So while it might be tempting to follow the crowd through this stunning city of towering spires and cobbled squares, take some time out of your trip to explore off the main drag. You will discover a vibrant cultural life within quieter neighborhoods.
Keep the Josefov Ghetto on your itinerary–its maze of dark corners, shuttered windows and substandard inns inspired Franz Kafka to create his unsettling nightmares.
The City of One Hundred Spires
Prague is famously known as the City of 100 Spires due to its abundance of cathedrals with pointed spires, lending it an identity rich with architecture, music, art, world-class universities and research institutes, not to mention multiple international companies with headquarters there.
Prague is governed by its City Assembly, comprised of 65 elected through municipal elections. For executive duties, 11-member Prague City Council including Mayor form its executive arm. City Hall in Old Town serves as the administrative hub of the city.
Visitors will discover an impressive variety of architectural styles spanning medieval to contemporary throughout Prague. Additionally, there are stunning parks and gardens to visit as well as the Vltava River that winds its way through it all, providing a stunning backdrop for its landmarks – visitors can even take a river cruise tour to truly take in all its splendor!
According to legend, Praha was founded by Princess Libuse during the 8th century. She first saw its potential while watching someone carve a threshold for their home along the Vltava River; she named this area Praha (threshold), expecting that it would one day grow into prominence and receive global renown.
Charles IV became Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and established Prague as its capital during his 14th-century rule, making the city famous for its prosperity and culture during his tenure. Charles also oversaw construction projects such as Charles Bridge and St Vitus Cathedral during this time.
Prague’s architecture blends elements from Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. It is widely renowned for its intricate details and playful curves – something visitors to Lesser Town will notice with its abundance of palaces and churches featuring stunning interiors and exteriors.
Prague has long been recognized for its cultural legacy and as an attractive filming location. Hollywood and Bollywood productions alike frequently film there; famous movies shot there include Mission Impossible, Dungeons & Dragons, XXX Chronicles of Narnia and Hellboy to name just a few.
The City of Dumplings
Prague boasts many experimental dining establishments, but locals remain deeply committed to informal communal eating venues like pubs where beer reigns supreme and you can order plates of meat, potato dumplings or goulash from their menu. You will often see people gathering here after work for drinks with colleagues or just simply to relax with friends – especially since beer tends to be cheaper than water so you can easily grab yourself a round of pilsner and settle into your seat comfortably at the pub.
Travel to Prague would not be complete without tasting their world-famous pelmeni and varenyky (also called vareniki). Though these deceptively simple dumplings may seem daunting to create on one’s own, Prague’s vibrant Ukrainian community makes them easy for visitors to taste in their original form.
Pelmeni and varenyky not only offer a delicious taste of tradition, they can also make an exciting main course at your dinner table. In addition to traditional fillings like pork or beef, there is an assortment of sweet, fruit, and vegetarian choices – such as the delicious Ovocne Knedliky filled with strawberry, apricot or plum jam for an irresistibly unique take on classic Czech dumplings!
Horn kukue are another delicious and healthy treat, made of mashed potatoes stuffed with meat or vegetables and then steamed for maximum effect. While making these at home is possible, keep in mind that this process takes quite some time as well as steaming the finished product properly to achieve best results.
At night is the ideal time for enjoying horn kukue as the restaurants and cafes around Charles Bridge become less crowded and you can admire its magnificent lighting display, plus experience the captivating magic of this must-see attraction in Prague.
The City of Beer
Prague’s dramatic geography shapes it in all directions. A meandering Vltava River snakes through town, cutting a deep channel on its western bank where medieval kings built one of the world’s largest castle complexes. You can take in all this magnificent old city scenery from high atop a hill or standing by its side gazing upward.
As you explore, you will come across various beer-related landmarks and attractions. One popular stop is the large Pilsner Urquell brewery near the center of town; tours can be taken through this massive facility as well as tasting their famous beers. Pubs in the city also provide plenty of foamy offerings.
U Fleku, once frequented by many of the city’s workmen for lunch, still draws crowds with its selection of dark and pale ales. Roesel offers craft beers from its selection and even offers vegetarian food on the menu! Additionally, wine, spirits, locally made soft drinks, and wine bars like Vinoteka U Mourenina offer more sedate offerings from Moravia region wines.
There are 35 breweries dotted across Prague’s map, some with centuries of history while others that only recently opened their doors. Some operate their own microbrewery on site while others rely on local microbreweries for freshly crafted suds. Some, like the Beer Museum on Dlouha Street, provide small “shot” glasses of draft beers allowing visitors to sample multiple beers simultaneously.
At any of these pubs, you can sample fresh beer directly from its tank, but for an authentic experience head straight for Hospoda Zly Casy in the heart of old town. This three-story hospoda boasts more than 40 beers on tap and provides the ideal place to experience tank beer directly from its source – meaning unpasteurised brewery beer in large stainless steel pressurised tanks delivered straight to pubs like Zly Casy.
The City of Duck
Hostinec na Vytoni in Prague offers an exquisite dining experience combining traditional Czech cuisine with charcoal grilling art – perfect for romantic dinners, family get-togethers or casual nights out with friends! Their exquisite flavors combine perfectly with the charming ambience while enjoying some of the finest wines available.
prague, once known as the City of 100 Towers or Rooftop of Europe, is famed for its vibrant cultural life and architectural splendors. Home to famous composers, poets, novelists and writers such as Beethoven and Mozart. Prague has played an instrumental role in European history – witness some of its most pivotal events! In 1992 its historic center was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
No one could possibly name just one highlight of this amazing city; there’s so much to see and do here! From baroque style buildings in Hradcany district to classic Neoclassical structures found throughout Stare Mesto (Old Town), Nove Mesto (New Town), and Josefov (Old Jewish Quarter), to modern parks and office buildings built with classical influences similar to older structures; you won’t run out of things to do!
Even with its massive size, Prague remains navigable and walkable. The public transport system boasts three metro lines and 20 tram lines as well as bus routes and a funicular rail link up Petrin Hill. Vaclav Havel International Airport Prague provides service from multiple airlines.
As Prague is generally safe, it is wise to remain mindful of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Furthermore, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen – temperatures in Prague can get very hot during the summer. Also make sure that your camera battery is charged so that you can capture all the amazing sights this city has to offer!