15 best things to do in prague

15 Greatest issues to do in Prague

Although this publish is lengthy overdue, Prague nonetheless has my coronary heart. The appeal of the town is tough to explain in phrases. The reminiscence of a morning stroll via Letná Park, a enjoyable Segway tour, the chilly breeze at Charles Bridge, and the fort’s rustic appeal are nonetheless vivid. I spent three days in Prague, and it was a blast. Listed here are a number of the finest issues to do on this stunning metropolis.

1. Previous City Sq.

There was no manner I might begin this publish with out mentioning the Previous City Sq.. It holds a few of my finest reminiscences. I usually discovered myself sitting on a bench there, whether or not it was within the afternoon, night, or late at night time. There was at all times one thing new to observe and expertise. The sq. is framed by the long-lasting Church of Our Girl Earlier than Týn on one facet and the Previous City Corridor on the opposite.

The previous city sq. dates again to the tenth century, and it has witnessed numerous important occasions in Prague’s historical past. It’s no shock that it stays one of the vital widespread vacationer spots on the town.

Highlights of Previous City Sq.

a. Astronomical Clock

I couldn’t miss mentioning the star of Previous City Sq. – the world’s oldest Astronomical Clock, put in in 1410 and nonetheless ticking. Each hour, from 9 AM to 11 PM, it places on the “Stroll of the Apostles” present. Whereas the hourly chime may not be probably the most thrilling half, I discovered myself captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and design of the clock. It’s actually a chunk of artwork that grabs your consideration.

b. Previous City Corridor 

The corridor was based in 1338 because the seat of the town’s administration and encompasses a beautiful Gothic tower alongside the Astronomical Clock.

c. Church buildings

Church of Our Girl earlier than Týn is certainly one of Prague’s most iconic landmarks, with its Gothic spires dominating the town skyline.

St. Nicholas Church is one other stunning Baroque landmark in Previous City Sq.. Constructed-in the 18th century, it’s identified for its beautiful inside and spectacular frescoes.

d. Jan Hus statue

The Jan Hus Statue stands within the middle of Previous City Sq., honoring the Czech reformer. Unveiled in 1915, it represents his legacy and struggle for freedom.

e. Chill on the sq.

Lastly, I cherished sitting on a bench, having fun with fries, and watching folks. It’s common to see road performers including to the colourful environment.

2. Charles Bridge – among the finest issues to do in Prague

Earlier than you step onto Charles Bridge, be ready for the crowds. Vacationers fill each inch however belief me, each step is value it. I do know this as a result of I walked throughout it a number of instances throughout my keep in Prague. I couldn’t get sufficient of its appeal and saved going again.

That is Prague’s oldest bridge, connecting Previous City to Malá Strana the place Prague Fortress stands. Commissioned by Charles IV to exchange the picket Judith Bridge destroyed within the 1342 flood, its development started in 1357 and was accomplished in 1402. Initially known as the Stone Bridge, it was the town’s solely crossing over the Vltava River till 1870 when it was renamed Charles Bridge.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage website, the bridge is lined with 30 Baroque statues of saints, including to its timeless magnificence.

Good to know: I visited Charles Bridge at dawn, which felt virtually unreal. With hardly anybody round, I had the bridge to myself, making it certainly one of my most peaceable moments in Prague.

Good to know: A brief stroll from Previous City, you’ll discover the spot on the bridge the place the physique of John of Nepomuk was thrown into the river. At this time, there’s a lattice with a determine of John in the meanwhile of his fall, together with a bronze cross that includes 5 stars. Legend has it that for those who contact every of the 5 stars along with your left hand and place your proper palm on the determine, your want will come true.

Good to know: For the perfect views of Charles Bridge, head to the Previous City Bridge Tower. To achieve the highest, you’ll must climb about 150 steps. You’ll additionally want a ticket to go up, which prices 150 CZK.

Good to know: Kampa Park gives a number of the finest views of Charles Bridge. Nevertheless, the meals on the waterfront cafes is very overpriced and, at instances, would possibly even be served burnt or undercooked.

