However, all other countries in the European Union have their perks that sometimes remain underrated as they are overshadowed by those that lure in hordes of people. And one of those spots is Prague, the picturesque Czech Republic landmark so small yet ironically boasts of a rich culture through their magnificent scenery.

Old Town Square, Prague, The Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

Extraordinary Prague

Some travelers have even declared that this is not your ordinary one-stop destination. If you’d like to explore and immerse yourself in their heritage, you’ve got to stay for quite some time. A visit to Prague is best enjoyed by staying for a couple of days. This will allow you to fully bask on the Prague experience without having to rush anything.

You will be amazed by the sights of this lovely capital city and will literally put a halt on your wandering feet. Bask in that feeling and savor the symphony created by elegant architecture and greenery through its elaborate palaces, castles, and lush gardens. It will take you to a story of their rich heritage, which will certainly entice your visual and mental senses.

The Old World Charm

Surprisingly, Prague is beset with these wonderful sights as it has survived both world wars. It’s just quite unthinkable how a place would be able to evade the war’s destructive forces. Prague was able to preserve its natural old world charm, one that is absent in cities today that are replete with modern architectural landscapes. Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance style structures still prevail, and these are what make Prague as mesmerizing as it was. It doesn’t fall short as well in terms of contemporary designs as Art Nouveau, Cubism, and other modern styles are also part of the backdrop.

Golden Street at the Prague Castle by Claire for Europe Explored

Landmarks in a Sweep

Prague Castle

The prime landmark in Prague is the Prague Castle, known to be the world’s largest castle. This is a monumental stop, as it shall take you to the time of old Czech rulers. It serves as a home to the Republic’s president, and has a slew of galleries that feature European architecture and artwork.

Old Town Square

Another stop is the Old Town Square, which features the famed 600-year-old Prague Astronomical Clock that is shadowed by the Tyn Church’s twin towers. A historic focal point of business, it served as a marketplace for European trade. Other spots in this area are the House at the Stone Bell, Kinsky Palace, St. Nicholas Church, the Old Town Hall, and the Monument to Jan Hus.

Charles Bridge

And for a dash of romantic flair, there is the Charles Bridge, one of Europe’s oldest stone bridges. This offers a breathtaking overview of the city as well as a colonnade of Baroque statues with astonishing Gothic towers on both ends. Apparently, this is a favorite haven for musicians, artists, and photographers, as it provides as an inspiration for their artwork.

Early morning on the Charles Bridge by Claire for Europe Explored

Life may not be a walk in the park, but Prague is one huge park-like wonder that you can greatly appreciate through walking. You need a great deal of patience and endurance to last long walks though. Roam around Prague and do the exploration on foot as this will provide you with unrestricted views and access to the city. Allow Prague to take you to the pages of history with a mesmerizing journey of their heritage and amazing landscape.

This article is written by Ravi S. who loves wearing Cat Eye Sunglasses when traveling.

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Old Town Square

No wonder that this is one of the Czech Republic’s greatest attractions. Every day it brings hundreds of people and charms them with the scary looking Gothic Tyn Church and the world famous astronomical clock. It was installed in 1410 and it is the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world. It is interesting that there are only a few people who can actually repair it. On the square you can also visit an exhibition of Salvadore Dali and, of course, enjoy the magnificent ancient-looking buildings.

Astronomical Clock (Orloj), Old Town Square by Claire for Europe Explored

Prague Castle

With St. Vitus Church and The Golden Lane, Prague Castle is again one of the most attractive places in the capital. It is the biggest castle in the world at about 570 meters in length and an average of about 130 meters wide. Other highlights within the castle complex include the Old Royal Palace, which has excellent historic and architectural displays, Basiica of St George, the Lobkowicz Palace. It takes a few hours to enjoy a trip around the castle. But it definitely worths the time!

Prague Castle by Claire for Europe Explored

Charles Bridge

If you really want to sink into the atmosphere of the city, Charles bridge is one of the places you have to see. With its 621 meters length and 10 meters width, it offers one of the greatest and most memorable landscapes of Prague. There are 30 baroque statues, which will take you on a trip back in time. Among the most notable sculptures you can find statuaries of St. Luthgard, the Holy Crucifix and Calvary. Throughout its history, the Charles Bridge suffered several disasters and witnessed many historic events, but today its unique history and architecture welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Charles bridge, Prague by Claire for Europe Explored

Czech National Museum

At the top of Wenceslas Square is the main building of the Czech National Museum. It contains fascinating exhibits and stuffed animals and presents. The National Museum houses almost 14 million items from the area of natural history, history, arts, music and librarianship, located in tens of buildings. During the World War II it was destroyed by a bomb, but the collections survived. So, if you are a connoisseur of mineralogy, paleontology, botany and mycology or if you just want to spend some time admiring the extensive exhibits on the history of theatre, for instance, this is something you should visit for sure!

