Discovering the Charm of Prague: Why this City Should be on Your Travel Bucket List
Discovering the Charm of Prague: Why this City Should be on Your Travel Bucket List

Discovering the Charm of Prague: Why this City Should be on Your Travel Bucket List

Nestled in the heart of Central Europe, Prague is a city that boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that has captivated travellers from around the world. As the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is a city that has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or simply exploring new cultures.

One of the main reasons why Prague is such a popular destination for travellers is its stunning architecture. The city is home to countless historic buildings, including Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and Art Nouveau structures, all of which have been immaculately preserved over the centuries. Walking through the city’s winding streets, visitors will feel as though they have been transported back in time, surrounded by the beauty and elegance of a bygone era.

But Prague is much more than just a historic city. It’s also a hub for culture and entertainment, with a thriving arts scene that includes museums, galleries, theatres, and live music venues. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of classical music by attending a performance at the famous Prague State Opera, or catch a modern play at one of the city’s contemporary theatres.

Of course, no visit to Prague would be complete without sampling some of the city’s famous cuisine. Czech food is hearty and delicious, with dishes like goulash, dumplings, and roasted meats that will satisfy any appetite. Visitors can also indulge in some of the country’s famous beer, which is considered to be some of the best in the world.

But perhaps the best thing about Prague is the warm and welcoming nature of its people. The city is known for its friendly locals, who are always happy to share their knowledge and love of their city with visitors. Whether you’re strolling through the streets, enjoying a beer in a cosy pub, or chatting with locals in a coffee shop, you’ll always feel at home in Prague.

In conclusion, Prague is a city that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals make it a truly unforgettable destination. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic landmarks, sampling the local food and drink, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you’re sure to fall in love with this charming city.

3 days in Prague

If you only have three days in Prague, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Here’s a suggested three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day 1: Explore the Old Town and Jewish Quarter

Start your first day by exploring the heart of Prague’s historic center, the Old Town. Take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings, and marvel at the architecture of the Old Town Square, which is home to the famous astronomical clock. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Tyn and St. Nicholas Church, two stunning examples of Baroque architecture.

Next, head to the Jewish Quarter, or Josefov, where you can explore the historic synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue, the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe, and the Spanish Synagogue. You can also visit the Jewish Cemetery, which is one of the most unique and atmospheric places in Prague.

Day 2: Visit Prague Castle and the Lesser Town

On your second day, head across the Vltava River to the Lesser Town, or Mala Strana. This picturesque district is filled with beautiful buildings, quaint streets, and charming cafes. Take a stroll along the famous Charles Bridge, which connects the Old Town and Lesser Town, and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Next, head up the hill to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Explore the castle complex, which includes the stunning St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane, a charming street of brightly coloured houses.

Day 3: Enjoy Prague’s Culture and Cuisine

On your final day, explore some of Prague’s cultural offerings. Visit the Museum of Decorative Arts, which has a collection of over 250,000 items from various periods, including ceramics, glass, and textiles. If you’re a fan of classical music, take a guided tour of the Prague State Opera, one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe.

In the evening, sample some of Prague’s delicious cuisine. Head to one of the city’s many traditional pubs or restaurants to try some Czech classics like goulash, roast pork, or dumplings. And of course, be sure to sample some of the city’s famous beer!

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see the best of Prague in just three days. However, there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city that you may find yourself wanting to stay longer!

Getting to and round Prague

Prague is a popular destination and is well-connected to other major European cities. Here is some information on getting to and around Prague:

Getting to Prague

  • By air: Prague has a major international airport, Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, which is located about 17 km from the city centre. The airport is served by numerous airlines and has direct flights to many major European and international destinations.
  • By train: Prague is well-connected by rail to other European cities, with several daily connections to Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and other major cities.
  • By bus: Prague is also well-served by international bus services, with many companies offering connections to other European cities.

Getting around Prague

  • On foot: Prague’s historic centre is compact and easily walkable, making it a great way to explore the city’s many sights and attractions.
  • Public transportation: Prague has an extensive public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and a metro system. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or kiosks located at most metro stations or at some tram and bus stops. The same ticket can be used for all modes of transport and is valid for a certain period of time (usually 30 to 90 minutes).
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Prague, but be sure to use reputable companies and agree on the fare in advance to avoid being overcharged.
  • Bike rental: There are many bike rental companies in Prague, and cycling is a great way to explore the city’s parks and riverside paths.

Overall, getting to and around Prague is easy and convenient, with plenty of options for travellers to choose from. Whether you prefer to walk, use public transportation, or rent a bike, there are many ways to see and experience this beautiful city.

Where to Stay in Prague

Prague has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Prague, depending on your preferences and budget:

Old Town (Stare Mesto)

This is the heart of Prague’s historic centre and a great location for first-time visitors. It’s within walking distance of many of the city’s top sights, including the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. Accommodation options here range from budget hostels to upscale hotels.

Lesser Town (Mala Strana)

This picturesque district is located across the river from the Old Town and is known for its charming cobblestone streets and Baroque architecture. It’s a quieter area than the Old Town and is a good choice if you want to escape the crowds. Accommodation options here include boutique hotels and guesthouses.

