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Prague is nicknamed the “The Golden Metropolis of a Hundred Spires,” and it’s straightforward to see why, it dazzles with Gothic grandeur, baroque brilliance, and medieval buildings that hook up with cobblestone streets. Recognized for its fairy-tale façades, Prague is on no account a dated metropolis – it has jazz spilling from cellar bars, trams rattling via neighborhoods, and low outlets that beckon you to remain some time.
Evidently, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Prague, it’s a metropolis that grabs maintain of your coronary heart and makes you promise to return right here.
Overlook Venice, Prague is the true metropolis of affection. All over the place you look it feels romantic, from the storybook stone bridges crossing the Vltava River to the violinist playin in an Outdated City Sq..
Whether or not you’re visiting on a romantic weekend, a household journey, or backpacking throughout Europe, I can assure you’ll fall in love with this charming metropolis.
TOP TIP: It can save you cash on points of interest in Prague by getting your self a Prague Metropolis Card. This may give you reductions of as much as 50% on Prague’s prime points of interest, eating places and leisure choices.
1. Marvel on the Astronomical Clock
The astronomical clock is a significant vacationer attraction within the metropolis. It’s situated within the Outdated City Sq. (well-known for its Christmas Market), on the Outdated City Corridor Tower and it has been ticking away since 1410. Because the world’s third-oldest astronomical clock, it’s a marvel of medieval engineering and the one one that’s nonetheless operational in the present day.
The clock has plenty of completely different options, however a very powerful half is the astronomical dial. This lets you inform the relative positions of the Solar, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac constellations. Guests will even see a church calendar, which shows the twelve months a yr and its holidays.
However maybe what attracts all of the crowds to the Astronomical Clock in Prague is the hourly present referred to as the “Stroll of the Apostles.” Two home windows open to disclose twelve apostles circling the clock. Because the figures transfer round, a rooster crows and bells ring out. It’s fairly a spectacle!
2. Go to Prague Citadel
Prague Citadel is without doubt one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire Czech Republic. It’s a huge complicated that encompasses a number of buildings, together with church buildings, palaces, and a fortress. In reality, it’s the biggest historical citadel on this planet.
Development on the citadel started within the ninth century, and it has been expanded and renovated through the years. At present, Prague Citadel is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, visited by individuals from all around the world.
Contained in the Prague Citadel complicated is Saint Vitus Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral is without doubt one of the largest in Europe, and it options lovely stained glass home windows and complicated carvings. Different notable points of interest within the Prague Citadel embrace Golden Lane, a road of colourful homes courting again to the sixteenth century, and the Mihulka Powder Tower, which served as a cannon tower throughout medieval instances.
Whether or not you’re concerned about historical past or structure, a go to to Prague Citadel is a must-visit.
PRO TIP: Prague Citadel is open till very late at night time. If you wish to keep away from the crowds, one of the best time to go is within the night. Plus, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral seems much more unique in the dead of night! That is definitely one of the best factor to do in Prague at night time.
3. Go to probably the most romantic bridge on this planet; Charles Bridge
Should you’re on the lookout for romance, then we’ve bought the proper place for you. The Charles Bridge is without doubt one of the most well-known bridges in Prague, if not, all of Europe. It was accomplished in 1357 and spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague Citadel with the previous metropolis heart.
Earlier than it was constructed, the one approach to cross the river was by boat. The bridge rapidly grew to become well-liked and shortly grew to become an essential a part of the town’s infrastructure. The bridge is known as after Charles IV, the Holy Roman Emperor who commissioned its building.
The bow bridge is 516 meters lengthy and has 16 arches, in addition to 30 statues of saints on the bridge. Essentially the most well-known and oldest statue is that of St. John of Nepomuk, who was the patron saint of Prague.
The bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website and an excellent place to take footage or simply to benefit from the view of the river, particularly as a household. It is without doubt one of the most photographed areas on this planet, and it might get fairly crowded through the day. If you wish to expertise Charles Bridge with out the crowds, dawn is the proper time to take action!
