Vacation In Prague
Before I tell you more about other tourist attractions in the city, I want to share some nice places we enjoyed during our stay at Vacation In Prague. The U Zlateho Tygra is situated a little off the beaten track, but it’s unbeatable in terms of atmosphere and food. The restaurant has been serving top quality Czech food for over sixty years now, and they know what they’re doing.
Got a thing for castles, beer and cobblestone streets? Then start your Prague vacation now.
Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and covers a vast expanse of land nestled between the borders of Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. It’s known for its dark ages castle, its vibrant colors and confectioneries, and its baroque architecture. Though a lovely place to visit during any season, Prague is known just as much for summer as it is winter — it’s actually one of the best travel destinations to visit in summer if you’re looking to escape the cold. Here’s why:
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Vacation In Prague
One of the few European cities that preserved its stunning architecture through the centuries, Prague has that unmistakable Old-World feel, blending it with a modern, 21st-century vibe.
During our latest visit, my family and I spent about a week in Prague, staying in an apartment within walking distance from the historic city center. The 18th-century building with high ceilings, enormous rooms, walls decorated with baroque elements, and large, recessed windows made us feel like we were living in a castle. The wooden armoire closets and antique, baroque mirrors in the bedrooms added to this quaint charm. At the same time, the large kitchen filled with the newest gadgets and appliances gave the home a contemporary feel.
The apartment was a perfect example of the city, blending old, historic elements with the most modern ones. It also offered a great base for exploring Prague, while giving us an opportunity to feel like locals. Based on that experience, here are a few things to know before your first visit to the capital city of the Czech Republic.
1. Prague’s Architecture Will Leave You In Awe
The first thing you’ll notice when visiting Prague is its stunning architecture. Its buildings dating from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras stand intact. Unlike those in other European cities, they survived both WWII and the Communist regime without much damage.
This makes Prague’s urban historical center the largest on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with its well-preserved area showcasing about 4,000 monuments. The city’s oldest buildings date from the Middle Ages, which along with added elements from the following centuries, resulted in a gorgeous architectural ensemble with an unparalleled historical value.
Walking through the historical buildings in Prague you might feel you are in an interactive, outdoor museum of architecture.
2. The Old Town Square Is The Perfect Place To Start Your Visit
To start enjoying the stunning architectural marvels of the city, begin your visit in the Old Town Square. No matter what direction you approach it from, all roads seem to lead to it.
Close to the square, these roads lined by historical buildings become pedestrian only. Street artists, impromptu classical and contemporary music shows, puppets shows, and dances entertain you as you walk and especially in the square. Street vendors and outdoor cafes offer a place to sit and watch people walk by while listening to dozens of languages being spoken.
Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall strike the hour. It is quite a spectacle. Stop by early, or you’ll have trouble getting close since an immense crowd gathers in front as the hour draws close.
While there, walk up into the Old Town Hall tower, visit the museum, and enjoy the views of the square and the city. Take a spiral ramp walkway or a glass elevator that leads to the top.
3. Walking Across The Famous Charles Bridge Is Must-Have Experience
Flanked by two historic towers, the famous Charles Bridge connects the Old Town with the castle and the rest of the city across the Vltava River. The Gothic Old Town Bridge tower and the Lesser Town Bridge tower serve as entrances to the bridge that’s lined with statues of saints on both sides.
According to locals, King Charles personally laid the first brick of the bridge in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at 5:31 in the morning. According to numerology, King Charles believed in, the resulting sequence of uneven numbers from 1 to 9 and back (the date read 135797531) assured that the bridge would last forever.
The pedestrian-only, medieval stone arch bridge is a favorite walking spot for tourists and locals alike. During the day it’s always busy and ultimately turns into a bazaar for street vendors, entertainers, artists, and artisans. To beat the crowds, walk across the bridge at sunrise, or late at night.
4. You’ll Find The Largest Ancient Castle In The World In Prague
Across the Vltava River, opposite the Old Town, Prague Castle dominates the landscape. Visible from most of the city, it is the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Not merely a castle, but a castle complex, it covers an area of 43.5 square miles filled with temples, palaces, towers, and other historic buildings.
Though every building in the castle is an architectural masterpiece, nothing quite compares to the Saint Vitus Cathedral, the most visited place on the Castle grounds.
Started in 1344, it took a few centuries and generations of builders and artists to complete the cathedral, resulting in a stunning architectural masterpiece, featuring several styles and stone artwork with elaborate details.
Since it is one of the most visited spots in Prague, the Saint Vitus Cathedral is always busy. Count on waiting about 40 minutes to get in, but the experience is well worth the wait.