What to see in Prague
Top guides: what to see and what to do in Prague in 2, 3 and 4 days.
The first thing a tourist will want to know, when visiting a new country for the first time for a few days, is what to see to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Today we are departing for Prague.
Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic in the center of Europe, is a magical city. It is full of legends, and even the history of the founding of the city is like a fairy tale. It tells the story of the wise housekeeper Libushe, who was of astounding beauty and possessed the secret magic gift of foresight.
But people who visit Prague do not go there for the legends and fairy tales. It is a very hospitable city with beautifully preserved architecture, of a fascinating beauty. And these days even the prices of hotels in Prague are inviting! Plan your trip with our site and discover 10 excellent reasons for visiting Prague.
If you are still looking for a hotel in Prague, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 400 hotels with prices, photos and comments). Or use the site hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer! In addition, consider buying the Prague Card; this local discount card gives you free or cheaper entry to most museums, a welcome saving!
All the places described are indicated on the map at the end of the page.
For further information including the most recent information on Prague and surroundings we advise you to visit www.seepraha.com, which is most useful.
The center of Prague: The Old Town Square, the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock
The stone-paved square that is known as Prague’s Old Town Square, is the oldest, if not the most ancient square and dates back to before the 12th century. Around the perimeter of the Old Town Square is a wonderful architectural complex made up of numerous historical buildings built in the Baroque and Gothic styles. Among them it is worth noting the Church of Santa Maria in Tyn, the Church of San Nicola and the famous monument to Jan Hus. The most famous building is the Prague Town Hall and its astronomical clock (Orloj), the pride of science and the art of horology in Prague of the XV century. Perhaps you will not be able to know what the time is, nor determine the ascendant of the Zodiac or the phase of the moon, but just one look at the astronomical clock will be sufficient to realize how fascinating it is.
The Charles Bridge
In the XIV century Charles IV laid the first stone for the bridge. Today this "passageway" on the Vltava river is a veritable museum! Local musicians, souvenir shops, imposing and majestic statues flanking the sides: it is a magical place, a portal which leads from the Prague Castle to the Old Town.
The Fortress of Prague Castle
This is a huge depositary of history and the most beautiful of the noblemen’s residences. Inside the castle, dedicate particular attention to the Saint Vitus Cathedral. Access to the inside of the fortress is permitted only after a security check, so there is sometimes a queue to get in! To avoid wasting time go to seepraha.com for a one-day or half-day visit to the Prague Castle.
How to get there: you can take the tram to the " Pražský hrad" tram stop or the metro to the "Malostranská" station, then it’s a 10-minute walk.
Opening times: from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance to the complex opens at 6 am. We advise you to arrive between 8 and 8.30, because the queue starts to form after 9 am.
Cost of the ticket: 250 CZK / €9.20 / $9.80 (free with the Prague Card) for all the major monuments of Prague Castle. Entry into the complex is free.
Malá Strana
This is the most beautiful place in Prague. To get there walk across Charles Bridge. The Malá Strana in Prague is famous for places such as the Church of San Nicola (you can climb the tower), the gardens of Vrbov, Santa Maria in Tyn church and the gardens of Petrin, where the mini Eiffel Tower, 60 meters high (200 ft.), is located; it is worthwhile climbing to the top to admire the panorama.
The Spanish Synagogue, The Jewish Museum
The Synagogue of Prague, built in Moorish style, which is unusual for Prague, deserves a visit. You can admire the architecture of the exterior, the internal walls and naves decorated with arabesques and stuccoes. The Spanish Synagogue is part of the Jewish Museum Complex composed of five expositions. The complex is dedicated entirely to the Jewish culture and it is the place most visited by tourists!
How to get there: one minute from the metro station Staroměstská (city center).
Opening times: from 9 am to 6 pm (in winter to 4.30 pm). Closed on Saturday.
Prices: the ticket, which includes all five places, costs 300 CZK / €11 / $12 (free with the Prague Card).
The Dancing House of Prague
The architectural composition of Prague personifies the originality of Prague: in this city, the houses dance too! The glass building which narrows at the center representing a waistline is called Ginger. Her partner Fred is represented by the adjacent building in concrete with a metal roof. The top floor of the Dancing House is occupied by the "Glass Bar" with a panoramic platform.
Excursions near Prague
Close to Prague, on the border with Germany, there is a surprising European park: the Saxon and Czech Switzerland. Rent a car and visit the park by yourself or book a day trip with a tour company. More information on this excursion is described on the site seepraha.com
Local food: what and where to eat in Prague
Start tasting the local delicacies in the main square, the Old Town Square. The street hawkers sell traditional dishes such as hot-dogs with Prague salami or spiral potatoes. Other Czech delicacies are duck and pork dishes, Trdelník, soup in a basket of bread (Polévka), which you can try in a restaurant (5-15 euros a head).
Prague by Night
Walk around the most important streets and alleys of Prague to the Charles Bridge, visit a couple of unusual bars and taste the street food. The center of Prague and the main bars are marked on the map: Hemingway Bar, Ice pub, Cloud 9 sky bar & lounge. Also, do not miss the Old Town Hall by night; there is a fantastic view from here as can be seen in the photo.
Hotels in Prague: where to sleep
Hotels in Prague are much cheaper than any other European capital. This means you can stay in the center of Prague. But if you want to save money, you can also stay outside the center; the important thing is to choose accommodation near a metro station or tram. Public transportation is very good, so moving around the city presents no problem.
If you are still looking for a hotel in Prague, choose from among those you can find on booking.com (about 400 hotels with prices, photos and comments). Or use the site hotelscombined.com, where you can compare prices and find an enticing offer!
For further information including the most recent information on Prague and surroundings we advise you to visit www.seepraha.com, which is most useful.