National Museum, Wenceslas Square, Prague by Claire for Europe Explored

Petrin Hill

This is a hill at the centre of Prague and rises 130m above the left bank of Vltava River. It is a small version of the Eiffel Tower and can be easily seen from almost every part of the city. Petrin Hill offers fascinating views such as Strahov Monastery, 14th century Hunger wall and a memorial of the victims, suffered during the Communist regime. It is literally the highest point of the capital and if you are interested in going there, we must warn you, that it will take around an hour to go up there. But it will worth every step!

Prague from Petrin by Claire for Europe Explored

Jack Sheamus’ big love is travelling and researching new places. He really loves to explore new things. He works for Camberwell cleaning specialists and that is why he can afford to travel.

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Since she’s originally from Central America and we are blessed to travel to South America on a regular basis, we wanted to try something new to both of us.  Additionally, my family fled parts of Eastern Europe before World War II, so we decided to forgo the normal beach and sun spots, for a city with much more history: Prague.

Old town square, Prague, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

The capital of the Czech Republic (America’s of a certain age are likely still calling it Czechoslovakia) Prague is a historic city, largely spared destruction during both world war’s because Czechoslovakia was among the first conquered countries during both wars. That leaves the country will an interesting and still developing culture, as well as one of the most picturesque cities in the world.

My memories of Prague are still vivid despite being there close to a decade ago.  My first memory is that of my wife being in essence trapped at the airport, behind two huge metal doors which shut, as they allow only one person at a time to pass through customs.  Eventually they figured out a quirk or two with her passport and we were in a cab going toward the city center.  It’s an interesting and thought provoking drive.  You leave the airport and see row, after row, after row of Soviet era housing projects.  Then, almost majestically you see the spire of the Castle looming over the river in the distance.

Vltava river and Prague Castle, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

As you get closer to central Prague, the streets turn to cobblestones, traffic slows and you are instantly entered into a city which looks like something of a fairy tale.

Since we there on our honeymoon and had close to a week to explore, we decided to rent a small hotel room with a winter garden across the street from the Castle.  The area is more residential than the area by the historic city center, where most tourists spend their time.  But, it’s cheaper (we paid about $60 for around 250sq feet) and feels a lot more authentic.

Of course, getting down to the square and the city center is pretty easy and it involved about the prettiest part of a walk I’ve ever been on, being able to wander across the Charles Bridge, which was built in the 14th century.  It’s gorgeous and is a good reminder of something that the locals told us often: Paris is the other European city built around a river.

Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

Lastly, I have to mention the one thing that sticks out in my mind more than anything else.  I own and operate a wine business, so I’m not exactly afraid of alcohol.  That being said, it was incredible to see the amount of beer that the locals go through.  In fact, they go through so much, my wife learned rather quickly that the universal sign for I’m Done! Is putting your coaster on top of your mug. I won’t admit to ever having done that myself, but the beer was memorable for a number of reasons.  After all, the Czech Republic is home to the original Budweiser and Pilsner seems to be being made on virtually every street corner.  The quality of course, would make even the best microbrew here in America, blush!

Mark Aselstine is the owner of Uncorked Ventures.  He loves to travel and is insane enough to bring his toddler on international flights, thereby amazing his fellow passengers when they realize the toddler knows exactly how to behave.

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1. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

The best picture of the Prague Castle and Charles bridge can be taken from the Bridge of the Legions (Most Legií) close to the National Theatre. Its very popular alternative is renting a boat or water bike in Žofín Island and take pictures from the waters of Vltava river.

2. Prague Bridges from Letná Park

Another place that is ideal for breathtaking pictures is Letná park, located on a hill situated just beside Vltava river. If you are looking for some quiet place with amazing views of Prague, then include Letná Park into your itinerary. Here you can also taste some of the best Czech beers as there is a beer garden as well. Letná park is the second largest park in Prague (just after Stromovka) and is easily accessible from the city centre even on foot.

3. Charles Bridge from Malá Strana

In fact there are numerous places where you can take amazing pictures of Charles Bridge from but there is one secret place that you will be really surprised with. Furthermore it is likely that you will not be disturbed by anybody as this place is quite hidden and unknown and use to be totally free of people. It is located at the bank of Vltava river, in the courtyard of Franz Kafka Museum on Malá Strana. Here you can also see popular tourist attraction – fountain of two pissing guys, which makes people laughing. Our place is on the right side of this fountain. Go to the very right corner at the river and you will be amazed. Best time to come here is in the evening, or in the dusk.

