Most individuals kick off a go to to the Czech Republic in Prague, the cradle of Czech tradition and considered one of Europe’s most intriguing capitals.
Well-known for its Gothic structure and the unbelievable Prague Fort, that is additionally a vibrant metropolis with beer gardens, fashionable in addition to conventional cafes, and a growing foodie scene. Begin planning your journey with this information to the easiest issues to do.
1. Stroll the enchanting Charles Bridge
Whether or not you go to alone within the early morning mist or shoulder your method via the afternoon throngs, crossing Charles Bridge is a quintessential Prague expertise. Constructed in 1357, this picturesque bridge connects the Previous City and the Lesser Quarter. Native legend says eggs had been used to create the mortar for its building holding its 16 elegant arches collectively for 500-plus years. Climbing the bridge tower on the Previous City facet gives a chook’s-eye view of this intricate bridge with the Prague Fort rising above it within the background.
2. Recharge at a conventional coffeehouse
Prague has change into a haven for specialty espresso lovers. Gradual drip, nitro brew, chemex – espresso followers have all bases lined. The favored Vinohrady district accommodates the very best focus of up to date cafes, however you’ll discover good espresso all around the metropolis.
Nonetheless, you could be extra concerned about experiencing the appeal of days passed by, at considered one of Prague’s extra conventional coffeehouses. Grand Cafe Orient, positioned in a surprising cubist constructing close to the Previous City Sq.. Café Imperial, brings you again to the time of the First Republic. And Kavárna Slavia, as soon as a preferred hangout spot of the late Czech president Václav Havel, has an expert pianist enjoying reside each night from 5pm.
3. Discover Prague Fort
Greater than 1000 years of historical past is cradled inside the partitions of Prague’s hilltop citadel, a posh of church buildings, towers, halls and palaces that’s nearly like a village in its personal proper. This Unesco World Heritage-listed web site is the cultural and historic coronary heart of Czechia – an enormous retailer for collections of bodily treasures in addition to having served because the backdrop for a lot of important historic occasions such because the election of Václav Havel as president in 1989 and the coronations of the kings of Bohemia. The jewel within the crown, St Vitus Cathedral is an impressive show of Gothic structure.
Planning Tip: Additionally make time to wander the charming, if touristy, Golden Lane. This vintage path is lined by small colourful homes, initially constructed as residence for the citadel guards. Later it accommodated native goldsmiths, thus its identify at present.
4. Admire historic structure
Baroque buildings are plentiful in Prague, particularly within the Lesser Quarter space. The St Nicolas Church is a high-quality instance. With wealthy frescoes adorning its partitions and its giant inexperienced dome, this cathedral represents one of many grandest Baroque shows present in Central Europe.
The period of Cubism might have been short-lived, however Prague discovered a particular affinity for this model. The angled strains of Prague Cubism could be studied on the Home of the Black Madonna within the Previous City, that includes a small Museum of Czech Cubism, in addition to the cubist-designed Grand Cafe Orient.
5. Watch the Astronomical Clock
Prague’s masterpiece Astronomical Clock was first constructed in medieval instances: it’s the world’s oldest functioning clock. On the prime of each hour, 12 mechanical apostles parade between small doorways above the face of the clock. Crowds of holiday makers begin to collect hourly to observe because the playful spectacle unfolds.
Native Tip: Whereas everybody is concentrated on the spectacle, that is additionally a time to be aware of the potential for pick-pockets.
6. Take pleasure in hearty Czech delicacies
By hearty we imply Czech classics corresponding to svíčková (sirloin beef and bread dumplings generously topped with a creamy sauce), vepřo knedlo zelo (roasted pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings), fried cheese, and some extensively adopted staples from neighboring international locations, like goulash and schnitzel. These conventional meals could be tasted at a neighborhood chain of pubs referred to as Lokál, which serves dishes ready so properly that they might please even essentially the most finicky Czech elders. Don’t neglect to clean all of it down with a crisp beer to assist your digestion like a Pilsner Urquell, a Prague-brewed Staropramen, or a malty darkish Velkopopovický kozel.
Native Tip: Smaller breweries have taken Prague by storm too. A neighborhood’s favourite, the Dva Kohouti (Two Roosters) mini-brewery is positioned within the once-industrial-now-hipster neighborhood of Karlín.
7. Chill by the river at Náplavka
On sunny afternoons you’ll discover many Czechs stress-free alongside the Náplavka riverbank space. It’s lined with barges promoting refreshments, from basic sausages to beers and cocktails – each day and evening. At sundown it’s an particularly attractive spot to hang around in Prague. If you wish to do it within the Czech model, take a bottle of wine, a few fellow vacationers and a blanket to sit down on. Dangle your toes over the water watching the swans and geese float by.
Planning Tip: On Saturdays the farmers market is one other nice time to go to, with natural produce, recent bakery objects and reside music.
8. Experience the funicular to Petřín
Not the Eiffel Tower, however the lookalike construction on Prague’s horizon is a metal commentary tower referred to as the Petřín tower, atop Petřín hill. In case you fancy a exercise, you’ll benefit from the stroll up Petřín hill with loads of spots to cease and admire the gorgeous views of Prague. The opposite, softer choice is to experience a small funicular to the highest. Because it’s a part of the Prague transportation system, you should utilize the identical tickets for the funicular as you do for the trams and the metro.
Planning Tip: When you’ve reached the highest of the hill, climbing the precise Petřín tower could be fairly vertigo-inducing. In case you’re up for the problem, you’ll be rewarded by marvelous views.
9. Unwind in considered one of Prague’s lush parks and climbing spots
Prague is house to many inexperienced areas, with loads of shaded resting areas. Plus beer gardens are a giant pull, particularly within the warmth of summer time. Hilly parks such because the one in Letná or Riegrovy Sady additionally supply views over town.
In case you crave a wilder nature escape, Prague has some unbelievable climbing alternatives only a stone’s throw away from town middle. Probably the most well-liked climbing getaways for Prague locals is the Prokopské údolí valley, that includes winding trails via forests and meadows. Divoká Šárka is one other nice, wilder space to discover with creeks and marshes.
10. Behold Vyšehrad, the primary seat of Czech royalty
These two neo-Gothic spires a part of the defining form of Prague’s skyline belong to the Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, perched atop the Vyšehrad hill. The historic fort of Vyšehrad was constructed through the tenth century and have become the seat of the primary Czech ruler, King Vratislav II of the Přemyslid dynasty, a century later.
A stroll via the adjoining grandiose cemetery, will take you previous the ultimate resting place of many well-known Czechs, such because the composers Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák, in addition to the famend writers Karel Čapek and Jan Neruda.
