Copy of Ten Must-Have Prague Experiences
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Old Town Square
Contact:
- 420 221 714 444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- Staroměstské náměstí
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
Since the 10th century, Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí) has been the central square in Prague. At its conception, it was the city's main market place. Then, in the 20th century, buildings began to rise around its rim, bringing with them stories of ghosts and intrigue. Now, the square stirs with cafes, souvenir shops, and art galleries. A mixture of Romanesque and Gothic buildings surround the Old Town Square, the most notable being the Old Town City Hall (on whose exterior the Astronomical Clock can be found), the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, St. Nicholas Church, and Kinsky Palace. Old Town Square's centerpiece is a monument to reformer, martyr, and Czech hero, Jan Hus.
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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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Prague Castle
Contact:
- +420 224 373 368
- visit website
Location:
- Jiřská
- Prague,Bohemia119 08
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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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Vysehrad Castle
Contact:
- +420 241 410 348
- visit website
Location:
- V Pevnosti 159/5b
- Vyšehrad National Cultural Monument
- Prague,Bohemia12800
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Map
Description:
Poised atop a hill, Vysehrad was the seat of Czech power for many years after its establishment in the mid-10th century. After losing its position to the Prague Castle, Vysehrad was left to fall into ruin. Now, there is still much to see in the area. The grounds form a massive and beautiful landscape, which contain the Gothic Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, the exceptionally old St. Martin Rotunda, the culturally-significant Vysehrad Cemetery, the Tabor Gate, and the ruins of a former fortification of the castle. As if that wasn't enough, an absolutely stunning view of Prague awaits here. Crumbled stone walls, gorgeous scenery, and outdoor sculpture make Vysehrad and enchanting place to visit.
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Petrin Gardens
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Újezd
- Prague,Bohemia15000
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Map
Description:
Ride a cable car from street level to the top. Once up there, the Petrin Observation Tower, built in 1891 and modelled on the Eiffel Tower, affords a magnificient view. There is also an observatory and two formal gardens. At street level is a rose garden planted around a children's maze. Through a gate in the ancient wall (the Hunger Wall) lies a lush, quiet garden with a small waterfall and pond with many varieties of flowers. This is possibly one of the most idyllic spots in the city.
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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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Staropramen Brewery
Contact:
- +420 257 191 402
- visit website
Location:
- Nádrani 84. 150 54
- Prague,Bohemia150 00
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Map
Description:
The Staropramen Brewery began on October 1869 and is considered to be the official beer of the Czech Republic. It is the alcoholic darling of Prague and is considered to be a national treasure. Tours are available which include a film on brewing technology, the history of the Brewery, and a tasting at the end. The brewery can also be rented for private parties and events. Check the website for details.
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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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House of the Black Madonna
Contact:
- 420 224 211 746
- visit website
Location:
- Celetna 34
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
The House of the Black Madonna (Dům u Černé matky boží) was originally designed by Josef Gocar to be a department store. Completed in July 1912, the building now houses the Czech Museum of Cubism. The architect's first major project, it was a specifically challenging one as it is difficult to harmonize Cubist architecture with the surrounding Baroque, Gothic, and Classical facades. Cubist architecture is an important artistic contribution made by the Czech Republic. It evolved on its own (parallel to, not in response to, Picasso's cubism in painting) in an effort to create synchronize the fluid process of creation with the solid building that results. The museum exhibits works of Czech Cubism, most notably by Josef Capek and Bohumil Kubista. The Grand Café Orient, designed entirely in the Cubist style, can be found on the first floor while exhibitions lie on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.
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Tancici Dum
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Rasínovo nábrezí 1981/80
- Prague,Bohemia120 00
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Map
Description:
Arguably the reason for the biggest architectural controversy ever in the city, the post-modern Dancing House portrays a tango couple dancing. Situated on the banks of the Vltava River, the Fred and Ginger Building, built by American Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic, contains several offices, a street level bar and fancy French restaurant on top. The building is among the most unusual of Prague's varied architectural sights - go and judge its merit for yourself.
Prague
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St. Vitus Cathedral
Contact:
- 420 221 714 444 (Tourist Information Centre)
- visit website
Location:
- Jiřská
- Pražský hrad
- Prague,Bohemia11800
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Map
Description:
A Gothic work of art, St. Vitus Cathedral (Katedrála sv Vita) is the largest and most significant church in Prague. Commissioned in 1344 by Kind Wenceslas, the cathedral was not actually completed until the second half of the 19th century due to the Hussite War and Thirty Years' War. St. Vitus Cathedral has seen a number of royal coronations. Today, visitors can walk through the Golden Portal (south entrance) and see the Last Judgment Mosaic. Further important parts include the decorated Chapel of St. Wenceslas (Svatováclavská kaple) and the Wallenstein Chapel (Valdstejnská kaple), where the cathedral's architects lie. In front of the high alter stands the Royal Mausoleum. Underneath, the Royal Crypt houses the bodies of some notable kings and queens. Additionally, the Sarcophagus of St. John of Nepomuk has a bit of legend associated with it. Allegedly, the body was exhumed in 1721 and, shockingly, Nepomuk's tongue was still full of hot blood. This was likely a ploy to create a new legendary hero for the Czech people and it accomplished this nicely. Additionally, St. Vitus Cathedral houses the Crown Chamber, the storage room for the Bohemian Coronation Jewels. This area is not accessible by the public. Finally, the incomplete southern lookout tower, called the "Big Bell Tower," contains a Renaissance gallery and a Baroque cupola.
