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Prague is nicknamed the “The Golden Metropolis of a Hundred Spires,” and it’s simple to see why, it dazzles with Gothic grandeur, baroque brilliance, and medieval buildings that hook up with cobblestone streets. Identified for its fairy-tale façades, Prague is certainly not a dated metropolis – it has jazz spilling from cellar bars, trams rattling by 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.
Neglect Venice, Prague is the actual metropolis of affection. In every single 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you look it feels romantic, from the storybook stone bridges crossing the Vltava River to the violinist playin in an Outdated City Sq..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 fascinating metropolis.
TOP TIP: It can save you cash on sights in Prague by getting your self a Prague Metropolis Card. This can provide you reductions of as much as 50% on Prague’s high sights, eating places and leisure choices.
1. Marvel on the Astronomical Clock
The astronomical clock is a significant vacationer attraction within the metropolis. It’s positioned within the Outdated City Sq. (well-known for its Christmas Market), on the Outdated City Corridor Tower and it has been ticking away since 1410.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 immediately.
The clock has a variety of totally different options, however an important half is the astronomical dial. This lets you inform the relative positions of the Solar, Moon, Earth, and Zodiac constellations. Guests may even see a church calendar, which shows the one year 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 Fort
Prague Fort is among the most recognizable landmarks in the entire Czech Republic. It’s a large complicated that encompasses a number of buildings, together with church buildings, palaces, and a fortress. The truth is, it’s the most important historic fortress on the planet.
Development on the fortress started within the ninth century, and it has been expanded and renovated over time. At the moment, Prague Fort is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot, visited by folks from everywhere in the world.
Contained in the Prague Fort complicated is Saint Vitus Cathedral. This Gothic cathedral is among the largest in Europe, and it options stunning stained glass home windows and complicated carvings. Different notable sights within the Prague Fort embody 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 involved in historical past or structure, a go to to Prague Fort is a must-visit.
PRO TIP: Prague Fort is open till very late at night time. If you wish to keep away from the crowds, the very best time to go is within the night. Plus, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral seems to be much more unique at the hours of darkness! That is actually the very best factor to do in Prague at night time.
3. Go to probably the most romantic bridge on the planet; Charles Bridge
For those who’re on the lookout for romance, then we’ve bought the proper place for you. The Charles Bridge is among the most well-known bridges in Prague, if not, all of Europe. It was accomplished in 1357 and spans the Vltava River, connecting Prague Fort with the outdated metropolis middle.
Earlier than it was constructed, the one technique to cross the river was by boat. The bridge rapidly grew to become standard and shortly grew to become an essential a part of 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 Web site and an excellent place to take photos or simply to benefit from the view of the river, particularly as a household. It is among the most photographed areas on the planet, and it could possibly get fairly crowded in the course of 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 web site 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 the very 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 related 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 places of work and a convention middle. It additionally has a gallery with totally different exhibitions, in addition to a restaurant. However what vacationers mustn’t miss is the rooftop terrace that provides gorgeous panoramic views of Prague.
5. Admire the Lennon Wall
The Lennon Wall gives one thing totally different each time you go to. That’s as a result of it’s continually being repainted to handle present political occasions and points.
It was initially a traditional wall with a couple of love poems and messages in opposition to 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 a variety of instances. The unique portray of John Lennon has been coated beneath a number of layers of paint, however the thought behind the wall has not modified.
It’s the place you’ll discover messages of hope and love, graffiti, and different art work depicting present occasions world wide. It is among the finest locations to see road artwork in Prague, and it’s additionally an excellent place to take pictures to recollect your journey.
6. Wander the streets of the Jewish District
The Jewish Quarter is among 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 the moment, it’s a vibrant and vigorous space with a mixture of Jewish and non-Jewish residents. There are additionally a variety of bars, eating places, and cafes to get pleasure from.
While you’re within the Jewish Quarter, remember to discover a few of its most well-known sights, together with the Outdated-New Synagogue, the Outdated Jewish Cemetery, and the Klausen Synagogue. These websites are all positioned within the historic Josefov district, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The Outdated-New Synagogue is the oldest energetic synagogue in Europe and was in-built 1270 whereas the Outdated Jewish Cemetery is town’s largest Jewish burial floor. It was devoted to Jews as a result of the truth that they weren’t allowed to bury their useless outdoors of the Jewish Quarters.
The Jewish Museum is among the largest and oldest Jewish museums on the planet and it comprises a wealth of Jewish historical past and artifacts. There’s 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 called 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, nevertheless it wasn’t opened to the general public till 1891. Since then, it has undergone many adjustments and renovations. It’s dwelling to just about 14 million objects from throughout the globe, making it one of many largest museums on the planet.
Guests can see all the pieces 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 positioned in the midst of Prague and is a superb place to spend a day open air, 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 should you get hungry. The Park can be a well-liked place for folks to have a barbecue or a picnic.
For those who’re on the lookout for one thing to do with children and or to take a break from town, the Stromovka Royal Sport Reserve is unquestionably price a go to!
9. Take a day journey to Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is an enthralling medieval city positioned in Southern Bohemia, about 2.5 hours from Prague. The city is constructed across the river Vltava and is dwelling to a ravishing fortress, gorgeous church buildings, and picturesque cobblestone streets. It’s positively definitely worth the journey – there’s a lot to see and do in Český Krumlov!
