The Czech capital's mix of thrilling history and glorious architecture make this a great choice for a quick getaway or city break.
Brimming with architectural delights spanning over a thousand years have garnished this magical city with nicknames such as “stone dream” or the “golden city” with its intriguing museums, gothic monasteries and Renaissance gardens, Prague has been often quoted as one of the most beautiful historic cities in the world equal to that of Paris.
The historical core of the Czech capital city, which is spread out on both banks of the Vltava river in a valley overlooked by Hradčany hill, is composed of four former independent towns: Old Town, a medieval market centre which includes the Old Town square and the Jewish quarter; New Town, founded by the emperor Charles IV; Hradčany, which includes Prague Castle with its magnificent gothic St Vitus Cathedral; and the Lesser Quarter, a picturesque borough with baroque palaces and narrow streets, with the aforementioned St Vitus Cathedral towering over them.
PICTURE PERFECT
Whether you’re settling into a coffee shop in the heart of the old town – also known as Staré Mesto - or strolling alongside the gorgeous riverside, you’ll find a beauty in every angle of this city. A great place to start is the Castle District and Prague Castle, the seat of Czech rulers. St. Vitus Cathedral, the most important church in the nation; built in the 14th century, will not fail to impress upon visitors that its creators were as devoted to artistic expression as they were to religion. The Castle District gives way to Mala Strana's structures, which cluster around the base of Castle Hill. These were built by the wealthy, whose proximity to the king reflected their own level of influence. Cross Charles Bridge to enter the Old Town Square, where legends based on fact wait to be told at every junction, and where fervent tourists seek out these stories.
Here you’ll find a beautiful square kitted out with a great marketplace and the iconic clock tower; stroll through the stalls and pick up some hand crafted souvenirs and soak up the best of Prague’s city life. A different sort of bustle drives the crowds in New Town, where shopping and dining take precedent over everything else.
OLD – WORLD CHARM
Prague's maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is a paradise for the aimless wanderer, always beckoning you to explore a little further. Just a few blocks away from the Old Town Square you can stumble across ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes and old-fashioned bars with hardly a tourist in sight. One of the great joys of the city is its potential for exploration – neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Bubeneč can reward the urban adventurer with countless memorable cameos, from the setting sun glinting off church domes, to the strains of Dvořák being played on an out-of-tune piano wafting from an open window.
Head along Národní trída, a bustling street that’s brimming with great shops, beautiful buildings and the modern National Theatre where you’ll always find an exhibition to visit. While you’re there keep an eye out for the famous Dancing House.
One of the most unique sights is the vivid and constantly changing painted John Lennon Wall on Velkoprevorské námestí, dedicated to the late Beatle and with the theme of love.
If you want to avoid the crowds and venture further into Prague’s history you should check out some of Prague’s lesser known attractions these include:
· Museum of Communism: This museum gives an insight into communism in the Czech Republic.
· Museum of Torture: This unique museum houses some horrific torturing instruments.
- Kampa Island: Just below the west side of Charles Bridge is Kampa Island which is a tranquil area, perfect for when you want to get away from the crowds