As the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague is perhaps one of the best known Eastern European cities and it is forever flying higher in the city break popularity stakes. The stunning gothic art and architecture that is abundant across the city makes it a treat for your eyes! Having escaped destruction during World War II and enjoying its relatively recent transition to capitalism, Prague’s historic centre is a trip back in time yet it has all the amenities of modern day life, with streets filled with bars, restaurants and shops.
With delicious Czech beer on hand, reported to be some of the best in the world, stag dos can be a pretty common occurrence here BUT, don’t let that put you off; the delights of the city are certainly not to be missed! Here are 5 things to do in Prague to get your imaginative juices flowing…
Prague Castle
Dominating the skyline, Prague Castle has to top the list. It is thought that the castle was founded in 880 and is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also in the Guinness Book of World Records under the title of the Largest Coherent Castle Complex in the world, engulfing an area close to 70,000 m². Housing the Czech Republic Crown Jewels, it is considered the most significant monument in the country so come and explore, watch the Changing of the Guards and bask in the views of the city below.
Puppet Theatre
Remember when you were a kid and there used to be Punch and Judy shows at the seaside, fetes or family fun days? Well, in Prague you can expect a similar thing but there’s a variety of different shows and they’re not aimed solely at children. Amble around and you will find many different puppet and marionette performances in pop up theatres, completing the fairy tale feel of the city. As there are little or no words used, it’s the perfect street performance appealing to many different nationalities. The National Marionette Theatre is also worth visiting for the elaborate sets and performances such as Mozart’s famous ‘Opera of Operas’.
Beer
I mentioned the beer earlier on but it really demands an entire entry, especially as it’s regarded as a national treasure! The currency here is the Czech Koruna and with a beer costing around 35 CZK (the equivalent of just over £1.00 or just under $2.00) the good news is that the beer is exceptionally cheap! Remember that prices will be more expensive in the tourist hot spots so spend some time bar hopping and sample the many varieties on offer from Kozel’s Medium to Gambrinus!
Old Town
Bridges, cathedrals, squares and church domes categorically define the Old Town. Visiting here is a charming step into story land thanks to the impressive and beautiful gothic buildings adorning the streets! Don’t worry about clock watching for everyone does it; the Astronomical Clock is perhaps the most famous sight here. Every hour on the hour, the procession of the Twelve Apostles takes place when the tiny trap door opens and Christ marches out ahead of his disciples, whilst the Skeleton of Death rings the bell. Elsewhere, take in the sights of Charles Bridge, Powder Gate, the Church of St James and much more.
Museums
Prague has a long and interesting history with a unique and fascinating culture, therefore a visit to one or two of its museums is highly recommended. The National Museum provides a fascinating insight into the country as a whole, while the many art museums appeal to different tastes from the Museum of Fine Arts to the Museum of Decorative Arts and even the Artbanka Museum of Young Art. The Prague City Museum, with its incredible attention to detail, is a must see with plenty of other museums on hand for other tastes too.
Would you ever visit Prague or is it not your cup of tea? Let us know using the comments box below! 🙂
Chapoe Rouge is also worth a visit. It is a 100 year old bar/pub. Has great atmosphere and lots of foreign people having a good time.
We have a few more tips for you, off the beaten path – crazy things to do in Prague, here: http://cometoprague.com/crazy-things-todo-in-prague/
Hi Laura, so glad you liked the post! 🙂 What was your favourite sight during your time there?
I have been already twice in Prague, and I see I still have more things to visit there. Lovely post. Thanks for the info.