Prague, the magical city of a hundred spires, has been captivating visitors for centuries with its rich history and unique charm. Located in the heart of Europe, this city hides countless stories within its ancient walls, from pastel-colored houses to magnificent castles
Walking Through the Streets of Prague
Walking through the streets of Prague is like traveling through time. From romantic bridges to colorful squares where the scents of Czech beer and sweets merge, Prague is a city that can be experienced with all senses. As the most famous Czech writer Franz Kafka wrote: ‘Prague never lets you go. Not you, not me. This dear little mother has sharp claws. One has to adapt to it.’
The first encounter with Prague is like discovering a magical world. Its silhouette, combining Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassicism elements, creates the impression of an endless fairy tale. In the center of Prague, time somehow stopped, leaving us the gift of an almost untouched city from a more romantic era, predating the noise of modern traffic and concrete buildings.
Discovering Prague Beyond the Crowds
To begin with, you should get away from the tourist crowds. Prague’s attractions are so popular that they are often overrun with visitors, just like those in Rome, Paris, or Venice. If you follow the crowd, you’ll spend most of your time waiting in lines. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid the crowds. Sometimes all you need to do is change the time. Do you want the best view of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral?
Simply take a walk before breakfast, crossing the Charles Bridge during sunrise, when the only people on the street are cleaners and professional photographers. With an almost empty bridge and the sound of Vltava as your only company, you will feel the “unbearable lightness of being,” as if walking through the sentences written by Milan Kundera.
The Heart of the City: Charles Bridge
The monumental 14th-century bridge is the heart of the city. Built during the reign of Charles IV, it connects the two souls of Prague: Staré Město and Malá Strana. The bridge’s most prominent features are its statues, giving it a somewhat mystical aura. There are 30 statues lining the bridge on both sides, making the crossing between the two sides of the city wonderful. The magnificent Prague Castle can be seen from the bridge, a symbol of the Czech state as the seat of Czech kings and then Czech presidents for over a thousand years.
Exploring Prague Castle
Walk through the largest medieval castle in the world, see the Old Royal Palace, explore St. Vitus Cathedral, visit St. George’s Basilica, and stroll along the picturesque Golden Lane. We also recommend a walk through the Royal Garden, where, in addition to numerous enchanting corners, you will come across Renaissance gems such as Queen Anne’s Summer Palace, also known as the Belvedere.
The Charm of Staré Město
On the eastern bank of the Vltava, the Staré Město with its medieval charm dances through time, combining narrow streets, monumental squares, and churches in a unique symphony of history. The Old Town Square is the center of all events in Prague.
Surrounded by historical buildings, two recognizable Prague attractions are also located here: the famous astronomical clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. The most prestigious boulevard in Prague reminiscent of the chic French capital whose name it bears is also located nearby – Pařížska Street. Luxury shops, historical monuments, and magnificent architecture create a truly charming atmosphere.
The Modern Touch: The Dancing House
Be sure to go to New Town, where the building that once caused a lot of controversy in the city is hidden. The architectural masterpiece, the Dancing House, is one of the symbols of modern Prague. It was designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry, an American. The concept was inspired by the dancing skills of the famous film couple, so the stone tower symbolizes Fred Astaire, and the glass one his partner Ginger Rogers.
Prague’s Culinary Scene
Prague is not just a historical painting. Behind its old walls hides a pulsating culinary scene. The new generation of chefs and sommeliers is reviving Czech cuisine, and beer halls and wine shops offer a mouth-watering selection. The area around Dlouhá Street in Staré Město has become a foodie’s paradise. A small but lively corner of gastronomic innovation is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town Square.
Here you can find Michelin restaurants, charming cafes, cosmopolitan pubs, and original diners. One of them is Marie B, a restaurant offering an exceptional dining experience with a unique carte blanche menu using local produce.
The area is also home to two Michelin restaurants, La Degustation and 420, featuring new directions and flavors of Czech cuisine. The latter is located in a gorgeous 15th-century building right next to the astronomical clock.
Breathtaking Views and Toasting Prague
Prague also boasts excellent seafood restaurants. Zdenek’s Oyster Bar bases its menu on the world’s best quality oysters, which, of course, are paired with the finest bubbly. Guests can choose from an astounding 180 types of champagne, from renowned houses to lesser-known brands produced in family cellars.
And finally, if you want to have Prague in the palm of your hand, then Fly Vista in the new part of the city is the best spot. The bar with its distinctive marble bar offers 100 types of champagne to toast the Golden City.
Text Hrvoje Bulešić
Photos CzechTourism / Lubomir Stiburek, Pavel Dosoudil, Filip Stoklasa, Libor Sváček, Shutterstock / Sampajano Anizza, MisterVlad, Natalia Fedori, Unsplash & Le Degustation
