Visiting Prague, Czech Republic

Visiting Prague, Czech Republic is an interesting and rewarding experience. Prague is a charming city and the capital of the country.

Called the “City of a Hundred Spires” because of its Old Town Square, it is filled with many historic Gothic churches, colorful buildings and homes, and an Astronomical Clock. The Vltava River bisects it and the Charles Bridge, built in 1402, is lined with several statues of saints.

Visiting Prague, Czech Republic — A History Lesson

Settled during the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age, it is thought to have been founded in 1306 BC by King Boyya. Around the 4th century BC, a Celtic tribe founded several settlements in Bohemia. Germanic tribes in the last century BC drove the Celts out.

After the Western Roman Empire collapsed, the Slavic tribes settled in the Central Bohemian Region in the late 5th century AD. The construction of the Prague Castle began in the 9th century.

The 8th-century dutchess and prophet, Lubuse, and her husband are attributed to Prague’s foundation. Prague became an important center for trade at this time.

Prague flourished during the 14th century and in 1400 it was one of the largest cities in Europe with a population of approximately 95,000. Over the next centuries, Prague increased its prominence as a merchant city.

In the 17th century with the beginning of the Thirty Years War Prague experienced a difficult time. Prussia invaded Bohemia in 1744 destroying part of the city but the economy continued to improve in the 18th century.

By the 19th century, the Czech National Revival began and the population was over 100,000. Czechoslovakia was created after World War I with the defeat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Prague became the capital and by 1930 the population was 850,000.

In 1939 the country was occupied by the Germans, and the city was bombed by US Army Air Forces. Many were killed and injured and buildings destroyed.

In 1945 the city was taken over by the Soviet army. The military occupation of the country by the Red Army ended in 1991.

In 1993 Prague became the capital of the new Czech Republic. It became an important cultural center of Europe. Visiting Prague, Czech Republic provides a historical view of this part of the world.

Now for Some Interesting Facts about Prague

• the population of the city is about 1.3 million
• Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic
• It is the largest city in the country and the historical capital of Bohemia
• it has a temperate oceanic climate
• Prague has many cultural attractions and is an economic, cultural, and political hub of Europe
• it has over ten (10) major museums with several historical sites, cinemas, galleries, and theaters
• it has a modern transportation system that connects the entire city
• Charles University is the oldest university in Central Europe
• it has been ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world
• Prague is the fifth most visited city
• situated on the Vltava River, it has ninety-nine waterways
• it holds many cultural events during the year
• there are many pubs, cafes, and secluded gardens throughout the city
• there are over twenty-five (25) Michelin-starred restaurants in Prague
• there are numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants with Czech beer being brewed at the Brevnov Monastery since 993 AD
• twenty-five percent (25%) of the country’s GDP comes from Prague and it employs nearly a fifth of the country’s workforce
• the economy ranges from the industrial to the service industry with tourism being a significant part.
• it has been hailed as one of the three best cities in Eastern and Central Europe
• it has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations since the fall of the Iron Curtain
• many multi-national companies have established research and development facilities in Prague
• transportation is excellent with bus services, trams, ferries, and trains; it has one of the highest public transport usage in the world
• Vaclav Havel Airport Prague is the largest airport in the country and one of the busiest in that part of the world
• depending on the weather many people commute by bike and cycling is a popular form of recreation
• there are many sporting events in the city
• the city has its own EU delegation in Brussels, Prague House
• Czech is the official language (with strong German and Latin influence)
• although not widely spoken in the Czech Republic, English is spoken more frequently in Prague and tourist areas
• the currency is the Koruna (1 Koruna= USD 0.042)

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Visiting Prague, Czech Republic — Things to Do

