Your Complete Guide to Visiting Prague
With its famous Gothic steeples and winding cobblestone streets, Prague is, without contest, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. But with so much to see and do, a little guidance is necessary–read on to learn why a bike tour may offer the best views of the city, where the locals go for a bite to eat, and what some Prague natives have dubbed their drink of choice.
Where to Grab a Bite:
Lokal
Dlouha 33, Praha 1
If you want to enjoy some authentic Czech cuisine, look no further than Lokal, located right in Old Town. Here, you can indulge in Czech specialties like goulash with homemade bread dumplings or pork and steamed cabbage.
Make sure to also order one of Lokal’s beers. As in many restaurants in Prague, there is only one kind of beer on the menu, and at Lokal, it’s Pilsner Urquell–a light beer that, here, comes served filled to the brim.
Plan on arriving early, though; the tables at Lokal fill up very quickly. If you do show up late, don’t be afraid to ask to squeeze in with a stranger at a table with some free chairs.
What to Do During the Day:
City Bike tour
Králodvorská street 5, Praha 1
In a city that’s made for walking, why not rest your feet and get around another way? A bike tour is the perfect way to not only see this enchanting city, but learn about its history as well. In the standard two and a half hour tour, pedal with your tour guide past the Powder Tower, ride into Old Town Square to watch the clock chime in a new hour, swing through the Jewish Quarter and past Charles Bridge, and explore New Town. Your feet might thank you. And at the end of your tour, enjoy a free, cold beer, courtesy of City Bike.
Where to Rest Your Head at Night:
Prague Square Hostel
Melantrichova 10, Prague 1, Old Town
Finding the perfect hotel or hostel in any tourist city can be a difficult task. But not in Prague! The Prague Square Hostel is located right in the heart of Old Town and less than 200 steps from Old Town Square. This hostel is not only spotlessly clean, but the staff is helpful, the location cannot be matched and it’s cheap! During your stay, make sure to ask the front desk about coupons and discounts, which are given out for free to pretty much any sight or attraction in Prague.
Where to Enjoy a Much-Deserved Drink:
Absintherie, original Absinthe shop
Jilská street, Prague 1
In Germany, you drink beer. In Paris, wine. But in Prague, you drink absinthe! And in Prague, you’ll drink absinthe the “proper” way–by pouring drops of cold water over a cube of sugar that rests on a slotted spoon above the glass (there’s no flaming sugar cubes here!). The water dilutes the absinthe and helps mask the bitterness. Stop by any Absintherie in Prague to taste this local specialty and learn about its history.
Five Sights You Can’t Miss in Prague!
Prague Castle
Hike up the hill to the world’s largest castle, Prague Castle. Once there, remember to take a peek inside St. Vitus Cathedral to see its beautiful stained glass windows. At the castle, enjoy the amazing view of the city below.
Charles Bridge
The Charles Bridge, or “Karlův Most” as it’s called in Prague, is unarguably one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Crossing the Vltava River, Charles Bridge bustles with tourists, kiosks and traders, and musicians. The bridge is decorated with 30 statues, one of which, according to legend, if you touch, guarantees your return to Prague.
Old Town Square
Prague’s Old Town Square looks like a scene right out of a Hollywood film. The colored and beautifully decorated buildings look like an illusion–as if at some point a director will yell “cut” and the building facades will be wheeled off stage. Intertwined with these amazing buildings are the Astronomical Clock, a medieval clock that puts on a show every hour, the Statue of Jan Hus, a symbol of Czech nationalism, and the Church of Our Lady Before Týn, the dominant feature in Old Town Square. And only a few blocks away is the Powder Tower, one of the original entrances to Old Town, and named so because of the gun powder that used to be stored there.
The John Lennon Wall
The John Lennon Wall is not considered one of Prague’s most well-known sites, but it’s worth a visit. The wall is scribbled with anti-communist graffiti, mostly inspired by John Lennon and the Beatles, and is now a symbol of love and peace. Make sure to bring along a marker so you can leave your mark as well!
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter, known locally as Josefov, has a troubling history. Previously the Jewish Ghetto, this area boasts well preserved buildings, including Jewish monuments, old synagogues and the Jewish cemetery. Though the cemetery is estimated to have close to 12,000 visible tombstones, it is said more than 100,000 Jews are buried there.
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Photo Credits: Feature Image: East Capital via Flickr; All others: Courtesy of Nicole Pothier
