Prague, being located in the center of Bohemia, is the capital of Czech Republic. During its long history, city was a part of many countries and played one of the main roles in European history. Nowadays, this lovely city with population of more than 1-million persons is one of the biggest touristic sites in the world.
It doesn't matter if you are an experienced tourist or a backpacker who hasn't moved out of hometown. The city upon Vltava River welcomes each and everyone. After you have landed in one of the airports that surround Prague, you'd better buy public transport tickets and city map. All buses, trams, metro and ferries set up one network which is quite comfortable. You should only keep an eye on distances, because, for example, in metro, you will pay for each station. For those who violate the rules there are strict fines. Taxis are not working on the same scheme.
On arrival, you can easily find a place to stay. There are hotels and guesthouses for all budgets, but it is strongly recommended to book your rooms in advance, especially in high season (April-October, winter holidays). Don't forget that Czechs' capital occupies the 5th position in world touristic rating. And remember about a fact that number of stars doesn't always are obligatory for service level. The situation when owners put stars by themselves is quite frequent. Many hostels, private apartments and campings are available as well.
For sure, the hotel choice is up to you and your own tastes, but better look for a place where you can simply spend a night and have a breakfast. It is so for several reasons. First of all, distances. It may look like the city is not far too big, but its historical part was claimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site quite reasonably. You will find a lot of interesting sites (look below) and spend much time. So far, you won't be able to get back to your hotel for lunch or dinner.
Otherwise, you'll miss a lot of impressions. Secondly, there is a really great quantity of restaurants and cafés all over the place where you can easily find some snacks. You can choose between all imaginable cuisines, but better try to find Czech one and you won't regret about it. Another popular thing in here is beer tours. This 'liquid gold' is very popular amongst Czechs and tourists and there are special beer restaurants. Visit them and try as many sorts of this drink, as it is possible.
Going to Prague in spring or autumn, don't forget your umbrella, because weather changes all the time. The only permanent thing is snow during the Christmas time.
As it was mentioned, Prague is a really beautiful city and has a lot of places of interest. Previously, there were several cities that became one and gave their names to districts of Prague.
The most popular site is Prague Castle which is the biggest building of a kind in the world. Its history starts in 9th century as a wooden fortification and later became an impressive military point. It is hard to identify one specific style of this building, because rulers made their additions through years, but its classical view was established in 18th century when Maria Theresa ruled the country. For years this castle was the residence of monarchs, but nowadays it is occupied by tourists and President of Czech Republic. When you're planning your trip, leave at least one day for this place.
Hradcany, district that surrounds castle, includes such places as Chapel of the Holy Cross, Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, Imperial Stables, The Spanish Hall, Rudolf Gallery, St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Mihulka Powder Tower, Convent of St George, Basilika of St George, Royal Garden, Ball-Game House, Summer Palace, Riding School, Golden Lane, White Tower, Daliborka Tower, Lobkowicz Palace, Toy Museum, Schwarzenberg Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Sternberg Palace, The Loreta, Capuchin Monastery and Strahov Monastery. From that list we should outline St. Vitus Cathedral. It is one of the symbols of Prague founded in 10th century as a Roman Rotunda. After a little time, in 1026 it became a Basilica and only from the year of 1344 - Cathedral in gothic style. Its construction was finished only in 1929. Cathedral's length is 124 m and 34 m of height. Towers are 100 m height.
Strahov Monastery was founded by Wenceslas II in 1140 and rebuilt several times. Nowadays it is a little bit eclectic building and a memorial of Czech written language.
The second interesting district of Prague is The Lesser Town. The most popular way to it lies through famous Charles Bridge (Karlov most) built in gothic style. This bridge, covered with brick, has many statues of various historical persons and is the main place for wish-making. Other interesting places in here that can be visited are Nerudova Street, Lesser Town Square, St Nicholas Church, Wallenstein Palace, Church of St Thomas, Vrtba Garden, Church of Our Lady Victorious, Maltese Square, Kampa Island and Vojan Park. Building #10 "Golden Lion" at Lesser Town Square is famous because of its tavern founded in times of Rudolf II reign.
