The ancient and romantic city of Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic. The whole city has been listed as a World Heritage Site. It is known as the "City of a Thousand Spires" and an "Open Air Museum". With stone-paved roads, it feels as though this is a city where time stands still. The scenery remains practically unchanged from hundreds of years ago. This is a place full of music, art and literature. The city is suffused with a strong literary atmosphere. Friedrich Nietzsche said, "When I sought for a word to express music, I found Vienna; when I sought for a word to express mystery, only Prague came to my mind." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said "Prague is the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world...". This is the birthplace of Franz Kafka and where Milan Kundera wrote “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”.
1. Explore Prague's Historical Gems Step back in time and immerse yourself in Prague's rich history. Visit Charles Bridge, the astronomical clock in Old Town Square, and Prague Castle for a glimpse into the city's captivating past. 2. Discover the Jewish Quarter Explore Josefov, home to historic synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Learn about Prague's Jewish heritage at the Jewish Museum. 3. Take a Relaxing Vltava River Cruise Embark on a scenic cruise along the Vltava River to admire Prague's landmarks from a unique perspective. Choose from daytime or evening cruises for an unforgettable experience. 4. Attend a Classical Music Concert Prague is renowned for its classical music scene. Attend a concert at historic venues like the Rudolfinum or the Municipal House. 5. Explore Traditional Czech Crafts Visit local markets and shops to discover traditional Czech crafts like Bohemian glass, wooden toys, and intricate lace. 6. Experience Czech Folklore Attend a folklore show to experience traditional Czech music, dance, and costumes, often including a meal of traditional Czech cuisine. 7. Visit the National Theatre The National Theatre offers performances of opera, ballet, and drama. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-visit. 8. Explore Local Markets and Boutiques You may visit Prague's markets and boutiques for unique souvenirs and local products. Havelské tržiště is known for local crafts and traditional food, while Pařížská Street offers luxury shopping. 9. Capture the Charm of Prague's Views You may head to Letná Park or Petřín Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Prague's cityscape, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories. 10. Discover the John Lennon Wall The John Lennon Wall is a colorful mural dedicated to the late musician, symbolizing peace and freedom. It's a popular spot for photos. 11. Take a Day Trip to Kutná Hora Just an hour from Prague, Kutná Hora is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture and the eerie Sedlec Ossuary. 12. Explore the Vyšehrad Fortress Vyšehrad is a historic fortress offering beautiful views of the Vltava River. Explore the ruins, visit the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, and stroll through the gardens.
Prague boasts iconic landmarks ranging from the ancient Prague Castle, a symbol of cultural and political significance and UNESCO World Heritage site, to the modern Dancing House, celebrating the Czech Republic's transition from communism, alongside historic Charles Bridge, diverse Old Town Square, and the medieval marvel of the Prague Astronomical Clock, making it a city rich in architectural diversity and historical depth.
Prague offers a variety of delicious and hearty traditional Czech dishes such as roast pork knuckle, roast duck, and bratwurst, often paired with world-renowned local beers, making the city a culinary paradise for food and beer enthusiasts.
Prague's major transportation features prominently Václav Havel Airport Prague and the main railway and bus stations, playing essential roles in both international and regional connectivity. Václav Havel Airport Prague, previously known as Prague Ruzyně Airport, occupies a strategic location in Prague. It has been significantly developed to cater to the rising passenger demands. This airport, serves as a hub for Czech Airlines and Smartwings, among others. Intercity travelers can reach the city center from the airport using the Airport Express bus, with a future rail connection planned to enhance accessibility. On the ther hand, Prague's railway infrastructure is centered around two major stations, Prague Main Train Station and Prague Holešovice Station, aiding travel across the Czech Republic and Europe. The Main Station, placed conveniently 15 minutes from the historic center, encapsulates significant architectural heritage and provides numerous traveler services. It connects indirectly to the airport via the Airport Express bus. Holešovice Station, primarily for international journeys, connects to cities like Berlin, Vienna, and Budapest and is accessible via the metro line C, as is the Main Station. Additionally, Prague’s central bus station at Florenc also complements the long-distance transport needs. This station interfaces neatly with the metro system allowing effortless transitions to local transport.
The city's layout facilitates easy access to major attractions and experiences, bolstered by an efficient public transportation network. This ensures that visitors can conveniently navigate between their chosen accommodation sites and Prague's renowned cultural and historical landmarks.
The best time to visit Prague is during the spring months of April and May, and the autumn months of September and October. During these months, the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. The city blooms beautifully in spring with its parks and gardens in full blossom, and in autumn, the city is adorned with vibrant fall foliage making it an ideal setting for sightseeing. Additionally, these shoulder seasons offer a blend of pleasant weather and cultural activities such as the Prague Spring International Music Festival in May and several theater and music events in autumn. For those looking for budget-friendly options, the winter months from November to March are also suggested as a good time to visit due to lower travel costs and fewer tourists, despite colder weather. The festive season, especially around Christmas, brings charming markets and vibrant celebrations to the city.
1. Check Charles Bridge Restoration Schedule: Charles Bridge is frequently under restoration, including extensive work on the Old Town tower. Check the schedule beforehand to avoid disappointment if certain sections are closed during your visit. 2. Taxi Scams Alert: Some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists. Always use official taxi services or ride-hailing apps. If taking a street taxi, agree on the fare before starting the journey or insist on using the meter. Avoid taxis in tourist areas and check your change carefully. Use reputable companies like AAA or taxis from designated Fair Taxi Places. 3. Convenient Public Transport: There are several types of public transport tickets in Prague, which are distinguished by their length of validity – from 30 minutes to 72 hours. You can choose from various kinds of short-term tickets to travel around Prague. They can all be used on any type of public transport as many times and with as many transfers as you like for the duration of the time period for which they are valid. 4. Save Money with City Passes: Consider purchasing a Prague Visitor Pass, for discounts on major attractions, tours, and public transport. It can be a cost-effective way to explore the city.
The official language of Prague is Czech, derived from Slavic roots and once known as Bohemian. It's closely related to Slovak and Polish, due to historical ties with Slovakia. Majority (96%) of Czech Republic's population speak Czech, though English is also widely spoken by locals, particularly in Prague. Helpful tools like language apps and local classes can aid visitors in overcoming any language barriers and engaging more fully with the culture.