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Museum of Antonín Dvorák - Memorial of Antonín Dvorák
Contact:
- +420 (0)2 1578 5099
- visit website
Location:
- Nádražní 12
- Nelahozeves,Bohemia277 51
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Map
Description:
There are modest displays on the life and works of the most famous of Czech composers, with his music ever-playing in the background. The charming upstairs hall is used for concerts during tourist season. The jewel-box-like house itself dates to the early 18th century, when a local nobleman commissioned the great Baroque architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer (best known for his two St. Nicholas churches in Prague, one in the Old Town and the other in Mala Strana) to design a weekend retreat in what were then the rural outskirts of town.
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Mucha Museum
Contact:
- 420 221 451 333
- visit website
Location:
- Panská 7
- Panska 7
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
A legend in his own lifetime, Alfons Mucha precipitated his rise to world fame in 1894 with his poster of actress Sarah Bernhardt in 'Gismonda' which introduced the art nouveau style. Mucha was born in 1860 in Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic. His family opened this museum in 1998. It contains the artist's famously ornate posters, biscuit and champagne labels, bicycle ads, etc. Each item shows off his use and mastery of intricate detail and pastel colours. There are also other images: painted depictions of age, poverty and war, the artist's sketchbooks showing how he worked out his decorative patterns, and photographs both by and of Mucha. Prague is full of Mucha souvenirs, and the gift shop here is a good place to find some of the more tasteful ones.
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National Museum (Národní muzeum)
Contact:
- 420 224 497 111
- visit website
Location:
- Václavské námestí 68
- Prague,Bohemia11579
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Map
Description:
One of the city's most characteristic sights, this massive Neo-Renaissance construction dating back to the late nineteenth century overlooks the town from the top end of Wenceslas Square. Soviet troops fired on the museum as they occupied Prague in August 1968. The interior is fairly dramatic: a grand staircase sweeps up to the 'Pantheon'—a hall filled with busts of Czech cultural heroes. The exhibits are old-fashioned, focusing on fossils, stuffed animals, minerals and archaeological finds. One or two temporary exhibits are usually on show— these are occasionally of contemporary art. ADmission is free on the first Monday of the month.
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Archiepiscopal Palace
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Hradcanské námestí 16
- Prague,Bohemia118 00
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Map
Description:
This palace has been the home of the Archbishops since 1564. It was initially purchased by King Ferdinand I for the re-established Prague Archiepiscopal. It is only open to the public on a couple of occasions a year but is worth a visit for its beautifully kept Rococo-influenced facade.
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Basilica of St. George
Contact:
- +420 224 373 368 (Information Center)
- visit website
Location:
- Ke Hradu
- Prague,Bohemia11800
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Map
Description:
This, the best example of Czech Romanesque architecture, has been rebuilt and restored several times since 1173. Actually the second building on this site, the original basilica, was constructed in 920 AD. The faded red exterior looks as if it has weathered many a storm over the centuries. Situated on the main tourist route on the Castle grounds, the basilica holds several concerts throughout the year in addition to the normal tourist traffic. The Convent of St George, originally a Benedictine abbey founded in 937 AD, is attached to the basilica. The convent was converted into a barracks in 1782 by Joseph II. The building now houses the Early Bohemian Art Exhibition of the National Gallery.
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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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Manes Gallery
Contact:
- +420 2 2493 0754
- visit website
Location:
- Masarykovo nabrezi 250
- Nadace českého výtvarného umění
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
The gallery building bridges an arm of the river separating the mainland from Zofin Island. This modernist structure makes quite a contrast with the neighboring medieval water tower. The huge upper room is used for exhibitons of contemporary art by local and visiting artists - young Malaysian artists made quite an impression here several years ago. Downstairs is another spacious exhibition space usually used for a second exhibition, although the entire space is sometimes entirely devoted to a major artist such as Vladimir Kokolia. Regular shows by young digital and multimedia artists are also held here from time to time.
