Copy of Prague Walking Tour
Day Note:
Start the Museum end of the square at the statue of the great king, and wander down the famous square checking out the old and new buildings. This isn't the oldest or the most beautiful part of the city, but it is replete with history. Imagine the Soviet tanks overrunning it in 68, or students packed in the square looking up at Havel on the balcony in 89. Wander from Museum (statue) end towards old town square, stopping to have a chlebicky (open faced sandwich)...
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Wenceslas Square
Contact:
- +420 (0)2 2171 4444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- Václavské námestí 68
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
Historically, Wenceslas Square (Vaclavske Namesti) has had many faces. Originally the central horse market in Prague, it later became a hub for political demonstrations (exemplified by the monument to local students who committed suicide in the square in protest of the Soviet invasion of Prague) and local celebrations (such as of major sporting victories). More like a long boulevard than an actual square, the Wenceslas Square of today is lined with restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs, and shops. At the top of the square, you'll find the square's namesake and Czech hero, St. Wenceslas, seated valiantly atop his horse. Behind him lies the National Museum and, just next to that, the Prague State Opera.
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Stavovske Divadlo (Estates Theater)
Contact:
- +420 224 227 981
- visit website
Location:
- Železná 540/11
- (at the bottom of Wenceslas Square, near Mustek metro stop)
- Prague,Bohemia110 00
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Map
Description:
At the time when it was opened, in 1783, the classicist Estates Theater was called Count Nostitz's Theatre, after the aristocrat who had it built. It was part of 18th century enlightenment principles, which saw theaters as demonstrations of a nation's cultural standards. In 1798 the Czech Estates bought Count Nostitz's theater, re-naming it the Theater of the Estates (Stavovske Divadlo). It was for a time dedicated to showing exclusively Czech performances until 1862, when it was taken over by a German ensemble and re-named the Royal Provincial German Theater. Finally, in 1920, it again became the Theater of the Estates and, except for a brief time during WWII, has maintained this historic name. Although there were some complications, Czech performances took over the stage and this became a place for Czech people to enjoy high art. Here, Mozart premiered two operas, Don Giovanni and La Clemenza di Tito. Still intact, the Estates Theater is Prague's most beautiful theater and experiencing a performance here is a true delight.
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Czech National Bank
Contact:
- +420 224 411 111
- visit website
Location:
- Senovážné nám. 30
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
The banking house, designed by František Roith, was built for Živnostenská banka from 1935 to 1942 on the site of the original Živnostenská banka building (built in 1900) and neighboring hotels. The Roith building has been selected for registration in the National Directory of Historical Monuments. It has been used by the State Bank of Czechoslovakia and the Czech National Bank since 1950. No substantial repairs have been made on the building in more than fifty years.
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Czech Press Photo
Contact:
- +420 2 2232 2254
- visit website
Location:
- Maiselova 2
- Maiselova 2
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
From the ravages of war to the heart-stopping action of sport, photojournalists capture moments powerful enough to change nations. This exhibition of hundreds of award-winning Czech press photographs shows off the powerful and effective talent of many of the country's homegrown photojournalists. The moving images taken from the pages of Prague's prime magazines and newspapers document many facets of Czech life, from sports and leisure to politics and conflict. Admission is free.
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Jewish Museum in Prague
Contact:
- +420 2 2274 9211
- visit website
Location:
- U Staré školy 1
- Prague,Bohemia110 00
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Map
Description:
The Jewish Museum in Prague allows Central European Jews to celebrate their heritage, and serves as an important education in Prague's history for any visitor to the city. The museum has survived Nazi occupation and the Communist regime since its establishment in 1906. The museum has been sustained by its commitment to Jewish heritage and community. It houses an extraordinary collection of Judaic art and artifacts from Central Europe, and operates public exhibitions in historical sites around the city of Prague, such as the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue (The), the Klausen Synagogue, the Jewish Ceremonial Hall, and the Spanish Synagogue.
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Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock (The)
Contact:
- +420 2 2448 2751
- visit website
Location:
- Staromestské námestí
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This is the vortex of tourist activity in Prague, whether it be to catch a glimpse of the clock's elusive statuettes, check out one of the town hall's exhibitions or climb the tower. It was in 1338, during the reign of King John of Luxembourg (1310-1346), that work began on the building of a town hall. The oldest parts of this complex of buildings are the Gothic sections and the tower. In May 1945, the Nazis set fire to the building as their last act during the occupation, but most of the damage has been repaired. The clock originated from the beginning of the 15th century and, every hour, the Twelve Apostles (added in 1490) move across just above the clock face, bowing to the crowd on the square. Finally, the clock strikes the hour.
