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The city is relatively compact and enjoys a high quality and inexpensive public
transportation system. Much of the historical part of town is pedestrianised and
indeed many of the most interesting sites can be reached on foot. Distances are
small and often walking is by far the best way to see Prague and it’s likely you
will doubtless discover many hidden gems for yourself. Flying to Prague is
straightforward; just check online for flights and accommodation at travel sites
such as lastminute.com who come as recommended for
city breaks. Here’s a short list of great places to check out when you’re
there.
Charles Bridge
Prague’s splendour begins with the Charles Bridge, possibly the city’s most
famous landmark as well as its cultural soul. Constructed in 1357 for Czech King
Charles IV this Gothic structure gently arching over the Vltava River is a
pedestrian pleasure and is lined with artists, musicians and performers from all
over the world carving out a simple living doing what they do best and loving
Prague in the process. From paintings to portraits to jewellery, to puppet shows
and live music, Charles Bridge is a remarkable site for the thousands of
tourists who slowly wander between shores.
Visit one of the bridge towers for a fascinating view of Old Town or come
here in the early morning mist and enjoy an atmosphere drenched in hundreds of
years of history.
The National Museum
Founded in 1818 and the largest museum in The Czech Republic, the National
Museum houses over 14 million items in 10 buildings. The iconic neo-Renaissance
main building damaged by Soviet machine-gun fire in the 1968 uprising is located
at the top of Wenceslas Square. Its displays have since been modernised, with
interactive exhibitions on new media now running alongside the older cases of
fossils, stuffed animals and other exhibits. Enjoy free admission on the first
Monday of every month.Petrin Hill
Perfect for cool, quiet walks and postcard-perfect views of the city Petrin Hill
rises 130 m above the left bank of the Vltava River. Once draped in vines,
Petrin is almost entirely covered with parks and is one of Prague’s largest
green spaces. Take the funicular railway or brave the gradient and walk.
Stefanik Observatory to the south of the cable-car terminus is also worth a
visit as is Petrin Tower a 62m (203ft) copy of the Eiffel Tower, built for the
1891 Prague Exposition. If you have the energy you can climb its 299 steps and
take in sublime views of the central Bohemian woodlands.
Old Town Square
Step into the Old Town Square and step back in time, 600 or 700 years. It’s
almost too beautiful to believe. Dating back to the late 12th century, the Old
Town Square started life as the central marketplace and over the following
centuries, many stunning Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings were built
around the market, each sharing tales of tragedy and glory.
Most notable of which are the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, the Old Town
Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock and the astounding St. Nicholas Church. Sit
back, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere at one of the many pavement cafés
surrounding the square.
Absinthe bar
Produced mainly in the Czech Republic Bohemian style absinth is best described
as wormwood bitters. Prague is famous for its absinthe.
Most bars in Prague sell it and there is something of a ritual to preparing
and drinking it. Pour absinthe into a big glass. Stir the drink then dip the wet
spoon into sugar, covering the spoon. Light the spoon on fire, letting the sugar
caramelize, then dip it into the drink and stir. Add water to the glass and
drink. Not too much though.
Whether you’re there for the culture or the absinth it pays to get the right
level of travel insurance for your trip to Prague. You can get a quote online
from travel
insurance specialists such as Go Travel or visit a comparison site such as
confused.com to view quotes from a range of insurers. |
