Architecture in Prague represents many of the historical periods and styles that have shaped Bohemia and Central Europe: Gothic buildings from the Gothic period; high baroque from the first half of 18th century; rising modernism post 1900 are all represented here.
Golden Egg provides breakfast sandwiches until noon; visit EMA for coffee and traditional Czech grandma-made kolace pastries; for dessert try their Instagrammable Trdelnik treat.
History
Prague has experienced dramatic historical upheaval. Today, after much turmoil and development, it stands out as an incredible, significant European metropolis, popular tourist destination and charming place to live that marries rich historical recollections with modern city buzz.
Since ancient times, people have lived near the Vltava River. Trade routes linking northern and southern Europe passed through here for millennia before Celts settled here and established Bohemia as their country of choice with Prague as its capital city.
Ottokar II of Bohemia founded what would later become the Old Town in 1328. Construction on New Town followed in 1425, and by 1771 Prague had reached 80,000 residents with rich merchants and noblemen adding palaces, churches and gardens in a baroque style that has made Prague famous worldwide.
At the conclusion of World War I, Czech (and later Czechoslovak) independence was declared with Prague serving as its capital city. Today Prague still serves as home for both the president, parliament and many national and central government entities as well as being home to most Czech political parties and churches.
Museums and galleries throughout the city feature classic to contemporary works of art. Additionally, there are operas and ballet performances at both major theatres as well as musical concerts throughout the year. There are many festivals and fairs held all throughout the year that add even more culture and entertainment options for visitors to explore.
The International Literary Festival, held each November, has long been associated with this city; Franz Kafka was perhaps its most acclaimed native son.
Wenceslas Square has long been at the heart of Prague, witnessing many important historical moments over its long history. Most notably, in 1969 Vaclav Havel was assassinated there and anarchy spread through Eastern Europe following that event.
Culture
Prague boasts an impressive cultural scene, featuring numerous museums, theatres, opera houses, galleries and architecture. Some acclaimed international artists, such as Kafka, Mucha and the Cubists have called Prague home during their careers; furthermore there is a strong Czech music scene with some of Europe’s top composers hailing from this region.
Prague is a visual feast, boasting elegant buildings from different historical periods. Soaring spires, cobblestone streets and baroque buildings create a fairy tale atmosphere. Many of Prague’s iconic structures have played witness to history-making events over time; Wenceslas Square in particular has witnessed more than its fair share of tragedies and uprisings throughout its long history, not to mention celebrations!
As Hapsburg rule spread across Europe, culture in Prague became richer and more varied; arts flourished tremendously with upper class residents enjoying high standards of living as part of a vibrant European city lifestyle. Franz Kafka wrote his works The Metamorphosis and Trial here while Albert Einstein once lived and worked here, too as well as Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak composing iconic lyric compositions to name just three examples.
No matter the political climate and upheaval in the 20th century, Prague remained resilient. Despite enduring less damage during World War II than other cities across Czechoslovak territory, many historic buildings remain standing. Furthermore, Prague became the focal point of an unusual short-lived reform movement led by Alexander Dubcek called Prague Spring that sought to restore democratic institutions.
Mission Impossible, Dungeons & Dragons, XXX and The Chronicles of Narnia have all used Los Angeles as the location for numerous films; foreign music videos including Never Tear Us Apart by INXS, Silver & Cold by Lasgo and Diamonds From Sierra Leone by Kanye West have also been shot there.
Nightlife
Prague has long been known for its vibrant nightlife scene, boasting bars and clubs to suit every type of night owl imaginable – from high culture events to hardcore techno parties – there’s always something new and exciting happening here!
Many stag dos and groups of lads visit New Town – Prague’s unofficial red-light district – for strip clubs that feature female dancers in skimpy outfits while you sink beer. Some of the best are located around Wenceslas Square; examples of which include Retro, Lucerna Cross Club Roxy Club M1 Lounge
If you prefer more refined entertainment, visit one of Prague’s more sophisticated bars like KU Bar, known for its top DJs playing house, commercial and other genres of music. Or if Latino sounds are your thing, head straight for La Macumba which offers Latin music events.
Fuchs2 boasts an upscale atmosphere with an extended dance floor and cocktail bar, but still puts music at its heart – with some of the top DJs from around the country providing live sets. Meanwhile, Fuchs1 in Holesovice features industrial decor with frequent thrash metal and drum&bass events.
Malostranska Beseda’s 2nd floor venue was formerly an unlit warehouse; today it hosts a vibrant live music program featuring both local bands and international talent. The rustic setting adds to its alternative vibe while low lighting creates an intimate experience for concertgoers.
Black Angel’s is another lively bar, serving delicious cocktails in vintage glasses and with a 1930s theme that mirrors its Gothic and Romanesque masonry. Meanwhile, Anonymous Bar, from V for Vendetta movie fame, wears Guy Fawkes masks while its low lighting creates an eerie gothic ambience – you can grab Doner kebab from nearby stalls while dancing while eating alongside it all! Don’t leave yet as there will also be sunrise views over Charles Bridge! Trams and buses run regularly from 4:30 am until midnight but then night service starts, with bus numbers posted at each stop for added fun!
Food
Czech cuisine is not known for being particularly exotic. Instead, its flavor profiles tend toward being savoury and meat-heavy rather than spicy or salty; most dishes include some sort of pork meat alongside potatoes or bread dumplings; exceptions can include fried cheese and cauliflower which can often be found on menus of Czech restaurants.
Kolrov kniha (pork hock), the signature food of Czech cuisine, can be enjoyed a number of ways. From soup and stewed wine sauces, to grilling over hot coals with potatoes or cabbage as an accompaniment. Furthermore, it’s often found stuffed into buns (pbsnk) or as part of hotdog – Prague-style!
Not to be missed are svtlaske polevky, which are steamed dumplings filled with meat and served with sauce. Although popular at Christmas markets, you’re sure to find vendors offering this treat year-round.
Prague offers delicious Asian cuisine as well. While some restaurants serve Vietnamese pho and Japanese ramen, most Asian eateries in Prague tend to be small and intimate – such as Nase Maso which requires reservations due to limited seating capacity.
An emerging trend in Prague is an increase in cocktail bars. One notable addition is Martinez in Vinohrady district which combines cocktails and Asian bar food under one roof – created by former Bonvivant owner Eduard. Schody Home Bar under Hradcanske namesti and Prague Castle also stands out on this front.
There is a wide array of cafes throughout Prague, both old and new. Old favorites like Cafe Savoy with its classical cafe tradition, Grand Cafe Orient with its exceptional Cubist interiors or cozy, Parisian-inspired Cafe Louvre; modern ones include Cafe Lounge offering world-renowned cappuccinos or enjoying traditional Czech gingerbread at Pernickuv sen shop.