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Josefov
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Next to Old Town Square
- Prague,Bohemia110 00
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Map
Description:
Located between Old Town Square and the Vltava River, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is what remains of Prague's Jewish ghetto. In the 13th century, Prague's Jewish community was ordered to all move to this one small area. As time passed, the population grew and this part of Prague became extremely overpopulated. In late 19th century, an intense redevelopment was undergone but that doesn't mean the Jewish people were off the hook. They remained in this ghetto until WWII, when the majority of the Czech Republic's Jewish population either died or was forced out of the country by communist leaders. Today, Josefov is an important cultural area. Within its borders lies the best-preserved group of Jewish historical monuments in Europe. This includes six synagogues, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue, the Jewish Town Hall, the Old Jewish Cemetery, and museums, such as the comparatively new Robert Guttmann Gallery. Most of these sites are controlled by the Jewish Museum in Prague.
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Czech Museum of Fine Arts (The)
Contact:
- +42 2 2222 0218
- visit website
Location:
- Husova 19
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This museum presents works of contemporary Czech and other Eastern European artists. Coffee-table books and catalogs with detailed descriptions in English and color reproductions usually accompany well-planned exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
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Novomestsky Pivovar
Contact:
- 420 2 2223 2448
- visit website
Location:
- Vodièkova 20
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Map
Description:
Something of a Prague landmark, the relatively unassuming entrance to the Novomestsky Pivovar (New Town Brewery) hides an extensive, well-decorated labyrinth. Take a seat at one of the long wooden beer hall tables for some hearty Czech fare and tasty pilsners brewed on site. Popular with both locals and tourists, the restaurant's massive pig's knee dish is famous throughout town. Over the last couple of years the staff's reputation for surliness has discouraged many. Make sure you check your bill before settling.
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Grand Hotel Evropa (The)
Contact:
- 420 2 2421 5387 / 420 2 2422 8215 (Reservations)
- visit website
Location:
- Václavské náměstí 826/25
-
Map
Description:
The stunning Evropa is a landmark hotel due to the brilliant 1905 art nouveau exterior. The hotel offers affordable rates which make it a good central option, especially if you are planning on spending the vast majority of your time walking the city or if you are simply a nostalgia fan who craves the air of fading elegance. The street-level café is a real charmer and popular with locals and tourists alike.
Day Note:
Find your way to Charles bridge and venture through the hopefully not quite summer-density crowds. Stop and check out the statues and the views in all directions. When you get to MalaStrana, work your way up the hill to Prague Castle (again a whole tour in itself, noted elsewhere), come back down, and grab a bite at Joe's bar. This is NOT authentic Czech, but a welcome break from the traditional local foods. Then go over to Petrin hill next store, take...
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Jan Hus Monument
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Staroměstské náměstí
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
The monument to Jan Hus stands in the centre of Old Town Square. It was sculpted by Ladislav Saloun and unveiled in July 1915 on the 500th anniversary of Hus' death. Jan Hus (1369-1415) was a Czech theologian and preacher who became Rector of Charles University in 1403. He drew attention to the poor social conditions in the city and criticised the funding of the Papal Wars. He was tried for heresy in 1415 and burnt at the stake, thus becoming a Czech martyr and national hero whose death is celebrated with a national holiday on July 6th each year
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Charles Bridge
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Malá Strana
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This stunning stone bridge in the Gothic style replaced the Judith Bridge, which collapsed in a flood. Called the Stone Bridge for several centuries after its construction in 1357, Charles Bridge (Karlův most) connects Old Town to Lesser Town. Allegedly, egg yolks mixed into the mortar strengthened the bridge's construction. Perhaps it is those egg yolks that helped Charles Bridge to survive many disastrous floods. At each end of the bridge stands a tower, like bookends for the row of 30 Baroque statues that have lined the bridge since 1657. Today, Charles Bridge is a constantly bustling pedestrian bridge, lively with artists, musicians, and vendors.
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Jo's Bar and Garage
Contact:
- 420 2 2423 3137
Location:
- Malostranské náměstí 7
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Map
Description:
This place offers one of the largest Tex-Mex menus with tasty burritos. Wash down whatever you're eating with a draft beer. Heineken is on offer if you get tired of the Czech brew. The small downstairs dance bar is usually full of native English speakers and those wishing to meet them. Get a specially designed Jo's tattoo and you'll never have to pay for another dinner here for the rest of your life. Ask for details.
