Prague: how to spend your precious time visiting
Rotterdam Prague has firmly earned epithets such as “mystical,” “enchanting,” and “mysterious.” Many tourists fall in love with the capital of Bohemia forever and consider it the most beautiful city in Europe. Indeed, there is something magical about the gloomy Gothic castles, winding alleyways, and ancient cathedrals of Prague.
Interesting Facts About Prague:
- Prague was founded in 880 AD. The city has been in existence for over 1100 years.
- Prague is also known as the “City of a Hundred Spires” due to having over 1000 of them.
- One of Prague’s main landmarks is St. Vitus Cathedral, which took nearly 6 centuries to build.
- Residents of Prague take care to preserve the city’s historical appearance. It is prohibited to install satellite dishes on the roofs and facades of buildings in the Old Town, and only wooden windows are allowed.
- You can see the narrowest house in the world here. Its width is only 225 cm, and it is located on Anenská Street.
- The Žižkov Television Tower is the tallest structure in the country, standing over 200 meters tall.
- Until the beginning of the 21st century, Prague had a functioning pneumatic mail system. It was damaged in 2002, and since then, discussions about its restoration have been ongoing.
If this is your first time in Prague, you’re in for a treat. From culinary delights to architectural wonders and whimsical experiences, the city promises an unforgettable journey filled with endless exploration and enchantment.
As you take your first steps onto the historical streets of Prague, you’re greeted by a symphony of senses that immediately immerse you in its rich atmosphere. The air carries the sweet aroma of freshly baked Trdelnik, tempting you to indulge in this delectable street food delicacy, setting the stage for a culinary adventure like no other. Trdelník stands are everywhere, and the fillings are very diverse, both sweet and savory. This Czech national pastry made from dough with sugar and cinnamon.
As you wander through the cobblestone lanes and medieval alleys, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped into the magical world of Hogwarts. The majestic castle towering above the city skyline beckons you to explore its ancient halls and storied library, where echoes of history reverberate through time.
But Prague isn’t just about its architectural marvels; it’s a place where dreams come to life. Find yourself by the tranquil pond, where legend has it that making a wish at three particular spots guarantees its fulfillment. With each whispered desire, you become part of Prague’s enchanting narrative, woven with threads of myth and mystery. To make a wish on Charles Bridge, to enjoy Czech beer, and to visit St. Vitus Cathedral – these are the top three things without which you can’t say you’ve been to Prague. No one will believe you otherwise. But this isn’t the entirety of Prague’s entertainment. Being a fairly budget-friendly European city with beautiful architecture, long shopping streets, and convenient infrastructure, Prague attracts millions of tourists annually. Let’s start with the fact that the best way to get to know any city is by walking. However, you should know about the transportation in Prague. The fare depends on the duration of the ticket (half an hour – € 0.88, one and a half hours – € 1.33, a day – € 3.6). It’s better not to play with fire and buy a ticket – ticket inspectors in Prague are always vigilant. Old Town Square is the heart of Prague. It’s the busiest and most popular place in the city. Here you’ll find the Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock Tower, which chimes every hour. Tourists are offered to climb the Astronomical Tower, but usually there’s such a queue of tourists that we know a better option for an observation deck, and besides, it’s free.
From the square, walk towards Charles Bridge. Oh, the views from the bridge! By the way, you’ll cross this half-kilometer bridge several times during your two days of walking, but you can only make a wish once a year (according to legend). Just don’t forget to write down what you wished for, or it will be like last time. Charles Bridge is adorned with 30 sculptures from the 17th century. According to legends, three of them grant wishes. This includes the statue of John of Nepomuk. Tourists have worn the figurine to a shine, making it easy to find this special spot. “The bronze figurine stands on the bridge’s parapet, with five stars around the saint’s head,” says a local. “To have your wish fulfilled, you must place the fingers of your right hand on the five stars, hold onto the saint’s legs with your left hand, and also stand on the golden nail in the pavement with your right foot. Your wish will surely come true.”
Women also make wishes near the statue of a naked boy located in the courtyard of the toy museum, near the Charles Bridge. The statue is believed to help with fertility. Women have rubbed the statue to a shine. The last, third wish can be made near the gates at the entrance to the Charles Bridge. Four kingfishers are carved around the gate statues.
“They say that if you find the fifth, golden one, you can make a wish,” says a local. “But it’s hard to find, and everyone examines every stone, while the largest colorful kingfisher is located conspicuously above the entrance. On the other side of the bridge are the Lesser Town Bridge Towers. This is the beginning of the historical district of Lesser Town.
In the Lesser Town area, you should just stroll, take photos, take selfies against the backdrop of St. Nicholas Church, the Church of Our Lady, and other buildings. And then you find yourself in Prague Castle. It’s the same observation deck we mentioned at the beginning. You’ll get a great view from the observation deck near the president’s residence. In Prague Castle, you’ll find the top attraction of Prague – St. Vitus Cathedral. Czech kings and archbishops of Prague are buried here, as well as the coronation jewels of medieval Bohemia.
In the evening, treat yourself to a Pub Crawl – visiting 4-5 of Prague’s best bars, including one cocktail or shot in each of them. The cost is 10 euros, which is fully recouped by the cocktails consumed.
Plan your route through Vyšehrad. This area is no less popular among tourists than Prague Castle. On the hill are the St. Peter and Paul Basilica, the Rotunda of St. Martin, the remains of the oldest Romanesque basilica, and other landmarks.
The Museum I highly recommend you to visit is The National Museum of History in Prague which stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, showcasing the rich tapestry of Czech history and civilization. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic institution offers visitors a captivating journey through time, spanning millennia of Czech history from ancient civilizations to modern times. With its impressive collection of artifacts, archaeological finds, and interactive exhibits, the museum serves as a window into the nation’s past, providing invaluable insights into its political, social, and cultural evolution. From majestic medieval artifacts to the intricate details of daily life in different historical periods, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Czech identity and heritage, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
There’s one place that will make your Prague itinerary more spicy – the Museum of Sex Machines. Erotic devices for pleasure are spread over three floors. The pride of the museum is the only sex cyber machine in Europe. You can find the museum at Melantrichova 18 and visit it every day from 10:00 to 23:00.
Prague is a unique city where cultural activities end with beer tastings until morning. Make sure to see it for yourself. And leave some comments about your experience!
