Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. With a population of 1.4 million, it receives over 8 million visitors annually, making it the fifth most visited city in Europe. The city survived the Second World War largely intact, and its historic center spans 866 hectares of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. The Vltava River divides the city into two sides: the older left bank with Prague Castle and the newer right bank with the Old Town. Prague is also one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. A beer costs less than bottled water in some pubs. A three-course meal averages 15 EUR. This guide covers everything a traveler needs to navigate Prague’s historic streets, understand its cultural treasures, and make the most of a visit to the City of a Hundred Spires.
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Prague Castle and Surroundings
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. It covers 70,000 square meters and dates back to 880 AD. The castle complex includes St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took 585 years to complete, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane, a street of tiny 16th-century houses where Franz Kafka once lived. A comprehensive ticket covering 7 attractions costs 450 CZK (approximately 18 EUR in 2024). The castle receives 1.8 million visitors per year. The changing of the guard occurs every hour, with a special ceremony at 12:00 PM featuring a fanfare and flag raising. From the castle terrace, the view covers the entire city with its characteristic red rooftops and church spires. For the best experience, visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds that swell after 10:00 AM.
The Old Town and Astronomical Clock
Old Town Square has been Prague’s central marketplace since the 10th century. The square is dominated by the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, built between 1365 and 1511, with its distinctive twin Gothic spires reaching 80 meters. The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall tower was installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. Every hour from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, a procession of the Twelve Apostles appears in the clock’s windows. Climbing the Old Town Hall tower costs 250 CZK and provides views over the square. The square hosts seasonal markets, including the Christmas market rated the best in Europe multiple times, attracting 3 million visitors during the Advent season. The market offers traditional Czech handicrafts, hot mulled wine, and trdelnik, a sweet pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Charles Bridge and Mala Strana
Charles Bridge spans the Vltava River with 16 arches and 30 Baroque statues. Construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV and finished in 1402. The bridge is 516 meters long and 10 meters wide. It is pedestrian-only, though it carries an estimated 30,000 crossings daily in peak season. Artists, musicians, and vendors line the bridge. At each end stands a bridge tower. The Old Town Bridge Tower offers views from 47 meters up for 100 CZK. On the western end lies Mala Strana, the Lesser Town, a district of Baroque palaces, embassies, and quiet gardens. The district contains the Wallenstein Palace, whose gardens feature peacocks and a 17-meter artificial stalactite wall built in the 1620s. This area is particularly lovely in the late afternoon when the sunlight warms the pastel facades.
What aspect of Prague appeals to you most: the castle, the beer, or the medieval streets?
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Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. With a population of 1.4 million, it receives over 8 million visitors annually, making it the fifth most visited city in Europe. The city survived the Second World War largely intact, and its historic center spans 866 hectares of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. The Vltava River divides the city into two sides: the older left bank with Prague Castle and the newer right bank with the Old Town. Prague is also one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. A beer costs less than bottled water in some pubs. A three-course meal averages 15 EUR. This guide covers everything a traveler needs to navigate Prague’s historic streets, understand its cultural treasures, and make the most of a visit to the City of a Hundred Spires.
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