The cradle of Czech culture and one of Europe's most intriguing capitals is where most people start their trip.
The city is famous for its Gothic architecture and the incredible Prague Castle, but it is also a vibrant city with beer gardens, modern as well as traditional cafes, and a growing food scene. This guide will help you plan your trip.
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Specialty coffee lovers can find solace in the Czech Republic. Coffee fans have everything covered. The Vinohrady district is home to the highest concentration of contemporary cafes.
It is possible to experience the charm of days gone by at one of the more traditional coffeehouses in the city. The late Czech president Vclav Havel used to hangout at the Kavrna Slavia.
A complex of churches, towers, halls and palaces that is almost like a village in its own right can be found inside the walls of the hilltop castle. The cultural and historical heart of Czechia is a huge store for collections of physical treasures as well as having served as the backdrop for many significant historic events such as the election of Vclav Havel as president in 1989 St Vitus Cathedral is a great example of Gothic architecture.
Golden Lane is also a good place to make time to visit. The houses were built as a residence for the castle guards. It was later used to accommodate local goldsmiths.
The Lesser Quarter is home to many Baroque structures. A good example is the St Nicolas Church. One of the largest Baroque displays in Central Europe can be found in this cathedral, which has rich frescoes on its walls.
The era of Cubism was short-lived, but that didn't stop the city from liking it. The Museum of Czech Cubism is located at the House of the Black Madonna in the Old Town.
The world's oldest clock was built in medieval times. There are mechanical apostles at the top of the hour. Crowds of visitors start to gather to watch the show.
This is a good time to be aware of the potential for pick-pockets as everyone is focused on the spectacle.
We mean Czech classics such as vepo knedlo Zelo, roasted pork with sauerkraut and bread dumplings, and fried cheese, among others. These traditional meals can be tasted at a local chain of pubs called Lokl, which serves dishes so well that they would please even the most picky Czech elders. It is a good idea to wash it all down with a good beer to help you digest it.
Smaller beer companies have takenPrague by storm. The mini-brewery is located in the once-industrial-now-hipster neighborhood of Karln.
Many Czechs relax along the Nplavka riverbank on sunny afternoons. It is lined with barges that sell refreshments, from classics to beers and cocktails. It is one of the prettiest spots to hang out inPrague at sunset. If you want to do it in the Czech way, you need a bottle of wine, a couple of fellow travelers and a blanket. The swans and ducks can be seen floating by.
The farmers market on Saturdays has organic produce, bakery items and live music.
The Petn tower is a steel observation tower on the top of Petn hill. You can take a walk up the Petn hill if you want to work out. It is possible to ride a small funicular to the top of the mountain. You can use the same tickets for the funicular as you would for the trams and the metro.
If you reach the top of the hill you can climb the Petn tower. The views will reward you if you are up for the challenge.
There are a lot of shaded resting areas in the city. Beer gardens are popular in the summer. The Riegrovy Sady park has a view over the city.
Just a stone's throw away from the city center is where you'll find some great hiking opportunities. The Prokopsk dol valley is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Czech Republic.
The Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul sits atop the Vyehrad hill and is part of the defining shape of the skyline. The seat of the first Czech ruler, King Vratislav II of the Pemyslid dynasty, was built in the 10th century.
A walk through the grandiose cemetery will take you past the final resting place of many famous Czechs, such as the composers Bedich Smetana and Antonn Dvok.
In about 2 hours, this article was updated.
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