The next interesting place is Josefov or Prague Jewish Quarter. It was named after Emperor Franz Joseph II who equalized Jews rights with all other people of the country. The two most known things connected to this district of the city are person of Franz Kafka and homunculus Golem created by Rabi Lew. Nevertheless, it is the most mysterious part of Prague with many legends and stories. When you enter the Josefov from Paris Street, the first spiritual building will be Maisel Synagogue built in 1592. Pinkas Synagogue, built in 1479, is located on hand. The most famous one is Old-New Synagogue. The Jewish Town Hall is located nearby and has two clocks. Upper one goes directly and another goes in reverse, due to the old Jewish tradition. Other interesting places there are Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, High Synagogue, and Church of the Holy Ghost, Spanish Synagogue, St Agnes's Convent and The Rudolfinum.
Prague Old Town stands separately. The most comfortable place to start is Celetna Street. It is very beautiful road where kings went themselves. And Francesco Petrarch and Johann Faust lived in house #2 as well as 5-year old Franz Kafka.
If you are looking for breathtaking places, then go to Old Town Square. It has uncountable number of interesting sites. Church of Our Lady before Tyn is one of the major signs and for some time was the main place of Hussites. That was the reason why it was given to Jesuits order later. Ungelt Yard, residence of foreign traders, is located few steps away and for years played a role of stock exchange of a kind. Golz-Kinskych Palace is interesting not only because of its architecture, but also, because of mysterious history of construction. It was hidden for ten (!) years. Church of St. Nicholas makes atmosphere of the square cozy and heart-warming.
Old Town Hall is very popular because of its 750-year old clock. The building itself is eclectic, because there was no concrete plan of its construction. The point of interest is serpentine Charles Street (Karlova ulice). The most distinguishable place in here is Clam-Gallas Palace. New City Hall is the residence of Prague city council. Clementinum, the State Library, is located across the road. Krzhyzhovnits Square is a lovely place that includes Church of St. Frantisek Assisi. The oldest street brick of Prague can be found in the corner of the square, near the monument of St. Welceslas.
Just an easy stroll along riverbank, few turns and you're admiring Bethlehem Chapel built in 1391. Jan Huss and Thomas Muller served here at their time. Church of St Martin in the Wall, built in the 12th century, can be found near the Coal Market. The last is not a market to be true. Its name originated due to the building that was located on a place of nowadays fountain. This house had a couple of tasks, one of which was coal keeping.
The last part of Old Town is Fruit Market. While going there, take a visit to Church of St Gall which has baroque exterior and gothic interior. On the square you'll find Carolinum - the main building of Prague University. Try to find picture of green man. It gives luck. Estates Theatre is the oldest one in Prague. This classicism style building should be the most elegant theatre in all EU.
Prague New Town was founded in 1348 as a connecting link between Vyshegrad and Old Town. It includes many interesting sites. If you're looking for shopping places, it is better to go to Porzhichi (Porici) Street where locals buy goods for themselves. The dominant building on the Republic Square is brothel done as exceptional example of art nouveau. Continue your trip going to Hay Market. There is an interesting Church of St. Jindrich (built in the XIV century). Its belfry is located in one quarter. It is separated, because builders though that church wouldn't be able to hold bells.
Wenceslas Square is a meeting place for touristic groups. If you count your money, it is better to visit the office of mobile operator located there and buy a sim-card. The main monument on this square, logically, is St. Wenceslas with supporters. At his back there is an elegant and great National Museum. The latter has an interesting sculpture group as well. It depicts three main lands of Czech Republic and the two biggest rivers.
Those travelers who have heard about parody on can visit Lucerna passage and find foam plastic horse hanged upside down and the saint on it. Going through Svetozor passage, you'll find yourself in the Franciscan Garden and Church of Our Lady of the Snows. After, go along Peoples Avenue to the bank of Vltava. There you'll find Old and New buildings of National Theatre that looks very similar to National Museum. Have a little walk and visit Orthodox Church of St Cyril and St Methodius.
Totally green Charles Square is interesting because of its New City Hall (Novomestska). Originally it was built in gothic style, but later reconstructed into renaissance. Its fame is caused by the fact that officials were thrown off from its tower. In the middle of the square there is another site - Church of St Ignatius. Faust House is located at the south end. In New Town you can also find such places as State Opera, Jesuit College, Slavonic Monastery, Church of St Stephen and Church of St Ursula.
As you can see, even short description takes a lot of space. IN such a situation, plan as much time, as it is possible when you're going to visit capital of Czech Republic.