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National Gallery
Contact:
- 420 222 321 459 (Public Relations Department)
- visit website
Location:
- Dukelskych hrdinu 47
- Veletrní Palace
- Prague,Bohemia17000
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Map
Description:
Visit this imposing 1920s building for a thorough study of Czech modern art. Czech art followed the same general lines of development as that of Western Europe, but with an underlying layer of Slavic spirituality - witness the moody landscapes of Jan Preisler, the mind-blowing abstracts of Frantisek Kupka and the meditative canvases of Vladimir Kokolia, to name but a few. There is also a small collection of Western European paintings by Picasso, Braque, Klimt and others. Two or three temporary exhibits of Czech or foreign work are usually always on show and these are often among the best in town.
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Church of Our Lady before Tyn
Contact:
- +420 6 0230 6186
- visit website
Location:
- Celetna 5
- Prague,Bohemia11000
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Map
Description:
This fairy tale Gothic church with its twin towers is an Old Town landmark, and its ominous presence has dominated the square for centuries. Most noteworthy on the inside is the tomb of Rudolf II's personal astronomer, Tycho Brahe. When lit up at night, it adds to the "magic Prague" effect the city has on many visitors. Work on the church began in the first half of the 14th century but it was not until the end of the 16th century that it was completed. Its 80-meter towers topped by four small spires were customary during the reign of Emperor Charles IV.
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Prague Zoo
Contact:
- 420 296 112 111 / 420 296 112 230
- visit website
Location:
- U Trojskeho zamku 3/120
- Prague,Bohemia17100
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Map
Description:
Founded in 1931, the Prague Zoo is now one of the best in Europe, housing 5000 animals of 650 species. Among the pavilions, the Indonesian Jungle transports you into a fresh tangle of greenery and the Monkey Island allows visitors to get up close and personal with primates. Although there were problems in 2002, when a major flood killed many of the animals and destroyed zoo enclosures, the zoo has since recovered and is, again, a thriving zoological garden. But animals aren't all this zoo has to offer, it lies in a lush river valley and boasts spectacular views from atop a rocky cliff. Few city zoos offer such impressive surroundings.
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Letna Park
Contact:
- 420 221 714 444 (Tourist Information Centre)
Location:
- nábreží Edvarda Beneše
- Prague,Bohemia170 00
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Map
Description:
This huge park overlooks the Old Town. It is instantly recognizable by the high red reverse pendulum (the Metronome), which can be seen from the Old Town. Until 1956, a statue of Stalin occupied this place, but times have changed and it is long gone. The view of the Old Town and the Moldau from here is lovely, and one can follow footpaths along the river back to Prague Castle.
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Petrin Park Playground
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
- visit website
Location:
- Újezd
- Corner of Stefanikova and Holeckove
- Prague,Bohemia15000
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Map
Description:
This is a new playground for children aged up to around 8 years. It is situated in Petrin Park, where Stefanikova meets Holeckove. The play equipment is new and imaginative and the area itself is spacious. There are also plenty of benches dotted around for parents.
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Troja Chateau
Contact:
- 420 283 851 614
- visit website
Location:
- U Trojského zámku 1
- Prague,Bohemia171 00
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Map
Description:
Situated outside of the city center, near the Prague Zoo, Troja Chateau (Trojsky zamek) is a 17th century Baroque masterpiece. Particularly renowned is the villa's garden staircase, lined with statuesque depictions of the clash between Greek gods and their Titan predecessors. The Italian influence became most evident during the second reconstruction (after the first was interrupted by a plague epidemic). At this time, the gorgeous interior became what it is today. Although it had to undergo renovations after 1989, it now houses 19th century paintings, plus rare maps and books. Troja Chateau's vibrant exterior and stunning interior together make this a beautiful place to visit.
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Kampa Island
Contact:
- +420 2 2171 4444
Location:
- Next to Charles Bridge
- Prague,Bohemia110 00
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Map
Description:
Separated from the left bank, just to the left of Charles Bridge by a narrow stream called Certovka (Devil's Brook), is Kampa, a little island on the Vltava River. Washerwomen would gather here to wash their laundry using the water from several flour mill wheels which still worked until the mid 1930's. One of the best places to spend a lazy summer day, this attracts a wide range of visitors from elderly, morning dog-walkers to dread-locked frisbee throwers to romantics relaxing on the spacious lawn. There are a number of bars and restaurants in this small area for a quiet reflective time. Playground too.
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Prague Spring International Music Festival
Contact:
- 420 257 312 547
- visit website
Location:
- Hellichova (office) 18
- (performances take place at various venues)
- Prague,Bohemia11800
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Map
Description:
Founded soon after World War II, Prague Spring quickly established itself as one of the continent's major classical festivals. The offerings have expanded to take in contemporary groups in addition to the high-quality classical orchestras. Advance tickets for Czechs, or those who can speak the language, go on sale in late winter and must be ordered by mid-March. Two weeks before the festival's opening, leftover tickets are sold at the box office and at some local ticket agencies. Tickets ordered through travel agents can be expensive.
