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.
