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Visiting Prague is a right of passage for many travellers and is one of the most travelled to destinations in Europe. It’s also home to a number of well-known cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of WWII.
Thanks to the many towers, churches, cathedrals and buildings, Prague, or Praha, is appropriately nicknamed “The City of a Hundred Spires.” In the 19th century, Bernardo Bolzano counted 103 towers and spires on all of the cathedrals and buildings, hence the moniker given to the city. Prague is also referred to as the “The Golden City of One Hundred Spires.”
The streets are lined with grand Baroque styled buildings in an array of pastel colours adorned with intricate details, which will have your jaw dropped in amazement as you stand in the presence of their beauty. Prague demands your attention as you wander the not so quiet streets, with large towers that once stood as gates to the city and Gothic Cathedrals that make you stop in your tracks to admire the architectural beauty.
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is a popular destination for not only Europeans looking to have a holiday weekend getaway, but for travellers and backpackers around the world. With its “party all night” reputation that in my opinion, almost rivals that of Amsterdam’s party scene, Prague is certainly on most traveller’s bucket list destinations for a slew of reasons, not only the 6am club closing times.
If you’re like me and partying is not your scene, Prague is without a doubt, a historic city that is full of life and culture that cannot be dismissed. How can you visit Prague and not try traditional food and drink like Svíčková, koláče and yes, the Czech pilsner. I mean, you have to try the beer, right!? 😉
If you are planning a trip soon, Czech out my comprehensive list of top things to do in Prague for first time visitors.
See what I did there? 😉 You’re welcome.
Walk Along Charles Bridge
Noted as one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Europe, the magnificent Charles Bridge is not to be missed while in Prague. Yes, it’s touristy, yes, it’s always (and I mean always) rammed with people shoulder to shoulder with one another, but damn, it is stunning. The bridge spans a lengthy 516 metres long, 9.5 metres wide and and hangs 13 metres above the Vltava River. Being one of the main attractions along the Royal Route, it’s easy to imagine what is must’ve looked like having Royalty cross the bridge while descending from the Prague Castle. Charles IV had it built in 1357 and its completion date was 1402. The gothic bridge is built of strong sandstone and lined with 30 statues and groups of statues along the edges. Most of them were created at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. The two massive towers at each end of the Charles Bridge are gorgeous in detail and provide an amazing view if you climb to to top.
Wander Around Malá Strana
One of my favourite areas of Prague is just a short walk over the Charles Bridge. Malá Strana, also known as Lesser Town, is a hillside neighbourhood with views across the Vltava river to the old town. Hotels, casual eateries and traditional Czech bars line its narrow streets, while beautiful architecture surrounds you, no matter which road you decide to take. I found Malá Strana to be very chill and had much fewer tourists than I had originally thought. It was quiet and the prices were much better than in the Old Town Square. I mean, I was able to get a beer for 29 CZK, which is about $1.72 CAD at the time of this post. *Mind Blown*
Prague Castle
Prague Castle, or Pražský Hrad in Czech, is a castle complex in Prague which serves as the official residence and workplace of the president of the Czech Republic. Built in the 9th century, the castle has long served as the seat of power for Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. There is so much to see and do up at the castle grounds, so don’t feel as though you absolutely need to buy a ticket to tour the interiors of the buildings, however, I wish I had more time and would’ve done the full tour. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world and occupies an area of almost 70,000 square metres (750,000 square feet), making it absolute massive in size. The architecture within the castle grounds is a unique blend of styles from different periods, reflecting its long and complex history, including the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, Romanesque Basilica of St. George, a monastery and several palaces, gardens and defense towers. If you want to do the full tour, I suggest getting there early and buying your tickets in advance. If you just want to putter around the grounds with little tourists, go there around 6pm. I did just that and there was basically nobody around except a few stragglers. You’ll also have front row seats to a gorgeous sunset view of Prague Old Town below.
Visit Old Town Square
The popular Old Town square, or Staroměstské náměstí, is a must visit for all first time visitors to the Czech Republic. Despite it being jam packed with tourists all throughout the day and night, it is definitely a must see due to the beautiful architecture surrounding it. The Old Town Square of historical Prague is without a doubt the most significant. Founded in the 12th century, this public square has been witness to many historical events. In addition to the stunning Old Town Hall and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn, the square is dominated by the Baroque Church of St Nicholas, the Rococo Kinský Palace, the Gothic House at the Stone Bell and the monument to Jan Hus. In the pavement of the square just by the Town Hall, you’ll also find the memorial markings that depict the execution of 27 Czech lords in 1621.