3. Prague Fortress

I took a Segway tour that began within the Previous City and adopted a scenic route, ending at Prague Fortress. Stepping inside felt like strolling onto the set of a Disney film.

Prague Fortress, the world’s largest historic fort, is a spot you would simply spend half a day exploring. Its courtyards, palaces, and church buildings maintain centuries of historical past. The complicated contains St. Vitus Cathedral, the Previous Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Golden Lane, the Powder Tower, and Rosenberg Palace. Tickets can be found for particular person websites or as a mixed cross.

Good to know: Based within the ninth century, the fort was as soon as dwelling to Bohemian kings and later turned the seat of Czech presidents. Greater than only a historic landmark, it has been a logo of the Czech state for over a thousand years.

Good to know:If you happen to go to outdoors of working hours you’ll be able to stroll via the Golden Lane with out having to purchase a ticket.

Picture credit score: pixabay

4. Wenceslas Sq.

Wenceslas Sq. is the heartbeat of recent Prague, alive with historical past and vitality. I spent many afternoons right here, soaking within the vibrant environment and the echoes of previous revolutions. Its bustling cafes, road performers, and historic websites create a dynamic tapestry of metropolis life.

Good to know: Wenceslas Sq. was pivotal throughout the Velvet Revolution, a chapter usually ignored by informal guests.

5. Petřín Hill & Lookout Tower

Petřín Hill is the right escape from the town’s crowds, providing peaceable greenery and a number of the finest views of Prague. The climb up was tiring, however reaching the Petřín Lookout Tower made all of it value it. Usually known as Prague’s Eiffel Tower, this 63-meter-high construction offers a panoramic view of the town.

Good to know: The tower was constructed utilizing leftover supplies from the 1891 Jubilee Exhibition, making it each an architectural gem and a chunk of historical past.

6. Lesser City (Malá Strana) 

Lesser City, or Malá Strana, felt like stepping right into a fairytale with its charming cobbled streets, Baroque buildings, and quiet courtyards. I cherished wandering, stumbling upon hidden gardens and comfortable cafés. This district, nestled under Prague Fortress, has a extra laid-back vibe than Previous City however is simply as stunning. One lesser-known gem is the Lennon Wall, a logo of peace and revolt that locals nonetheless paint over with new messages and paintings.

7. The John Lennon Wall

The John Lennon Wall was one of the vital sudden but fascinating spots I visited in Prague. I didn’t anticipate finding a lot emotion painted on a wall. Tucked away in Lesser City, this colourful graffiti-covered wall symbolizes peace, freedom, and inventive expression.

Good to know: Through the communist period, authorities would repeatedly paint over the wall, however messages of hope and resistance would reappear in a single day, making it a quiet however highly effective type of protest.

8. Baroque Library on the Klementinum

Visiting the Baroque Library on the Klementinum had been on my checklist since I booked my tickets for Prague, and after I lastly made it, I used to be in awe. This 18th-century library, with its towering bookshelves, frescoed ceiling, and vintage globes, feels straight out of a fantasy novel. However, you’ll be able to’t stroll inside. As a substitute, you get a short glimpse from a small viewing platform. Pictures are allowed, however solely on cellphones, with no cameras or flash. I attempted to soak all of it in throughout the jiffy they saved the doorways open, however truthfully, I might have stared at it for hours.

Good to know: The books listed below are so fragile, they haven’t been moved in centuries!

9. Vltava River cruise

A Vltava River cruise is among the most stress-free methods to see Prague, providing beautiful views of the town’s skyline, bridges, and historic landmarks. In response to legend, the river was as soon as dwelling to water sprites who guarded its depths, luring unsuspecting wanderers into the water.

I took a sundown cruise, and it was pure magic—the town bathed in golden gentle, Prague Fortress glowing within the distance, and the gentle ripples of the river making a dreamy environment. Whether or not on a brief journey or a dinner cruise, drifting alongside the Vltava is an expertise to recollect.

