10 places to visit in Prague
Tourist Itinerary in Prague: where to go and what to see in 1, 2, 3 or 4 days.
Prague is a magical city in the center of Europe. The history of the city is wrapped in numerous legends, all of them based on historic facts. One of the strangest legends narrates that the founding of Prague is linked to a wise woman named Libushe, who was blessed with a rare beauty and secret magical powers. But Prague is known not only for its legends. There are many other reasons to visit this city.
Among the main reasons to visit Prague:
- The hospitality of the people
- The high level of safety
- Numerous architectural monuments rich in history and beauty
- The uninhibited nightlife
- The rich history
- The affordable prices
- The incredible beauty of the city
To fully enjoy the visit, 10-places.com has prepared a list of what to see and what to do in Prague in a weekend or vacation. At the bottom of the page you will find the map of the city.
Looking for accommodation in Prague? Use the convenient search system of booking.com. To save money, compare the prices of more than 50 sites on hotelscombined.com: you will find the lowest price for the room you select.
For more information about Prague we advise you to visit this site: www.seepraha.com
The Old Town of Prague
The heart of the Old Town is considered as being the Old Town Square. All the important events of the country took place here: from the coronations of the kings to the execution of the condemned. In this area now, there is a monument to the national hero, Jan Hus, and the Church of San Nicola.
The main attraction of the Old City is undoubtedly the astronomical clock. Every hour a crowd of tourists gathers with cameras and camcorders to record the moment. As soon as the clock strikes the hour a real spectacle begins: the twelve apostles run past the spectators.
In a single street you can encounter various architectural styles, but the general exterior appearance is not affected. The Old Town is always full of life: there are often street musicians here and groups of people walking.
The Prague Castle
The Prague Castle is the largest castle in the Czech Republic and one of the main architectural monuments of the country. Anyone who has read Kafka will recognize its alarming presence in almost all the novels by the great writer. The Prague Castle, the symbol of power, appears threatening and inaccessible from the outside. The long winding streets, including those that lead to the beautiful and steep Nerudova Street, will lead you to discover a place that for many centuries was the epicenter of the history, legends and sacred places in this country.
San Vitus Cathedral is located here, symbol of Czech religiosity. Here the alchemist Rudolph II sought the elixir of life and the magic formula for transforming poor metals into gold.
How to get there: By tram n. 22 to the “Pražský hrad” stop or by Metro to “Malostranská” and then 10 minutes on foot.
Opening times: from 9 am to 5 pm. However, the entry to the area of the Fortress opens at 6 am. We advise you to arrive between 8 and 8.30 am to avoid the long queue which will form shortly after.
How much does it cost? 250 CZK / €9.20 / $9.80 for the main attractions of the Fortress (free with the Prague Card). Visiting the area of the Fortress is free.
San Vitus Cathedral in Prague
The Cathedral of San Vito is the heart of the Prague Castle. It is a sacred place for the local people. This place of worship is one of the largest in Europe, built in Gothic style and of an imposing size:
- Length: 124 meters / 407 ft.
- Width: 60 meters / 200 ft.
- Height: 33 meters / 108 ft.
When visiting the castle for the first time, you will immediately notice the contrast between the Baroque style and the typical pointed spires of the cathedral. The interiors of the church are pleasant and well balanced, even though the construction of the building went on for about six hundred years.
10-places.com encourages you to also visit the bell tower of Saint Wenceslaus, as well as the underground crypt with the tombs of the Czech Kings and the treasure of precious stones that were used for the coronation of the kings.
Malá Strana in Prague
Malá Strana or Small District is the historical center of Prague. It is located between the Prague Castle and Petrin Hill. This quarter was completely destroyed in 1541, but Italian artists and architects were able to rebuild it and completely renovate what had survived. Now the Baroque style prevails in the architecture of the buildings and churches. Malá Strana has many squares, beautiful buildings and romantic corners.
10-places.com encourages you to visit the many gardens and green spaces of Mala Strana and also these architectural buildings:
- Malostranské náměstí Square
- Kampa Island
- The panoramic tower of Petřín
- The Church of San Nicola
Josefov, the Jewish quarter of Prague
Josefov is a part of Prague located inside the Old City. The area of the Prague ghetto is small, but there is a large number of architectural monuments among which we must mention the following: the sculptures of Rabbi Löw, Moses, the Jewish cemetery, the numerous synagogues.
Jews lived in this area from 900 to 1708 and the district bears this name in their memory.
How to get there: 5 minutes on foot from the central square.
Opening times: from 9 am to 6 pm (4.30 pm in winter). Closed on Saturday.
How much does it cost? All-inclusive ticket for all places is 300 CZK / €11 / $12 (free with the Prague Card).
The Dancing House in Prague
One of the obligatory stops during a trip to Prague is the Dancing House. This building very special is dedicated to the famous pair of dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
It is one of the more modern buildings, built in 1996 in deconstructionist style on a project by F. O. Gehry. On the top floor there is a French restaurant and an observation area that offers a spectacular view of the Vltava river.
What to eat in Prague?
The long walking tours around Prague will make you consume a lot of calories. For some refreshment 10-places.com recommends you try some typical Prague cuisine. The tourist routes are dotted with plenty of restaurants, taverns, bars and pubs.
Among the most popular dishes of Prague we suggest:
- Roast pork (Vepřová vecene)
- Spiral Potatoes (bramborové spirály)
- Sauerkraut (kysele zelí)
- Hot-dog with local salami (pražská klobása)
- Goulash (Gulášová polévka)
Nobody will rest indifferent to the national alcoholic beverages of Prague, plum brandy and Becherovka.
Nightlife in Prague
In the center of Prague, all within a few hundred meters / yards, you have a huge choice of pubs, restaurants and discos. Some of them are among the largest and most beautiful in Europe.
The district of Mala Strana is characterized by a more tranquil atmosphere, while on the Charles Bridge in the district of the Old Town you will find the chaos of discos and nightclubs.
Lovers of nightlife mustn’t miss at least one of these four best clubs:
- “Duplex” on Wenceslas Square
- “Karlovy Lázně”, the largest disco in central Europe, just a few steps from Charles Bridge
- “Lucerna Music Bar”, the most popular among the young people of Prague
- “Cross Club” that dazzles with its original and exotic interior
What to buy in Prague?
Do you want to buy a classic Czech souvenir? Prague is the place to find it. The most expensive gift you can buy to remember this country is, without a shadow of doubt, Bohemian glass.
Centuries-old traditions of this land are linked to it, the high cost of this souvenir makes is accessible to just a fortunate few. Bohemian glass comes in different shapes and colors, starting from the type of glass in use since the times of Rudolf IV of Austria (1364) to the more modern forms.
Artisanal toys in wood are much more affordable and are available in the souvenir shops of Mala Strana. A nice gift can be also a bottle of plum brandy and Becherovka as well as the liqueurs made with herbs.
Where to sleep in Prague?
Prague offers a large choice of hotels, apartments and mini-hotels at modest prices compared to the average price range of other European capitals. The best district to stay in Prague is called Zone 1 which includes the central part of the city: Mala Strana, the Castle Square and the Old Town.
The hotels are a little more expensive here compared to areas outside the city, but they are definitely more convenient, which is a great advantage. The cost of a 3-star hotel in Prague varies from 35 to 100 Euros per night. The most economical option consists of hostels and rooms with shared bathroom or hotels outside the city center but close to the metro.
Looking for accommodation in Prague? Use the convenient search system of booking.com. To save money, compare the prices of more than 50 sites on hotelscombined.com: you will find the lowest price for the room you select.
For more information about Prague we advise you to visit this site: www.seepraha.com