Jewish Quarter
A nice quiet area to walk around in while visiting Prague, is the old Jewish Quarter, or more commonly referred to as Josefov. Jews have reportedly settled in Prague back in the 10th century and eventually were walled into a Ghetto in the 13th century, after they were told to vacate their homes and be moved into that Ghetto, which was then demolished between 1893 and 1913. The area even survived Nazi occupation during WWII because Hitler intended to preserve the Jewish Quarter in Prague as a “Museum of an Extinct Race”. Currently Josefov is surrounded by larger Neo-Classical style architecture, which is famous in Prague and is filled with locally run stores, restaurants and shops. I stayed near this area during the second half of my stay and it was quite nice and quiet at night.
Astronomical Clock
Ask any tourist to Prague if they’ve seen the iconic Astronomical Clock and they will surely nod, “yes.” Ask them if they understand how it works, chances are you’ll get a head shake meaning, “no.” The Prague Astronomical Clock, or Prague Orloj is a medieval astronomical clock attached to the Old Town Hall in Prague’s Old Town Square. The clock was first installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest clock still in operation. At the end of World War II, its underground served as the centre of the Prague Uprising against Nazism and the town hall was almost completely destroyed by shelling. Not even the bell from 1313 survived and the altar of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary was also severely damaged. Now, every hour, on the hour between 9 am and 11 pm, the twelve apostles appear with ringing bells by the skeleton figure, which draws hundreds of onlookers taking videos and photos.
Climb A Tower For Amazing Views
Choose your tower! With a nickname dubbed “the city of a hundred spires,” Prague is not short of towers to climb for incredible views. The Old Town Hall Tower, Old Town Bridge Tower, Lesser Town Bridge Tower, Powder Tower, St. Nicholas Church Bell Tower are just a few of the many different ones to choose from. Make sure to get there early though to avoid the long lineups of tourists attempting to get great views as well. I climbed the Old Town Bridge Tower, which gives you fantastic 360 degree views of Prague.
Dancing House
I actually came across these intertwined buildings by complete accident while taking a walk along the river. The Dancing House (Tančící dům), or Ginger and Fred, is the nickname given to the building. It was designed by the Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry on a vacant riverfront plot. The building was designed in 1992 and the construction was completed four years later in 1996. It’s now a spot where tourist come to take an infamous photo (think leaning tower of Pisa in Italy) and you can get rooftop views for free, but you need to buy a drink. Worth it? Maybe not, but if you’re in and around the area and looking for something to do, you might want to check out the rooftop.
Wenceslas Square
Deep in the centre of New Town Prague, you will find this massive and famous square. Wenceslas Square is one of the main city squares and the centre of the business and cultural communities. Many historical events occurred there, and it is a traditional setting for demonstrations, celebrations, and other public gatherings. The square was created during the founding of the New Town by Charles IV in 1348. Today it is dominated by the National Museum (1885—1891) and Josef Václav Myslbek’s statue of the national patron St. Wenceslas from 1912. Back in the late 80’s, the Velvet Revolution took place and many protesters gathered in Wenceslas Square. It was considered a non-violent transition of power in what was then Czechoslovakia and occurred from November 17th to November 28th 1989.
Powder Tower
Standing tall in the heart of Prague is the beautiful Gothic Powder Tower. Completed in 1475, the Powder Tower, which formerly served as a gunpowder store (hence the name), is still the starting point for the Coronation, or Royal Route to Prague Castle. It is one of the original city gates and separates the Old Town from the New Town. The viewing gallery at the top is located 44 metres up. If you want to save some money, keep in mind that you can get admission to the tower for 50% off, during the first opening hour every single day. To save 50%, I’d say it’s definitely worth setting your alarm clock.
Walk Along The Vltava River
After filling up on Czech food and beer, hit the streets for a casual and stunning walk along the streets above the Vltava River. The views of the architecture lining the river are fascinating in itself. There are a ton of great viewpoints of the castle and there are also benches placed under large trees to provide you with shade and the perfect stopping point to people watch.