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Prague Castle
Contact:
- +420 224 373 368
- visit website
Location:
- Jiřská
- Prague,Bohemia119 08
-
Map
Description:
The Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) is the largest castle complex in the world and one of the most important cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Founded in the 9th century as a wooden fortress, it expanded to include a palace, three churches, and a monastery. Extensive renovations took place in the early 20th century and again after the Velvet Revolution. Over the course of its many face-lifts, the castle has taken on Baroque, Gothic, and Neo-Gothic qualities. The complex includes three courtyards, in which you can find such important sites as St. Vitus Cathedral, Mihulka Powder Tower, and St. George's Basilica, among others. The ceremony of the changing of the guard takes place every hour; at noon, some fanfare accompanies this ceremony. The Prague Castle currently houses the Czech President and is the seat of Czech political power.
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Golden Lane (The)
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Jiřská
- Pražský hrad
- Prague,Bohemia11800
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Map
Description:
This is an alley of miniature 16th-century cottages in a variety of colours built originally for the Palace Guard. However, by the 19th century the lane had become home to artists and craftsmen, and then in the early part of the 20th century, several well-known personalities came to live here. No. 22 is where Franz Kafka's sister lived and for a time in 1917, Kafka himself used the premises to write some of his stories. In 1951, the Communists threw out the residents and turned the lane into a souvenir street for tourists. Running along the roofs above the shops is a gallery containing an exhibition of armour and period costumes (entry from no 24). Chalk this one up as a must see when visiting Prague.
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Strahov Monastery
Contact:
- 420 233 107 722
- visit website
Location:
- Strahovske nadvori 1/132
- Prague,Bohemia118 00
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Map
Description:
The Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky Klaster) was established by the Premonstratensians, a Catholic religious order of canons founded by St. Norbert. The Romanesque stone monastery was first built in 1140. However, the abbey has met with serious challenges. In 1258, a fire almost completely destroyed the church. Hussites plundered the monastery, followed by a similar event during the Thirty Years' War. Then, in 1742, the French army bombarded the church. In dealing with this devastation, the Strahov Monsatery was reconstructed in the Gothic style then given Baroque qualities in the early 18th century. Finally, in 1989, the monastery was given back to the Premonstratensians. Today, believers still take pilgrimages to this site. On the Strahov Monastery's peaceful and beautiful grounds are an important museum and word-renowned library, rife with rare volumes.
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Petrin Hill Funicular
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Újezd
- Prague,Bohemia11800
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Map
Description:
The charming Victorian Funicular is one of Prague's most popular sights, and is run by the public transit authority. It offers a slow, but enjoyable trip to the top of Petrin Hill where there are splendid panoramic views of the city, a replica Eiffel Tower, and a strange Mirror Maze. The funicular, tower and maze date from an exhibition in 1891. Although the small train was out of service for two decades, it was beautifully restored and reopened in 1985.
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Petřín Hill Observation Tower
Contact:
- +420 7 2491 1497
- visit website
Location:
- Mala Strana
- Prague,Bohemia15000
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Map
Description:
The lookout tower (Petřínská rozhledna) on Petřín Hill looks much like a miniature Eiffel Tower. Built in 1891 as a celebration of the Czech lands, it initially did the trick. However, since that time it has become a topic of debate, with many people harboring serious dislike for what seems like an inferior version of Paris' main attraction. Although the exterior is the source of some resentment, the tower's purpose makes it a major tourist attraction. Set atop Petřín Hill, it takes a mere 299 steps to reach the top, where a breathtaking view awaits. It is said that on a clear day, you can see 150 km in any direction. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering the most comprehensive bird's eye view of the city, Petřín Observation Tower has earned its spot as one of Prague's top-ranking tourist sites.
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U Tri Pstrosu
Contact:
- 420 2 5728 8888
- visit website
Location:
- Dražického náměstí 12
- Hotel U Tří Pštrosů
- Prague,Prague11800
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Map
Description:
"At the Three Ostriches" is one of the best known and well-run hotel cum restaurants in Prague and began life over 400 years ago as the home of a famous and well-to-do ostrich-feather merchant. These days the spot has a special, intimate feel specializing mainly in Czech and continental cuisine, including Beef Goulash and Bread Dumplings, Roast Pork with Sauerkraut and Dumplings and Beefsteak with Green Peppers. The service is always attentive and pleasant.
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Grand Hotel Evropa (The)
Contact:
- 420 2 2421 5387 / 420 2 2422 8215 (Reservations)
- visit website
Location:
- Václavské náměstí 826/25
-
Map
Description:
The stunning Evropa is a landmark hotel due to the brilliant 1905 art nouveau exterior. The hotel offers affordable rates which make it a good central option, especially if you are planning on spending the vast majority of your time walking the city or if you are simply a nostalgia fan who craves the air of fading elegance. The street-level café is a real charmer and popular with locals and tourists alike.
