Sights:

Whether you choose to wander through its labyrinth of twisting little streets to the Old Town Square with its dominant features, the Old Town Hall tower featuring a unique astronomical clock, or take a stroll across the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest in central Europe, you are certain to enjoy the city’s splendid architecture at every step. Prague Castle, the millennia-old residence of kings and the seat of the President of the Republic, together with the slim towers of St Vitus Cathedral, offer an unrivaled panoramic view. Petrin Hill, accessible by a mountain tram, provides a magnificent view of the city and has a lookout in the form of a reduced-size copy of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Gothic Old-New Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in central Europe, has been serving its purpose for some 700 years. The Old Jewish Cemetery fascinates visitors with an array of more than 12,000 tombstones, the oldest of which date from the 15^th century.

Our tip:

Upon arrival, buy a copy of the Prague Post, an English newspaper, where you can find everything that’s happening around town from entertainment and dining to the latest events. www.praguepost.com

Get acquainted:

The best opportunity to get acquainted with this Mother of Cities is to take a walk as many sights are confined to quite a small area. Our favorite long walk can be split into several short ones.

Part one: starts at the Museum metro station, the home of National Museum and close vicinity to State Opera. Inside of National Museum, the rich marbled decor is impressive, but it completely overwhelms the somewhat antique, uninspiring collections. If opera seems like perfect event to complement your evening, check out the program for Opera’s showing. Take a stroll down the Vaclavske Namesti (Wenceslas Square) towards Mustek to explore all the crystal, art, and jewelry shops along the way.

Enticing eateries are located in the middle of this square at Vodickova Street. Turn left from the square and continue one to two blocks down, keeping to the left side of the street. If you are missing some good Italian food Pizza Coloseum will fill the urge. If you prefer something traditional with some good beer Staroprazska Pivnice is a safe bet with an ambiance of a classic Czech brewery.

Once at the bottom of Vaclavske Namesti (Wenceslas Square) turn right towards Prasna Brana (Gothic Powder Gate) the beginning of the Royal Route. This little stretch of Na Prikope Street houses the Mucha Museum that offers you a unique view into the world of Alphonse Mucha, one of the most celebrated artists of the Art Nouveau period. If you are a Mozart fan, you should make sure to review the schedule at Estate Theater (Stavovske Divadlo). A Mecca for Mozart fans, Don Giovanni had its debut here in 1787 with Mozart at the piano conducting the orchestra. This theater also premiered the Czech national anthem.

Part two: The Royal Route, the name of this walk is derived from the coronation processions of the Bohemian kings and queens who once passed along it. The Gate leads into one of Prague’s oldest streets, Celetna Street. The street is lined with baroque and rococo houses with unusual house signs. At the end of Celetna Street is the Old Town Square. Here, the processions halted beside Tyn Church for pledges of loyalty from the university. 

From this point, proceed to the Old Town Hall, one of the most striking buildings in Prague. Take the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee or stein of beer at an outdoor café while admiring the workmanship of the Town Hall Astronomical Clock. The centerpiece of this show, called the Procession of the 12 Apostles, draws a crowd of spectators every time the clock strikes the hour. At the end of the display, a rooster crows and the clock chimes the hour.

From the square go towards Parizska Street.  At the corner of this street and the square is the Church of St. Nicholas, an acclaimed architectural masterpiece.  Now continue on to the oldest synagogue in central Europe, the Gothic Old-New Synagogue and Old Jewish Cemetery.  While here, explore the Jewish Quarter.

Parizska Street will get you to the bank of Vltava River. Once at the bank of the river turn left and continue towards Charles Bridge. Walk along the bank past the 14^th century Charles University, which has maintained its reputation for high-quality education to this day. You will also pass by Rudolfinum, the Neo-Renaissance concert hall.  Check their schedule to experience the home of the world renowned Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Part three: Charles Bridge, approach this magnificent 14^th century bridge with its rows of baroque statues. Cross the bridge (where we got engaged!) admiring the view of the many bridges crossing the river and the surrounding city views. Continue across the bridge to the picturesque tower that leads into Mostecka Street. At the end of this street is Malostranske Namesti  (Little Quarter Square).

If you feel like listening to some good jazz, a great place is just down the street from Little Quarter Square at Karmelitska #23 Street, “U Maleho Glena”. An iIdeal place to meet and be met, it features live music every night ‘til 1 a.m.

Now depart the square via Nerudova Street. At the end of this street you turn right and walk up the Castle ramp that leads you to Hradcanske Square. This is where the royal procession ended with the coronation held at St. Vitus Cathedral. Once inside the castle walls, visit the Loreto Monastery and the large baroque tower with its set of 27 bells. Next proceed toward Zlata Ulicka (Golden Lane). These picturesque artisans’ cottages along the inside of the castle walls were built in the late 16^th century for the castle’s guards and gunners. You can finish your walk by exploring the castle’s gardens.

Leaving the castle by tram is the best way, we would suggest tram #22 towards National Theater. Exit the tram at National Theater station and review the theater shows at both theaters located there. The shows will vary from opera to classic play masterpieces at the National Theater to modern pieces at the New Stage Auditorium. You should complete your day at the traditional beer hall “U Fleku” – Kremencova #11 Street.  This establishment has brewed its unique dark beer since 1499. During dinner the crowd sings folk songs.  If you don’t know the songs just bang your stein on the table and be prepared to say, “Jedno pivo prosim! – Beer please!”

Surrounding Areas:

Get acquainted with the best world known Czech beers, Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar named by their city of their origins.

Pilsner Brewery (city of Plzen)

A town 80 km (50 miles) southwest of Prague, where Pilsner was first made in 1842. The brewery makes its Pilsner Urquell till this day, and conducting tours daily.

www.pilsnerurquell.us

Budweiser Budvar (city of Ceske Budejovice)

No relation to the American beer of the same name is brewed in town 150 km (100 miles) south of Prague. Conducting tours daily. www.czechvar.com

More romantic places to visit:

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)

This famous spa town (and sister city to Carlsbad, CA) located in western Bohemia gained its reputation thanks to the discovery of therapeutic hot mineral springs during the Middle Ages. To this day, these 12 hot mineral springs are still being utilized for consumption and relaxing.  Perhaps the most famous liquid from Karlovy Vary, though, is the one you have to pay for, “Becherovka”. This famous Czech green liquor with its herbal healing properties is often compared to its better-known cousin, Jagermeister. The town is also known for its porcelain and world famous Moser glass. This city is situated approximately 133km (85 miles) from Prague.

Karlstejn

Founded by Charles IV as a country retreat, this castle served as a secure treasury for the imperial crown jewels and as a symbolic expression of his divine right to rule the Holy Roman Empire. This Gothic castle is situated about 38 km (16 miles) southwest from Prague.