Vinohrady

This is a residential neighbourhood located east of the city centre, with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and leafy streets. It’s a good choice if you want to stay in a quieter area but still be close to the city centre. Accommodation options here include mid-range hotels and apartments.

Prague 2 (Nove Mesto)

This is a bustling neighbourhood located south of the Old Town, with many shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a good choice if you want to be close to the action but still have some peace and quiet. Accommodation options here range from budget hostels to upscale hotels.

Prague 7 (Holesovice)

This is a trendy neighbourhood located north of the city centre, with many galleries, cafes, and bars. It’s a good choice if you want to experience a more local side of Prague. Accommodation options here include budget hostels and mid-range hotels.

Overall, Prague has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the historic centre or explore some of the city’s more trendy neighbourhoods, there is something for everyone in Prague.

Eating in Prague

Prague is a city that’s famous for its hearty cuisine, delicious beer, and charming cafes. Here are some tips on where and what to eat in Prague:

Try the local Czech cuisine

Czech food is hearty, filling, and often features meat, dumplings, and potatoes. Some of the must-try dishes include goulash (a beef stew), roast pork with dumplings, and svickova (a dish made with beef, cream sauce, and cranberries). Be sure to also try some of the local sausages and cheeses.

Visit a traditional pub

Prague is known for its many traditional pubs, where you can sample some of the city’s famous beer and enjoy a hearty meal. Some of the most popular pubs include U Zlateho Tygra, which has been serving beer since 1713, and U Fleku, which is famous for its dark beer and hearty Czech dishes.

Check out the food markets

Prague has several food markets where you can sample local specialties and international cuisine. The most popular market is the Prague Farmers’ Market, which is held every Saturday in the Holesovice neighbourhood. Other popular markets include the Naplavka Market, which is held along the Vltava River, and the Jiřák Farmers’ Market, which is located in the Vinohrady neighbourhood.

Visit a traditional cafe

Prague is known for its charming cafes, which offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Many of these cafes have been around for decades and are popular with both locals and tourists. Some of the most popular cafes include Cafe Louvre, which has been around since 1902, and Cafe Slavia, which offers stunning views of the National Theatre.

Sample some street food

Prague has a thriving street food scene, with many vendors offering delicious snacks and meals. Some of the most popular street foods include trdelnik (a sweet pastry rolled in sugar and nuts), langos (a Hungarian flatbread topped with cheese and garlic), and fried cheese.

Overall, Prague is a city that’s rich in food culture, and there’s no shortage of delicious and hearty dishes to try. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pub, a charming cafe, or a food market, Prague has something to offer for every taste and budget.

Top 20 Sights in Prague

Prague is a city that’s full of historic landmarks, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions. Here are the top 20 sights to see in Prague:

  • Charles Bridge – a historic bridge over the Vltava River that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Old Town Square – the heart of Prague’s historic center, featuring beautiful buildings, churches, and monuments.
  • Prague Castle – the largest ancient castle in the world, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • St. Vitus Cathedral – a beautiful Gothic cathedral located within the Prague Castle complex.
  • Jewish Quarter (Josefov) – a historic district with beautiful synagogues, cemeteries, and museums.
  • Wenceslas Square – a bustling square in the heart of the New Town, featuring shops, restaurants, and museums.
  • National Museum – a beautiful building located on Wenceslas Square, featuring exhibits on Czech history and culture.
  • Municipal House – a beautiful Art Nouveau building that houses concerts, exhibitions, and events.
  • Petrin Hill – a beautiful park with stunning views of the city and a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Old Jewish Cemetery – a historic cemetery located in the Jewish Quarter, featuring ancient tombstones and graves.
  • Dancing House – a unique building designed by Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunić, featuring curved lines and unusual shapes.
  • Powder Tower – a historic tower that was once used to store gunpowder and served as a gateway to the city.
  • Prague Astronomical Clock – a beautiful clock located in the Old Town Square that features moving figures and astronomical symbols.
  • Klementinum – a beautiful Baroque building that houses a library and astronomical tower.
  • Vysehrad – a historic fortress that offers stunning views of the city and features beautiful gardens and churches.
  • Old-New Synagogue – the oldest active synagogue in Europe, located in the Jewish Quarter.
  • National Gallery – a museum that houses a large collection of Czech and international art.
  • Estates Theatre – a historic theatre that was once frequented by Mozart and features beautiful architecture.
  • Clementinum Mirror Chapel – a beautiful chapel located within the Klementinum complex, featuring stunning acoustics.
  • Loreta – a beautiful Baroque complex that houses a pilgrimage church, chapel, and treasury.

Coworking spaces in Prague

There are several coworking spaces in Prague that you can consider:

  1. Impact Hub Prague – a coworking space located in the city centre that offers workspace, meeting rooms, and events for entrepreneurs and social innovators.
  2. Locus Workspace – a coworking space with two locations in Prague that provides workspace, meeting rooms, and a community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads.
  3. K10 Coworking – a coworking space located in the Vinohrady district that offers workspace, meeting rooms, and events for entrepreneurs and startups.
  4. HubHub – a coworking space located in the city center that offers workspace, meeting rooms, and a community of entrepreneurs and startups.
  5. Mosaic House – a coworking space located in the New Town district that offers workspace, meeting rooms, and events for entrepreneurs and startups.