• The Retro Museum — it is located on the top floor of the Kotva department store and will provide a time-warp into the 70s and 80s with toys, furniture, clothes, and other articles displaying everyday life during that period of time. Sports, advertising, camping, and fashion exhibits provide a feeling of that period.
• Prague Castle — this is a UNESCO World Heritage site above the Vltava River with a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. There are many buildings on the grounds including St. Vitus Cathedral.
• Kunsthalle Praha — opened in 2022 in the city center, this former electric station now turned into a gallery with a collection of modern art. Its cafe terrace provides stunning views of Prague Castle and Petrin Hill.
• Take a Tram Ride — put in place in 2021 to reduce traffic and fuel emissions this hop-on and off services travels through many interesting parts of the city where you can view many of the landmarks. The Tram 42 route uses vintage trains that bring you back in time to the days of the Orient Express. It does its loop every 40 minutes The fee is 250 Korunas (USD $10.55)
• The Beer Culture — Pilsner beer is a definite part of this country’s culture and can be found throughout the city not only in bars and restaurants but in spas and pedal-powered beer buses. Beer and history are intertwined in Prague and the pub, or hospada, is the social hub for the regular drinkers called stamgast. The Strahov Monastery Brewery has been making beer since the 12 century and has tours.
• Praha 7 — across from Old Town in a former industrial quarter this area has been renovated with offices, gallery spaces, farmers’ markets, fashion stores, and food stalls all surrounding Prague Market. These former warehouses and factories are now filled with a vision of Art Nouveau design.
• The Design Scene — in the 19th century during the Biedermeier era, furniture design really took off made from locally sourced wood, In recent years ceramics and glassware became prevalent and can be found in many of the galleries and shops in town.
• Manifesto Market — plenty of contemporary street food can be found here. Located on the west bank of the Vltava in the Andel district this pastel blue structure is filled with many goodies including Proud craft beer and plenty of food choices surrounding a little paddling pool.
• The Towers of Prague — there are over 120 towers scattered about the town originally constructed for defensive purposes as well as to make announcements. They all provide wonderful views of the city.
• Prague Eyes — Renaissance and Gothic architecture is prevalent throughout the Vtlava quayside (circular vaults set in the embankment). They have been renovated and converted into bars, galleries, and cafes. This row of tunnel-like spaces is now called Prague Eyes and is one of the busiest night spots in the city with restaurant boats on the riverfront and a busy bar scene.
• Old Town Square — filled with beautiful architecture., a vibrant atmosphere, and much history this UNESCO site was established in the 12th century as the original marketplace of the town. Here you will find the Old Town Hall and the Prague Astronomical Clock. There are also churches and plenty of restaurants.
• Charles Bridge — connecting Old Town and Lesser Town this 14th-century bridge has thirty (30) statues of saints that line the bridge and incredible views of the city. Visit at dawn or dusk to avoid the crowds.
• Petrin Hill — one of the largest green spaces in the city here you will find gardens, over 2000 fruit trees, and the Mirror Maze (labyrinth). Petrin Lookout Tower, constructed in 1891, provides amazing views of the city as well as Bohemia on a clear day.
• Naplavka Farmers Market — this sprawling marketplace, located on the bank of the Vltava River, has numerous stalls filled with fresh produce and cooked food. It’s a great place to meet locals and is near the Dancing House and the National Theatre.
• Wallenstein Garden — located outside the Wallenstein Palace which is the home of the Senate of the Czech Republic, this geometrically designed garden and palace were built in the 17th century. It has a pavilion that is used in the summer for concerts and theatrical performances. It has fountains and koi ponds with white peacocks roaming throughout.
• The National Theatre — great place for theater, opera, and ballet. Next door is a new modern theater built in the 1980s with 4000 glass-blown bricks. Cafe Nona is on the upper floor with magnificent views of the city.
• Prague Astronomical Clock — constructed in the 15th century and located in the Old Town Square, it does not tell you the time of day. Rather, it informs you of the phases of the moon and the equinoxes. It has many interesting symbols with a very unique visualization of time.
• Prague Zoo — year-round you can access this zoo by ferry, and during April to October a steamboat ride. The zoo has six (6) miles of walking trails and many exhibits such as the Indonesian Museum, Valley of the Elephants, Bird World, Pavilion of Penguin, and the Africa House. Children have many playgrounds, pony rides, a chairlift, and an observation tower.
• Lobkowicz Palace — this is the only privately-owned part of Prague Castle, this 16th-century palace is owned by the Lobkowicz family. It has a display of royal and family portraits as well as many works of masters. There is also a collection of musical instruments and original manuscripts and scores from Mozart and Beethoven. There are also mid-day classical concerts during the week.
• John Lennon Wall — an activist painted an image of this member of the Beatles after Lennon passed away in 1980. This blossomed into a collage of colorful images and lyrics.
• Sedlec Ossuary — this is one of Central Bohemia’s most popular sites located just outside the town of Kutna Hora. Located below the Cemetary Church of All Saints this medieval underground chapel has bones used to create mystical decorations such as chandeliers, coat of arms, garlands, and crosses in the 16th century.
• St. Vitus Cathedral — dating back to A.D. 925 it been renovated over the years with the current version consecrated in 1929. It features a Neo-Gothic style with Baroque and Renaissance details. St. Vitrus is the patron saint of epileptics, dancers, comedians, and actors.
• Cuisine — there is much traditional food to enjoy such as fried cheese, beef in cream sauce, goulash, pork schnitzel, cabbage pancakes, duck with cabbage and dumplings, pork knuckle, and potato soup served with bread. Whether it’s street food, small neighborhood restaurants, cafes, or Michelin-rated restaurants the food is excellent.

Why Visit Prague, Czech Republic?

Visiting Prague, Czech Republic is quite a delightful experience. This is one of the most romantic and scenic cities in the world. There are so many things to do here based on preference.

A city filled with bridges, spires, winding streets, and spectacular Gothic, Art Nouveau, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture this capital of the Czech Republic is not only worth checking out but worthy of a long visit.

Its culture and history are fascinating but besides all of that history this is a city full of new ideas, terrific hotels, a fabulous food and wine, and many artistic pursuits.

Accommodations are plentiful for all price ranges. There are high-end places like the Four Seasons Hotel Prague and the Augustine, as well as lower-priced options and Airbnbs.

This is most definitely a destination that deserves our attention when planning future trips.

Happy Travels,

Joseph William

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