The heart of Europe – welcome to PRAGUE !

04Oct
by Kamila Pala

Charming, elegant, beautiful and unforgettable – this all is PRAGUE – capital city of the Czech Republic! If you are looking for unique history, original architecture, a rich mosaic of culture as well as some traditional and tasty local food and famous beer – you are in the right place – a place where you NEVER GET BORED!

Here is my list of MUST-SEE historical places in Prague?

  1. The Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, a Unesco World Heritage site. This monumental complex with St. Vitus Cathedral was founded more than a 1.000 years ago and it is still very impressive! The complex includes – the Old Royal Palace, 3 churches and a monastery…do not miss the Golden Lane or the Dalibor Tower, also you can enjoy the beautiful Palace Gardens! Today, the Prague Castle is also a seat of the President.
  2. The fairytale-like Lesser Town (Malá Strana)
  3. The beautiful Charles Bridge, commissioned by King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1357. This stunning bridge spans 16 arches and is lined with 30 Baroque statues. Whilst its open whole day and night, most impressive are views during sunrise and sunset (there are many great restaurants on the bank of Prague’s Vltava River with a romantic view on the Charles Bridge).
  4. The Old Town (Staré město) with its fabulous Old Synagogue and Josefov (Unesco World Heritage site) are also worth the visit. I particularly love The Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock (Orloj) where saints emerge from trap doors, every hour.

Or you’d like to visit some other places outside of Prague? Here are some tips for a day trip. Very attractive and most visited are the medieval castle Karlštejn, the historical city Kutná Hora and the traditional spa city of Karlovy Vary or the fabulous city Český Krumlov. If you stay longer I can also recommend the old medieval castle KOST.

Or you prefer to go on a shopping spree? There are various interesting shops… Or would you like to buy some special souvenirs? Perhaps the Bohemian traditional crystal is the right choice…

Are you HUNGRY and THIRSTY? Once you are tired from all the walking around the city you shall remember that Prague is well known for its beer and food. Traditional Czech cuisine is based on meat dishes that include roast pork or duck with bread dumplings and stewed cabbage, typical and popular fried cheese (smažák) or local grilled sausages sold on the streets (klobásy)! There is nothing else that goes so well with heavy food as beer. Whilst all beers in the Czech Republic are fantastic my favorite is Pilsner Urquell. I am sure that you will love the local beer. And how about some local desert? Czech desserts include a variety of chocolate and fruit pastries, tarts and crepes! My favorite is apple pie (štrůdl)! Becherovka (a herbal bitter) or Fernet are the most popular local digestives. Do not hesitate to try them!

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

  • Czech republic has by far the highest beer consumption per capita in the world (approx. 150 liters of beer per capita every year)!
  • The Czechs regard their locally produced beers as a national treasure and it is often cheaper than a glass of water in pubs!
  • The most famous and popular ones amongst locals are Gambrinus, Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen.
  • The best (traditional) beer experience is at “U Medvídků”, a traditional Czech beer hall style pub dating back to 1466. Other two famous places to visit are U Vejvodů or U Fleků – brewery and restaurant complexes situated in the Old Town.

Perhaps you’re not that interested in history and you don’t fancy beer… but you might have heard about the writer Franz Kafka or the composer Antonín Dvořák, Bedřich Smetana, Leoš Janáček or the great secession painter Alfons Mucha…?

You can try to imagine how it used to be here a long time ago, how people lived and worked here; you can visit a gallery, museums or a concert! Otherwise, you can rent a pedalo (paddle boat) and browse through the Vltava river or simply walk around and enjoy the city’s atmosphere…☺!

What do you think? Prague is maybe a tip for your next trip!

94 thoughts on “The heart of Europe – welcome to PRAGUE !”

  5. Bama

    Prague, along with Budapest, has always been on top of my wishlist of cities in Europe I’d like to visit the most. My best friend said how beautiful and interesting Prague was, and all the history and architecture, really my kind of city. 🙂

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  7. Dalo 2013

    Great photo essay, while I’ve been there only once about a decade ago, Old Town was where I fell in love with the place. Beautiful shots Kamila ~ continue on with your great travels 🙂

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Thanks for your comment! And I agree with you – Old Town is really charming and specific part of Prague 🙂 My favorite place is also around the river and Ch. Bridge – especially evenings are stunning.
      Have a good weekend. K

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  8. Pingback: The heart of Europe - welcome to PRAGUE !

  9. Les Petits Pas de Juls

    Thank you, Kamila, for this lovely introduction to Prague! we’re going there in 2 weeks knowing nothing about it so your post comes in very handy! taking notes… I’m so eager to be there, it looks absolutely stunning and your pictures are a treat to the eye!

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  13. Kamila Pala

    I can warmly recommended trip – Prague – Budapest – Vienna – beautiful historical triangle 🙂
    There are many historical and original places…
    And the Jewish cemetery is in Old Town – unique place.
    Have a nice Sunday. K.

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Thanks! I think Prague is unordinary city…and with special spectrum of architecture is really unique…You can find fantastic buildings from romanesque style until functionalist. Very specific part is also “Art Nouveau” and “Cubist”. 🙂 Bye. Kamila

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  19. An Englishwoman in Italy

    Thanks for the Like, Kamila. When I was in Prague in winter, I particularly liked the way you can buy mulled wine (gluhwein in German or vin chaud in French) from little stalls along the street. There is also lots of classical music on offer – several performances a day. We went to the opera and saw Carmen with Czech surtitles.

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    1. Kamila Pala

      Yes, that true – in winter time, especially before Christmas, Prague is charming also! And you are really culture person – the opera is not the best in the world but still has glamour… 🙂 Bye. K.

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  20. prior

    I need to come back and read this again – had to skim real quick but gosh, I just love your pcis and I will note the “MUST-SEE historical places in Prague” – thanks for this cool post – you are a master traveler for sure….

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  21. Indah Susanti

    Well informative post Kamila! I have no idea that the residents drink lots of beer! I always wanted to visit the city but still no sure when, hopefully someday, from your post I can imagine it must be a stunning place to wander around 🙂

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  22. Kamila Pala

    Thanks, Indah! I could recommend you long weekend for first time – my favorite month is September but June is really good also…do not forget camera and enjoy beer and food in small local pubs… 🙂 Bye. Kamila

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  33. Sartenada

    I love Your presentation of Prague. wonderful photos. I have not visited the town itself, but only at the airport when fetching to home some Finnish ice hockey players. We love Czech beer very much.

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  37. chintandoshiseo

    Prague is one of the best place which i would like to go for. I have heard lot of things about it from my friend who stays over there. You too looking good in pics and have been clicked very well.

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  44. archecotech

    It was so great to hear that the Czechs beat out the Russians for drinking beer. Visiting the Czech Republic is definitely on our list to visit this coming summer. Thanks for the info.

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