Eat Real Traditional Czech Food
If you’re walking along the streets of Prague, I can almost guarantee you that you will come across a plethora of shops claiming to sell the traditional Czech trdelník. Although trdelník is usually presented as a “traditional Czech cake” or “old Bohemian pastry,” it is as traditional Czech as an American hotdog…it’s not…at all. Save yourself the money and try some real traditional Czech foods and desserts that will have you wondering, “why the hell did I just spend 8 Euros on this dough cone?” Instead, try some Svíčková, which is a classic Czech creamy sauce of root vegetables, thickened with roux, and softened with cream. The translation into English might be “Beef sirloin in cream sauce”, as the dish also includes slow-braised beef. Usually accompanying the sauce are the famous bread dumplings, which are incredible with the sauce. 10/10 recommended. Hovězí guláš (Beef Goulash) is another standout dish you have to try. Czech cuisine is very meat heavy, but I’m sure you can find meatless options, if that’s your thing. For all the veggies out there, you have to try Smažený sýr (Fried Cheese). Typically served with potatoes, or french fries and a side of tarter sauce (yes, it makes sense once you try it), this dish is the perfect one to have with a few glasses of beer. Trust me. My new favourite soup since visiting Prague, is garlic soup, or Česnečka polévka. It is a clear soup with fresh garlic, flavored with marjoram and is often accompanied by bread croutons, cheese, or diced ham. It is absolutely the best soup I’ve ever had in my life…and I’ve eaten lots of soup. Of course, I cannot forget the tasty chlebíček. It is a type of open sandwich with various toppings and garnishes. It is often served as an appetizer dish, or as a snack. There are so many variations and the price is typically low, but high on taste. Don’t skip out on trying them!
Drink Czech Beer
If it’s one things Czechs know a lot about, it’s definitely pivo (beer). Did you know that Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world? Statistics say that one Czech adult person drinks on average, 160 litres of beer a year! The most popular is simple golden lager, which is a light beer called Pilsner because the first beer of this kind was made in Plzeň – a beautiful city approximately one hour from Prague. Another great Czech beer is called “řezané pivo,” which is a mixture of half-dark and half-light beer. Beer in Czech republic is typically cheaper than water and other beverages, especially in the places where the locals hang out. If you’re paying over $4 for a beer, you’re probably being ripped off. 😉
Take a Day Trip
Do yourself a favour while in Prague and explore the other towns, cities and country side of Czech Republic. The country has an extensive rail and bus route infrastructure, so you can be in an entirely different place within a couple hours. Some other places to consider visiting are: Děčín, Hřensko, Karlovy Vary, Plžen, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Olomouc and SO many more. I visited Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora for day trips and was happy to be out of the hustle and bustle of Prague for a few day trips. Keep in mind that Český Krumlov takes a few hours to get to by bus, but in my opinion, if you arrive early, it’s worth it and you’ll skip the hoards of tourists.
Shoot Guns
Looking to have a blast while in Prague? Well, quite literally, you can blast off some heavy duty guns with Shooting Range Prague. Easily one of the best activities I’ve done while travelling, popping off some rounds at the gun range was a great way to boost the adrenaline. After booking your range day, depending on the time of year, you’ll go shoot at an indoor, or outdoor range, get picked up straight from your hotel and dropped back off. Easy peasy! You get to choose from packages ranging from 1 gun, to 10 guns and even more if you want. I went for the 10 gun package and shot everything from an AK47 Kalashnikov, to a SVD Dragunov Sniper Rifle and a .44 Magnum Taurus Revolver, oh and did I mention the AR15 (M16) Assault Rifle .223 Remington? Yea, it was the most badass thing I’ve done on a trip. The instructors are educated, former, or active police/military (usually) and are the nicest people ever. My instructor was an absolute stud too. 😉 Don’t fuck around though, these guys are strapped and ready to act in case you have any dumb ideas. 20/10 can recommend doing this on your next trip to Prague.
Relax At A Beer Spa
After shooting some guns, what better way to relax than a trip to a spa. Not just any spa though, a beer spa. Hear me out…Yes, I know it isn’t necessarily a traditional thing to do, it might even be considered a tourist trap, but I did one in Poland and now the Czech Republic and I love them! I booked a private room and prior to your hour spa time, the spa employee readies your room, places your snacks in there for you (if you chose to have any) and explains the process and benefits for your skin, which I did notice…touristy, or not. My skin did feel softer. You’ll also have a room to change in afterwards and a shower to use to rinse off. Oh and the best part? You quite literally have a beer tap all to yourself, which pours out unlimited amounts of beer for your hour spa time. I guess they don’t call it a beer spa for nothing.