4. See the Quirky Dancing Home
Maybe probably the most uncommon constructing in Prague is the Dancing Home, in any other case referred to as Fred and Ginger. Constructed on a website that was destroyed by US bombs in WWII, the constructing was designed by architects Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry and was accomplished in 1996.
The Dancing Home was created as a tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, two of one of the best dancers in movie historical past.
It’s stated that Gehry was impressed by their dancing model when he designed the constructing. The Dancing Home is made up of two towers, that are linked by a big atrium. It’s nearly as if the 2 buildings are “dancing” with one another.
These days, the constructing is getting used as workplaces and a convention heart. It additionally has a gallery with completely different exhibitions, in addition to a restaurant. However what vacationers mustn’t miss is the rooftop terrace that gives beautiful panoramic views of Prague.
5. Admire the Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall gives one thing completely different each time you go to. That’s as a result of it’s always being repainted to deal with present political occasions and points.
It was initially a traditional wall with a couple of love poems and messages towards the communist regime. It wasn’t till the assassination of John Lennon of the Beatles that the wall bought its first look in 1980, with a portray of the well-known rock star.
Since then, the John Lennon Wall has been renovated plenty of instances. The unique portray of John Lennon has been coated underneath a number of layers of paint, however the concept behind the wall has not modified.
It’s the place you’ll discover messages of hope and love, graffiti, and different paintings depicting present occasions world wide. It is without doubt one of the greatest locations to see road artwork in Prague, and it’s additionally an excellent place to take photographs to recollect your journey.
6. Wander the streets of the Jewish District
The Jewish Quarter is without doubt one of the oldest and most historic neighbourhoods in Prague. It was as soon as a secluded space the place solely Jews have been allowed to stay. At present, it’s a vibrant and energetic space with a mixture of Jewish and non-Jewish residents. There are additionally plenty of bars, eating places, and cafes to take pleasure in.
Once you’re within the Jewish Quarter, make sure you discover a few of its most well-known points of interest, together with the Outdated-New Synagogue, the Outdated Jewish Cemetery, and the Klausen Synagogue. These websites are all situated within the historic Josefov district, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The Outdated-New Synagogue is the oldest lively synagogue in Europe and was inbuilt 1270 whereas the Outdated Jewish Cemetery is the town’s largest Jewish burial floor. It was devoted to Jews on account of the truth that they weren’t allowed to bury their useless outdoors of the Jewish Quarters.
The Jewish Museum is without doubt one of the largest and oldest Jewish museums on this planet and it comprises a wealth of Jewish historical past and artifacts. There may be maybe no higher place to study concerning the Jews and their horrific previous within the Czech Republic than right here.
7. Step again in time on the Národní Muzeum
Národní Muzeum, also referred to as the Nationwide Museum, is arguably probably the most well-known museum in Prague. The neoclassical constructing is located on Wenceslas Sq. and is devoted to Czech historical past and tradition.
The museum was based in 1818 by Emperor Franz I, however it wasn’t opened to the general public till 1891. Since then, it has undergone many modifications and renovations. It’s house to just about 14 million objects from throughout the globe, making it one of many largest museums on this planet.
Guests can see the whole lot from prehistoric artifacts to medieval manuscripts and fashionable artworks. The museum additionally has a big assortment of Czech historic objects, together with ceremonial armor and weapons, in addition to furnishings and different ornamental objects.
8. Loosen up in Stromovka Royal Sport Reserve
The Stromovka Royal Sport Reserve is situated in the midst of Prague and is a superb place to spend a day outside, particularly with children. The park is the largest in Prague and spans over an space of 95 hectares.
It has one thing for everybody, from playgrounds and ponds to biking and operating trails. There are additionally a number of eating places and cafes scattered all through the park in the event you get hungry. The Park can also be a well-liked place for individuals to have a barbecue or a picnic.
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing to do with children and or to take a break from the town, the Stromovka Royal Sport Reserve is certainly price a go to!
9. Take a day journey to Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is an enthralling medieval city situated in Southern Bohemia, about 2.5 hours from Prague. The city is constructed across the river Vltava and is house to an attractive citadel, beautiful church buildings, and picturesque cobblestone streets. It’s undoubtedly definitely worth the journey – there’s a lot to see and do in Český Krumlov!