10. Letná Park

Early one morning at 7 AM, I hiked as much as Letná Park, and Prague had by no means regarded extra stunning. The streets had been virtually empty, Charles Bridge was peacefully quiet, and the town felt prefer it belonged solely to me. It was a kind of uncommon moments of stillness that I nonetheless maintain near my coronary heart.

As I wandered via the park, I observed native girls with their toddlers, laughing and having fun with the crisp morning air. They regarded so carefree, wrapped up of their little worlds. Later, I ended by Letná’s beer backyard, an after-work hangout widespread amongst locals. The park benches, the relaxed environment, and the views of the Previous City throughout the Vltava make it value lingering a little bit longer.

11. The Satan’s Stream

The Satan’s Stream (Čertovka) is a hidden gem in Prague, a slender canal separating Kampa Island from Lesser City. Legend has it that the stream was named after a fiery girl who lived close by, as temperamental because the waters themselves.

I stumbled upon it throughout a quiet morning stroll, drawn by the light sound of water and the sight of an previous picket mill wheel turning. It felt like a secret escape, removed from the town’s crowds.

Good to know: For a magical expertise, take a ship journey via the canal, Prague’s personal little Venice – quieter and extra enchanting.

12. The Dancing Home

If there’s one constructing in Prague that actually stands out, it’s the quirky and curvy Dancing Home, often known as Ginger & Fred. Impressed by the well-known dancing duo, its twisted design offers the phantasm of two figures in movement.

For the perfect expertise, head to the rooftop restaurant, Ginger & Fred, the place you sip on a cocktail whereas watching the solar set over Prague’s skyline. The views are value it.

13. Jewish Quarter

Wandering via Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, felt like getting into a unique time. I spent hours exploring the Jewish Museum, deeply moved by the resilience of the neighborhood. The Previous Jewish Cemetery, with its layers of gravestones stacked upon each other, left an enduring impression. After which there’s the intriguingly named Previous New Synagogue. At over 750 years previous, it’s extra previous than new. It’s the oldest working synagogue in Europe.

Whereas the Jewish Quarter is open to walk via at any time, getting into the synagogues and museums requires a ticket for the Jewish City Circuit. In case you are in Prague, don’t skip this a part of the town. It’s a necessary chapter in its historical past.

14. Vyšehrad

Vyšehrad is a kind of locations in Prague that lingers in your reminiscence lengthy after you allow. Sitting on a rocky hill above the Vltava River, this historic fort gives a quieter and extra peaceable facet of the town, away from the same old vacationer crowds.

Legends encompass Vyšehrad, with tales of a prophetic princess who foresaw Prague’s greatness, hidden treasures buried in its caves, and knights as soon as imprisoned inside its partitions. Whereas the medieval drama is lengthy gone, the fortress nonetheless holds a way of thriller.

The Vyšehrad Cemetery, the place many Czech cultural icons are buried, provides to the positioning’s historic depth.

15. Sapa – one of many distinctive issues to do in Prague

I solely discovered about Sapa Market a couple of years later. I had no thought Prague had a thriving Vietnamese district, usually known as “Little Hanoi”.

This bustling market is a hidden cultural gem, crammed with genuine Vietnamese eating places, grocery shops, and road meals stalls. Guests can savor all the things from aromatic pho to crispy banh mi, all whereas immersing themselves in a very totally different facet of Prague.

The Vietnamese neighborhood has deep roots within the Czech Republic, courting again to the communist period when visitor employee packages introduced many over from Vietnam. At this time, their affect is seen all through the town, with Vietnamese eateries on almost each block.

Sapa Market will not be a vacationer attraction however a vibrant neighborhood hub. If you happen to go to, be conscious and ask earlier than taking images. It’s free to enter, however it is best to convey money to indulge within the unimaginable meals. If I ever return to Prague, this is among the first locations I’ll discover.

Prague Journey Information

The right way to Attain Prague

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the principle worldwide gateway to the town, providing direct flights from main hubs throughout Europe, the Center East, and North America. Airways function frequent connections from London, Paris, Dubai, Frankfurt, and different key cities.