It doesn't matter if you are an experienced tourist or a backpacker who hasn't moved out of hometown. The city upon Vltava River welcomes each and everyone. After you have landed in one of the airports that surround Prague, you'd better buy public transport tickets and city map. All buses, trams, metro and ferries set up one network which is quite comfortable. You should only keep an eye on distances, because, for example, in metro, you will pay for each station. For those who violate the rules there are strict fines. Taxis are not working on the same scheme.
On arrival, you can easily find a place to stay. There are hotels and guesthouses for all budgets, but it is strongly recommended to book your rooms in advance, especially in high season (April-October, winter holidays). Don't forget that Czechs' capital occupies the 5th position in world touristic rating. And remember about a fact that number of stars doesn't always are obligatory for service level. The situation when owners put stars by themselves is quite frequent. Many hostels, private apartments and campings are available as well.
For sure, the hotel choice is up to you and your own tastes, but better look for a place where you can simply spend a night and have a breakfast. It is so for several reasons. First of all, distances. It may look like the city is not far too big, but its historical part was claimed as UNESCO World Heritage Site quite reasonably. You will find a lot of interesting sites (look below) and spend much time. So far, you won't be able to get back to your hotel for lunch or dinner.
Otherwise, you'll miss a lot of impressions. Secondly, there is a really great quantity of restaurants and cafés all over the place where you can easily find some snacks. You can choose between all imaginable cuisines, but better try to find Czech one and you won't regret about it. Another popular thing in here is beer tours. This 'liquid gold' is very popular amongst Czechs and tourists and there are special beer restaurants. Visit them and try as many sorts of this drink, as it is possible.
Going to Prague in spring or autumn, don't forget your umbrella, because weather changes all the time. The only permanent thing is snow during the Christmas time.
As it was mentioned, Prague is a really beautiful city and has a lot of places of interest. Previously, there were several cities that became one and gave their names to districts of Prague.
The most popular site is Prague Castle which is the biggest building of a kind in the world. Its history starts in 9th century as a wooden fortification and later became an impressive military point. It is hard to identify one specific style of this building, because rulers made their additions through years, but its classical view was established in 18th century when Maria Theresa ruled the country. For years this castle was the residence of monarchs, but nowadays it is occupied by tourists and President of Czech Republic. When you're planning your trip, leave at least one day for this place.
Hradcany, district that surrounds castle, includes such places as Chapel of the Holy Cross, Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, Imperial Stables, The Spanish Hall, Rudolf Gallery, St Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Mihulka Powder Tower, Convent of St George, Basilika of St George, Royal Garden, Ball-Game House, Summer Palace, Riding School, Golden Lane, White Tower, Daliborka Tower, Lobkowicz Palace, Toy Museum, Schwarzenberg Palace, Archbishop's Palace, Sternberg Palace, The Loreta, Capuchin Monastery and Strahov Monastery. From that list we should outline St. Vitus Cathedral. It is one of the symbols of Prague founded in 10th century as a Roman Rotunda. After a little time, in 1026 it became a Basilica and only from the year of 1344 - Cathedral in gothic style. Its construction was finished only in 1929. Cathedral's length is 124 m and 34 m of height. Towers are 100 m height.
Strahov Monastery was founded by Wenceslas II in 1140 and rebuilt several times. Nowadays it is a little bit eclectic building and a memorial of Czech written language.
The second interesting district of Prague is The Lesser Town. The most popular way to it lies through famous Charles Bridge (Karlov most) built in gothic style. This bridge, covered with brick, has many statues of various historical persons and is the main place for wish-making. Other interesting places in here that can be visited are Nerudova Street, Lesser Town Square, St Nicholas Church, Wallenstein Palace, Church of St Thomas, Vrtba Garden, Church of Our Lady Victorious, Maltese Square, Kampa Island and Vojan Park. Building #10 "Golden Lion" at Lesser Town Square is famous because of its tavern founded in times of Rudolf II reign.