The spotlight of Český Krumlov is undoubtedly the fortress, which was constructed within the thirteenth century by a noble Czech household.
The fortress is among the largest in Europe and homes a variety of buildings and palaces. Due to its architectural model and cultural traditions, the Český Krumlov Fort is listed as a nationwide heritage web site whereas the whole historic middle is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
When visiting Český Krumlov, don’t overlook to discover the charming streets when you’re there! The city is filled with cute outlets, eating places, and cafes – excellent for a calming afternoon break.
Professional Tip: It’s free to enter the courtyards and gardens, however if you wish to see extra of the fortress, you have to pay for a guided tour. There are numerous excursions you may decide from that discover totally different components of the fortress grounds. We suggest the Fundamental Tour because it focuses on the unique fortress 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 few eating expertise within the historic protected Boccaccio Corridor whereas having fun with a number of the finest 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 probably the most attractive ballrooms within the Czech Republic is a tremendous expertise itself. The Boccaccio Corridor is embellished with synthetic marble, gold, and crystal glass, and its magnificence is solely simple.
11. Go to Vyšehrad Fort
Vyšehrad Fort is one among Prague’s oldest and most historic landmarks. The fortress is positioned atop a hill within the metropolis’s Vyšehrad district and gives the very best views of the Vltava River and the cityscape under.
The fortress is alleged to have been constructed within the tenth century, and has been used as a fortress, royal residence, and jail over time. At the moment, Vyšehrad Fort is a well-liked vacationer attraction and is dwelling to a number of museums and gardens. The highlights in Vyšehrad Fort 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 allow, be sure to take a look at 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 lots of cafes, eating places, and even beer gardens contained in the fortress, so guests can calm down as they soak within the pure panorama. It is usually significantly much less touristy than Prague Fort, which is ideal if you wish to escape the crowds!
12. Look out for David Cerny’s Artwork
David Cerny is among the most well-known and controversial artists on the planet. Born in Prague, he has develop into identified for his satirical and sometimes 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 extremely revered and has been exhibited everywhere in the world.
In Prague, Cerny’s work might be seen everywhere in 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 continually all through the day. The top stops for quarter-hour twice an hour on the excellent cease earlier than persevering with to spin once more.
One other standard 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 imagine that he created it to mock the well-known statue of King (and later, Saint) Wenceslas that sits in Wenceslas Sq..
13. Lease a pedal boat within the Vltava River
If you’d like a calming exercise, you’ll get pleasure from peddling across the Vltava River. It’s the longest river within the Czech Republic and runs by the middle of Prague.
You’ll discover locations to lease 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’ll be able to 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
For those who’re pondering you’d wish to take one other day journey from Prague, then a visit to the medieval city of Kutna Hora is a superb choice. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site 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 additionally 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’ll be able to even cease off at an Outdated Bohemian tavern and luxuriate 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 predominant features; it was a waystation to the extermination camps and a “retirement settlement” for aged Jews.
It’s stated that circumstances have been intentionally stored poor to quicken the loss of life of its prisoners.
At the moment the camp has been became a museum that goals to coach its guests about this horrible historical past and the importance it had throughout WWII. Although it’s not fairly, it’s probably the most essential sights 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? Effectively, you’re truly proper. A beer spa is while you soak in a beer bathtub 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 supply limitless beer, and also 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 develop into well-known (thanks TikTok technology), and now there are a number of beer spas throughout town.
We suggest the OG, aptly named SPA BEERLAND – The First Tank Beer Spa Prague, which is positioned in Prague’s New City. It’s the most important and most luxurious spa, in addition to being the pioneers of this wellness thought.
The place to remain in Prague
Selecting the place to remain in Prague is simple, as town is sort of walkable, so so long as you keep near Outdated City you actually can’t discover a unhealthy 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 additionally irresistibly atmospheric. Simply throughout the river, Malá Strana (Lesser City) gives a quieter type of vibe.
For those who’d reasonably 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.
Now we have hand-selected a couple of high rated accommodations in Prague, based mostly on nice evaluations, good location, and clear rooms and well-maintained services:
- Lodge Metamorphis: historic constructing within the coronary heart of Prague’s Outdated City, simply 200 toes from Prague’s Outdated City Sq. and 1,150 toes from Wenceslas Sq.. Wonderful worth for cash. See costs and availability right here.
- Quentin Prague Lodge: 4-star fashionable lodge positioned inside strolling distance to the Prague Astronomical Clock, Outdated City Sq. and Charles Bridge. See costs and availability right here.
- Lodge Rott: Situated within the coronary heart of historic city and inside strolling distance to standard sights. Company rave concerning the champagne breakfast! See costs and availability right here.
For those who’re on the lookout for different lodging in Prague you should utilize the map under to check accommodations and short-term rental choices.
Closing ideas
Prague is fascinating and has a lot to see and do. Its historical past dates again to medieval instances, and town is brimming with Baroque and Gothic structure. Merely strolling the streets is an thrilling factor to do.
With world-class museums, gorgeous parks, and ornately designed bridges, in addition to uncommon items of artwork and structure, you may 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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