In case you are journey overland, Prague is well-connected by practice and bus from neighboring nations like Germany, Austria, Poland, and Slovakia. The central practice station (Praha Hlavní Nádraží) and the Florenc bus terminal present quick access to the town.

Good to know: In case you have a layover or an early flight, entry an airport lounge with this precedence cross for complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Good to know: Flight delays are irritating, however it’s possible you’ll be eligible for compensation. Use AirHelp to say reimbursements for flight disruptions.

Visa

Verify the official web site for visa necessities and functions. Many vacationers from the EU, the US, Canada, and different nations can enter visa-free. If you happen to want a visa, apply prematurely to make sure a easy entry.

Getting Round Prague

Prague is a compact metropolis, and exploring on foot is the easiest way to expertise its appeal. For longer distances, the general public transport system (trams, buses, and metro) is environment friendly and reasonably priced. A 24-hour transport cross is a good possibility for those who plan to make use of public transport regularly.

Experience-hailing companies like Uber function in Prague, providing a handy various to taxis.

Good to know: Pre-booking an airport switch with Kiwi Taxi can prevent time and stress.

The place to Keep in Prague

Lodging in Prague ranges from price range hostels to luxurious accommodations, with costs averaging between 1,500 CZK and 6,000 CZK per night time.

I stayed at Lodge Pod Věží, an enthralling boutique lodge in Lesser City, and extremely suggest it. The views of Charles Bridge from the terrace are beautiful, making it a great place to unwind.

For price range vacationers, Sophie’s Hostel gives a classy and comfy keep with out breaking the financial institution.

Foreign money Change in Prague

The Czech Koruna (CZK) is the native foreign money. It’s finest to hold euros or {dollars} and alternate them within the metropolis reasonably than on the airport, the place charges are usually much less favorable. Dependable alternate workplaces in Prague supply aggressive charges with no hidden charges.

One other good answer is playing cards like Niyo, which supply favorable alternate charges and get rid of the effort of carrying money. Register utilizing my code ANUKR561, and we each earn 2500 cash (equal to INR 250).

Itinerary Strategies

A minimal of three days in Prague is good for exploring the town’s high sights.

Discover Previous City Sq., the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and the Jewish Quarter on the primary day. On the second day, go to Prague Fortress, and St. Vitus Cathedral, and stroll via Malá Strana. On the final day, you would contemplate taking a day journey to Kutná Hora or Karlštejn Fortress.

In case you have additional time, contemplate a night river cruise on the Vltava for unimaginable metropolis views.

Cellular Community in Prague

The perfect native supplier is T-Cellular CZ, and you may get a SIM card from the airport or metropolis kiosks. Count on to pay round 400 CZK for a pay as you go information plan. Alternatively, an eSIM from suppliers like Airalo is a hassle-free possibility for staying linked.

Meals in Prague

Czech delicacies is usually meat-heavy, however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover scrumptious vegetarian choices:

a. Smažený sýr – Fried cheese, often served with tartar sauce and fries.
b. Bramborák – Crispy potato pancakes, usually seasoned with garlic and marjoram.
c. Houbový Kuba – A mushroom and barley dish, a standard Czech meal from Christmas Eve.
d. Švestkové knedlíky – Candy dumplings crammed with plums, topped with butter and sugar.                          e. Trdelník – A funnel-cake-like pastry crammed with ice cream (additionally known as as doughnut ice cream).

Conclusion

Prague is a metropolis that blends historical past, tradition, and breathtaking structure. From its fairy-tale castles to vibrant meals markets, each nook of the town has one thing to supply.

As you discover, soak within the medieval appeal, benefit from the native delicacies, and uncover hidden gems. Whether or not you’re admiring Prague from a Vltava River cruise or sipping a cocktail on the Dancing Home, the town guarantees an unforgettable expertise.

Pack your luggage, cost your digital camera, and prepare to fall in love with Prague!

I hope this publish helped you. Do you’ve got any questions on Prague? Please go away a remark under and I’ll attempt my finest to assist out.

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