Better known to the Czechs as ‘Praha’, the historic city of Prague dates back over 1,000 years. Once upon a time, the city was the great capital of the Holy Roman Empire and then of Czechoslovakia. In 1989, the city became free of the Soviet regime, before finally the Czech Republic separated from Slovakia. Today, it is a thriving capital city, home to 1.3 million people, and a popular destination for visitors who leave enchanted by its medieval charm and heritage.
As soon as you arrive in the heart of this old city, you’ll be greeted by its rich mix of architectural styles, with Renaissance, Gothic, baroque, art nouveau and modernist buildings and monuments towering over the skyline. Head for the Týn Church where you’ll see three of these styles brought together in one structure. Elsewhere, look out for the Dancing House (Tančící dům), Prague’s most famous modern building.
The Vltava River courses through the city, separating the Old Town from what is known as the Lesser Town. Here you’ll find the dominating Prague Castle. You can cross the river on the iconic Charles Bridge (Karlův Most).
Explore the Vyšehrad Castle and its picturesque gardens as well as its fortified walls which afford a commanding view of the cityscape. You’ll be able to see its great churches such as St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála Sv. Víta) which have led the city to be dubbed the ‘City of 100 Spires’. Head for the Jewish Cemetery and take a look in the Powder Tower (Prašná brána) where you’ll discover amazing medieval exhibits.
Prague is a charming fairy-tale-like city to admire and observe from afar, but is also a destination rich in art and nightlife, making it a popular travel destination for all kinds of people. When looking around the city, bear in mind that whilst tour guides may speak English, many locals do not.
Pleasantly warm in the summer, come the winter Prague is often chilly, albeit very picturesque in the falling snow. Come rain or shine however, the city always happily welcomes its visitors with its tantalising locally-made pastries not to mention its cheap Czech beer.