The next interesting place is Josefov or Prague Jewish Quarter. It was named after Emperor Franz Joseph II who equalized Jews rights with all other people of the country. The two most known things connected to this district of the city are person of Franz Kafka and homunculus Golem created by Rabi Lew. Nevertheless, it is the most mysterious part of Prague with many legends and stories. When you enter the Josefov from Paris Street, the first spiritual building will be Maisel Synagogue built in 1592. Pinkas Synagogue, built in 1479, is located on hand. The most famous one is Old-New Synagogue. The Jewish Town Hall is located nearby and has two clocks. Upper one goes directly and another goes in reverse, due to the old Jewish tradition. Other interesting places there are Old Jewish Cemetery, Klausen Synagogue, High Synagogue, and Church of the Holy Ghost, Spanish Synagogue, St Agnes's Convent and The Rudolfinum.
Prague Old Town stands separately. The most comfortable place to start is Celetna Street. It is very beautiful road where kings went themselves. And Francesco Petrarch and Johann Faust lived in house #2 as well as 5-year old Franz Kafka.
If you are looking for breathtaking places, then go to Old Town Square. It has uncountable number of interesting sites. Church of Our Lady before Tyn is one of the major signs and for some time was the main place of Hussites. That was the reason why it was given to Jesuits order later. Ungelt Yard, residence of foreign traders, is located few steps away and for years played a role of stock exchange of a kind. Golz-Kinskych Palace is interesting not only because of its architecture, but also, because of mysterious history of construction. It was hidden for ten (!) years. Church of St. Nicholas makes atmosphere of the square cozy and heart-warming.
Old Town Hall is very popular because of its 750-year old clock. The building itself is eclectic, because there was no concrete plan of its construction. The point of interest is serpentine Charles Street (Karlova ulice). The most distinguishable place in here is Clam-Gallas Palace. New City Hall is the residence of Prague city council. Clementinum, the State Library, is located across the road. Krzhyzhovnits Square is a lovely place that includes Church of St. Frantisek Assisi. The oldest street brick of Prague can be found in the corner of the square, near the monument of St. Welceslas.
Just an easy stroll along riverbank, few turns and you're admiring Bethlehem Chapel built in 1391. Jan Huss and Thomas Muller served here at their time. Church of St Martin in the Wall, built in the 12th century, can be found near the Coal Market. The last is not a market to be true. Its name originated due to the building that was located on a place of nowadays fountain. This house had a couple of tasks, one of which was coal keeping.
The last part of Old Town is Fruit Market. While going there, take a visit to Church of St Gall which has baroque exterior and gothic interior. On the square you'll find Carolinum - the main building of Prague University. Try to find picture of green man. It gives luck. Estates Theatre is the oldest one in Prague. This classicism style building should be the most elegant theatre in all EU.
Prague New Town was founded in 1348 as a connecting link between Vyshegrad and Old Town. It includes many interesting sites. If you're looking for shopping places, it is better to go to Porzhichi (Porici) Street where locals buy goods for themselves. The dominant building on the Republic Square is brothel done as exceptional example of art nouveau. Continue your trip going to Hay Market. There is an interesting Church of St. Jindrich (built in the XIV century). Its belfry is located in one quarter. It is separated, because builders though that church wouldn't be able to hold bells.
Wenceslas Square is a meeting place for touristic groups. If you count your money, it is better to visit the office of mobile operator located there and buy a sim-card. The main monument on this square, logically, is St. Wenceslas with supporters. At his back there is an elegant and great National Museum. The latter has an interesting sculpture group as well. It depicts three main lands of Czech Republic and the two biggest rivers.
Those travelers who have heard about parody on can visit Lucerna passage and find foam plastic horse hanged upside down and the saint on it. Going through Svetozor passage, you'll find yourself in the Franciscan Garden and Church of Our Lady of the Snows. After, go along Peoples Avenue to the bank of Vltava. There you'll find Old and New buildings of National Theatre that looks very similar to National Museum. Have a little walk and visit Orthodox Church of St Cyril and St Methodius.
Totally green Charles Square is interesting because of its New City Hall (Novomestska). Originally it was built in gothic style, but later reconstructed into renaissance. Its fame is caused by the fact that officials were thrown off from its tower. In the middle of the square there is another site - Church of St Ignatius. Faust House is located at the south end. In New Town you can also find such places as State Opera, Jesuit College, Slavonic Monastery, Church of St Stephen and Church of St Ursula.
As you can see, even short description takes a lot of space. IN such a situation, plan as much time, as it is possible when you're going to visit capital of Czech Republic.
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