4. Old town square from Old Town Hall Tower

Very popular place for taking pictures of Old Town square and its surroundings is a tower of Old Town Hall, right above Orloj (Astronomical Clock). It will not be hard for you to find this tower, you just need to follow the crowds of people which certainly take you to Old Town Square.

So now you are aware of the places in Prague you need to visit with your camera, the last thing you have to do is to find some Prague boutique hotel and there will be nothing else that could stop you from getting really memorable and unique experiences.

Photos were taken by admin.

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Old Town Square, Praha / Photo by admin

1 – The Alchymist Grand Hotel
Part of a row of Baroque houses, the state of the art Alchymist hotel is decorated in a neo Baroque style. Its suites are also enhanced by spas and restaurant options. Located in the centre of the city, the Alchymist is also an ideal starting point for exploring Prague.

2 – Romantic Hotel U Raka
Sampling the best of medieval and Gothic Prague, the 18th century Romantik Hotel Uk Raka features a winter garden and a courtyard. Located in one of the quieter areas of the central city, the Romantik Hotel Uk Raka is particularly ideal for honeymoon stays.

3 – The Golden Well Hotel
Influenced by Renaissance styles, the Golden Well Hotel has 19 suites, and is located within a short walk of the Old Town Square. The Golden Well Hotel is also distinguished by its restaurant selection.

4 – Old Town Square Hotel
Perhaps the best choice for those wanting to stay in Prague’s historic Old Town Square, this hotel has been recognised as a world heritage site. As well as its luxury suites, the Old Town Square Hotel also includes lounges, cafes, and an international range of wines.

5 – Hotel Yasmin
Distinguished by its bold graphic design, and located at Wenceslas Square, the Hotel Yasmin includes a world class restaurant, as well as the Yasmin garden, which is open from March to October every year. The hotel also includes free WiFi for guests, as well as a health club.

6 – Design Hotel Sax
A retro hotel located near to the Charles Bridges, the Design Hotel Sax is within easy reach of Prague’s leading attractions. The hotel’s 14th century roots are offset by high quality modern facilities.

7 – Savic Hotel
Recently renovated, the Savic Hotel has its own internal courtyard, and an al fresco terrace for outdoor dining.

8 – Ventana Hotel
A converted townhouse in the centre of Prague, the Ventana Hotel’s marble decoration and stone staircases are complemented by richly appointed rooms with built in wardrobes, and by skyloft views over the city.

9 – Hotel Neruda
Found near to Prague castle, the four star Hotel Neruda features high quality room decoration by Borek Sipek. Notable features include large rooms in wood and glass, as well as quotes from the hotel’s namesake Jan Neruda.

10 – Grand Hotel Bohemia
A key feature of Prague’s Old Town, the Grand Hotel Bohemia is ideally placed for exploring the city. The luxury hotel also includes ballroom events. The hotel is also distinguished by its Franz Josef restaurant, which features world class dining from chef Michal Chermak, and an adjoining Bohemia lounge.

Travelling from country to country and visiting Prague, Matt Mynors is a travel enthusiast and freelance copywriter currently writing for UK based company Room For Romance.

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Houses were occupied until the Second World War, but the area was protected already for several years, and no changes which would change the character of the street or houses were allowed. The writer Franz Kafka lived here in the house no. 22 between 1916-1917. The last owners and the tenants moved out in 1948, and despite of receiving high quality houses, they left with protests.

Golden Lane was reopened to the public on 1 June 2011 after one year of reconstructions. It is probably the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle. You can access the Golden Lane if you buy a ticket for a Long (350 CZK) or Short (250 CZK) Tour around the Castle.

You can take really interesting Virtual Tour by visiting the following website:
https://virtualni.praha.eu/nocni/zlata-ulicka.html

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However the first written document of the Telč dates back to the 1315. In 1334 Karel IV. (at this time as Margrave of Moravia) paid the mortgage of this municipality, and a few years later (1339) he replaced it by the Castle of Bánov, that belonged to Jindřich of Hradec.

The family of the new owner then established a new Telč. Unfortunately, the Memorandum has not preserved, but the first written report of Telč Burgess comes from 1353. It is assumed that it was Menhart of Hradec, who in 1354 built a castle, church, water fortification and Gothic houses (originally wooden) around the perimeter of a large marketplace. Other buildings and lake were built progressively.

