historical architectural styles ranging from Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, to Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Cubist.

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Indeed, this capital city of Czech Republic has plenty to offer her visitors, at a very affordable cost. The Gaya Traveller duo had spent 5 nights in Prague recently, and wished that we had stayed longer.

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Prague

Must Visit

There are a lot of places of interest in Prague, and we can only fit a few here. Here are our top picks;

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge

One of Prague’s most romantic sights, a stroll on Charles Bridge presents fine views of Prague Castle, the Vltava River and many of Prague’s famous riverside attractions. Charles Bridge connects the Old Town to Mala Strana (The Lesser Town). There are many local craft stalls on the bridge, which makes the walk across more lively and interesting.

Address: Prague 1

Old Town Square

Located between Wenceslas Square and the Charles Bridge, Prague’s Old Town Square is often bursting with tourists and locals. Czech’s long history is exemplified in the medley of architectural styles: Romanesque, Baroque, Rococo, Gothic and Renaissance are all represented in the superb buildings around the square. Come here in the evening, and listen to the buskers sing.

Address: Prague 1

Astronomical Clock

Astronomical Clock

A highlight of Old Town Square is Prague’s astronomical clock, a complicated, ancient “orloj” that reveals Babylonian time, Old Bohemian time, German time and sidereal time, as well as sunrise and sunset, phases of the moon and the sun’s position in the zodiac. Crafted in 1410 by a clockmaker and a professor of mathematics, the clock has been repaired and maintained for over 600 years, making it the third oldest clock in the world. The figures of the Apostles, which are shown in the two upper windows every hour, were added in 1865.

When the clock strikes the hour, bells ring, the Walk of the Apostles begins, the Gothic sculptures move, a cock crows and a trumpeter blast sets off a tourist-pleasing show, a sight everyone should see at least once. For the most fanfare, catch the display at noon or at midnight.

Climb the tower for spectacular views over the Old Town.

Address: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1
Adults: 110czk   Students: 70czk   Children: 30czk

Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square is Prague’s main boulevard, and the centre for shops, bars, banks, casinos & hotels. It is an extremely popular place for tourists to stay, as most of Prague’s sights & attractions lie within easy walking distance. Wenceslas Square is home to the grand National Museum and the Prague State Opera.

Address: Prague 1

Mala Strana (The Lesser Town)

Mala Strana clusters around the foothills of Prague Castle. This picturesque area of ancient burgher houses, quaint side streets and St. Nicholas Church is a favourite setting for movies and commercials. Baroque architecture is the rule in Mala Strana, although its history dates back to 1257 when it was founded as a royal town. The Baroque St. Nicholas Church and the extensive Wallenstein Palace dominate the area.

Address: Prague 1

Dancing House

Dancing House cuts a fine figure alongside the river, a strikingly modern contrast to the historic Prague attractions. This remarkable structure contains both dynamic and static elements, and resembles a female dancer swaying in the arms of her male partner. On the top floor of Dancing House is Celeste, one of Prague’s leading restaurants, offering fine French cuisine and magnificent city views.

Address: Rasinovo nabrezi 80, New Town, Prague 2

Jindrisska Tower

Jindrisska Tower (Jindrisska Vez) is a multi-level attraction, offering fine views over Prague from the top. Jindrisska is the highest separate belfry in Prague at 66m high and has ten floors.

Address: Jindrisska, New Town, Prague 1
Adults: 90czk   Students: 60czk   Children: 40czk

Prague Castle

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is Prague’s premier tourist attraction. This vast complex includes palaces, a church, a monastery, museums and art galleries, viewing towers and the supreme St. Vitus Cathedral.

Address: Prague 1
Adults: 350czk   Students: 175czk   Children: 175czk

Mucha Museum

A small museum dedicated to the life and works of the Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, famous for the posters he designed for the theatre productions of the actress Sarah Bernhardt.

Address: Panska 7, Kaunicky Palace, New Town, Prague 1
Adults: 240czk   Students: 140czk   Children: 140czk

Kraslice Must Buy Bohemian Crystal Blue Onion Porcelain Tableware Kraslice (painted wooden egg) Marionettes (handcrafted wooden string puppets)

Prague