The spotlight of Český Krumlov is undoubtedly the citadel, which was constructed within the thirteenth century by a noble Czech household.
The citadel is without doubt one of the greatest in Europe and homes plenty of buildings and palaces. Due to its architectural model and cultural traditions, the Český Krumlov Citadel is listed as a nationwide heritage website whereas your complete historic heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
When visiting Český Krumlov, don’t neglect to discover the charming streets whilst you’re there! The city is filled with cute outlets, eating places, and cafes – good for a soothing afternoon break.
Professional Tip: It’s free to enter the courtyards and gardens, however if you wish to see extra of the citadel, it’s essential to pay for a guided tour. There are numerous excursions you possibly can decide from that discover completely different elements of the citadel grounds. We advocate the Fundamental Tour because it focuses on the unique citadel interiors from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Learn extra: Our day journey to Cesky Krumlov on board our Avalon Waterways Danube River Cruise.
10. Dine at Mozart’s Ballroom: Boccaccio Corridor
In case you are on the lookout for one thing distinctive, how a couple of eating expertise within the historic protected Boccaccio Corridor whereas having fun with among the greatest arias and duets from Mozart’s operas? The efficiency is led by musicians from prestigious Czech opera homes, and the dinner menu features a three-course meal with Czech and Austrian influences.
In case you are not into Mozart, then the expertise of eating in some of the beautiful ballrooms within the Czech Republic is an incredible expertise itself. The Boccaccio Corridor is embellished with synthetic marble, gold, and crystal glass, and its magnificence is solely plain.
11. Go to Vyšehrad Citadel
Vyšehrad Citadel is one among Prague’s oldest and most historic landmarks. The citadel is situated atop a hill within the metropolis’s Vyšehrad district and gives one of the best views of the Vltava River and the cityscape beneath.
The citadel is alleged to have been constructed within the tenth century, and has been used as a fortress, royal residence, and jail through the years. At present, Vyšehrad Citadel is a well-liked vacationer attraction and is house to a number of museums and gardens. The highlights in Vyšehrad Citadel are the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul. The basilica was constructed within the eleventh century and has spectacular 58-meter tall twin towers that may be seen throughout the river.
Earlier than you permit, be sure you try the Vyšehrad Cemetery. The cemetery is the ultimate resting place of many well-known Czechs, together with Antonín Dvořák, Franz Kafka, and Bedřich Smetana.
There are a lot of cafes, eating places, and even beer gardens contained in the citadel, so guests can loosen up as they soak within the pure panorama. It’s also significantly much less touristy than Prague Citadel, which is ideal if you wish to escape the crowds!
12. Look out for David Cerny’s Artwork
David Cerny is without doubt one of the most well-known and controversial artists on this planet. Born in Prague, he has change into identified for his satirical and infrequently subversive artwork. A lot of his work feedback on social and political points and lots of of his items have been banned or met with robust opposition. Regardless of this, Cerny’s artwork is very revered and has been exhibited all around the world.
In Prague, Cerny’s work might be seen all around the metropolis. One in every of his most well-known items is the Rotating Head of Franz Kafka. It’s a 42-layer sculpture that rotates always all through the day. The top stops for quarter-hour twice an hour on the good cease earlier than persevering with to spin once more.
One other well-liked piece is the statue of King Wenceslas on an upside-down head horse. Nobody is aware of precisely what his intention was when creating the statue, however most individuals consider that he created it to mock the well-known statue of King (and later, Saint) Wenceslas that sits in Wenceslas Sq..
13. Hire a pedal boat within the Vltava River
In order for you a soothing exercise, you’ll take pleasure in peddling across the Vltava River. It’s the longest river within the Czech Republic and runs via the middle of Prague.
You’ll discover locations to hire pedal boats at a number of factors alongside the river, however the preferred are in Prague’s New City close to the Slovanský Ostrov island. The island creates a extra sheltered space on the river away from larger boats, and also you additionally get an excellent view of the Legion Bridge from the water.
You possibly can decide up a pedal boat from Rental boats and pedal boats on the Slobansky Ostrov island.