Telč is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, and on many houses you can see a gradual evolution from Gothic style through Renaissance to Baroque style, in some cases also the later styles. The best example are the Gothic houses on the square, some with well-preserved typical pointed arches. They have Renaissance facades with beautiful gables, decorated with frescoes and paintings on the walls, or a baroque and rococo sculptures. The square is also decorated with two fountains and the Marian column.

Until now, well-preserved are also the medieval walls and city gates, the castle and other monuments, such as the former Jesuit college from 1655 (now high school).

The town of Telč is listed on UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992.

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However I chose 15 places for you and really recommend you to visit all of those places, you should prepare your visit in Prague for at least 4-5 days. However if you are in very good form this can be done within 3 days. At the bottom of the article you can find the map with all the mentioned monuments and attractions.

1.) Old Town square

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), the oldest and most important square of the historic centre of Prague, was formed since the 10th Century as a marketplace at the crossroads of European trade routes. There used to be Customs (Ungelt) here, that were checking all the goods imported by foreign merchants.

Here you can find lots of historical monuments including the Prague Astronomical Clock (Orloj), Tyn Church, the monument to Jan Hus, Old Town Hall, House At the Stone Bell, Kinsky Palace, St. Nicholas Church, House At a Minute and so forth.

An area of Old Town Square is over some 9000 m2.

2.) Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe, built by king Charles IV. It is 516 m long and nearly 10 m wide, stands on 16 pillars and is built of sandstone blocks.

Charles Bridge is decorated with 30 beautiful baroque sculptures and fortified with the towers on both sides. During the day you can meet lots of artists and musicians here.

3.) Prague Castle & St Vitus Cathedral

Prague Castle, the symbol of Czech statehood, is currently mainly a home of president of the Czech Republic, magnificent galleries, treasury, but also illustrations of European architecture.

You can get to the castle from Charles Bridge through either new or old castle stairs or through the severe Neruda Street. However, you will be rewarded with countless cultural monuments, from which the most famous is the main church – St. Vitus Cathedral from 11th century.

Prague Castle is according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest coherent castle complex in the world and is registered on UNESCO World Heritage List. The whole area covers almost 70.000 m².

Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) is probably the most romantic and most visited tourist part of the Prague Castle. Zlatá ulička is about 230 m long. It lies at the northern wall of the castle and is the last remains of the original small-scale architecture of Prague Castle.

4.) Wenceslas Square

Wenceslas Square has been created by Charles IV. in 1348 during opening the New Town of Prague. It is 750 m long and 63 m wide in the upper and 48 m in the bottom part. Houses and workshops of craftsmen, malt houses and breweries were built here within first few years.

The square’s former name was Horse Market, as it was intended for selling horses and agricultural products. In 1890 a large building of the National Museum was built on top of the square. Later on, in the years 1912-1913, the statue of Saint Wenceslas, who is the patron of Czech lands, was created and placed at the top of the square. You can now see him sitting on the horse.

Wenceslas Square has always been and still is primarily a natural centre of New Town and Prague in general. After the first world war, lots of new building were built here and especially after the formation of Greater Prague in 1922, the most luxurious houses, banks, shops, hotels and restaurants were set up here as well.

5.) Petřín

Petřín is the hill, 327 meters high, which is located in the heart of Prague, between Malá Strana and Strahov. It is the largest green area in Prague. Chronicler Kosmas described it as a very rocky place and due to a large number of rocks it was named Petrin (from Latin where the rock is Petra). Lots of buildings in Prague were built from these rocks.

At the top of the hill you can visit watch tower with a great view of the whole Prague. There is a cabin lift that can take you from Újezd up to the hill.

6.) Great View of Prague from Letna Park

Except Petrin, there is another great hill from which you can see beautiful panorama of Prague, especially of the Vltava river and all the bridges. It is Letna Park and during the summer months you can also taste some of the Czech best beers here in one of some garden pubs. It is also a place of several regular festivals that are energized here throughout the year.

7.) Vysehrad

Vysehrad was the fortress built in the 10th century. At the end of the 20th century Vysehrad kept secret and magical atmosphere. Provides one of the most beautiful panorama of Old Europe, a quiet stop and rest in the parks. To get there you can use subway from Central Station or Museum directly to Vysehrad. Then take about 20 minutes walk.

8.) Jewish Prague – Josefov

Josefov is a Jewish part of Prague, located in the centre. In 1890, city leaders decided that the buildings will be demolished in Josefov, because of the lack of sanitary facilities threaten the health of its inhabitants. Only a town hall, several synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery have been preserved. You can visit Old-New Synagogue which is the oldest preserved synagogue in Europe.