How To Get To Prague City Centre
After arriving at Prague International Airport (Václav Havel Airport Prague, formerly Prague Ruzyně International Airport), you’ll be greeted by lineups of taxis ready to whisk you away to the city centre of Prague’s New, or Old Town. Before hopping into a cab, which will definitely cost you more than you should be willing to pay for a ride (unless needed, of course), why not try to navigate the incredibly easy and efficient Prague Public Transit System? It’s almost too easy! Make sure to purchase your ticket at one of the ticket machines in the airport at the arrivals area just before heading outside. You’ll need to buy the ticket lasting 90 mins to get you to where you need to go. Once you exit the airport, you will see the public bus line up area. Make sure to punch your ticket to validate it before you get onto the bus. The ticket costs about 40 CZK, so you don’t want your cheap trip to the city centre to turn into an expensive one with a nice fine! Take the bus 119 (this may change from the time of this post) to Nádraží Veleslavín subway stop (it’ll be the very last stop, so when everyone is getting off the bus, just follow suit), where you must transfer to subway line A (green) and you can continue to downtown (Mustek), or any other station.
Where To Stay
Prague has numerous districts to stay in with a variety of accommodations to suit every budget, ranging from budget backpacker to ritzy and glitzy glamour. Keep in mind that staying in the Old Town is the most sought after place and even for a small apartment, you will be paying a premium to be near all the tourist attractions. A good option that is a little cheaper, but doesn’t compromise on style, or amenities, is grabbing an apartment in the New Town, near Wenceslas Square. Prague is a very walkable city, so no matter where you situate yourself, you’re just a walk away from all the attractions. I stayed in both the Old Town (Jewish Quarter to be exact) and the New Town. I found that staying in the New Town area was much quieter than the Old Town and had way less tourists walking around and chatting at all hours of the nights on the streets. I stayed in an apartment, as well as a hotel and both were great options to switch it up.
Where To Eat & Drink
If you have been reading my blog for awhile now, you’ll know I love to eat traditional foods as much as possible. I’m not looking to spend the most money to eat either, but don’t shy away from treating myself, of course. Prague is full of hidden gems, tourists haunts and everything in between. Here are just a few places that I went and ate that will have your taste buds completely satisfied.
Lokál U Jiráta: Lokál restaurants are situated all throughout Prague and is celebrated for its authentic Czech cuisine, which is reasonably priced, delicious and served inside a traditional beer hall atmosphere. Often filled with locals (hence the name) you’ll more often than not even be seated with the locals themselves. The place is buzzing with energy, people enjoying a glass, or 6 of beer while spilling onto the streets outside.
Restaurace Karlův Sklep: Unpretentious and as local as it could get, this restaurant will have you wanting more. While the service isn’t the best, or most friendly (which is quite common from authentic restaurants I’ve heard), they make up for it with the food. The beer is cold and the meals are all authentic Czech dishes, so you won’t find anything fake here. When I arrived, I was the only tourist in the place surrounded by regulars and what seemed to be Czech heavy rock coming from the TV in the top corner of the restaurant. Do yourself a favour and visit this off the tourist track restaurant. Get the svíčková na smetaně…you’re welcome.
Restaurace Mincovna: Okay, I know I’ve always mentioned to not eat the the town square, as the prices are usually inflated more than a pretty girl being told she’s pretty all the time. LOL. Jokes aside, this place was 10/10 amazing and the prices were actually not horrible. I treated myself to a great meal here for my last night in Prague and I would definitely recommend eating here. I got the goulash and potato dumplings. Boy, was it incredible. I made a reservation for the night while walking by because finding a place to eat supper at in Prague, on Friday night is a mission in itself. The service was incredible and the beer was straight from the tap served ice cold.
Restaurace U Mlynáře: Head over to the Mala Strana neighbourhood for a change of scenery and from what I found (in October, at least) is way less tourists. This little hidden gem serves beers on tap for 29CZK, which is less than $2 CAD. This is maddening for me, as a Canadian to think of, since the same size beer here would run me about $9 – $10. This little cozy restaurant/pub, is a great stopping point on the way to, or from the castle grounds.
I loved the Czech Republic so much, that I’m mentally preparing my next trip there in 2025. 😉 With so many great places to visit in the country, so much great food to try and a very relaxed, friendly culture, it’s an easy decision to want to revisit. Have you guys ever been to the Czech Republic? If you have, did you only visit Prague, or did you visit other places? Let me know in the comments below! xo
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