14. Go to the Bone Church ‘Sedlec Ossuary’ and Medieval City of Kutná Hora
Should you’re considering you’d wish to take one other day journey from Prague, then a visit to the medieval city of Kutna Hora is a superb possibility. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and identified for its gothic cathedral of St. Barbara and the Sedlec Ossuary, a Roman Catholic chapel that’s adorned with 40,000 human skeletons. Creepy!
In addition to visiting this creepy but in addition surprisingly cool church, the city is brimming with medieval and Baroque monuments and landmarks. The previous Royal Mint was as soon as in operation right here, for the reason that city is understood for its silver mines.
You possibly can even cease off at an Outdated Bohemian tavern and revel in a craft beer or two.
15. Be taught concerning the horrible historical past at Terezin Focus Camp
An enormous a part of Czech historical past is its half in WWII. The Czech Republic was occupied by Nazi Germany, which arrange a number of focus camps within the nation. One in every of these is the Terezin Focus Camp, which lies simply 90 miles north of Prague. The camp had two foremost features; it was a waystation to the extermination camps and a “retirement settlement” for aged Jews.
It’s stated that circumstances have been intentionally saved poor to quicken the loss of life of its prisoners.
At present the camp has been became a museum that goals to teach its guests about this horrible historical past and the importance it had throughout WWII. Although it’s not fairly, it’s some of the essential points of interest close to Prague that should not be skipped.
16. Loosen up in beer spas
Have you ever ever heard of a beer spa? Are you imagining sitting in a bathtub stuffed with sudding beer? Properly, you’re truly proper. A beer spa is whenever you soak in a beer tub in an oak tub, infused with beer extracts. While soaking in beer, the beverage of option to pair with that is, yep, beer – most spas provide limitless beer, and actually have a wheat straw mattress and a cedar sauna (in some rooms).
This was as soon as a hidden gem solely the locals knew about, however has since change into well-known (thanks TikTok era), and now there are a number of beer spas throughout the town.
We advocate the OG, aptly named SPA BEERLAND – The First Tank Beer Spa Prague, which is situated in Prague’s New City. It’s the biggest and most luxurious spa, in addition to being the pioneers of this wellness concept.
The place to remain in Prague
Selecting the place to remain in Prague is straightforward, as the town is kind of walkable, so so long as you keep near Outdated City you actually can’t discover a dangerous neighborhood.
For a fairy-tale keep, Staré Město (Outdated City) places you proper within the thick of it. Inside strolling distance is the astronomical clock, gothic church spires, and cobbled lanes. It’s touristy, sure, but in addition irresistibly atmospheric. Simply throughout the river, Malá Strana (Lesser City) gives a quieter sort of vibe.
Should you’d moderately swap memento outlets for indie galleries and beer halls, head to Vinohrady or Žižkov, each brimming with native life, leafy parks, and a buzzzing nightlife scene.
We’ve got hand-selected a couple of prime rated inns in Prague, based mostly on nice critiques, good location, and clear rooms and well-maintained services:
- Lodge Metamorphis: historic constructing within the coronary heart of Prague’s Outdated City, simply 200 ft from Prague’s Outdated City Sq. and 1,150 ft from Wenceslas Sq.. Wonderful worth for cash. See costs and availability right here.
- Quentin Prague Lodge: 4-star fashionable resort situated inside strolling distance to the Prague Astronomical Clock, Outdated City Sq. and Charles Bridge. See costs and availability right here.
- Lodge Rott: Positioned within the coronary heart of historic city and inside strolling distance to well-liked points of interest. Friends rave concerning the champagne breakfast! See costs and availability right here.
Should you’re on the lookout for different lodging in Prague you should use the map beneath to match inns and short-term rental choices.
Last ideas
Prague is fascinating and has a lot to see and do. Its historical past dates again to medieval instances, and the town is brimming with Baroque and Gothic structure. Merely strolling the streets is an thrilling factor to do.
With world-class museums, beautiful parks, and ornately designed bridges, in addition to uncommon items of artwork and structure, you possibly can see all of it in Prague.
We hope you recognized a couple of iconic landmarks and hidden gems within the Czech Capital from this information to discover in your go to.
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