9.) Kampa

Kampa is a large green park with beautiful square in the centre of Prague, just near the Charles bridge. It offers great views of Vltava river and Charles bridge and is also great place for spending some relaxing time after a whole day of sightseeing. It is also a place where you can get on the boat and enjoy other beautiful views from Vltava river. A typical 1 hour river cruise costs 10EUR/person.

10.) Municipal House and Powder Tower

National Historic Landmark Municipal House is one of the most significant Art Nouveau buildings in Prague. The decorations of the Municipal House were made by, in that time, the most important Czech painters and sculptors – Jan Preisler, Mikoláš Aleš, Max Švabinský, František Ženíšek, Ladislav Šaloun, Josef Mařatka, Josef Václav Myslbek, Alfons Mucha.

From the very beginning the Municipal House was a multifunctional building. The halls and rooms have been used for holding congresses, conferences, concerts and fashion shows. The tourists can access it only as a part of guided tours. Between 1994-1997, the Municipal House underwent a technically and financially demanding restoration. Since its reopening, it has again become an important centre of social and cultural life.

Powder Tower is 65 meters high tower with a watching platform at a height of 44 meters, you can get there by following 186 steps on spiral stone staircase. Powder Tower is one of the most important Gothic monuments in Prague. The construction of Powder Tower started in 1475 as one of the 13 gates to the city of Prague.

Municipal House and Powder Tower are located next to each other in the heart of Prague. You can get there from Wenceslas Square or from Old town square.

11.) Wallenstein Garden / Valdstejnska Garden

Wallenstein Garden was created by Albrecht von Wallenstein near his monumental palace in 1624 – 1630. The garden has a pavilion with Sala terrena, 30 feet high loggia with three arcades and a high arch. The walls are decorated with frescoes and stucco from Baccio del Bianco, who was an Italian architect, engineer, scenic designer and painter from Florence.

12.) ZOO Prague – 7th best zoo in the world

ZOO in Prague is according to Forbes the 7th best zoo in the world, so you shouldn’t miss this attraction. You should reserve at least one whole day for the visit. There is a Troja castle just behind the ZOO with nice garden, or Botanical garden few steps away.

There is another article dedicated to ZOO in Prague on our blog which you can find here.

13.) Vltava riverbank

If you want to relax and enjoy the silence right in the centre, watch the ships and feed swans and dugs, then Vltava riverbank is the best choice. If you are here on Saturday you can visit great farmer’s market that takes places here every week from 08:00 – 14:00. Here you can buy great Czech or Slovak specialities that should be made by original Czech and Slovak farmers.

14.) Fata Morgana Tropical Greenhouse

Fata Morgana tropical greenhouse is located next to Botanical Garden. It is a remarkable exposure of the tropical fauna that is spread on an area of ​​approximately 1750 square meters. It is daily open all year round except for Mondays and the basic admission for adults is €2 per person.

15.) Stromovka Park

As the last but not least attraction in Prague we chose Stromovka Park – a lovely park full of trees and lakes. You can stroll, skate, cycle, ride on horse – this park is here for you to relax and breath fresh air, once you get tired from overcrowded Prague centre.

All pictures in this article were taken by Claire (Europe Explored).

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The most important monument in the town of Kutna Hora is undoubtedly a monumental and unique late Gothic church of St. Barbara, patron saint of miners. Another important object is Italian Court (Vlašský dvůr) from 14 century, which served as a mint. Other tourist attractions include the Church of St. James (Kostel sv. Jakuba) from 1330, Cathedral of Our Lady (Chrám Nanebevzetí Pany Marie) on the square, Hradek (Czech Museum of Silver), Gothic fortification, the baroque Jesuit College, a stone house, a Gothic fountain and Church of Ursuline Convent (Kostel Kláštera Voršilek). In the Sedlec suburb there is a former Cistercian monastery, founded in 1142.

Historic Centre of Kutna Hora was together with Sedlec added into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 . There is a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, shops and clubs. You can visit the underground city of Kutna Hora, where the silver was mined in the Middle Ages and is now available to the public. Kutna Hora has now more than 21 thousand inhabitants.

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The surrounding wooded hills and countless natural lakes provide ideal opportunities for recreation. The Castle is the third largest in Czech republic, after castle in Prague and in Český Krumlov.

Main sights in Jindřichův Hradec

• Castle and Chateau – The 3rd largest castle complex
• Medieval Centre
• Church of the Assumption of our Lady
• Church of St John the Baptist – 600-year-old extensive decorative frescos
• Narrow-gauge Railway – only 0,76m wide
• Mechanical Nativity Scene – The world’s largest mechanized nativity scene
• National Museum of Photography – The former Jesuit college from 1594
• District Museum – The former Jesuit seminary

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